Location
  • India
    • Delhi
Length
1 to 24 weeks

Program Details

Language
English
Timeframe
Short Term Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round
Housing
Apartment Guesthouse
Travel Type
Budget Family Older Travelers Solo Women

Pricing

Starting Price
275
Price Details
Fully hosted experience from only $275 for 1 week - this includes accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, orientation and 24/7 in-country support.
What's Included
Accommodation Some Activities Airport Transfers Meals Wifi
What's Not Included
Airfare Travel Insurance Visa
Apr 27, 2023
Nov 30, 2023
97 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Trusted by 125,000+ volunteers, IVHQ offers the world's #1 rated volunteer programs in India and 50+ destinations worldwide.

For the past 5 years, we've won the "Top Volunteer Abroad Provider Award" from GoOverseas, so you can trust that you're in the safest hands with IVHQ in India.

Our affordable projects start from $18/day for your accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, project placement and local support. Projects run year-round, with durations from 1-24 weeks. Choose from 12 projects, ranging from providing education to young children in Delhi on the Teaching project to shadowing doctors in Kerala's world class healthcare system on the Medical project. Plus, you’ll stay with other like-minded, impact-focused travelers from around the world (private room options available).

With IVHQ’s superior pre-departure support services, you’ll gain exclusive access to your own Volunteer Travel Specialist, comprehensive preparation tools and volunteer training before you leave home.

Consider your impact: Volunteering abroad can be a rewarding experience for both volunteers and local communities, and at Go Overseas, we believe all volunteers should have the resources to make informed decisions about the type of volunteer project they want to partake in. However, despite best intentions, some organizations offering placements in orphanages may unknowingly place children in danger. You can read about the potential dangers of orphanage volunteering here. Learn more about how International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ is promoting ethical volunteering.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Cheapest volunteer programs from $18/day for your accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, project placement & local support.
  • Volunteer for 1-24 weeks, year round start dates most Mondays
  • 15+ years experience & only B Corp certified volunteer travel organization
  • Get free changes up to 14 days before you start with our flexible booking policy
  • Affordable way to earn college credit - gain 5 credits for only US$500!

Popular Programs

India Childcare Project

Join us in making a life-changing impact on the future of India's young children. International Volunteer HQ's Childcare project in Delhi empowers caring and enthusiastic volunteers to provide crucial assistance to under-resourced childcare centers in Faridabad. With a high demand for volunteer assistance due to poverty and illness, your efforts can make all the difference for children aged 4-8 from disadvantaged backgrounds.

India Healthcare Project

Experience India's world-class healthcare system firsthand as a Medical volunteer in Kerala with International Volunteer HQ. Shadow respected doctors and nurses, observe consultations and surgeries, and gain valuable insights into the medical field. While most work will be observational, medical and nursing students may have opportunities to assist with basic tasks. Join us in making a difference in healthcare access and improving patient outcomes.

India Slum Teaching Project

Millions of vulnerable street children in India lack access to basic education. International Volunteer HQ’s Slum Teaching project empowers volunteers to make a meaningful impact on the lives of disadvantaged children by providing access to education and new opportunities. As a Slum Teacher, you'll lead classes of 5-11 year olds with limited supervision and bring new perspectives to the local community.

Special Needs Care Volunteer in Kerala, India

Volunteer in Special Needs Care to help children with disabilities in India. Many families face social stigma and struggle to provide adequate care and education. You can provide educational assistance to students aged 2-22 in schools and care facilities. Local carers provide support as students have limited English. Make a meaningful difference in their lives.

Physical Therapy Volunteer in Kerala, India

As a Physical Therapy volunteer in India, you'll assist a licensed physiotherapist in providing top-quality care to clients. This project focuses on patient care, and placements are typically based in local clinics with home visits as well. You'll have the chance to learn and contribute to healthcare development in Kerala, while exchanging your skills with grateful communities. Your tasks will vary based on project needs and your qualifications.

Women's Empowerment Volunteer in India

Volunteer in Women's Empowerment in India to help local women build skills beyond English. Assist in embroidery and computer sessions using donated equipment. Volunteers help with lesson planning, documentation, and session support, with guidance from the local team. Come prepared with teaching ideas and activities to incorporate into lessons.

Program Reviews

4.94 Rating
based on 113 reviews
  • 5 rating 93.81%
  • 4 rating 6.19%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Impact 4.8
  • Support 4.9
  • Fun 4.9
  • Value 4.8
  • Safety 4.95
Showing 41 - 48 of 113 reviews
Default avatar
Diana
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Wonderful experience with IVHQ

My time in India was for sure the most adventurous experience of all my life, I was here for 5 months and I only wish I could stayed longer. Everything about India was great, the volunteers that I met, the children at the school, the weekend trips, the babies at the adoption center and for sure my host family. I swear everyday in India was an adventure, something new was waiting for me to explore and experience. India is so diverse and the fun never ends in this country. India is full of culture, history, religions and of course full of amazing people. I had the best time and I would do this trip again.

56 people found this review helpful.
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Hi Diana, Thanks for your brilliant, short and sweet review! We are stoked to hear that your time in India was full of adventure, fun, culture, history, religion, and amazing people – this is what we like to hear! Thanks for being a great volunteer and we would love to have you join us again in the future.
Louise – IVHQ India Program Manager

Default avatar
Kathryn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

IVHQ INDIA - DHARAMSALA

I volunteered on the IVHQ INDIA - DHARAMSALA in the town of Bir for 2 months in 2014, and I'm going back again for another trip in 2017. The program is a perfect mix of culture, self-realisation and volunteering.

I did the English teaching program, which meant I taught monks in one of the 4 local monasteries in Bir. The monasteries are all within a 5 min walking distance from the homestay. Volunteers are generally the only teachers in the classroom, and classes in English are taught around their schedule of Buddhist classes. Volunteers are expected to teach things like maths, cultural studies and english on weekdays, with a morning and afternoon session and a break in the middle of the day for lunch back at home. The young monks are VERY energetic and sometimes uncontrollable, but they are generally eager to learn and being able to help with that is rewarding. There are plenty of resources already in the homestay to use for lessons, and there is a local printing shop down the road which can be used for photocopying at around 2 rupees per sheet.

The local homestay is a 3 storey Tibetan home, with a rooftop balcony. The home belongs to a Tibetan family who live in and run the house with the help of a local cook/maid. They are some of the most friendly people you will ever meet, and English is well understood. The house has a TV with local channels and wifi. Running water is generally constant, although hot water is solar powered and can be unpredictable. There are washing lines already set up on the balconies, and there is a washing machine, although most volunteers generally did their washing by hand.

Bir is up in the Himalayas, and there are lot of things to do on the weekends. You can go to Macleodganj for the weekend, which is a tourist hub around 2-3 hours away, which has lots of western (and tibetan) restaurants, souvenirs and scenery. The Dalai Lama's residence is in Macleodganj, and you can visit while you're there. I'd also recommend doing the overnight hike to Triud, going to Amritsar, Manali, Chauntra and Barot.

Bir is a very small town, but there are many local shops which sell things like toilet paper, water, biscuits, chocolate and other necessities. For more western items, the best place to go in Macleodganj.

To get to Bir, you can either fly or take the bus. The bus is the cheaper option, departing from Delhi at night and arrives in Macleodganj in the early morning. From there, IVHQ will send a taxi driver to pick you up with a project co ordinator and take you to Bir. Be aware that the bus can be challenging is you are prone to motion sickness, and many people have raised concerns in terms of safety, especially if travelling alone. However, I took the bus with another young women, and we were fine. For my next trip, I will be flying to Dharmsala airport, and then getting a car to Bir.

I would highly recommend this program to anyone who is particularly interested in Tibetan of Himalayan culture, Buddhism or traditional Indian practices like yoga and meditation - Bir is a fantastic place to experience all these. The lifestyle is very relaxed, and it's a great place to make friends with the locals and learn about their culture whilst also helping the community through your volunteering!

53 people found this review helpful.
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Hi Kathryn, We are so excited to have you join us again this year! It will be interesting to hear your perspective on how the program has developed since you were last there in 2014. Thanks for posting such a detailed review of the India Dharamsala program that will be incredibly helpful to future and potential volunteers. We couldn’t agree more that this program is the perfect mix of culture, self-reflection and volunteering!
Louise - IVHQ India Program Manager

Default avatar
Valentyina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Wonderful Experience

It's very hard to explain about my experience in India because it was awesome. The pick up was well organised. From the Airport I was taken to the host family. I did the orientation week. It was very helpful because I get to know about tradition and culture of India. After a week I was shifted to the host family ( Mohit and Chandni) They were so welcoming. I felt very safe with them. The food was amazing. I tried so many different food. The slum school I went was not so far from the house. Children were so lovely and willing to learn. I am going to miss them alot. I am so sad to leave but I will be back soon.
Thankyou IVHQ!!!

What would you improve about this program?
Nothing
50 people found this review helpful.
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Hi Valentyina, We are thrilled to hear that your volunteer program in India was awesome! Thanks for being an IVHQer and we can’t wait to have you back.

Default avatar
Nicola
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Spice of Life

If your are looking for a once in a lifetime adventure, then look no further than India! Having spent two weeks in Delhi, I can honestly say it was one of the most enriching experiences of my life.

Highlights definitely included riding the Tuk Tuks, which made me fear for my life a few times! Driving in India is like nothing you have ever seen before! Order amongst chaos is the only way to describe it!

The Taj Mahal - whilst it did take 5 hours to get there, the mausoleum was definitely a sight for sore eyes! It's no wonder it's one of the seven wonders of the world! My friend and I were stopped by a very handsome young Indian man asking to take a picture with us (not uncommon in a land where white is seen as intriguing ). It seemed like a simple enough request so we politely agreed, not knowing that this would lead to a whole series of questions followed by him wanting our contact details. We decided to make a run for it and spent the next hour hiding from our 'stalker'.

But what really made the whole experience worth it, was teaching the kids at Tender Heart NGO. They have such zest for life and despite all their hardships, they are all so eager to learn and make a better life for themselves. I am so glad I had the chance to spend time with these precious little souls, and I hope to visit them again sometime in the future.

What would you improve about this program?
I definitely think there could be more interaction with the host families. Our host never once ate dinner with us which was rather disappointing, as we were expecting to share our traditions/stories with each other over meals.

Also, I think there should be a more clear outline of what we should be teaching the kids, as it was quite hard to know what exactly was expected of us.
61 people found this review helpful.
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Hi Nicola, Thanks for your great review! It is brilliant to hear that your time on the program in Delhi was one of the most enriching experiences of your life. We will be sure to take your feedback on board and would love to have you join us again in the future.

Read my full story
Default avatar
Billy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

IVHQ India Experience

I volunteered teaching in the slums of India with IVHQ, it was an amazing experience. I highly recommend it. I was placed with a local family who treated like me like my own family. Always looking out for me and making sure I was conformable. The IVHQ staff was also amazing. They visit me every week to make sure I was getting the most out of the program. Both the IVHQ staff and the host family made a difference to my experience. Without a doubt, I will volunteer again and choose IVHQ.

What would you improve about this program?
I think IVHQ is doing amazing job, I do not have any specific recommendations. I truly had a great time. I would definitely doing again with them. This was my second time with IVHQ and still want more.
63 people found this review helpful.
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Hi Billy, Thanks for your great review! We are stoked that you had an amazing experience teaching in India. Volunteers often comment on how welcoming the homestays are and we think this is a great way to get to know a local family while volunteering. Thanks for being an IVHQer and we would love to have you back!

Andromeda
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

It was something else

It was something else in every scence, the noise, smells, people, and feelings but when you get use to it and I am still in the process it can be life changing. It make you value a lot and put you to the test in my case it was especialy my patience. Tesching the kids was difficult cause the lenguage barior and age but i had an amazing coworker that supperted me and I did the same, we where a team discovering something new step by step and laugh by laugh. In this two week I felt more more and confortable but now its time to leave. I really likef my host family they made me feel like home and made this easier...! I grew as a person and made good friends I am different in a good way and for sure had some amazing laughs but also hard moments. Its real world sometime in your little host family bubble! Thanks to all and I recomend this 100%!

What would you improve about this program?
A little more guidance and not changing the proyect i wss suppose to be chilcare and ended teaching. Dont regreted but...
58 people found this review helpful.
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Hi Andromeda, Thanks for posting a review from your time on the program in India. We are so glad to hear that you were supported by your other volunteers, the local staff and your host family. It is great that you grew more comfortable the more time you had on the program – it is often the case that volunteers wish they could stay longer. Thanks for being an IVHQer!

Default avatar
Danaé
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Your involvement can make a change

I've volunteered for "only" three weeks, but I have the feeling that I already made a little change. In fact, some of the kids improved their English thanks to my involvement.

I've done the Slum Teaching Program in Delhi, and I tried my best to teach English. It was really hard, as the conditions in which the kids have to study are not the best, but I did everything I could to catch the kids' attention. For example, I turned EVERYTHING into a competition, as they love it ! Or for the youngest, I gave them stickers when they had done what I had asked.

The best moment in my volunteer experience was when I felt that the kids were proud of themselves. I always tried to make the kids believe in themselves and when they were proud of their improvement, of what they've done, I was even prouder ! And even if I tried my best to teach them a lot, I'm pretty sure that I've learned more than them, thanks to them. By talking to the students, by spending time with them, I learned about their habits, their culture, their beliefs and I am thankful for what they've brought in my life.

Danaé Faivre

What would you improve about this program?
I would have liked to know a little more about what I was going to have to do during my program. I could have had prepared myself better if I had known what I had to do before coming in India.
60 people found this review helpful.
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Hi Denae, Look at all those smiles! Thanks for being a great volunteer and persevering through the challenges to give the best you could to your students – it looks like your hard work was much appreciated. We are so grateful to have had you on the program and we would love to have you join us again in the future.

Dulce
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life changing experience!

They all say good things always come to an end and unfortunately so has my experience here at the orphanage in India. I have loved every single second of it. The children, the people, the food, even the weather. It is a shock and overwhelming at first but once you get used to the fast pace of this country you start to love it and just go with the flow. Will miss everybody I got to know here. Every child thought me something about myself that I didn't know whether it's good or bad. Their honesty and capability of hard work made me stronger. I will definitely come back. After all 4 weeks is a long time, enough time for you to get attached to them.
So I really have to thank IVHQ program and all the staff for the guidance and protection
I really feel safe as one of the staff came to check up on us twice a week. They were also very helpful throughout this journey, all questions were answered which made everything much easier. Thank you again.

What would you improve about this program?
No complaints.
65 people found this review helpful.
Response from International Volunteer HQ - IVHQ

Hi Dulce, It is our pleasure! We are so glad that you felt safe and supported during your time on the program in India. Thanks for adapting to the India way of life and learning about yourself along the way. We would love to have you join IVHQ again in the future.

Questions & Answers

Nope! When I was in India, our orientation group had volunteers of various ages!

It all depends how long you are staying for, while volunteering you do get meals with the families you stay with but some may not like the food and want to eat out, generally India is one of the cheapest places you can visit, if you are purely just going to volunteer and don't intend doing any other activities which is doubtful in India then you won't need much at all, if you are the type to live...

I took a look and you can find the price breakdown for both programs in India below. Hope that helps!