Location
  • India
    • Delhi
    • Dharamsala
    • Himalaya
Length
1 to 24 weeks

Program Details

Language
English
Age Min.
17
Timeframe
Short Term Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round
Housing
Host Family Hostel

Pricing

Starting Price
250
Price Details
The costs include:
- 24 hrs Assistance and support from staff
- Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information
- Pick up from the airport
- Orientation
- Food (2-3 times a day)
- Accommodation
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Meals
What's Not Included
Airfare Domestic Airfare Travel Insurance Visa
Jan 19, 2022
Aug 26, 2022
43 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Volunteering Solutions provides the most affordable and meaningful programs in India. It's time for you to take a trip to this majestic country and indulge in doing something worthy for the underprivileged people living in this country. VolSol partners with local organizations and NGOs, and aims for sustainable development!

There are more than 10 different volunteering & internship programs available in India in the cities of New Delhi & Palampur. You can choose to volunteer with street children, or teach kids at slum schools, or intern under a professional doctor at a healthcare center. No matter which project you choose to be a part of, you'll get to learn a lot and gain experience. Explore the beauty of India, visit the several UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the Taj Mahal. In Palampur, we have introduced the Yoga & Volunteer Adventure Program, which would be a perfect choice for those who are keen to learn the art of Yoga & Meditation while volunteering with kids.

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 Volunteering Solutions is promoting ethical volunteering.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Volunteer to make a difference and gain valuable work experience.
  • Explore India and travel to cities like Agra, Varanasi, Rishikesh, Jaipur etc.
  • Walk down the Himalayan trails & experience the thrill of trekking.
  • Get to know more about the country's history, culture, heritage & traditions.
  • Binge on the spicy Indian cuisine and let your taste buds feel the heat!

Program Reviews

4.84 Rating
based on 57 reviews
  • 5 rating 89.47%
  • 4 rating 8.77%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 1.75%
  • Impact 4.6
  • Support 4.85
  • Fun 4.6
  • Value 4.7
  • Safety 4.8
Showing 1 - 8 of 57 reviews
Default avatar
Brendan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

My experience in India was unforgettable.

The Summer Volunteer Program in India was an amazing experience. I highly recommend this program because it will give you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children while also introducing you to the fascinating culture and history of India.

One of the most heart-warming aspects of the trip was being able to work with children in Delhi and Palampur. As volunteers, we were left with the impression that the children genuinely appreciated us and benefited from the work we were doing. We were able to make a lot of children happy by giving them the attention they deserve.

Additionally, my experience in this program was very well-rounded. I was able to visit famous sites such as the Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, the Amber Palace, and more. My experience took me from the bustling and noisy streets of Delhi to the quiet rural areas of Himachal Pradesh where one can observe a lot of natural beauty. My experience was also very special because it showed me the rich history of India and the country’s religious, cultural, and linguistic diversity.

I hope anyone who visits India will enjoy exploring this ancient country as much as I did!

Pros
  • Friendly and helpful staff
  • Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • Comfortable accommodations
26 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Debora
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Help the Street Children - India

It was the first time in my life that I volunteered away from home! It was a wonderful and very enriching experience. My goal was to teach children in need but they are the ones who taught me a lot. I enjoyed visiting other parts of India during weekends. The program organized them and I had no problems! Everything was perfectly organized according to my requests! I strongly recommend this program to anyone who wants to have an impact on humanity.
Debora Costa Serigado - 27 years old
From Switzerland

Pros
  • Culture
  • Tourism
  • Sociability
Cons
  • Food
  • Heat
  • Noise
22 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Asha
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life Changing Experience In India

Going to India has always been a dream of mine, but whatever I dreamed couldn't come close to how amazing the actual experience was. The children I met through the program were so fun, smart, and full of life that going in every day with them was a treat. Honestly, as cliche as it sounds, I probably learned more from them than they did from me. Additionally, the trip to Agra and Jaipur was a blast with the other volunteers in the group. The tours were incredibly informative, and we had a great time seeing the cities (and eating the food). We always felt safe and ready with a number of things to do in Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra. As sad as I am to be leaving, I'm so happy that I visited India through this program and would do it again in a heartbeat.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Think of fun activities to do with the kids! Whether its games, songs, or fun ways to teach English, they get excited when you care!
73 people found this review helpful.
Response from Volunteering Solutions

Thank you so much Asha for the wonderful review ! We're so pleased you had such an amazing experience in India =) We cannot wait to see you in the near future!

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

Street Children Project.

Initially I was a little confused given the title of the project 'Street Children' yet volunteering took place within an education environment with children who stayed in the slum. Despite this confusion, I wasn't left disappointed! The children's energy and eagerness to learn is evident in addition to the incredible memories created whilst dancing, singing, laughing and generally just being there!! Both the teaching staff (khushboo and bhavesh) and children make you feel incredibly welcome as do all the locals in the area! Accommodation is more than adequate as is the help and guidance shankar (our go to person) provides! He's also a pretty good cook also which is a bonus! All in all this is an experience to savour.... One which will most certainly repeated!!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
I'd have to say the introduction to riding in an auto rickshaw through Delhi's highways.... You do however get use to it.
68 people found this review helpful.
Response from Volunteering Solutions

Hi Joe,
Thanks for writing this wonderful review for the India Program. We are glad that you had a good time in Delhi and would definitely look to repeat the trip soon. We look forward to having you here in India again soon.

Thanks
Team Volunteering Solutions

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

the best way to see India!

I opted for the two week childcare and elephant programme. This has not been my first volunteer trip but it was the first one with VolSol and it has been my best experience so far.
The programme was the more expensive option but this included a city tour of Delhi, a visit to Agra to see the Taj Mahal and a two day trip to Jaipur. We also stayed in really nice hotels. Dheeraj even helped us get on the train and find our seats which we were grateful for as it was our first train experience here in India. I also added the optional trip to the Himalayas which I'm really looking forward to.
All the VolSol staff were so helpful and friendly, our safety was paramount to them. The accomodation was lovely and clean and the food was delicious. I would highly recommend VolSol to all my friends considering volunteering in future!

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Be prepared for sitting in a car in India, it can be a bit overwhelming with all the beeping and erratic driving but you get used to it!
76 people found this review helpful.
Response from Volunteering Solutions

Hey Katie !
Thanks for posting a wonderful review for us. We are delighted to know that you had a wonderful time in the Childcare and Elephant Experience in India with us. Everyone in the local team was happy to have you in India and we are glad that you were satisfied with the services of the local staff. Once again, thanks for joining our program and we look forward to having you in our program again soon :)
Thanks
Team Volunteering Solutions

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

Childcare and Elephant project review

I cannot thank the team enough for making my time in India so incredible and enjoyable.
I was initially due to attend a project in July but due to visa problems I was unable to do so. Sahil was a massive help when these problems occurred and was in constant communication with me to try and help sort my visa and provide alternative means of getting a visa. He also suggested an alternative trip somewhere else or the same trip at a different date. I elected for the later as I had my heart set on coming to India, I had to pay a small fee of 100 to transfer projects but apart from this all of my original payments were transferred over.

Once in Dehli the team were fabulous. Shankar and Dheeraj were both so friendly and welcoming. Shankar is an amazing cook and looked after us so well at the volunteer house. Dheeraj was a wonder guide in Dehli and provided an amazing sightseeing day filled with information and experiences. The team were always on hand to support us in any way we needed whilst we were in India.

The KNS was an amazing experience that I am so grateful to have been a part of even for just three days. The children's English was excellent and I was impressed by their skill and enthusiasm. the project also provided me with an insight into the poorer parts of the city and the children who lived there. The elephant volunteering in Agra was the experience of a lifetime and it was incredible to be able to be so close to the rescued elephant.

The tours in Agra and Jaipur were both also wonderful and filled with many lovely places to visit and facts to learn. Vising the Taj Mahal has been on my bucket list for years now and I am incredible happy to have now ticked that off the list thanks to this trip!

During my entire time in India and before there was constant support from the team and I always felt safe. I cannot recommend the company enough and I look forward to booking another adventure with them to explore somewhere new!

What would you improve about this program?
For me personally this programme was everything I was looking for and expected and cannot think of any suggestions at the moment.
65 people found this review helpful.
Response from Volunteering Solutions

Hi Rachel,
Thank you so much, Tracy! 😊We're so pleased you had such an amazing time on our Childcare and Elephant Experience Program. We hope to see you again soon! It was a pleasure to have you in India with us :)
Thanks
Team Volunteering Solutions

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

Beautiful experience in India

Joining Volunteer Solutions was a choice I'll never regret. Not only was their website the most user friendly compared to other organizations but their response time was superb.

You may be swayed away by negative reviews from past volunteers but I wouldn't worry about most of them. First off, you have to be very open minded and flexible when volunteering in India because the unpredictable can and will happen. For me, that's what made the experience an adventurous one whereas for others it may not appeal to them.

Before going to India, I highly recommend visiting another 3rd world country like Mexico to prepare yourself better. If not, then you may be in for a big surprise. India is a different world that's full of color, chaos, fun, joy, humility, and wonder. Therefore, be prepared for an experience of a lifetime that can be fully enjoyed when you're patient, energetic, and adaptable.

Seeing the monuments and taking pictures will definitely impress your friends on social media. However, the importance of that will fade away once you fully embrace the opportunity to serve the lovely children of India. They're so sweet and happy to be with volunteers. They can be crazy at times but you learn to love them on first sight and you'll develop relationships as if you were a close family.

Before you embark on this opportunity, here's two pieces of advice: First, don't overthink about whether or not you should go. Just go. It's worth it. Second, remember the children's names. Nothing makes them more happy than remembering their names, one by one. That's one of the best things you can do for them. Write them down if you must but make an effort to know their names and call them by their names.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Remember children's names, smile, greet everyone, and be the change you want to see in the world.
68 people found this review helpful.
Response from Volunteering Solutions

Hello Parker,
Thanks for leaving us a detailed review. We appreciate that you liked our website as well as the customer service. It was indeed wonderful to have you in the program in Delhi. As you mentioned correctly, it is very important to be open minded and flexible when volunteering in India and this is one quality which you definitely possessed. Remembering children's names while on the project is a great advice for future volunteers and this shall definitely be of help to them. We look forward to having you in our programs again soon.
Thanks
Team Volunteering Solutions

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

An amazing experience

This experience was truly incredible. It was amazing to see the different efforts that are in India to help reduce poverty and give an education to the local children. All the other volunteers were lovely and up for exploring the city together. The VolSol team were very helpful with any of our issues or any questions we had. I felt very safe in a very busy and different culture due to all their efforts.

I had a great time working with the Ladies in the womens empowerment group. It was great to see the efforts put in to give them a sustainable income. It was also fun to help out and stitch and paint some of the bags ourselves.

This trip is definitely something I will always remember and would highly recommend to everyone! Not only do you get to help the local community but you get to explore an amazing, beautiful and vibrant city.

What would you improve about this program?
Make the additional add on tours more obvious and easier to find before arriving
67 people found this review helpful.
Response from Volunteering Solutions

Hey Bethany,
Thanks for leaving us a review. It was great to host you in Delhi although for a very short period of time. We would have loved to have you stay for a longer period of time. Glad to know that you had a wonderful time at the Women Empowerment Project. We appreciate you taking time out and coming to volunteer for this project. We look forward to having you back in India soon :)
Thanks
Team Volunteering Solutions

Questions & Answers

Hi Maggie, according to the Volunteering Solutions site, "The minimum age requirement for individual participants for most of our programs is 17 years old. Some programs also have a minimum age requirement of 18 years. We suggest you to visit the specific program destination page to check the minimum age requirement. However, volunteers below 17 years old and children can join the program if they...