Volunteer in India | Volunteer Programs in IndiaOne of the greatest ways to explore a community is to be of service to it. Through volunteer in India abroad programs, you might do just that. Whether you volunteer your time and skills to grassroots organizations, service-based organizations, medical facilities, or any other entities serving communities in India, you’re likely to forge powerful connections with people, organizations, and even communities. For many volunteers abroad, this may be the true joy of the experience.

Great Reasons to Volunteer Abroad in India

India is an incredibly dynamic country with plenty of people in need. Its social, economic, and political systems sometimes create inequality amongst people, and, despite many organizations’ best efforts, many people continue to go without basic necessities. Volunteers may help bolster the human-power of organizations so that they may address the structures and nuances that keep problematic systems in place and also respond to people’s and communities’ immediate needs. Plus, you may connect with a host of warm, welcoming, dedicated, and passionate people as you volunteer abroad in India. Why not pour your heart into these volunteer opportunities in India?

What Might I Gain by Volunteering in India?

First of all, you may get to explore and enjoy a portion of the country under the guidance of an organization connected to the community. This may provide you the structure and security you desire to really dive into Indian culture.

Second, you’ll likely develop your communication skills, your critical thinking skills, and your capacities to work with fortitude and compassion. It might not always be easy to think of and enact solutions in India, but you’ll likely learn a lot about what it takes to do so. You may also learn a lot about the kind of person you need to be to truly make a difference.

Third, you may connect with locals and forge personal and professional relationships that might last a lifetime. This is a unique opportunity often afforded to those who spend significant and devoted time working with and among community members.

These are just some of the many benefits you might derive from volunteering abroad in India.

What Might Daily Life Look Like When I Volunteer Abroad in India?

Your daily life will likely be infused with the hustle and bustle of India streets and marketplaces and intermingled with the sights, sounds, and smells of a densely populated country. If you’re in a larger city, you may see hundreds of rickshaws, a plethora of animals wandering the streets, and tons of people walking around as they complete daily tasks. Much of life is on display in India, and you’re likely to enjoy a vibrant, if not intense, experience. You’ll also likely witness the span of Indian households and architecture as you walk through shanty towns, pass the homes of the wealthier populace, and behold India’s treasured temples, mosques, and mausoleums. Simply getting to and from the place where you volunteer is likely to be a unique and stimulating experience. 

What Might I Eat While I Study Abroad in India?

Indeed, one of the greatest joys of experiencing another culture is exploring its foods. Some staples of the Indian diet include rice, beans, legumes, vegetables, and proteins such as eggs, chicken, and goat. Indians often mix these staples with flavors such as tamarind, cumin, cardamom, nutmeg, mustard, and more. Many of their dishes are stewed or fried and served alongside naan, chutneys, and sauces. Some of the more popular dishes in Indian cuisine include:

  • Biryani, a saffron-rich rice dish often served with meat
  • Pani puri, a hollowed-out crispy bread filled with tamarind paste, vegetables, and chickpeas
  • Tandoori chicken, a chicken marinated in yogurt and spices and cooked in a clay oven (called a Tandoor)
  • Baingan bharta, a dish comprising eggplant, vegetables, and spices and traditionally served alongside flat bread
  • Samosas, a fried dough pocket stuffed with potatoes, meat, and vegetables
  • Dosa and vada, two fried treats commonly served with chutneys and sauces

These are just some of the dozens of dishes you’ll likely come across and enjoy as you volunteer abroad in India.

Where Should I Visit When I Volunteer Abroad in India?

There is so much to do and see while in India. Here are a few places and experiences you might want to enjoy:

  • The Taj Mahal as part of the Golden Triangle
  • The River Ganges (you might even be fortunate enough to witness a sacred ritual or ceremony)
  • The Golden Temple and the Holy Pool of Nectar
  • Bollywood culture
  • The mosques, forts, and monuments of Delhi
  • The Ajanta and Ellora Caves

You might enjoy these and numerous other sights during your time off from volunteering in India.

I Want to Volunteer in India. Now What?

If you’re ready to explore volunteer abroad programs in India, your first step is to browse our list of programs to get a sense of what’s available. When you find programs of interest, simply click “Learn More” to get program details and to contact the program for more information. You may also compare programs and, in some cases, read program reviews through our site. These tools may help you select and sign up for the Volunteer in India program of your choice. Why wait? India awaits your arrival.