Volunteer in India for the exotic experience of a lifetime! India is the perfect volunteer and travel destination offering an eclectic mix of culture, history and nature. The country is full of contrasts as it is home to some of the richest citizens as well as some of the poorest and some of the world's oldest buildings alongside some of the newest architectures. Ancient cultures and social systems are jammed up against modern methods and morals. The bustle of Delhi and other modern cities are juxtaposed with rural traditions that have continued for centuries. As you volunteer in India, you will have the unique opportunity to experience every aspect that India has to offer.
Global Crossroad Volunteer's India volunteering programs allow you to choose from a variety of programs to perfectly match your skills and interests. In addition, Global Crossroad Volunteer offers a four-day yoga class. Whether you choose to work in an orphanage, hospitals/clinics, schools, with local organizations or at-risk children, you will undoubtedly improve lives of some of the most deprived people in the world while engaging in a life-changing experience for yourself.
Email us now so we can help you begin the adventure of a lifetime. The sooner you contact us, the sooner your Indian adventure can become a reality.
All volunteer programs start on the first and third Monday of each month.
If you are tired of expensive volunteer programs but want to make a positive contribution in the world, look no further! Global Crossroad is dedicated to offering high quality, well-organized and meaningful programs at the most affordable price in the United States. We work hard to keep costs as low as possible, focusing on the effectiveness of our projects, the safety of our volunteers and the quality of participant experiences. We currently offer the most competitive price possible in today's market including an application fee (of $299) AND a small weekly fee as follows:
| Duration | Delhi | Jaipur |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Week | $250 | $250 |
| 2 Week | $300 | $300 |
| 3 Week | $400 | $400 |
| 4 Week | $500 | $500 |
| 5 Week | $600 | $600 |
| 6 Week | $700 | $700 |
| 7 Week | $800 | $800 |
| 8 Week | $900 | $900 |
| 9 Week | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| 10 Week | $1,100 | $1,100 |
| 11 Week | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| 12 Week | $1,300 | $1,300 |
Mandatory Comprehensive Travel Insurance $3.49/day
Language and Culture Program fee $250
Airport Pick up & Transfer (Delhi) - $45
Airport Pick up & Transfer (Dharamsala- 9 hours) $100
English is one of the official languages of India. Despite this, many people struggle to read, write and speak proper English. This is especially true in rural and poorer areas where schools lack adequately trained teachers and efficient resources. Sadly, without strong English skills, young people have a very low chance to obtain well paying jobs or acceptance into respectable universities. With increased international trade and tourism, it’s become even more important to learn English at an early age in India. Volunteer in India teaching English and help these young Indians who come from poor backgrounds broaden their future opportunities. Your time, dedication and effort will pay off greatly as you enrich the lives of others and immerse yourself into an enchanting and beautiful culture.
School will remain closed in India from 15 May to 30 June. The project is not available then but volunteers can teach in orphanage or in slum project.
As a volunteer teaching English in India, you will most likely teach in a government school. Besides following the official curriculum, you’re encouraged to hold debates and discussions as well as engage the children in creative activities that will increase their capacity to comprehend and speak in English. Daily activities may include:
You should be fluent in English, both spoken and written, although you may be a non-native English speaker. You should also have a passion to teach and help your students. Volunteers should be good role models, flexible, patient, caring, creative, responsible and open-minded.
While India is developing and the standard of living is slightly improving, many people continue to live amongst grinding poverty. Many orphaned children continue to roam the streets of major cities and very little government assistance exists to provide them with safe and healthy environments. There are many orphanages raising these children and helping them avoid life on the street, but the financial conditions of many orphanages are poor and they urgently need volunteers. The orphanages work hard to provide adequate accommodation, food, clothing and education to the children. As a volunteer working in an orphanage in India, you can help these orphanages take care of the children and improve their childhoods. You will contribute in the development of the children, provide valuable love and friendship and make them capable of procuring brighter futures. This is the perfect volunteer project to change the lives of destitute children for the better while immerging yourself into India culture and exploring a beautiful country.
As a volunteer in the orphanage in India, responsibilities will vary depending on individual skills and interests and the needs of the orphanage, but may include:
There are no skills or qualifications required to volunteer in the orphanage project in India. However, you should have a passion to help the children and be flexible, responsible, open minded, caring and patient.
India is one of the fastest developing countries in the world. In recent years, the country has seen some remarkable development in its economy and several other sectors. However, the country has failed to address many issues like healthcare, education, poverty and gender equality. The women residing in poorer areas in India lack saleable skills and education. They have to be dependent on their male counterparts for living and supporting their child. As a result, they face discrimination in their own family and society as well. They lack information about their civil rights and are forced to lead dreadful life. The ‘Women Empowerment Project in Jaipur, India’ aims to increase self-dependence of these helpless women by providing them a wide variety of trainings, including knitting, sewing, paper bag making and so on. Join hands with us to be the change of some of the most unfortunate women in India.
Many poor Indian women are uneducated, lack direction and do not know the finer skills of marketing their own products. As a volunteer in the women’s support project in India, your responsibilities will vary with your education, skills, experience and qualifications. While partnering with local organizations, daily volunteer activities may include:
No specific skills or qualifications are required to join this project. However, volunteers must have enthusiasm to change the lives of women in Indian for the better. You must also be patient, flexible and open-minded, as working conditions and people’s mentality in India will vary from what you’re used to back home.
The effects of HIV/AIDS have devastated many families in India and scarily, the rate of infection is continuing to rise. Many governmental and non-profit organizations have begun campaigns to stop the rate of infection and death, but the need for increased education and prevention is still vital. Campaigns are trying to take a holistic approach to change the lifestyles of people and prevent further infection. Global Crossroad Volunteer is partnering with local organizations and clinics to support these efforts, but needs you to volunteer! Volunteer in the HIV/AIDS project in India and help these campaigns educate the people of India against HIV/AIDS and help treat infected patients so they may live happy and productive lives. As you change and potentially save the lives of others, you will have the beautiful opportunity to explore India and all it has to offer.
As a volunteer in the HIV/AIDS project in India, your responsibilities will vary with your education, skills, experience and qualifications. While partnering with local clinics and organizations, daily volunteer activities may include:
There are no specific skills or qualifications needed to join the HIV/AIDS awareness project. However, volunteers are expected to be flexible, patient and have passion and love for people. You should also be open-minded and flexible during the project.
India has some of the finest healthcare facilities in the world and top quality doctors and surgeons, yet many people continue to be denied proper healthcare due to extreme poverty. The level of poverty and the size of the population in India make the task of creating affordable healthcare system for all very difficult. Today in major cities of India, there are hospitals with air-conditionings and first class treatment facilities, while the very poor line of hours to get basic treatments from local doctors that can’t spend more than 2 minutes looking at a patient. This is the ideal project for medical professionals to gain valuable international experience in the medical field, as you will learn from local medical professionals and experience healthcare system of India. In addition, as your improve the health of others, you will have free time to explore India and immerse yourself into its daily life and culture. In Delhi, we work with more than 5 hospitals and clinics.
Each volunteer in India working in the health/medical project will have varying responsibilities and tasks and volunteer projects will depend on one’s qualifications and certifications as a medical professional. Duties may include:
Medical students are only allowed to shadow local doctors and learn. They will not be allowed to treat patients.
A certification or an ID stating you’re a medical professional must be furnished prior to volunteering, as this is strictly a volunteer project for medical professionals. Medical students can also participate by producing an ID or a letter stating they are in the process of acquiring a medical/nursing degree. If you are flexible while volunteering and remain open minded, your time will be rewarding.
Volunteer in India in the Street Children/At-Risk Youth Program and help to provide love, friendship, shelter, education and stability in children’s lives. India has an undeniable dilemma with street children falling into harmful environments, often leading to negative life habits and heartbreaking futures. Many of these children in India are either orphaned due to abuse, neglect, poverty, disease and other reasons. Global Crossroad Volunteer partners with local organizations that work hard to provide support, care and treatment for these children. As a volunteer working with street and at-risk children in India, you can directly make a difference by helping to provide them with the basic necessities every child deserves. Volunteer in this project for the unique opportunity to help these children have brighter, healthier and more prosperous futures. With your support, you can truly make a difference in the lives of these children.
There are a wide variety of activities that volunteers can participate in to improve the lives of these children. Daily activities may vary widely depending on the individual interests of the volunteer as well as the momentary needs of the partner organizations. Sample activities include:
There are no specific skills or qualifications needed to volunteer in the street children/at-risk youth project in India. However, volunteers are expected to be flexible and patience. You should also have passion and love for children/orphans. You should also be open-minded and flexible during the project as working condition and people’s mentality will be very different from what you’re used to back home.
People worldwide are full of mounting tensions, but Global Crossroad Volunteer's four day yoga program can help you heal at all levels including the physical, mental, psychophysical, emotional, spiritual and social states. Yoga is the divine and ancient life discipline that has been practiced in India for centuries. Yoga will refresh your mind, rejuvenate and cleanse your body, calm your inner self and increase your strength and vitality.
This program provides an introduction to a variety of yoga practices. In Sanskrit, Ashtanga Yoga it breaks down to "Ashta + anga" where "Ashta" means Eight and "Anga" means limb, meaning Eight Limb path. Ashtanga yoga is based on the yoga philosophy of Patanjali. Yoga began about 5000 years BC as described in Vedic Philosophy. Patanjali composed yoga's history into a Darshan (philosophy) in his book "Patanjal Yoga Sutra." In his book, he describes yoga as having Eight Limbs or an Eight Fold path.
1. Yama
2. Niyama
3. Asana:
(Yoga Postures / positions) A stable and comfortable posture which helps to attain mental equilibrium.
4. Pranayama:
(Yoga Breathing) Extension and control of breath.
5. Pratyahar:
(Withdrawal of Senses) A mental preparation to increase the power of mind.
6. Dharna:
(Concentration on Object) Concentration of mind on one object and its field.
7. Dhyana:
(Meditation) With drawing mind from all external objects and focusing it on one point and meditating on it.
8. Samadhi:
(Salvation) State of Super bliss, joy and merging individual consciousness in to universal consciousness and union between Jivatman and Paramatman.
Hatha Yoga
Hatha Yoga is known as hatha vidya or the "science of hatha" yoga. The word Hatha comes from combining the two Sanskrit terms "ha," meaning sun and "tha," meaning moon. The word "ha" refers to the solar nadi (pingala) and "tha" the lunar channel (ida). However, when the two components of the word are placed together, "hatha" means "forceful,” implying that powerful work must be done to purify the body. Yoga joins the two things together, hence hatha yoga is meant to join together sun energy with moon energy, thus producing balance and greater power in an individual. Hatha represents opposing energies: hot and cold (fire and water, following similar concept as yin-yang), positive and negative. Hatha yoga attempts to balance mind and body via physical postures or "asanas,” purification practices, controlled breathing and calming of the mind through relaxation and meditation.
Asanas teach poise, balance and strength and are practiced to improve the body's physical health and clear the mind in preparation for meditation in pursuit of enlightenment. However if an individual has too much phlegm or fat, then purification procedures (Shat Karmas/shuddhi kriyas) are a necessary before undertaking pranayama.
Pranayama (breathing)
The words 'Prana' (life-force) and 'Ayama' (to lengthen or regulate) make up Pranayama. Pranayama seeks to lengthen, control and regulate the breath. In one variation, the Rechak (exhalation), Purak (inhalation) and Kumbhak (retention during normal inhaling and exhaling) are the three regulated parts of the breathing. Pranayama is practiced to develop mental, physical and spiritual strength.
Yoga Nidra
This form of yoga is a state of conscious deep sleep. During the practice of yoga nidra, one appears to be asleep, but the conscious is functioning at a deeper level of awareness. It is sleep with a trace of deep awareness and a state of mind in between wakefulness and dream. Normally when we sleep, we loose track of our selves and cannot utilize this capacity of mind. Yoga nidra enables the person to be conscious in this state and nurture the seed of great will power. Total relaxation of the body help the optimal functioning of the endocrine system, which controls other systems as well. Since mind and body both relax deeply in yoga nidra, total relaxation of all systems happens and their workings are enhanced. On the level of body and mind, yoga nidra can go very deep and the relaxation it brings can relieve stress in both our minds and bodies in a very simple way. Psychosomatic diseases can also be treated in this way with good results.
Volunteers can learn about these different types of yoga and relax with this four-day class, lasting 3-4 hours a day. Activities will involve:
Day1: General Fitness, Astang Yoga, Breathing Exercise, Yoga Nindra and Meditation.
Day2: General Fitness, Son Namasker, Moon Namaskar, Power Yoga (Stretching exercises, Angles exercises and breathing exercises), Meditation and Yog Nindra.
Day3: General Fitness, Astang yoga, Antar Mann control (self conscious and control), Pranayam.
Day4: General Fitness, Hot Yoga and Balancing, Bhumi (Earth) Namaskar, Shat Karma and Meditation.
*Please note there is an additional cost of US $100 per person to participate this course.
Global Crossroad Volunteer arranges volunteer meals, accommodations and strong field supervision for the duration of projects and optional travel packages. In India, most volunteers stay in our home base, a permanent home established for our international volunteers. Our home base in India is located in a pretty community, in a very safe and clean neighborhood. There are internet cafés, restaurants, local bus stations, a police station and supermarkets near our home base. The home base provides is a comfortable place to relax after a long day. There are several bedrooms (which may be shared with a same-gender volunteer) and community areas. There is a shared kitchen, television and shared bathrooms, which have running water and "western-style" toilets. Orphanage volunteers may stay at their project as many orphanages have special rooms set aside for international and these accommodations are normally shared with a same-gender volunteer.
Depending on the project locations (some part of Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Rajasthan, and Palampur), accommodations could be with a host family. Host family accommodations are simple and clean homes in safe neighborhoods. Volunteers usually have a private bedroom, but occasionally rooms will be shared with a same-gender volunteer. Our host families are well screened and are respected members of their communities who live in affluent neighborhoods. Most of our host families have experience with hosting international volunteers. Host family stays are a great chance for cultural immersion and exchange.
Volunteers receive three local meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner). We can provide vegetarian meal options, but needs must be detailed in a volunteer's application. Snacks and beverages outside of mealtimes are not provided; however, there are local restaurants and grocery stores near the residences in which we place volunteers.
Global Crossroad offers unparalleled field support to volunteers to ensure a safe and rewarding experience. There are many layers of support for you. The most important support comes from our country coordinator/field staff. The secondary support comes from the host project staff and members of host families and/or a home base staff. Volunteers will have access to our country coordinator's mobile number and they are available 24/7. Throughout the volunteer project, our local staff stays in contact with volunteers either with face-to-face visits or via email/telephone. Our field staff will visit regularly (every 2-4 weeks) to make sure things are going well and as planned. However, if placement is far from our local offices, staff members will stay in touch via email/ phone. Volunteers are also welcome to stop in the offices at any time.
Specific details regarding accommodations, food and contact details for our local coordinator will be provided in personalized volunteer placement documentation prior to arrival.
Global Crossroad Volunteer projects are available in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Delhi is the capital city of India and known as the "Royal City," home to Red Fort, Lotus Temple, Qutab Minar, Lodhi Gardens. Jaipur is renowned as the "Pink City" of India and home to the Nahargarh Fort and City Palace Museum. Both the cities have great shopping, exquisite cuisine, banks & internet cafes nearby. India is the seventh largest country by geographical area and the second most populous country in the world. Islam, Christianity, Judaism and Zoroastrianism arrived in the first millennium and shaped the region's diverse culture. As a pluralistic, multi-lingual and multi-ethnic society, India is also home to a diversity of wildlife in a variety of protected habitats. It has managed to preserve established traditions while absorbing new customs, traditions and ideas from the Western world and immigrants.
Please read Global Crossroad Volunteer's 5-step application
Arrival Point: Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi
Airport Pick-up Upon the receipt of your flight information, our in-country coordinator or other project staff will greet the volunteers in the airport and take you to your project site. The address and telephone number of the local contact hotel will be given before departure just in case volunteers miss our representative in the airport. Please make sure to e-mail your flight information to both the USA office and the local in-country coordinator's office.
Departure Point: Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi
Airport Drop: Rarely, a few do request an escort back to the airport; this is an extra expense of about $75. Most are very familiar and comfortable with their stay and have great ease taking their own taxi or bus back to the airport.
Transportation: Global Crossroad Volunteer manages one-way transportation to project. Volunteers will be responsible for their own personal and return travel. We do not cover daily transportation from host family/hotel to the project. Our program is designed to save you the volunteer as much as possible.
Start Dates: 1st and 3rd Monday of each month
Start Date: Global Crossroad Volunteers/Travelers coming to India are advised to arrive one day before their program start date. If you arrive more than one day early or stay after the program, you will be responsible for your room and food expenses.
Working Hours: 30- 40 hours per week
Global Crossroad strongly suggest that all volunteers apply for a tourist visa in a timely manner before departing for India. Please call our office or contact the local India embassy to learn more about visas, visa fees, and visa extensions. Getting your tourist visa is your responsibility.
Volunteers should be aware of all health and safety information before traveling to India. We suggest you visit some of the websites listed below.
General Health Tips for volunteer in India
Bring drugs you require with you. Although you can find most modern medicines in the drugstores of India, they can be named differently and come with different level of dosage. Carry a health kit and include medications for upset stomachs, some antiseptic cream, mosquito repellant, sun block, band aids, etc.
We suggest vaccinations against public health threats and other communicable diseases.
Please refer to CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/indianrg.htm#vaccines
Recommended Vaccinations and Preventive Medications
The following vaccines may be recommended for your travel to South Asia . Discuss your travel plans and personal health with a health-care provider to determine which vaccines you will need.
Required Vaccinations
What is the exchange rate? Where should I change my dollar? Can I use debit card and/or credit card? Should I bring traveler's check?
Exchange Rate of Indian Rupee (INR) info available at: http://www.xe.com/ucc/
Indian Rupee is the local currency of India.
You can change your money into local currency upon arrival inside the Delhi International Airport at the counters of one of many banks. If you change about $200, it should be able to sustain you for the first couple of weeks, unless you go out often and shop. To exchange Rupees for US Dollars (during departure), you need to show receipts from authorized banks which document said exchanges.
You can get money through ATM vendor through your Debit card. The vendor is close to our office in India. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are also accepted in some of the large stores and hotels in larger cities but may not be widely accepted in smaller cities. How much money you bring depends on you. Global Crossroad Volunteer covers most costs associated with your program, but bring spending money to help you to explore India in your free time and for your personal use.
How does Global Crossroad Volunteer help me when I am in the field? How can I maintain communication? Does Global Crossroad Volunteer visit volunteers?
Our local staff (and country coordinator) will keep in touch with your once the program starts. We will also visit you every 2 weeks to make sure you are happy and satisfied with the project. If the project is very far, then our local staff members maintain communication by email and phone.
You'll also be provided with the mobile phone number our country coordinator. In case of any emergency, you can contact him directly.
How do I communicate with my family? Global Crossroad Volunteer staffs? Is there internet?
Bring your mobile phones with you. You can insert the local sim in the phone while you're in India and you'll then be ready to receive phone calls from abroad. This is the best way to stay in touch with your family. If you're working in Delhi, you'll find internet cafes around pretty much everywhere. In Jaipur, you'll have to travel for about 2 kms for internet cafe. You'll find all the details regarding this in your placement sheet.
There are 3 major seasons in India: winter, summer and the monsoon season. From November to March, you'll encounter colder weather in India. Summer starts from April to June, after which the monsoon season lasts until August. You'll experience mild weather in September and October.
Most of daily use items are available in India at a cheaper price. However, we suggest volunteers pack the following things:
It is a common courtesy to bring a small gift for the family that will be hosting you. You are not required to do so, but if you choose to bring something it can be pretty simple. We suggest a box of chocolates, a t-shirt with a hometown logo or pictures of your family and some local post cards.
If you want to bring gifts for your project (and if you are working for an orphanage or a school please bring pencils, pens and paper, art supplies like markers and construction paper pads, and games. Remember that every child will need these items so you may wish to bring a bunch of one thing.
