India

Few places can match India for sheer variety. From energetic cities and colourful markets to mountain landscapes, rural communities and centuries-old traditions, every region offers something different to discover.

Living and volunteering in India gives you the opportunity to experience this extraordinary country beyond the usual traveller route. You’ll become part of your local community, build relationships through your project and experience everyday life, celebrations, food and traditions first-hand.

With so much to explore and learn, India is a place that will challenge your expectations and stay with you long after your placement ends.

Placement Types

Immersive Placement

Spend 10–12 months living and volunteering in India, giving yourself the time to truly settle into your project and community.
You’ll build strong relationships, experience the rhythms of everyday life and develop your confidence and independence as India gradually begins to feel like home.

Focused Placement

Spend 6–8 months living and volunteering in India, becoming part of your project and experiencing everyday life within your local community.
It’s an opportunity to develop new skills, form meaningful connections and immerse yourself in a culture and country with an incredible amount to discover.

Discovery Placement

Experience life in India over 3–4 months, combining meaningful volunteering with the opportunity to immerse yourself in a completely different culture.
You’ll become part of your project and local community, build relationships and experience everyday Indian life first-hand – while developing your confidence, independence and understanding of the world around you.

Find out more about our Placement Types here

What can you do?

Primary Teaching

Become part of everyday life in a Primary School, supporting younger pupils across a range of subjects and activities.

You’ll bring creativity and enthusiasm into the classroom, helping pupils learn while developing your own teaching, communication and leadership skills.

Secondary Teaching

Support older students in a Secondary School, helping to plan and deliver engaging lessons and activities.

Depending on your placement and strengths, you could support a range of subjects while becoming part of the wider school community.

Social Care

Work alongside experienced local staff to support children and young people through their everyday activities, learning and development.

You’ll build relationships, bring your own interests and ideas to the project and gain valuable experience while becoming part of the wider community.

Find out more about Project Types here

What does life as a Volunteer look like?

FOOD

Food is a huge part of life in India, and every region has its own dishes, ingredients and flavours to discover.
Vegetarian food is widely available, and your placement could introduce you to everything from dal, dosa and biryani to curries, breads, chai and incredible street food.

Living

Living in India is an immersive experience, and everyday life will vary considerably depending on where you’re based.
You’ll become part of your local community, getting to know colleagues, neighbours and the people around you as you settle into a completely different environment and way of life.

TRAVEL

India’s size and diversity mean there is an enormous amount to explore during your time off.
Discover historic cities and temples, experience the Himalayas, visit the Taj Mahal, explore national parks or travel somewhere completely different from the region you call home.

Have questions about Volunteering in India?

Enquire Now

A Timeline of your Placement

Towards the beginning of July you will attend our 4 day residential training course in Scotland. It’s a brilliant time to get to know other Volunteers and get prepared for your placement
Your Visa will be obtained 2 months prior to departure.
Departure time! You will depart with your country group in August
You’ll return from your placement in July
Our Debriefing course is held toward the end of August and is a fantastic time to reflect on your placement and share memories with other Volunteers.

Towards the beginning of December you will attend our 4 day residential training course in Scotland. It’s a brilliant time to get to know other Volunteers and get prepared for your placement
Your visa will be obtained 2 months prior to departure
Departure time! You will depart with your country group in the first few weeks of February
You’ll return from your placement in July
Our Debriefing course is held toward the end of August and is a fantastic time to reflect on your placement and share memories with other Volunteers.

Spring Departure

Towards the beginning of December you will attend our 4 day residential training course in Scotland. It’s a brilliant time to get to know other Volunteers and get prepared for your placement
Departure time! You will depart with your country group in February
You’ll return from your placement in May
Our Debriefing course is held in August and is a fantastic time to reflect on your placement and share memories with other Volunteers.

Summer Departure

Towards the beginning of July you will attend our 4 day residential training course in Scotland. It’s a brilliant time to get to know other Volunteers and get prepared for your placement
Departure time! You will depart with your country group in the first few weeks of September
You’ll return from your placement in December
Our Debriefing course is held in August and is a fantastic time to reflect on your placement and share memories with other Volunteers.