Overview
Be a volunteer for the 2 Weeks Special Volunteer Program in India with Volunteering Solutions and make the most of your time by engaging in some meaningful work, as well as exploring some of the most beautiful historical & cultural sites in Delhi & Agra. This program has been essentially curated for those who have a time crunch yet wish to volunteer abroad and contribute meaningfully!
Apt for high school/ college students, as well as backpackers and gap year travelers, this would be an incredible opportunity to explore India with like-minded travelers from different parts of the world, broaden your social circle and gain first-hand work experience as well.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1 (Sunday) – Arrival at Delhi and transfer to accommodation
Upon arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, our coordinator will welcome you and then take you to your accommodation. Take some time off to relax and overcome jet lag. Later you can have a walk around the accommodation or choose to go to the nearby market to exchange money and get a local SIM card.
(Meals - NA)
Day 2 (Monday) – Program Orientation
Enjoy your breakfast at the accommodation, which will be followed by a detailed orientation session. In this session, our program coordinator will give you all the information about your program and schedule. The rest of the time is free for leisure activities or for optional tours.
(Meals - BD)
Day 3 (Tuesday) – Delhi city tour
Today, after breakfast, we will take you for a city tour of Delhi. You will be visiting some of the most famous places in the capital; such as Qutab Minar, Lotus Temple, Humayun’s Tomb and India Gate. You can have lunch at a local restaurant (at own cost).
(Meals - BD)
The Delhi Tour would cover the following places of interest -
Lotus Temple: South East of Delhi, this temple is built in the shape of a lotus flower and is the last of seven Major Bahai temples built around the world. Completed in 1986, it is set among the lush landscaped gardens. The structure is made up of pure white marble. The architect, Furiburz Sabha, chose the lotus as the symbol common to Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Islam. Adherents of any faith are free to visit the temple and pray or meditate.
Humayun's Tomb: This magnificent garden tomb is the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India. It was built in 1565 A.D., nine years after the death of Humayun, by his senior widow Bega Begam. Inside the walled enclosure, the most notable feature is the garden squares (Chahar bagh) with pathways water channels, centrally located, well proportional mausoleum topped by a double dome. It has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Qutab Minar: It is a soaring, 73 m-high tower of victory, built in 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak immediately after the defeat of Delhi's last Hindu kingdom. The tower has five distinct storeys, each marked by a projecting balcony and tapers from a 15 m diameter at the base to just 2.5 m at the top. The first three storey's are made of red sandstone; the fourth and fifth storey's are of marble and sandstone. At the foot of the tower is the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the first mosque to be built in India. A 7 m-high iron pillar stands in the courtyard of the mosque. It is said that if you can encircle it with your hands while standing with your back to it, your wish will be fulfilled.
India Gate: At the center of New Delhi stands the 42 m high India Gate, an "Arc-de-Triomphe" like archway in the middle of a crossroad. Almost similar to its French counterpart, it commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during World War I. The memorial bears the names of more than 13,516 British and Indian soldiers killed in the Northwestern Frontier in the Afghan war of 1919.
Day 4 (Wednesday) to Day 6 (Friday) – Volunteering with Children in Delhi
You will be volunteering in Delhi for 3 days. Volunteers will be working in the Street Children or the Child Care Project in Delhi. Under this project, volunteers take informal education classes with the children, play games with them and introduce them to different new activities.
Volunteers work at the various contact points or shelter homes, being run by various organizations, which serve as daycare centers for these street children. They can assist in providing love, care, basic literacy, recreation and most importantly spend time with them and shower affection on them.
(Meals - BD)
Day 7 - Day Trip to Taj Mahal, Agra
When you're in India, how can you not visit Agra? Spend your weekend exploring the gorgeous city and soak in the old world vibes. Set out to visit the Taj Mahal - known as the monument of love, that was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife. After the visit to Taj Mahal, you can see how the marble inlay work is done and you can buy souveniers.Later in the evening return back to Delhi. Transfer to Agra and back will be either in the car or by train, depending on the circumstances as well as the number of travelers.
(Meals - BLD)
Day 8 - Free Day to Explore
It’s your free day to explore Delhi. You can plan something with your fellow mates and visit the markets of Janpath or Dilli Haat, or take a metro to Akshardham! Try out the local restaurants and binge on some delicious Indian cuisine.
(Meals - NA)
Day 9 to Day 13 (Monday - Friday) Continue Volunteering with Children
You'll head back to the project site and spend time with the little ones, helping them with their classes. You can also tell them stories, encourage them for extracurricular activities like music, art & crafts, etc. Teach them lessons about health & hygiene and play with them. Above all, shower them with the utmost love and care.
(Meals - BD)
Day 14 (Saturday) - Time to return!
Like all good things, your trip to India has also come to an end! You’ll have say ‘Good Bye’ to your fellow mates, wrap up and head back to the airport to catch your flight.
(Meals - B)
Project Requirement
Project Requirement
Volunteers must be 17 years or older at the time of joining the project. You need to have an open mind and a flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference. Participants must be fit and healthy at the time of joining the program. Participants should have no criminal convictions and should provide a clean criminal background check report. A parental consent form shall be required for Under 18 participants joining the program.
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Living
Living
Airport Transfer
Upon arrival at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, volunteers will be greeted by a member of the local coordinating team in Delhi. Scheduled pickup services are available between 8am and 8pm on the program start date. Participants who are already in the country or arriving early can also be picked up from a predetermined meeting point. If you arrive outside scheduled pickup hours, we can arrange for pickup at extra charges.
Accommodations
Participants in Delhi are provided accommodation at a conveniently located hostel in South Delhi. Located at just a five-minute walk from a Metro station in South Delhi, the hostel offers easy access to iconic landmarks like the Lotus Temple and Khan market.
The hostel has spacious dormitories and private rooms that are perfect for a cozy stay. Whether you're lounging in our cozy common area or enjoying a hearty meal at our in-house cafe, every aspect of your stay is designed for comfort and convenience. Additionally, the hostel has an open outdoor area, which is ideal for connecting with fellow travelers.
All rooms in the hostel are air conditioned. While bedding is provided, you should bring your own towels and toiletries.
Upgrades to private single or double rooms are available at extra charges.
Orientation
A comprehensive half-day orientation session will be conducted by our staff on the day following your arrival. The orientation covers essential topics such as culture, greetings, locations, transportation, and other details outlined in your trip itinerary.
Meals
Renowned worldwide for its diverse flavors, Indian cuisine takes center stage during your volunteering experience. Indian vegetarian meals will be provided at the hostel itself.
Free Time Activities
During their free time, volunteers are encouraged to explore local markets, heritage monuments and dine at different restaurants in Delhi to savor the rich variety of Indian cuisines. Delhi has a lot to offer and there are plenty of things to do and see in the bustling capital city.
Dates
Dates
November
17
December
01
15
January
05
19
February
02
16
March
02
16
April
06
20
May
04
18
June
01
15
29
July
06
13
20
August
03
17
September
07
21
October
05
19
November
02
16
December
07
21
Available
Filling Fast
Booked Out
Costs
Duration |
Program Fee
|
Choose your currency
|
---|---|---|
2 Weeks | $568 | |
Extra Week | $120 |
Please Note: An application fee of is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.
What are you Paying For?
- Comprehensive pre-departure guide
- Assistance from support staff and In-country program coordinator
- Airport pickup
- Program orientation
- Accommodation
- Volunteering Project placement in Delhi
- Meals as per itinerary
- City tour of Delhi
- Visit to world famous Taj Mahal in Agra
- Certificate of Participation(On Request)
What's NOT Included?
- International/Domestic Airfare
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance (available at nominal cost)
- Entry fees at monuments
- Local transportation to and from program location
- Departure transfer to airport (can be arranged at nominal cost)
- Vaccinations
- Any other personal expense
FAQ's
Application and Program Details
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How long will it take to process my application? Will my application be accepted ?
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Usually, it takes around 10-12 working days for the application to be processed and placement to be confirmed. After we review your CV and documents, your booking is confirmed and the booking confirmation is updated in your My Account and you can view the information in your account. The application acceptance depends on the availability of seats in the project as well as the eligibility criteria of the program (age, skills and experience etc.).
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When do I need to arrive in Delhi for my program? What will happen once I arrive in Delhi?
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All volunteers need to arrive in Delhi on the starting day of the program i.e Sunday. Participants are picked up from the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi by the local coordinator or representative and are transferred to the volunteer accommodation.Orientation would be conducted the next day where you will also be shown the area around the accommodations, the nearest ATM, market, and will be given safety guidelines as well as information about your project.
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Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the Delhi volunteer programs?
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Below are the necessary requirements to participate in the India volunteer projects:
Volunteers must be 17 years or older at the time of joining the project. Medical Program volunteers must be at least 18 at the time of joining.
16-year-old volunteers can participate in Childcare projects with a Letter of Consent from their parents.
Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment.
Participants must be in good health.
India is a country of different cultures and traditions, though it is modernized, the cultural sensitivities need to be kept in mind before volunteering in India. The volunteers should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference. -
For how many hours will I volunteer every day?
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Depending on the project, elected volunteers will work during the week from Monday- Friday. You will have the weekend off so you can travel on weekends. However, volunteers need to be flexible, open minded and understand that work requirements can change as well on certain occasions.
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Can I volunteer as part of a group?
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Yes, you are welcome to take part in any of the India Volunteer Programs as part of a group. We welcome families, friends, high school students, college/university and corporate groups to volunteer together in the Indian programs.
Volunteering Solutions India program has hosted large student groups as well as families coming to volunteer in the program. We have hosted groups from universities in UK, Europe, and USA as well as other countries, in Delhi. -
What if I do not speak the local language? Would that interfere with my volunteering experience?
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Do not worry, all the coordinators can speak and converse in English. Most of our participants are non-Hindi speakers and they’ve never had any problems while communicating. Like we say, love is expressed better through actions than the language.
To add to the project experience, you can also join the Language and Orientation Week in Delhi before beginning the program. It's an optional week, besides that we recommend participants to brush up their Hindi skills (learn basic terms and phrases, greetings) before traveling. -
When should I apply for the volunteer programs in Delhi?
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Delhi is one of the most popular volunteering destinations, and it is advised to apply for the projects once the volunteering/ traveling dates are decided as there are limited spots available. The application fee is valid for one full year and can be sent earlier than the desired year of volunteering for timely confirmation of the seat. As soon as you decide the travel dates, we suggest you to apply for the program and hold your spot. Every program has limited spots available.
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I haven’t traveled or volunteered abroad before. Can I still be a part of VolSol?
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Yes, most definitely you can as we believe every participant brings something new to the project. If you do not have previous experience, we offer you the opportunity to have a great start with us. We make international volunteering easy – not only are our Volunteer Abroad opportunities rooted in offering you extensive support, but they are also very affordable.
Flights and Visa
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What are the recommended airlines to fly to Delhi?
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The Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi is connected with all major airports across the globe and flights are easily available. Some of the major flight carriers operating direct flights to Delhi are:
British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Air India, Jet Airways, Etihad Airways, United Airlines, Swiss Air, KLM Dutch Airlines, Lufthansa, Austrian, Air France, Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways and Finn Air. -
Does Volunteering Solutions help with Visa?
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All enrolled participants are provided information about the appropriate Visa requirements for India in the pre-departure manual. You can also contact your pre-departure point of contact to know more about the Visa requirements.
Accommodation and Living
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Can I know more about accommodation and food arrangements?
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Volunteers are provided accommodation in a volunteer house or in a homestay (on request) accommodation managed by the local coordinating team. Two meals a day (Breakfast and Dinner) are provided to the volunteers from Monday - Saturday.
On Sunday, volunteers eat out and explore the different gastronomical delights that Delhi has to offer. Accommodation is shared amongst volunteers on the ‘same gender sharing’ basis rooms. Air conditioning facility is provided during the night in the volunteer home accommodations. Wifi internet is also available for volunteers’ convenience. Some volunteers are also provided accommodation in the project premises itself. For example - volunteers working in orphanage project can be provided accommodation in the project premises itself in a separate room that is allotted for volunteers. All meals will be provided to the volunteers in that case. -
Where can I change my money in Delhi? Are there ATMs in Delhi?
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On arrival at the IGI airport, you can change your foreign currency to Indian Rupees (INR) at the money exchange counters. India has a modern banking system and all the major credit and debit cards are accepted without any problems. ATMs are available in plenty and you will be shown the nearest ATM from the accommodation as well.
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Can vegetarians be accommodated?
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Yes, that is not a problem at all. In fact, volunteers are served vegetarian meals at the accommodations in India.
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Would I have free time during my program? Can I do sightseeing during my program?
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Volunteers work from Monday - Friday and have their weekends free for sightseeing. You can utilize this time to visit local markets of Old Delhi, Janpath or simply visit the Central Park (Garden) and Connaught Place. During the weekend, you have the option to take a short trip to Jaipur and Agra, and the Golden Triangle tour. Strategic placement of Delhi also allows you to take quick weekend trips to Palampur in Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh as well as Amritsar, Punjab. There is a lot to do and explore, and the local Delhi office team would happily assist you in making travel plans and arrangements for short trips.
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How do I get to the program location?
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Your project coordinator will take you to your project placement and introduce you to everyone after giving you a basic orientation about the program/city/culture etc.
You will be told about the directions to the project from your accommodation as well as the best and the most affordable mode of transport you can use. Volunteers use a variety of modes of transport to commute to different locations in Delhi. Major modes of transport are Delhi Metro and auto rickshaw (tuk-tuk?). -
Are there more expenses once I arrive in Delhi?
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Your program fee does not cover your personal expenses. You will need to provide for yourself your personal expenses, such as bottled water, local transport, telephone, shopping, sightseeing etc. However, you should carry around $50-60 per week for your basic personal expenses. This amount can vary and you would need a higher amount if you go on different weekend trips out of town.
Health and Safety
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How safe is India and Delhi in particular?
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India is a country of diverse cultures and practices. and Delhi being the capital city is home to varied ethnicities. Like in any new foreign country, participants are advised to follow the guidelines specified by the project coordinator to enjoy their Indian experience fully. The program coordinators are always ready to help and give helpful safety tips. During the first day of the orientation, you will be given safety guidelines and will be informed about the dos and dont's.
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Do I need to buy health insurance?
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Yes, for all participants, it is mandatory to have a valid travel medical insurance for their trip. Volunteers have the option to purchase Travel and Medical Insurance at a nominal extra cost from Volunteering Solutions. To provide the best option to our participants, we offer comprehensive insurance coverage in collaboration with a leading insurance provider.
If you already have a valid Travel and Medical insurance, you can email us a copy of the same. It is also advised to bring along the Insurance documents during your trip.
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What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?
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All participants are recommended to consult their physician or travel doctor before traveling to India. To view the general list of vaccinations recommended for your travel to India, click">https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/india">click here.
Connect with Past Volunteers
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How can I connect with past Volunteering Solutions Delhi alumni as well as other former and current volunteers?
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We encourage volunteers to get in touch with former Volunteering Solutions participants and also other program participants joining our projects. You are recommended to join the Volunteering">https://www.facebook.com/VolunteeringSolutions/">Volunteering Solutions Facebook Page or Facebook">https://www.facebook.com/groups/VolunteeringSolutions/">Facebook Group to communicate with other participants.
Volunteers can also view the volunteer testimonials of Delhi program participants byhttps://www.volunteeringsolutions.com/meet-a-volunteer"> clicking here.