1. How do I apply?

After finalizing your period, duration and location of work, you can start the application procedure by filling the online application form. The receipt of your application will be followed by our confirmation and further instructions. If you have any queries you can write to us at info@volunteeringinindia.org.

2. What kind of volunteer work is available?

Broadly speaking, we offer volunteer work opportunities in child care, teaching English, caring for orphans, environment awareness, first Aid and health care, community development, women empowerment and street children education program. Each of these offers specific job roles, though a few requirements are common. It is important for you to appreciate that besides doing the job allotted, we also aim at evolving and initiating new activities in the interest of the local population.

For more information on particular volunteer activities, go to Volunteer India Program Link.

3. What is the duration of the volunteer program?

The volunteer work has to be done for a minimum of 2 weeks to as many weeks/months desirable to the volunteer as per his/her convenience. Each volunteer is expected to join the course either on 1st or 15th of the respective month. In case someone is unable to do so, he/she can join the course as per their convenience subject to confirmation.

4. What do I do in free time?

India has a lot to offer. Depending upon your taste and preferences, you may choose sight-seeing or you can also interact with the local people and observe their culture, traditions, and lifestyles more closely.

5. What do I need to qualify for a volunteer program?

Volunteer work calls for enthusiasm, passion, commitment and a sense of responsibility towards your work. Though there is no earmarked educational qualification or skill needed to qualify for the program yet we expect the volunteer to be physically, mentally and morally stable. Also a strong CV reflecting upon your previous experiences helps us to decide which program you are best suitable for.

6. I can not speak English? Can I become a volunteer?

Yes but a minimum understanding of English language for easy communication with the staff and team mates is expected.  However the interaction with the target group i.e. the local population will be in Hindi or their regional dialect. Thus Volunteers would be given prior training in the local language, culture, lifestyle to bridge the communication gap and ensure free flow of ideas between the volunteers and the local folk lore.

7. Where do I obtain my Visa for my trip? 

For working as a volunteer in India you need to obtain a Tourist visa from your country by applying to the Indian Consulate/High commission. Follow the links for Indian Visa services from your respective home country:

8. What type of food will I get during my volunteer program placement?

The volunteers would be offered rice, chapattis and two or three vegetarian dishes as the typical evening dinner. Volunteers will observe a self-service mode allowing for individual choice in the dinner. The volunteers will be allowed to guide the cook to prepare food according to their taste, though the food won’t be chilly and spicy. For those who like spicy food, additional chilies would be provided. Hot drinks such as tea/coffee shall be made available throughout the day.

The volunteers would be at freedom to take the meals of their own choice at the local restaurants at their own expenses.

9. Do I need travel insurance?

You may choose one because travel insurance is not included in the volunteer package due to differences in individual preferences. The volunteer who chooses a travel insurance to cover his/her trip should submit the necessary details to Volunteer India at least 10 days prior to departure.

10.  Do I need to carry for my personal expenses or ATM’s are available?

The volunteers will need cash for incurring expenses other than accommodation, food and general transfers. Cyber café use, telephone use, day-to-day expenditure on snacks is unavoidable. ATMs are also available in Delhi, Jaipur, Sikar and most other towns. Further money related queries can be discussed on booking.

11. Can I use my mobile in India?

We would recommend you to purchase a local Indian SIM card which is the most cost effective way of using mobile phone to dial home from India. The SIM can be purchased by submitting a passport size photo and copies of your passport and Indian Visa.
Otherwise, we suggest you to make prior arrangements with your mobile phone service provider to ensure that you have the best plan to make international phone calls.

12. Which items should I bring along with me for my trip?

Light: 
Due to unreliable power arrangements, volunteers are suggested to carry a Battery powered hand torch.

Electricity:
Universal adaptor for charging your digital camera batteries, I Pod, Mobile sets.
Electricity current is 220 volts, 50 Hz. Round two and three pin plugs are used.

Clothes:  
Knee length/long skirts, long sleeved tops, light trousers   
Three quarter length trousers, short sleeved shirts and vest tops.
Warm pyjamas (as nights can be quite cold.)
Personal towel;
Sleeping bag during winter (Sept. to Feb.).
Warm, long sleeved layers for the evenings to avoid cold and mosquitoes.
A rain coat and mosquito net which are essential during Monsoon season (July to  Sept).
For the feet: hardwearing flip-flops, runners.

Toiletries:      
Un-perfumed deodorant/soap;
Large towel and face cloth;
Shampoo;
Antibacterial gel for hand hygiene;
Antiseptic cream;
Anti-histamine tablets ( to prevent and treat allergies);
Antiemetic (effective against nausea and vomiting);
Malaria tablets;
First Aid Kit.

Creature Comforts:
Tea bags;
Biscuits/chocolate;
Pasta;
Books;
Hindi phrase book;
Small lock;
Video/Digital Camera; 
Toilet Roll;
School craft materials;
Toys for small kids;
Any thing else you can’t live without!

13. What is included in the program?

 We are committed to extending 24*7 assistance to you. Besides that the tour includes:

• Half-day orientation and additional Hindi-language training for those volunteering for the period of more than 2 weeks.
• Provision of meals as per the project and accommodation arrangements at Jaipur and project site.
• Transportation costs between project sites and sightseeing at Jaipur.
• Provision of special assistance on the project site from English speaking guide.
• Material required for volunteer work and project including stationery and sports equipments.
• Local sightseeing where valid.

14. What is not included in the program?

Visa Charges have to be incurred by the volunteer. The maximum number of renewals are three @ US$30 per month.

• Flights to & from India;
• Bus/Train/domestic flight fare from Delhi/Mumbai to Jaipur;
• Passport and Visa Fees;
• Emails and telephonic calls;
• Travel/Personal insurance cover;
• All items of a personal nature such as laundry charges, mineral water, gifts, fruits, cloths and entry fees to the museums;
• Expenses on still/video photography at museums, travel insurance, police check and corresponding airport departure taxes;
  
• A weekly budget of up to US $ 50 to support your general expenditure.
  Village life in India is relatively low-cost and expenses don’t exceed US $ 50 per week.

15. Do I need any vaccinations before I leave for my trip?

We suggest you to consult a travel doctor from your home country regarding the vaccinations and immunizations needed. We have also put down a list of most commonly needed immunizations:

• Hepatitis A and B;
• Typhoid;
• Malaria;
• Rabies;
• Yellow fever;
• Tetanus and diphtheria;
• Japanese B encephalitis;

For more details, please see Medical Instructionshttp://.www.mdtravelhealth.com/destinations/asia/india.html#11

16. What are the living arrangements at the time of volunteering?

• Before placement period- All the volunteers will be accommodated in the guest house at Jaipur.
• After Placement period- While doing the volunteer program volunteers will be staying with host families/ guest rooms/ dormitories in the same location or the work place depending upon the availability.
  

Accommodation and meals expenses at placement site are covered by the program fees.

17. When and how do I pay the application fee/program charges?

The application fees US$ 200 has to be made online at the time of booking seat and we expect the program charges at least 45 days before your date of joining.

18. How many volunteers are there on site at the same place?

The numbers of volunteers may vary from 10 to 30 and along with several other people in the village/town.

19. How long does it take to process my application?

Under normal circumstances the application process takes no longer than 3 weeks. In case the interested participants want to speed up their application they are requested to contact the Volunteer India Office.

20. What documents do I need to submit with application?

Usually, the only documentation required is the complete application form which can be found online at www.volunteeringinindia.org. It can be submitted either by post or fax.

21. What are the daily schedules of the projects?

Most projects are from Monday to Friday for 4-6 hours a day, though they vary for each project. Most volunteers have the weekends off to relax and explore Incredible India by sight-seeing.

22. When should I apply for the volunteer program/internship in India?

Due to increasing popularity of volunteer work, participants are requested to apply at least 2-3 months in advance. In case the volunteers want to speed up their application in less than 3 months time period they can contact the main office.

23. Which airport should I book my flight?

India has more than 20 international Airports. However we recommend our volunteers to opt for Indira GandhiInternationalAirport (IGIA,) New Delhi.

24. Will someone pick me from the Delhi/Jaipur airport?

No such arrangements will be made for the volunteers. Volunteers will have to report at the prescribed destination from the Delhi/Jaipur airport.

25. Who will drop me off at the airport?

Volunteer India not offer airport drop service. You will need to arrange taxi or bus ride to the IGI airport after your project is finished. This is an easy process and project coordinator will be more than happy to assist you with this.

In absence of any airport drop service provided by Volunteer India, the volunteers will have to arrange a taxi or bus ride to the airport after completion of the project. It is a very simple task and the volunteers can seek any advice or help from their project coordinators.

26. If I want to arrive earlier than when the program begins, where do I stay and who will  organize the accommodations?

The volunteers are free to arrive early, up to a week before their project but they, themselves will be responsible for all their arrangements including accommodation and food. Volunteer India will not be liable for volunteer’s accommodations prior to the project.

27. What are the bathroom facilities?

Bathroom facilities will vary with the accommodation. Most of the bathrooms will have a shower with cold water facility and western style toilets. During the volunteer work the volunteers will be placed with educated, well reputed, English-speaking families who have had experience with international students. In some cases, volunteers stay at guest house of host organization which guarantees decent bathroom facility.

28. What are the local cuisines? Who manages food?

Volunteer India manages food and accommodation during placement in collaboration with host families/organizations. Famous world wide, each family of Indian cuisine is characterized by a wide assortment of mouth watering dishes and cooking techniques. There are fairly good chances that you have tasted Indian food in your home country, but what India exports is just a part of its culinary diversity.

Indian food has a well deserved reputation for being hot, chilly and spicy, to the extent that you can even find sweet cornflakes with a spicy edge and Indian candies with a piece of chili inside! To enjoy the local food, start slowly. Don’t try everything at once. After a few days, you will get used to spicy food. If you prefer non-spicy food, simply say so lest the red and green chilies bring tears to your eyes!

29. Is the food safe if I buy it from street vendor?

No! While in India, you must be particular about your health and safety. It is hard to resist the mouth-watering street food offered by vendors but we would suggest you to abstain from eating street food as poor food cooking, preparation and storage as well as improper cleaning and disinfecting of cooking supplies are very common among street vendors in India. Food safety problems can range from chemicals and contaminants, to bacteria as well as some other diseases.

30. Is the running tap water safe for drink?

Indian tap water is not safe to drink. We recommend that you purchase bottled water for your consumption, but make sure that the cap’s seal is not broken!

No! The tap water in India is not safe for consumption. We recommend the volunteers to purchase boiled water and also ensure that the bottle-cap’s seal is not broken.

31. How safe is India?

Please be careful with beggars, thieves and crowd in India.
As a rule India is quite safe for foreigners. However, check with your embassy and ask for local advice before heading to Kashmir or northeast India (Assam, Nagaland, Tripura and Manipur), as these areas have long-running disturbances. Also take extra caution when traveling at night in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttaranchal and isolated and remote districts of large cities.

Unfortunately theft is quite common in places visited by tourists. Most likely a thief will pick your pocket or snatch your bag or belongings. So be careful!

Westerners, particularly women, attract the attention of beggars, frauds and touts. The best response is to look unconcerned and ignore the behavior. The more attention you pay to a beggar or a tout—positive or negative—the longer they will follow you hoping for something in cash or kind. As always, patience is required. Wear local clothes to decrease the amount of attention you receive.

• Do not show off your wallet or valuable goods in public.
• Keep enough money for your immediate needs in your pocket and hide the rest.
• Keep the rest of money and your valuables in a safety deposit box at your hotel instead of leaving them in your room.
• Remove any jewelry / accessories that may draw a thief’s attention before you go out.
• Never wear a bag or purse on your street-side shoulder in order to avoid becoming a target of the “snatch-and-run”.
• Never carry your passport/visa, credit cards, traveler’s schedules or other travel documents in your shoulder bag.
• Make sure that you are aware of the values of different local banknotes to avoid being deceived.
• Be particularly careful about your possessions in crowded areas such as local festivals, markets, tourist sites, railways, in trains and buses.
• Inform your coordinator about your whereabouts on your free days during your tour.
• Respect the customs of the local ethnic groups.
• Do not quarrel with anyone during your trip.
• Any disputes should be reported to your local guides for resolution.
• Avoid traveling in any areas or sites that are closed to foreigners.
• Do not voice publicly any opinions contrary to India’s laws and code of ethics and morals.

32. How safe it is to travel alone?

We strongly suggest volunteers not to travel alone. Please travel with other volunteers or friends. In case of doubts, feel free take the help of our coordinator.  The volunteers should be aware of the following issues:

• India is a conservative country and some western habits are perceived as disgraceful for women in Indian society.

• Outside large cities; it is unusual for people of the opposite sex to touch each other in public. Even couples (married or otherwise) refrain from public displays of affection. Therefore, it is advised that you do not shake hands with a person of the opposite sex unless the other person extends his/her hand first. Almost all the people (even if they don’t know English) understand a ‘Hi’ or a ‘Hello’. The greeting among Hindus is to bring your palms together in front of your chest, or simply saying ‘Namaste’ or ‘Namaskar’. Both forms are equally polite and correct the latter being a little formal.

• Except in major cities, women do not smoke. Women who smoke/drink are associated with loose character by country’s growing middle class.

• People are fully clothed even at the beach. So find out the appropriate attire for the beach you are visiting.(In some rare places like Goa, where the visitors to beach are predominantly foreigners, it is permissible to wear bikinis on the beach but it is offensive to go about dressed in western swim wear away from the beach).

• In local trains, there are usually seats reserved for women and labeled as such on their front. This reserved seat is usually towards the end of the train.

• In most buses (private or public) a few seats at the front of the bus are reserved for women. Though usually these seats will be occupied by men, they vacate the place when a female stands near gesturing her intention to sit there. In many parts of the country, (except cities) women do not prefer sharing a seat with a man other than her spouse. If you by mistake sit near a man, he may stand up from the seat and give the place to you as a matter of respect, which is usually mistaken by many foreigners for a rude gesture.

• Street parties are usually devoid of women but filled with crowds of drunk-men partying. During festivals such as Holi, New Year Eve, and even Christmas Eve, women can be subject to sexually aggressive behavior from these crowds making unsafe for women to attend these festivities alone.

• Friendly conversation with men you meet on trains, etc. is often confused with flirtation/availability. In certain situations, this can lead to unexpected sexual advances (this happens to Indian women as well, not just Westerners). Befriending Indian women, however, can be a wonderful experience for female travelers, though you might have to initiate conversation.

• Dressing in traditional Indian cloths, such as Salwaar-Kameez or Sari (more formal and difficult to wear) will generally garner western women more respect in the eyes of locals. Show some enthusiasm for the traditional Indian way of life and you may find that men will treat you more like a ‘lady’ than an object.
  
  Source: www.wikitravel.org

33. What health precautions should I be aware of and tend to?

Volunteers may experience illness like upset stomach, which may be caused by a parasite. In this case, you should go to a private hospital for treatment, since government hospitals don’t provide very good service. To avoid these kinds of health problems, make sure to wash your hands before and after you eat, avoid tap water, and hydrate yourself thoroughly. Malaria is very common, and you should carry anti-malaria medication. Also the volunteers are advised to carry a first aid kit and contact list with them.

34. What are the sanitary conditions in India?

Don’t assume you will always have access to a western style toilet and don’t expect a clean toilet all the time. Carry some tissue in case you need to use the public toilet. Indian toilets generally do not do well when flushing large amounts of items or feminine hygiene products so do not flush them and throw them away in the trash.

1. In some areas/restaurants, toilet systems have very narrow plumbing and get blocked easily. In such a situation, a small basket is usually placed beside the toilet (for your used toilet paper).
2. Use hotel lobby toilets. These are everywhere and are always clean. But whether or not they have toilet paper depends upon the class of hotel.

35. What is the local currency and how do I know the exchange rate?

The official currency of India is Rupee. The exchange rate is generally about 45 rupees to one US dollar. You can find out the exchange rate at websites like www.xe.com or in the Wall Street Journal.

36. Where do I exchange my money and how much?

You may exchange money at the airport or at a bank. Visa is the most widely accepted credit card, but all major international credit cards/debit cards, including Diners Club and Master Card are accepted in the main establishments, although outside major cities, facilities may be limited. Traveler’s cheques may also be difficult to exchange in small towns and villages, and so the volunteers are advised to have cash in hand.

37. How much money should I bring with me?

Volunteer India will manage your food and accommodations during placement. However, you may need some extra money if you plan to participate in activities outside of the organization, or if you want to buy some souvenir/memento or purchase gifts. Carrying extra money depends on your personal preferences. Indian visa fee depends in the type of visa applied for and duration of visa. Airport departure tax applies at different levels for neighboring countries and these may or may not be included in the cost of your air ticket. This can be rechecked before departure from your ticketing/travel agent. However, currently for neighboring countries it is Rs.150 and for international departures it is Rs.500. For domestic flights, there are only check-in and security formalities. At certain points, you may be asked to personally identify your baggage before boarding the aircraft. Please be advised that airport departure taxes are subject to change without notice.

38. Is it safe to carry cash with me?

Carrying cash is not safe; therefore, don’t carry too much cash with you.

Important Reminder: Retain your receipts whenever you exchange any currency or traveler’s cheques to Rupees. You may be asked to show proof of the exchange. Without receipts, you will not be able to exchange Indian currency back to any other currency on your departure.

39. How do I contact my family once I arrive in India?

International Direct Dialing facility is available in cities. Phone cards are widely available and calls can be made from post offices, hotels and phone booths on the streets. In hotels, local calls are normally charged at a nominal fee. Internet cafes are available in most of the towns, though they can sometimes be noisy as they are a popular spot for the youth. You can use any type of communication to call back home. You can also purchase local SIM to stay in touch with your family.

40. Are internet services easily available?

Yes! Internet cafes are available in all cities in India.

41. How can my family members contact me?

You can make the call from the airport to inform your family about your safe arrival. You can use your local SIM or calling card to stay in touch with your family members once you settle down at the host family/organization.

42. Is there a special dress code that I should follow while staying in India?

Volunteers should dress conservatively when at work. Jeans and t-shirts are all right. No high shorts and tank tops please! India is a traditional country and women should remain covered. Shorts and skirts must be at least knee length and no one should show their shoulders.

43. How do I respect the Indian people?

Be more inclusive and show respect to other cultures. Indian culture is rich in customs and traditions and people in India like to share their customs and traditions with foreigners. You can go out with your host family if they invite you along with them. Simply helping your family do household chores can be another bonding experience.

Here are some tips to prepare you to follow Indian customs:

• Whereas Indian men can be really keen to talk to travelers, women in India avoid contact with men. It is an unfortunate fact that if you are a man and you approach a woman in India for even a harmless purpose like asking for directions, you are making her suspicious. It is better to ask a man if available, or be extra respectful if you are asking a woman.
• It’s not disrespectful and rude for a woman to tell a man eager to talk to her that she doesn’t want to talk. So if a man’s behavior makes you uncomfortable, say so firmly.
• Avoid winking, whistling, pointing or beckoning with your fingers, and touching someone’s ears. All of these are considered rude and bad-mannered.
• Give or take of anything important should be done with the right hand only, or with the right hand supported with the left. This includes giving and taking of presents, and any transfer of a large amount of money.
• Volunteers should be aware of the fact that Indians generally dress conventionally and should do the same. Shorts, short skirts (knee length and above) and sleeveless shirts are not appropriate except on the beach. Both men and women should keep their shoulders covered. Women should wear loose clothes that do not highlight their contours.
• Keep in mind that Indians will consider themselves grateful to go out of the way to fulfill a guest’s request and will insist very strongly that it is no inconvenience to do so, even if it is not true. This of course means that there is a reciprocal obligation on you as a guest to take extra care not to be a burden.
• It is customary to offer for making bill payments at restaurant or while making purchases. The etiquette for this is somewhat complicated.

44. What is weather like in India?

India is the most pleasant between the months of October and March, when much of the country enjoys pleasant, blue skies as well as fresh, clean air. In the northern part of India, from December to late February, the nights turn chilly, and a sweater or jacket is required. By mid-March, the days start getting warmer, and from late April, the temperature in central India becomes too hot for comfortable travel. In May, the dust and thunderstorms precede the monsoon season, which continues from June to August. We advise female volunteers not to wear short skirts in villages. Indian people dress modestly, and girls cover most of their bodies as per Indian tradition.

45. What about tipping in India?

Tipping is not obligatory, but it is expected with most restaurant and taxi services. 10 to 15 percent tip is OK.