Traveling and volunteering in India will take you into the heart of an incredibly diverse country. GoEco’s programs help to address educational gaps and health issues arising from the widespread poverty in India. Whether volunteering in community development, medical aid, or teaching, volunteers can contribute directly to meaningful projects that have measurable effects.
In a nutshell:
- Sustainable volunteer programs with measurable effects
- Ethical values ensure the wellbeing of all program participants
- Excellent volunteer reviews and award-winning programs
- Comfortable volunteer accommodation, most meals, airport transfers, and 24/7 support are all included in the program fees.
- Get to know India in a safe and supportive environment
India is the second most populated country on the planet, and the seventh largest. Volunteering in India guarantees a unique and culturally rich experience. India’s landscapes range from majestic Himalayan peaks in the north to the warm waters of the Indian Ocean in the south. Bordered by Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Bangladesh, India sits at the heart of the Asian continent.
Why volunteer in India? With a complex history and a cultural depth reaching back millennia, India has long been a magnet for travelers and volunteers alike. There are many options for community-based volunteering projects in India, which is a great way to learn more about daily life and make a genuine difference. Marvel at Delhi’s Red Fort complex or stare in awe at Agra’s Taj Mahal. Witness spiritual worshippers bathing in the Ganges in Varanasi or immerse yourself in yoga practices in one of Rishikesh’s ashrams. Perhaps try your hand at cooking some of the local delicacies, complete with a dizzying array of spices, before relaxing on one of Goa’s stunning beaches.
Locations: Between the Himalayas, the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal, and the Arabian Sea, you’re spoilt for choice for choosing a place to volunteer. With a population of nearly 1.4 billion people, India has over 50 cities with a population of over one million people. Each city showcases the exuberant life India is famous for, but a few stand out as exceptional destinations. Delhi – The massive, sprawling city of Delhi is home to over 20 million people – a little less than the population of Australia. In this vast tangle of noise, color, and riotous smells, you’ll find both centuries-old markets and towering modern buildings. GoEco’s volunteer programs in Delhi focus on projects working with street children and in medicine. Udaipur – The fairy-tale palaces and narrow streets of Udaipur make this city seem like something out of a novel. Set on the edge of Lake Pichola, there is an air of romance for the city. You’ll enjoy the simultaneous bustle and tranquility of this city. GoEco has a community aid project in Udaipur, which is an excellent way of getting to know the magnificent region of Rajasthan. Goa – This state is famous for its glorious golden beaches. The string of shimmering sand borders the Arabian Sea and invites a warm hippie vibe popular with international travelers. GoEco offers volunteers the chance to teach and assist in other community development projects working with people in Goa. Palumpur – Nestled in the Himalayan foothills, surrounded by tea plantations and waterfalls, Palumpur is the garden town of North India.
Volunteer programs in India: Volunteer projects are an opportunity to contribute to some of India’s most impoverished communities. Even though India has taken essential and effective steps in combating poverty over the past few decades, it remains an issue across the country. Approximately a quarter of the population continues to live below the poverty line. It is no surprise that a large portion of volunteer work in India is geared towards providing aid and essential services to India’s poor. The most popular areas for volunteer projects are healthcare, education, community development and child care. Teaching English is an excellent example of how volunteers can bring their valuable skills to local communities. By leading English lessons, volunteers can help people build confidence in themselves and develop a sense of security. Most times, better English language skills mean increased employability and job opportunities. Healthcare internships are popular choices for medical students looking to gain international experience. Working in local hospitals, you’ll learn from local medical staff as you carry out practical tasks in departments such as physiology, critical care, and orthopedics. GoEco’s medical internships are a great opportunity to learn about different diseases and treatment methods, while seeing how a hospital with limited resources operates. Around 400,000 children live on the streets of India. Family violence or poor home living situations mean young children can end up fending for themselves. This often means working to make enough money for food. Volunteers can help street children in shelters or homes around New Delhi by implementing educational games and activities and creating a nurturing environment. India will surprise, challenge, and reward you. Working in poor communities is a powerful opportunity to learn about yourself and India. Traveling and volunteering in India is a genuine opportunity to make a difference. Browse our volunteer programs or contact us for more information today.
