General Info
Becoming an iSPiiCE volunteer in India gives you the opportunity to help children, women and entire communities, facilitating their education and development needs.
Join our volunteer abroad programs in India and you can help make a genuine difference through your volunteer work as an educationalist, care giver, social worker or health care worker.
India is an excellent choice for volunteer work abroad. A nation of rich culture and complex traditions and so much to discover, a calendar bursting with brightly coloured festivals and not to mention its many spectacular archaeological and structural feats.
Very few countries in the world can boast such a well preserved, ancient and diverse culture and a volunteer placement with iSPiiCE enables you to immerse in the people, smells, sights and tastes of this incredible country, all while carrying out life changing work, where the rewards are great and benefits strongly felt by both sides.
The activities done by volunteers in our programs primarily relate to education, social work, care and empowerment, carried out in various partner institutions identified as appropriate for iSPiiCE intervention. We constantly seek expansion of our programs by developing new initiatives and volunteer activities which meet the needs of the local population. While the requirements of each community group differ, there are some common volunteer activities that we offer in the areas of education, childcare, women's empowerment and health care.
iSPiiCE are always ready to utilize volunteers' different skills and talents. If you have expertise in a particular area (eg. drama, sports, arts or a specialised medical field) we endeavor to incorporate this into your program. This shall be discussed upon booking.
Education Volunteer
Education volunteers in India play an important role in raising awareness about the need for regular schooling and offer much needed support to local teachers. iSPiiCE work in partnership with local primary and secondary schools and education volunteers can work alongside local teachers or deliver their own lessons.
The most commonly requested subject of teaching is English and we encourage volunteers to create their own lesson plans, with teaching materials available for this purpose. Volunteers may also bring their own teaching materials such as reading and picture books and teaching flash cards.
For volunteers teaching English, it is not necessary to have past experience and in-depth knowledge of grammar and vocabulary. The fact that the children have the chance working with fluent English speakers is invaluable on its own. For those volunteers with a professional interest in teaching, this is a fantastic opportunity to broaden your skills in a new and very different environment. Working with the children daily you will bring about a sense of professionalism and dedication and this is extremely valuable for children’s confidence and also for your own learning of the local culture.
Women's Empowerment
With the introduction of the National Policy for the Empowerment of Women in 2001 the Indian Government has said ‘Our vision in the new century of a nation where women are equal partners with men’ but in reality Indian women struggle to gain empowerment through society.
Education is the most influential tool to raise the status of women and at iSPiiCE we run a variety of educational and confidence building activities to benefit women and adolescent girls in the local community.
English teaching and computer classes impart much needed skills to the ladies, increase their self worth and offer a platform for social interaction, ultimately increasing their social status and employ-ability prospects. One good technique for building rapport and empowering the local women is to ask them to teach you basic Hindi at the same time as you are teaching them. You’ll come back with fond memories of an unforgettable experience of volunteering in India.
Childcare Volunteer
iSPiiCE offer support to the ICDS (Integrated Child Development Service) scheme, an initiative addressing both early childhood development, health and malnutrition in India.
The services provided by the scheme are made available through local child care centres (anganwari) and they offer nutritional food and health education to mother and child, as well as non formal preschool education. Although these centres do provide a valuable service in the community they suffer from a lack of funding and poor management affecting their ability to meet specified objectives, especially in the area of preschool education.
This is where iSPiiCE childcare volunteer assistance can make such a difference and along with local staff you will be responsible for providing a safe, hygienic environment for the children to play and learn. Play games and develop arts activities designed to enhance their motor skills and encourage creativity, also you will introduce the children to their ABC’s and nursery rhymes creating a colourful and enjoyable learning environment.
Extra-curricular activities
Whatever extra-curricular activity you may do with the kids, such as playing games, story telling, singing or giving knowledge about your own culture, it involves talking in English and provides practice for the students. Most of the children are at a very basic level and require to learn more about things in their daily life, like body parts, names of birds and animals, opposites etc. and some conversation used in their daily life.
Community Visit
We recommend that all iSPiiCE volunteers participate in a visit to the local community, to gain an insight into how the local families live and to give feedback to the families of the children being taught. This is an invaluable experience for all iSPiiCE volunteers and enhances the relationship between the communities and the volunteers. Through your positive contribution intercultural understanding and tolerance develops.
Community Involvements
Volunteer life involves daily exposure to Indian Cultural rules, customs and traditions. In order to gain the support and trust of the local people, volunteers will do well to make every possible effort to understand and abide by local sensitivities. Indian hospitality is legendary, and the fact you are coming to offer assistance only improves your chances of being welcomed warmly. At the same time, iSPiiCE volunteers that fail to follow the appropriate codes of conduct risk giving unintended offense that undermines their own good standing.
Volunteer Trips Included
iSPiiCE Volunteer Programs give you the chance to combine your volunteering activities with travel in India. We offer excursions to world famous sites, including a Himalayan trek, the Taj Mahal, Agra and a trip to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, all of which are included in the program fee.
* Volunteer programs of 2 and 3 weeks include two excursions only, a Himalayan trek and trip to the Taj Mahal.
Himalayan Trek
The Himalayan mountain trek starts from McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala. It's a 9km trek of spectacular scenery and tea-houses along the way. The sumit at 2,800 metres offers fantastic views of the snow peaks and the dramatic landscapes below. The Himalayan excursion Includes one night tenting or guest house accommodation and an English speaking professional trekking guide. The following day includes some free time in McLeod Ganj or Bhagsu Nag.
During other free time transport may be arranged to allow iSPiiCE volunteers to explore the local area including important cultural sights such as the Dalai Lama Temple or Kangra fort.
Golden Temple - Amritsar
Amritsar in the State of Punjab is home to the amazing Golden Temple, and the India/ Pakistan border ceremony.
Punjab borders Himachal Pradesh and is renowned for its Holy City of Amritsar. Situated within the heart of Amritsar is the Golden Temple, the most important site for followers of the Sikh Religion. The serene waters surrounding the temple, known as 'The Pool of Nectar', gave Amritsar its name (Amrit-sarovar). The Golden Temple is a breathtaking sight and a must for any itinerary.
In the early evening the Wagha border crossing close to Amritsar is the venue for the guard ceremony of the Indian and Pakistan Army and crowds gather here to witness its theatrics. iSPiiCE Amritsar excursion includes a visit to the Golden Temple, the Wagha Border Ceremony, one nights accommodation and all transfers.
The Taj Mahal - Agra
iSPiiCE arrange an escorted tour of Agra to include transfer, overnight accommodation and a visit to the world famous mausoleum - the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal, which is known worldwide as a symbol of love, is situated on the bank of river Jamuna and was built by the Mugal emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaj. It is a truly awe inspiring sight and an architectural beauty that is beyond adequate description; not to be missed by anyone making a trip to India.
Once you finished marveling over this spectacular structure you have some free time in Agra. You will be taken to Delhi for your return flight home or continuation of your travels in India.
Program Cost
iSPiiCE Volunteer Programs make every effort to keep costs low and at the same time offer you professional and comprehensive services for your volunteer abroad experience. A market place comparison of our prices and services offered will surprise.
Cost (USD) 2 Weeks $490
3 Weeks $640
4 Weeks $790
5 Weeks $940
6 Weeks $1090
7 Weeks $1240
8 Weeks $1390
What's Included?
"We endeavor to take the 'worry' out of your volunteer placement by including all of the main arrangements within the cost of the Program Fee."
Your Indian volunteering program includes:
Meet & Greet at New Delhi Airport, transfer to, and one night stay at the Hotel in Delhi.
Two iSPiiCE Pre Departure Information Kits. (Practical Preparations and Indian Culture).
Three Weekend Excursions
Himalaya trek and McLeod Ganj visit including one night's camping and transfers.
Visit to Taj Mahal - (regarded as one of the eight wonders of the world) transfers and one night stay.
Visit to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, one night stay and transfers.
*Volunteer programs of 2 and 3 weeks include only two excursions; Himalayan trekking and Taj Mahal.
All transportation
Volunteer work with community in rural areas.
All meals at Base Camp (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
All accommodation for the duration of your placement.
Basic teaching materials and use of Computer/Internet.
All material required for various activities during your volunteer work like color, pens, books, paper and toys (you may also wish to bring some resources with you).
Basic sporting equipment for volunteer activities and use in the camp.
Cultural activities to include Indian cooking and decorative Henna painting.
Hotel accommodation in Delhi on the final Saturday night if required.
Delhi airport drop at the end of your project.
Certificate of service and reference on request.
Other facilities provided for your comfort and recreation include:
Video and books library; Board Games.
Amenities such as DVD player and television.
Information and assistance for independent excursions during the weekends.
What's not included?
Airfare, insurance and Indian visa.
Personal expenses such as mineral water and snack foods.
Dining outside of base camp and restaurant dining while on weekend excursions.
Requirements:
There are no specific educational requirements for our programs (except those in health care) and anyone with a heart to help is welcome! Proficiency in English is required and volunteers should be patient, committed and willing to learn.
Programs require people who are outgoing and friendly with a good sense of fun and who will be able to fully immerse themselves into daily life in the various work areas and the community. It is important that you are committed and able to work off your own initiative when required. An enthusiastic and positive attitude is a must
