Volunteer Teaching English in India

Volunteer Teaching English in India

Sadly, nearly 300 million people in India are impoverished, and these poor families can’t afford private English instruction. Therefore, public schools welcome native English speakers to teach valuable skills that will help students of poor families to grow up and get well-paying jobs, breaking the cycle of poverty.

By volunteering as an English teacher in India, you will provide hope for a better future for children who otherwise would not expect much out of life. The skills you impart as well as the love and care you provide, will greatly inspire the children and motivate them to reach their full potential, and enrich your life as well.

Are you interested in making a huge impact on the lives of impoverished children while experiencing a deep and exciting country? Then contact IFRE today to share your passion for English with the children of India!

Volunteer Teaching English in India: At a Glance

Skills and Qualifications

We are seeking volunteers to teach English in India who are fluent in the language and passionate about working with kids. You need to be a loving, patient, and flexible person with a deep love and passion for helping those in need. Although it’s not required, a teaching certification or a degree in education, science, math, etc., is a huge advantage. The maximum volunteer age is 65 years.

Volunteer Responsibilities and Impact

When you join this volunteer English teaching program in India, you will be teaching English to disadvantaged Indian kids in local government schools. You will work under the direction of the head teacher to teach English, as well as organize fun extracurricular activities. You may help the students with homework or aid in the school’s administrative duties.

Your time volunteering will have a huge impact on these children’s lives and open up a whole new world to them. Inspire your students to make bright futures for themselves. Help give back while gaining professional teaching experience!

Volunteer Schedule

Working as an English teacher in India is a fun and exciting time abroad. You will get to enjoy daily interactions with amazing kids and local staff and form lifelong relationships.

Each school operates a little differently, so you will receive more information on your schedule once we have selected your final placement. You can expect to volunteer for an average of 4-5 hours per day. Here’s a sample schedule to give you a rough idea of what to expect.

7.00 am – Begin your day with breakfast, shared with your welcoming Indian host family.

9.30 am – Prepare for the school day and gather together any lessons or materials you will need to engage the kids in their studies.

10.00 am – 4:00 pm – Get ready for an exciting day volunteering to teach English to students in India.

4.00 pm – Return to your host home for a light snack and a nap, or use this time to explore your surroundings. This is also a great time to utilize phone and internet services and chat with your friends and family back home about all your exciting adventures in India!

7.00 pm – Have a true cultural experience by sharing a nightly meal with your Indian host family. Eat traditional foods and practice a new language! After the meal, you can spend more time with the family or opt for some personal time.

Dates and Fees

Our Fees

IFRE is the most trusted and respected volunteer abroad organization in the world, and also the most affordable. We’re dedicated to providing the highest quality volunteer programs at the lowest fees, which makes it possible for everyone, especially students, to travel internationally and make a positive impact in the lives of others.

We believe in 100% transparency. Rest assured, we never use middlemen. Your one-time registration fee of $299 covers our administrative costs. The low weekly program fee goes directly to your host family, and includes housing, food, project donation, and minor expenses. IFRE is a non-profit organization, so your program fees are tax-deductible.

Program Dates

IFRE programs begin every Monday year-round. If you have travel constraints, you can still start your chosen program on any day of the year.

Please note that school holidays in India are from May 15 – June 30. Volunteers will teach in an orphanage or in the slum project during this time.

Volunteer Program Fees (US$)

Accommodation and Meal

While volunteering as an English teacher in India, you’ll rest easy at night in the safe and comfortable home of a kind and helpful Indian host family. They’ll serve you three healthy local meals a day, and you’ll truly feel like you have a home away from home while traveling abroad. In addition, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the culture of India.

Learn more about your housing and food in India..

Program Location, Free Time, and Weekend Exploration

The Teaching English Volunteer Program in India takes place in both Delhi and Jaipur, offering you a chance to experience two unique and culturally vibrant cities. As a volunteer, you will help improve the English skills of children in local schools or community centers, boosting their confidence and opening doors to future opportunities. Your role brings real change to classrooms while immersing you in India’s diverse education system.

In your free time, Delhi offers historic wonders like Humayun’s Tomb and India Gate, along with lively street markets and delicious food stalls. Jaipur, known as the Pink City, charms visitors with its majestic forts, colorful bazaars, and traditional Rajasthani culture. Whether you're enjoying morning chai or exploring ancient streets in the evening, both cities offer rich daily experiences.

Weekends are perfect for traveling and sightseeing. You can visit the world-famous Taj Mahal in Agra, explore the Thar Desert, or take a heritage walk through old city quarters. With so many iconic sites and cultural treasures nearby, weekends in India are filled with adventure, learning, and unforgettable memories.

Discover what to do in your free time in India. .

Safety and in-Country Support

IFRE has you covered when it comes to safety and support while you volunteer teaching English in India. We’ve got a professional and experienced in-country team guiding you every step of the way once you land in India, and we’ve carefully planned every detail of your trip before you depart to make sure it’s secure and satisfying. We carefully vet and inspect all our facilities to ensure your safety and comfort.

Learn more about IFRE’s safety and in-country support. .

Cultural Immersion Opportunities

IFRE Volunteers’ Teaching English Program offers a deep and rewarding cultural immersion experience in the heart of local communities. Volunteers live with host families or in shared accommodations, allowing them to experience day-to-day life in an authentic and personal way. From enjoying home-cooked meals to participating in household routines, you’ll form genuine bonds and gain a firsthand understanding of the local lifestyle.

Outside the classroom, you’ll have countless chances to explore the traditions and rhythms of the community. Whether it’s celebrating local festivals, visiting temples, shopping in open-air markets, or simply chatting with neighbors, every interaction becomes a cultural exchange. You’ll also improve your language skills and develop a strong appreciation for the values, customs, and hospitality that define the country you’re volunteering in.

Frequently Asked Questions- FAQs

You probably have a million questions about your volunteer abroad adventure, and you’re not alone. IFRE fields questions from prospective volunteers every single day, and we’re happy to give you the answers you’re looking for. Here are some things you should know when traveling with us:

Do volunteers work with disadvantaged children in India?

Yes. Many placements focus on supporting volunteers working with disadvantaged children in India, especially in low-income schools and underserved communities. You will create learning opportunities for these children.

Are teaching materials provided for the volunteers?

Basic materials are often available, but resources can be limited. Volunteers are encouraged to bring simple teaching aids such as flashcards, markers, notebooks, and educational games.

Is English widely spoken in the schools where volunteers teach?

English is taught in most Indian schools, and local teachers generally speak it at a basic level. As a volunteer in India, you’ll be able to communicate in English, though learning a few Hindi phrases can help you bond better with students.

What is the age range of the students in the school?

Students are aged between 5-16, both boys and girls. English teaching volunteers in India will teach at the age level they are most comfortable with. Each school varies, with 40 being the minimum number of students and 150 being the maximum. There are 15-30 students per class.

Can I join a teaching volunteer program in India if I travel alone?

Absolutely. Many volunteers join the teaching volunteer programs in India independently. You will be placed with other volunteers or a friendly host family, so you will make local connections.

What qualifications do I need for the volunteer teaching English in India

There are no strict qualifications. A good command of English, patience, and willingness to help are the most important qualities. Anyone 18 or older can participate in the volunteer education programs in India.

Will I receive orientation before starting my teaching project?

Yes. Volunteers receive orientation covering classroom expectations, teaching methods, cultural guidelines, and tips to be effective in their teaching English volunteer placement in India.

What is the accommodation like during the India volunteer teaching project?

Volunteers usually stay with experienced host families, enhancing cultural experiences and giving volunteers a comfortable environment.

Can I join the program with friends or as a group?

Yes, we welcome groups! Friends, families, and school groups can join the India volunteer teaching project together, and we do our best to place you in the same school or community center.

How long can I stay and teach English in India?

You can volunteer for one week up to twelve weeks. Longer durations will allow you to make a greater impact and build ties with students.

Is the Teach English in India project safe for international volunteers?

Yes. Your safety is a priority. Coordinators provide 24/7 support, and volunteer housing is in safe neighborhoods. As long as basic precautions are followed, volunteering is a secure experience in India.

Can I travel while volunteering in India?

Definitely. Many volunteers explore India’s rich culture, historical cities, temples, and landscapes during weekends. The Volunteer Teaching English in India program allows a perfect balance of service and travel.

For detailed information regarding volunteer projects in India, please visit: Volunteering Opportunities in India $200/week [Life-changing experience] IFRE volunteers

Why Volunteer to teach English in India with IFRE?

Trusted Since 2006 – Be part of a respected organization known for safe and impactful teaching volunteer programs across the globe.

Affordable Teaching Program – Starting at just $200 per week, this program offers an accessible way to educate and uplift communities.

Safe And Well-Supported – Enjoy secure housing, airport pickup, and constant support from IFRE’s caring local team.

Teach Essential Language Skills – Help students build confidence in English to expand their education and job opportunities.

Support Underserved Schools – Work in schools that lack trained English teachers and quality learning materials.

Make A Lasting Difference – Teaching English volunteer program in India empowers children and inspires brighter futures.