Volunteering Opportunities in India

At which airport should I arrive?

You need to fly to Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi.

Do you organize airport pick-up and drop-off?

Yes, IFRE does organize airport pick-up for its volunteers in India. However, you’ll have to arrange airport drop-off by yourself.

What happens if I miss my flight or arrive late?

The first thing you have to do is inform your country coordinator. Provide flight details so airport pick-up can be arranged. If you cannot provide details and the airport pick-up cannot be arranged, you can contact the coordinator from your hotel.

Who will come to pick me up? How do I recognize the person at the airport?

Our local representative will come to pick you up at the airport. He/she will be carrying a board with your name on it, so you should be able to easily recognize them.

If my assignment begins on Monday, when should I arrive? If I want to arrive earlier than the day when my assignment begins, where do I stay, and who will organize the accommodations? Does it cost me extra?

You should arrive on Sunday and rest for the day before actually beginning your volunteer program in India the next day. If you decide to arrive early, you should inform your country coordinator in advance to help you organize aspects such as accommodation and activities. For this, you will be required to pay an additional cost, which you can directly confirm with our country team.

What do I need prior to departure from my home country?

Prior to your departure, you need to make sure that you have packed all the important items for your trip. That includes your passport (with at least six months' validity), medicines, clothing, tickets, credit card, and other important documents, which you might need, such as your medical ID card (if you are taking part in IFRE’s healthcare program). You will also need to meet with your doctor about your upcoming trip and get up to date on vaccinations, obtain travel insurance, and research the requirements for your visa.

Where are the projects located?

IFRE’s volunteer programs in India are located in Delhi and Jaipur. Most of our projects are within 3-5 KM of your accommodation.

Is there any minimum and maximum stay?

Yes, you can stay for a minimum of one week to a maximum of 12 weeks. To extend the period to volunteer in India, you have to acquire an additional tourist visa. We also advise you to choose the volunteer project of your liking based on the number of days you plan on staying in India.

Will I have enough time to travel after work and during the weekend?

Yes, all of our volunteer projects have enough free time for you to travel and explore the local tourist sights and destinations after work and during the weekends.

Who will guide or support me in the project?

To help you get through your volunteer work experience in India, our in-country coordinator will guide and support you throughout the entire duration of your project. If you require any assistance, just make sure to let your in-country coordinator know, and they will try their best to help you.

Can I switch projects if I don’t like the one I chose?

Yes, you are allowed to change your project if you ever feel dissatisfied with your first placement. You simply need to contact our in-country coordinator and let them know about your issues with the initial volunteer project. The in-country coordinator will assist you in finding another program to join, as long as one is available.

Can I work in more than one volunteer project at a time?

Yes, our volunteers can work in more than one volunteer project in India at a time. Having said that, you do have to understand that working in two different volunteer projects at once won’t be as easy as it sounds. You have to work for at least four to five hours a day on one single project alone, and adding another project to that daily routine can be really tough.

A more manageable option might be to split your time in half, volunteering at one project for the first part of the trip and another project for the second part. Contact the in-country coordinator to discuss these options.

How old should I be to take part in your projects?

You need to be at least 18 years of age to be eligible for our volunteer programs. If you are younger than 18, then in some cases you may be eligible with a written consent form provided by your parents/guardians. Minors can also volunteer alongside their parents.

Who manages the volunteer projects in India?

Our projects are all managed by an experienced country coordinator. The country coordinator is there to provide you with timely support on a day-to-day basis. The coordinators will come to visit you frequently during your time in India to check on you. You can ask for advice and suggestions, and they will help you ensure the success of your volunteer work abroad.

Will I receive training before the start of the project?

Yes, after you arrive in India, our in-country coordinator will engage you in an orientation class during which you will learn about safety measures and your daily schedules, along with a briefing on the customs and culture of India.

Is there a dress code for the volunteer projects in India?

No, there is no specific dress code unless you are working on a medical project, in which case you will need to wear a white apron. However, you do have to understand that you must wear decent and modest clothing while volunteering abroad.

Do I need prior experience to join volunteer programs in India?

No. Most volunteer projects in India do not require previous experience. However, medical or healthcare placements require relevant studies, training, or certifications.

How much spending money should I budget for my volunteer trip in India?

India is an affordable destination. Volunteers should budget approximately $50–$75 per week for personal expenses like snacks, transportation, tea, coffee, and internet. If you plan weekend travel, you may want to budget extra for it.

Can I volunteer in India as part of a gap year or career break?

Absolutely. Volunteering in India is a popular choice for gap year travelers, university students, and professionals taking a break. You will achieve personal and professional growth.

Do volunteer programs in India accept groups, friends, or families?

Yes. Programs are well-suited for groups, families, friends, or couples traveling together. Special arrangements are also made to accommodate families with children or teen volunteers.

What languages are spoken at the volunteer projects in India?

India has dozens of languages, but in most volunteer locations, Hindi and English are widely understood. Although Hindi is not required, learning a few basic phrases will be helpful to build rapport with the locals.

Can I travel around India during or after my volunteer placement?

Yes! India offers excellent travel opportunities. Popular weekend trips include Jaipur, Agra (Taj Mahal), Rishikesh, Goa, Varanasi, and Dharamshala. Many volunteers plan additional travel time before or after their program to explore India’s cultural heritage, temples, beaches, and national parks.

How many hours per day will I volunteer?

Volunteer placements in India involve 4–6 hours of work per day, Monday through Friday. Your daily schedule varies depending on the project you choose. Weekends are free.

What type of transportation will I use in India?

Volunteers use local transportation such as tuk-tuks, rickshaws, or metro services. These are affordable and convenient for getting around. Some projects are within walking distance of accommodations. Your coordinator will brief you on local transportation options during orientation.

What kind of cultural challenges should I expect while volunteering in India?

India encompasses numerous languages, customs, traditions, and ways of living. Volunteers should be prepared for cultural differences such as traditional dress norms, different communication styles, and varied food habits.

Why pay to volunteer abroad?

This question is frequently asked by people planning to participate in a volunteer program. We are a non-profit volunteer organization, and the fees paid by our volunteers are essential for us to cover the salary of our staff, advertising, utilities, and rent bills. Our program fees also cover field supervision, food, and accommodation for volunteers and funding for the humanitarian projects you work on.

Why are IFRE’s fees so much more affordable than other volunteer organizations?

IFRE serves as a non-profit volunteer organization whose only aim is to provide affordable and meaningful volunteer experiences abroad. Our staff is formed by international humanitarians who simply want to help others in need. Profitability is not IFRE's focus, and the fees you pay to participate in our volunteer programs in India are just enough to sustain and run our projects.

Can I get a tax deduction?

Yes, you can get a tax deduction for any of our volunteer programs, as we are an American non-profit 501©3 volunteer organization that collaborates with many orphanages, schools, hospitals, and NGOs all across the globe.

For further readings:
Cost /money matter
Why to pay for volunteer abroad
How to reduce the cost of volunteer abroad
Pay fee directly to host family

Is it safe to travel and volunteer in India?

Our volunteer projects are located in relatively areas. We advise you to do your own research ahead of time to become familiar with your destination.

What safety measures should I take?

You should exercise caution and avoid going places alone, particularly at night and especially if you are a woman. You should not carry large amounts of cash or dress in a flashy or provocative manner. If you are shopping in a market and someone tries to attract you to their store nearby or a back alley to see their goods, just say no.

What will happen if I get sick?

If you get sick while working as a volunteer in India, you should inform our field staff immediately. Once you inform the staff about your health condition, you will be taken to the nearby hospital or to a medical clinic for a thorough check-up. We will do our best to take care of you while you are sick and to help you recover as soon as possible. Be sure to bring along your passport and a copy of your insurance policy to present to the doctor.

Why must I get travel insurance before beginning my volunteer trip?

As per our policies, it is obligatory for all of our volunteers to purchase travel insurance before beginning their trip. This is done so that our volunteers are kept safe from all types of danger that may occur while volunteering abroad in a foreign nation, and to cover you in the event of illness, injury, or emergency. IFRE can assist you in obtaining your insurance policy if you need help with acquiring one.

What vaccinations do I need to volunteer in India?

The CDC and WHO recommend several vaccinations for travel to India. Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Typhoid are some of the most recommended vaccines. Therefore, it is vital to consult your doctor on needed vaccinations and health precautions before leaving for your trip.

What are the principal health risks for volunteers in India?

You need to be wary of the rampant air and water pollution. You should avoid eating in places where you are not 100% sure about the quality of the food, and as many people are prone to food poisoning in India, you may opt to eat a vegetarian diet while here to reduce your risk. You must never drink tap water, and only drink bottled or boiled water, or sealed drinks. Don’t swallow tap water while taking a shower, and never use it to rinse.

For further readings:
Vaccination
Volunteer Health and Safety
Safety Tips for Your Volunteer Abroad Trip

Do I need a visa to volunteer and travel in India?

Yes, you will need a tourist visa.

How do I apply for the visa?

You can apply for a tourist visa by visiting the Indian Embassy in your home country. Or you can go online and get a tourist visa. India has very strict guidelines regarding visas, and only certain nationalities will be eligible for a visa upon arrival at the airport. Do your research online well in advance to learn the requirements for your particular home country.

Can I extend my visa? Can you help with this?

Yes, contact your in-country coordinator to get advice on how to extend your stay in India.

How do I contact IFRE’s local coordinator?

You can contact IFRE’s local coordinator through your mobile phone, or you can go online and email them your inquiry. We will provide you with the personal contact details of our local coordinators before the start of your volunteer project in India. If there’s an emergency or you need help, you can get in touch with them immediately.

How can I communicate with my family from India?

There won’t be much trouble communicating with your family from India. You will get access to the telephone and internet and will be able to call your family and friends or talk to them online via Facebook. WhatsApp or Teams.

Can I use my phone?

Yes, you can use your personal mobile phone during your volunteer experience abroad. However, check with your current provider prior to travel to ensure your phone will function in India. International roaming charges may apply, and these can be quite costly.

Can I buy a SIM card in India?

Yes, you can buy a SIM card for use while doing your volunteer work in India. Again, check with your provider to see if your phone will function with the foreign SIM or if it is locked. A local SIM card will help you avoid expensive roaming charges.

How can I get/purchase internet services?

You will first need to buy an Airtel SIM card and use it on your mobile phone to activate it. Then you can buy an internet data pack for a price of $6, which remains valid for 28 days.

Is the internet available everywhere?

Yes, there is internet service available where IFRE’s projects are located.

What do I need to bring with me to India?

For your volunteer trip in India, you need to bring modest clothing, a backpack, first aid supplies and medicine, hand sanitizer, insect repellent, passport, flashlight, sunscreen, laptop, camera, cell phone, books, masks, a pair of flip flops, a towel, and toiletries, along with your visa and proof of your insurance policy. IFRE provides bedding, but you are welcome to bring along a sleeping bag if you feel you will need it.

We hope we have answered all of your questions to your satisfaction, and you now feel armed with the knowledge you need to have a successful volunteer trip abroad. To learn more about volunteering in India, contact IFRE today!