Volunteer in India

Most Affordable – PMGY’s volunteer abroad programs are designed to be accessible to everyone passionate about making a difference. With low fees and high-impact projects, you can create meaningful change without breaking the bank.

Best Support – From the moment you join PMGY, our dedicated international and local team provide extensive, round-the-clock support to guide and assist you through every step of your incredible PMGY adventure.

Safety Prioritised – Safety is PMGY’s number one priority! We’ve taken every precaution to ensure our gap year programs are as secure and well-structured as possible, giving you peace of mind while volunteering abroad.

Extraordinary Experiences – PMGY gives you the chance to immerse yourself in incredible cultural and travel experiences fully. Create unforgettable memories while making a difference in communities around the world.

Friendships for Life – Your PMGY journey doesn’t just end with unforgettable experiences—it’s also about forming life-long friendships with fellow volunteers from across the globe. Prepare to meet like-minded individuals and make connections that last a lifetime.

India Childcare Volunteers

As a childcare volunteer in India, you’ll have the amazing chance to bring joy and brighten the days of children from underprivileged backgrounds. Your mornings will kick off with dancing and singing alongside these delightful youngsters, setting an upbeat and positive tone for the day ahead. As a role model, you’ll support their educational journey while organising fun activities, games, and basic lessons to keep them engaged and learning. By making a meaningful difference in local communities, you’ll help create a brighter future for these children. Your role will include assisting with general childcare and daily routines at your placement, where your dedication to fostering a nurturing and supportive environment will help these young minds flourish.

Background to the Childcare Program

In India, like many other developing countries, hundreds of thousands of children lack opportunities to thrive, particularly in their early years. Many families face financial challenges that prevent them from providing adequate early childhood education. As a result, children often miss out on the crucial development they deserve. Those with disabilities face even greater barriers both within and outside the education system.

Volunteers with PMGY in India work to support children’s centres in the Faridabad community. These centres are established by PMGY to assist children from nearby slum areas. Volunteers not only offer a friendly face to brighten a child’s day but also take an active role in leading engaging activities to make each day at the centres fun and productive. To succeed, volunteers need plenty of energy, enthusiasm, and creativity to maximise their contributions. Volunteering with children is a deeply rewarding experience and is open to people from all walks of life.

Each day on this childcare volunteer abroad program in India is unique, and the impact you make depends on how much effort and creativity you bring. It’s a good idea to arrive prepared with ideas for activities to dive into the project right away. As a childcare volunteer in India, you’ll have the chance to think creatively and make a meaningful difference in the lives of young children within the local community.

Childcare Volunteer Placement Examples

Sector 10 Program – Established by the PMGY local team, this project provides essential support for children from the Sector 10 community. This is the area where the local team is based, and they’ve been passionate about creating a community childcare and education program to give back to their immediate neighbourhood.

Around 50 children attend the Sector 10 program each day, many of whom come from nearby slum communities. The children are divided into two groups: younger children and slightly older children. As a childcare volunteer in India, your role is to work with the younger children, where activities focus less on formal education. Instead, you’ll engage in arts and crafts, playground games, hygiene education, and early years development. For those who are more interested in teaching, working with the older children involves teaching basic English, Maths, and other subjects.

Often, older children attending the project are responsible for their younger siblings, as they don’t have access to childcare at home. These children bring their younger siblings with them to the project. India childcare volunteers play a vital role in supporting these children as well as the others at the project.

The program typically runs in the morning for around three hours. The day starts with the national anthem, nursery rhymes, and some light exercise with the whole group. For the next couple of hours, childcare volunteers will focus on the younger children while teaching volunteers assist the older children. The group then comes together for the final hour, which includes Bollywood dancing and snack time. A local teacher and coordinator are on hand to guide volunteers with their tasks and activities.

KRC School – Founded by a physiotherapist several years ago, this centre aims to provide children with disabilities the care and attention they deserve. In India, many disabled individuals face limited access to resources and awareness, leaving them without essential care. The goal of the centre is to equip children with the skills and rehabilitation necessary for greater independence. The centre works with children with conditions like Down Syndrome and Infantile Hemiplegia.

While there are local staff members at the project, much of the additional support comes from PMGY participants. Daily activities include storytelling, physical exercises, life skills lessons, singing, and games. Volunteers may also get involved in teaching English. The activities help promote interaction between the children, encouraging the development of social skills they may not otherwise fully develop. Volunteers with relevant experience may assist with physiotherapy and speech therapy sessions, working under the guidance of the local staff. Each day, volunteers bring toys and educational materials to the community centre.

Participants in this community development volunteer abroad program bring their energy and enthusiasm, stimulating and supporting the children. The project is very engaging, and volunteers play key roles in teaching English, feeding the children, and assisting with motor skills activities.

Although this volunteer work in India can be challenging, feedback from participants suggests it is one of the most rewarding volunteer opportunities. The connections international volunteers build with the children are unique and special to each person. As funding and volunteer support grow, we can continue to enhance our support for both the communities and the centre.

Your Volunteer Role & Typical Childcare Day

As a childcare volunteer in India, you’ll play a vital role in coordinating activities and providing care, attention, and support to underprivileged children. The volunteer project typically runs for three hours each day, Monday to Friday. Most volunteering abroad activities take place in the morning, although this may vary depending on the project’s needs.

Your role as a childcare volunteer can vary day-to-day. Some days, you might assist the children with homework or help them with school projects. On other days, you could be organising activities, leading games in the park, or teaching basic hygiene lessons. To make the most of your time, you’ll need to be proactive, identifying the children’s needs and planning suitable activities. While challenges may arise, they are always balanced by the rewards of making a real difference, so you can expect your time as a volunteer to be both meaningful and enjoyable. 

If you’re volunteering with disabled children in India, patience, energy, and enthusiasm are essential. Each day will be unique, with different activities, challenges, and possibly a new group of students. Tasks could include teaching basic English, leading activities to enhance fine motor skills, and assisting during meals or assembly times. The lack of a strict structure means you’ll need to adapt to the needs of the children and the project as they arise.

As a volunteer overseas in India, you’re welcome to get involved in other projects for additional volunteer work. Alternatively, you can use your free time to plan activities or explore Delhi and its surrounding areas.

PMGY’s India volunteer program includes a private transport network that will take you to and from your project each day. You’ll travel by tuk-tuk or minivan, and this service is included in your Program Fee.

India Teaching Volunteers

As a volunteer teaching English in India, you’ll play a key role in helping students build essential skills to achieve their future aspirations. Engaging with fluent, native English speakers significantly enhances their language abilities, which are vital for securing future employment opportunities. This program offers the perfect chance for English teaching volunteers in India to apply their leadership skills while making a meaningful, lasting impact on underprivileged communities.

Background to the Teaching Program

India has experienced rapid economic growth in recent years, yet approximately 28% of the population still lives below the poverty line. The stark contrast in wealth is evident, and the extreme differences in living conditions can be confronting. Sadly, life in the slums remains a harsh reality for many.

Education holds significant importance in Indian culture, but the education system is still developing. Class sizes are often far too large, and schools are severely understaffed. To address this, PMGY supports two schools located within Faridabad’s largest slum community. These efforts aim to encourage parents to send their children to school rather than leaving them to wander the streets, beg, or collect rubbish to earn money.

The children attending these schools range in age from 3 to 16. The facilities are very basic and often cramped, given their location in the slum areas. Despite these challenges, the children’s enthusiasm and eagerness to learn are truly inspiring. Volunteers teaching English in India play a vital role in supporting the limited local staff. The presence of fluent English speakers greatly enhances the children’s educational development and future prospects.

When there are more volunteers teaching English in India, PMGY can expand its support to additional slum communities and disadvantaged areas. This helps us provide more English classes and further contribute to community development. If you’re seeking inspiration for gap year ideas, our volunteer programs in India offer incredible opportunities to make a meaningful impact.

Teaching Volunteer Placement Examples​

Sector 10 Program – Established by the PMGY local team, this volunteer teaching English abroad project provides free basic primary education for children from the Sector 10 community. This is the same community where the local team is based, and they are passionate about giving back by creating opportunities for children from underprivileged backgrounds.

Around 50 children, aged 3-15, attend the Sector 10 program each day. The children are usually divided into two groups: younger children and slightly older children.

As an English teaching volunteer in India, you’ll primarily work with the older children on education-focused activities. These include teaching basic English and Maths, planning lessons, and organising engaging educational activities. Volunteers teaching English in India are encouraged to discuss additional ideas with the project coordinator to tailor their approach while keeping the experience fun and engaging.

Many of the older children attending the program are responsible for their younger siblings during the day. While these older students focus on their education, childcare volunteers step in to care for the younger children, keeping them engaged with arts and crafts, playground games, and hygiene education.

The project typically runs for about three hours each morning. The day begins with the national anthem, nursery rhymes, and group exercises. Afterward, childcare volunteers focus on the younger children while teaching volunteers work with the older group. The final hour brings everyone back together for Bollywood dancing and snack time. A local teacher and coordinator are always available to guide and support volunteers throughout the day.

Volunteers teaching English in India may also get the chance to observe or participate in medical projects based within the Sector 10 community, providing a unique opportunity to learn about other impactful initiatives.

Prerna Teaching Placement – This inspiring centre offers free education and care for children from slum communities, allowing their parents or older siblings to work or further their own education. Many primary caregivers in India are young mothers or older siblings, so this support plays a crucial role in improving the family’s overall prospects.

At the centre, volunteers are essential in delivering English and Maths lessons to students from grades 1 to 8. While challenges such as home-life disruptions can affect attendance, the program’s consistency helps students establish routines, track their progress through assessments, and prepare for exams to improve their English skills.

The number of children attending each day typically ranges from 10 to 35. Volunteers are encouraged to be proactive and fully engaged during their 3-4 hours onsite to maximise their impact. With a variety of resources and workbooks available, this project is ideal for volunteers who want to focus on teaching English while making a meaningful contribution.

Your Volunteer Role & Typical Teaching Day​​

As a volunteer in India, you’ll have the rewarding opportunity to lead English and Maths lessons for one or more classes in an underprivileged school. Volunteers teaching English in India are also welcome to teach additional subjects, such as Science and Geography, based on their interests and the school’s needs.

If you’re new to teaching, there’s no need to worry! To teach English in India successfully, all you need is energy, creativity, patience, and a proactive attitude. Our local coordinators are available to provide guidance on lesson planning and content if needed. However, it’s important for volunteers to take the initiative in assessing the educational levels and needs of their students.

The teaching project typically runs for 3-4 hours each morning, Monday to Friday, with standard hours from 9am to 12:30pm. However, these timings may vary depending on the school’s requirements. We encourage volunteers to use their free time outside the project to prepare lessons in advance. If you’re new to teaching, your confidence will grow quickly after leading a few classes, and advance planning will make each session run more smoothly.

During your first few days, you’ll usually assist a local teacher or work alongside another volunteer to become familiar with the class. After this initial period, you may be asked to lead classes independently due to staff shortages. If you’re uncomfortable teaching alone, we will do our best to pair you with a local teacher or fellow volunteer to ensure you feel supported.

PMGY’s India volunteer program includes a private transport network to take you to and from your project each day. You’ll travel by tuk-tuk or minivan, and this service is included in your Program Fee.

India Medical Volunteers

As a medical volunteer in India with PMGY, you’ll have an incredible opportunity to gain first-hand experience and insight into the Indian healthcare system. Working alongside highly trained local staff, you’ll receive invaluable exposure and guidance that you might not typically find in your home country. Whether you’re considering studying healthcare or pursuing a career in the field, PMGY’s India medical programs provide unique learning opportunities to support your professional development.

Background to the Medical Program

Despite advancements in India’s healthcare system, much of the population continues to face significant health challenges. This is often due to a lack of awareness about health issues and the inability of many to afford regular medical care, if any at all. The projects we support aim to bridge this gap by providing free or highly subsidised healthcare to people from slum and rural communities.

Our primary focus for medical volunteers in India is supporting medical camps in slum areas. These communities often lack basic health education and access to medical services. To address this, we have established a year-round primary healthcare clinic located in the heart of the main slum community we support. Additionally, our team runs pop-up clinics across some of the poorest areas in the region, ensuring both our local team and international volunteers can make the greatest impact.

As a medical volunteer in India, you’ll have the chance to gain experience across a variety of healthcare settings. This may include shadowing surgeries, observing GP consultations, and supporting day-to-day healthcare initiatives. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds. Whether you’re a school leaver seeking valuable work experience to enhance your university application or a nursing/medical student planning an overseas elective placement, we can accommodate you. Our medical project in India is widely regarded as one of the best places to volunteer abroad.

Medical Volunteer Placement Examples​

Slum Outreach Health Campaigns – The healthcare clinics we run are at the heart of the medical volunteer project in India. Our primary clinic is located in the Sector 10 community, which is also home to the Volunteer House and our local team. This clinic serves as the main healthcare provider for the community, many of whom would otherwise have no access to medical care.

Our medical staff treat 15-30 patients daily at the Sector 10 clinic, offering primary healthcare and medical check-ups. PMGY also organises free medical camps across other poor communities in Faridabad. These camps are prioritised for the areas with the greatest need and expand in reach as the number of medical volunteers in India increases. A local doctor leads these campaigns, supervises volunteers, and ensures the necessary medical supplies and equipment are available.

While not guaranteed, medical volunteers in India may have opportunities for basic hands-on tasks, such as measuring blood pressure, checking blood sugar levels, and dressing minor wounds, all under professional supervision. The local staff are welcoming and eager to help volunteers learn. Doctors explain procedures in English, and interpreters are available to bridge any language gaps when interacting with patients.

This medical volunteer abroad program is open to individuals of all backgrounds. Volunteers often learn basic clinical skills and gain valuable insights into the unique health challenges faced by slum communities. The experience is complemented by ongoing training and mentorship from local doctors.

Shadowing in a Hospital Setting – PMGY partners with several hospitals, offering volunteers the chance to observe and learn in various departments. Volunteers may shadow doctors during consultations or assist with basic health checks during rounds.

Common departments for medical volunteers in India include ultrasound, paediatrics, ophthalmology, gynaecology, laboratory services, non-urgent care, and theatre. Placements are typically arranged in private hospitals, which offer more opportunities for volunteers and greater support from doctors. There is also the chance to observe surgeries, though these are arranged on an ad hoc basis and subject to confirmation. Witnessing surgeries can provide a fascinating comparison between hospital standards in India and those back home.

Community Visits – Volunteers accompany local doctors on visits to different community settings, such as local schools and Sector 10 community projects, to conduct health screenings for students. These visits may also involve providing basic first aid or assisting with healthcare checks at care homes for the elderly and vulnerable. Volunteers can extend their support by helping prepare meals for residents, further contributing to the community. The aim is always to provide as much help as possible to underprivileged local populations.

Student Elective Opportunities

PMGY offers specialist elective placements for students in India, providing a unique opportunity to gain invaluable international experience. Whether you’re pursuing a career in medicine or nursing, our programs allow you to learn directly from health professionals in distinctive medical settings. As a medical volunteer in India, you can specify your desired clinical elective during the online application process. Simply highlight your preferences in the ‘Special Requirements’ section, and the PMGY India team will organise everything to ensure your elective placement runs smoothly.

Medical – Gain invaluable experience during your medical elective in India. Support slum outreach health campaigns, shadow doctors in clinics, observe surgeries, and perform basic health checks as part of this rewarding program. Learn about the local healthcare challenges and compare hospital practices to those in your home country. This is the ultimate medical elective placement for aspiring healthcare professionals.

Nursing – A nursing elective in India is full of diverse experiences. Shadow nurses in hospital settings, assist with slum outreach medical camps, and support doctors during health checks at community clinics. You’ll gain insight into local healthcare practices, learn about prevalent diseases, and observe departments such as paediatrics, emergency, and neurology. Make your nursing elective in India an unforgettable experience!

Your Volunteer Role & Typical Work Day​​

As a volunteer in India, most participants in the medical program will have the opportunity to experience a variety of facilities. The primary placement for medical volunteers in India will be within the health campaign programs operating in the slum communities. Volunteers can expect to work 3-5 hours in the mornings, typically from 9:30am to 1pm. Observing surgeries may be possible at different times during the day. Afternoons can be spent engaging in other placement settings or exploring the vibrant city of Delhi.

To maximise the experience, volunteers are encouraged to spend at least three days at a specific placement. This helps build relationships with the staff, often resulting in greater exposure and more responsibilities. However, the level of involvement will ultimately depend on each volunteer’s qualifications and experience.

PMGY’s India volunteer program includes a private transport network to ensure reliable travel to and from your project each day. Volunteers will travel by tuk-tuk or minivan, with this service included in the Program Fee.

Flights

After confirming your place on a PMGY volunteer program, we strongly advise that you book your flights as early as possible. This will help ensure that you get the lowest airfare. You can choose to book your flights independently or we can help you with arranging them.

To join our India volunteer program, you should book your flights to Indira Gandhi International Airport on the Sunday start date. The airport code is DEL. Volunteers in India can arrive at any time on their designated Sunday start date.

Travel Insurance

Importantly, having an appropriate travel insurance policy during your time abroad is essential. Therefore, it is mandatory for all of our international volunteers to be appropriately covered across all of their trip dates. This includes your travel to and from the host country, as well as any onward travel. Although PMGY does everything to ensure your trip is safe, inevitably things can go wrong. Therefore, having a travel insurance policy in place helps you effectively deal with any problems you may encounter during your time away.

We have partnered up with Howden Insurance to create an affordable and comprehensive optional policy. This has been designed with our international volunteers in mind, to cover our participants for all of their travel essentials. The policy is available to anyone across the globe, up to the age of 65 years. The document will cover you for your time on any PMGY destination. You can purchase PMGY Travel Insurance during your online application or you can contact us directly to arrange it.

Our International Team works tirelessly to provide extensive support leading up to your volunteer or gap year trip. From our online chat service to email support and telephone conversations, we’re always ready to assist. All international volunteers with PMGY receive a comprehensive Volunteer Handbook, which serves as your ultimate guide for planning your volunteer trip abroad. This detailed handbook includes everything from visa guidance to suggested packing lists, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your adventure.

We also have dedicated Facebook groups for each of our volunteer destinations. These groups are a fantastic resource where you can connect with our international and local team, as well as past, present, and future volunteers. They provide a valuable platform for sharing experiences, asking questions, and staying updated with community news year after year.

Sometimes, it’s hard to imagine yourself volunteering abroad without having been there yet. To help manage expectations and give you a clear picture of what to expect, we offer a variety of engaging and informative videos on our PMGY YouTube Channel. These clips offer a visual insight into life as a PMGY volunteer. In addition, don’t miss our webinars, which run on selected Tuesdays at 4pm UK time. Our International Team provides invaluable advice in these sessions, tailored to help you prepare for your trip.

Each webinar is designed with a specific focus. Our Pre-Departure Webinar covers all the essentials you need to know before joining us abroad. The Program Preparation Webinar is project-specific, offering detailed advice and insights about your placement. Finally, our Safety Webinar provides top tips for managing your safety and wellbeing while volunteering abroad. For those simply curious about PMGY, we also run an Introductory Webinar. This session introduces our organisation, background, goals, and the volunteer and gap year travel opportunities we offer overseas.

Our India volunteer program is based in Faridabad, part of the New Delhi region in North India. Faridabad offers the perfect balance between vibrant city life and a quieter, more relaxed setting. The city features temples, local parks, bustling markets, shopping malls, and cinemas where you can enjoy a Bollywood flick. Volunteers love the balance of culture and modern comforts available here.

PMGY’s volunteer opportunities in India are delivered by our dedicated and highly experienced in-country local team. Every team member is fully vetted by our International Team, ensuring that your experience is both safe and rewarding. Our local community network provides the structure and support you need to make the most of your time on a volunteer abroad program with PMGY. From arranging your accommodation and meals to coordinating airport pick-up, in-country orientation, and 24/7 emergency support, our team ensures that every detail is covered, leaving you free to focus on making a difference during your volunteer experience in India.

Your orientation for your volunteer trip to India will begin on Monday. After a good night’s rest and a hearty breakfast, we’ll kick off the day with an informative session covering all the essentials. Our local team will guide you through health and safety, cultural differences, language basics, money matters, and program rules and regulations. This introductory session typically lasts about an hour in the morning.

Following this, you’ll visit our main project base within the local slum community. Here, the team will provide insights into the background of the project and introduce you to the local staff. If you’re participating in our teaching or medical volunteer opportunities, this is where your placement will be based. After the visit, you’ll return to the Volunteer House for a hearty lunch, before the local team assists with arranging SIM cards and money exchange for those who need support.

During your volunteer trip to India, we strongly recommend purchasing an Indian SIM card for around 500 INR. Most participants use an unlocked phone from home, and having a local SIM is particularly important for staying connected with fellow volunteers and the team—especially in case of emergencies. Upon arrival, you’ll need to exchange mobile numbers with the local team.

In the afternoon, you’ll have the option to join a scheduled cultural activity. This might be a Delhi city tour (at a small cost) or an activity such as a pottery lesson (~600 INR), Bollywood dance class (~200 INR), cooking class (~300 INR), or yoga session (~200 INR). These activities are optional, take place throughout the week, and are subject to availability, weather, and staff scheduling. If you’d like to participate, you’ll cover the costs, including transport.

The evening is then free for you to lesson plan, relax, or explore Delhi at your own pace.

Please make sure you arrive into Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in New Delhi on Sunday.

Day 1 (Sunday) Arrival

Welcome to India! Upon arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport, you will be met by a member of our local team or one of our appointed drivers, who will be holding a name sign.

At the start of your India volunteer trip, you will be taken straight to the Volunteer House, which is located around 40 miles from the airport. The journey can take anywhere between 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic. The rest of the day is informal, as volunteers may be arriving throughout the day. Use this time to rest, get to know your group, and settle into your accommodation.

Depending on your arrival time, you may receive your orientation later in the day to ensure you maximise your time at the project from Monday onwards.

Day 2 (Monday) Orientation

Your orientation for your volunteer project in India will begin on Monday. After a good night’s rest and a hearty breakfast, we’ll kick off the day with an informative session covering all the essentials. Our local team will guide you through health and safety, cultural differences, language basics, money matters, and program rules and regulations. This introductory session typically lasts about an hour in the morning.

Following this, you’ll visit our main project base within the local slum community. Here, the team will provide insights into the background of the project and introduce you to the local staff. If you’re participating in our teaching or medical volunteer opportunities, this is where your placement will be based. After the visit, you’ll return to the Volunteer House for lunch, before the local team assists with arranging SIM cards and money exchange for those who need support.

In the afternoon, you’ll have the option to join a scheduled cultural activity. This might be a Delhi city tour (at a small cost) or an activity such as a pottery lesson (~600 INR), Bollywood dance class (~200 INR), cooking class (~300 INR), or yoga session (~200 INR). These activities are optional, take place throughout the week, and are subject to availability, weather, and staff scheduling. If you’d like to participate, you’ll cover the costs, including transport.

The evening is then free for you to lesson plan, relax, or explore Delhi at your own pace.

Days 3-6 (Tuesday-Friday) Volunteering Begins

Tuesday marks the start of your volunteer placement. The first couple of days will be an adjustment period, allowing you to learn the ropes and build relationships with the project staff and community. As the week progresses, your role will develop as you gain confidence and take on more responsibilities.

You will have regular interactions with the local team, who are always available to support you, whether you need guidance at the project or general advice about life in India.

On average, volunteers work 3-5 hours per day, usually in the morning, although this depends on your specific placement. You will also have the chance to discuss with your coordinator the possibility of getting involved in multiple projects.

Volunteers are welcome to explore Faridabad or head into Delhi during their free time. In addition, the local team can help organise cultural activities for anyone interested in joining. While some activities may have a small cost, the local team can also arrange free experiences such as meditation sessions, visits to a rural village, or joining a friendly cricket match with the locals.

Days 6-7 (Saturday-Sunday) Weekend

After a fulfilling week of volunteering, it’s time to explore India! Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend in the mountains, an adventure-packed trip, or a cultural experience, India has it all. Our local team encourages and supports volunteers in making the most of their weekends. They will be happy to help you plan your weekend opportunities and provide travel tips.

While Faridabad itself is relatively quiet, volunteers often use weeknights to visit Delhi. This means weekends are the perfect opportunity to travel further afield in India. 

The Following Weeks

Your next week(s) will follow a similar structure, with volunteering taking place Monday to Friday. Time will fly by, so be sure to make the most of it!

The local team is always available to support you throughout your stay. Whether you need travel advice, have lost your phone, or simply want someone to chat with, they are there to help.

Last Day (Sunday)

Sunday marks the end of your volunteer experience in India. If you are heading home, our local team can assist in arranging your return airport transfer. Please note that this is not included in the Program Fee.

For those continuing travelling in India, our team can offer recommendations and travel tips to help you make the most of your time in India.

For many first-time travellers, heading abroad can feel both exciting and daunting. At PMGY, we take every precaution to make our volunteer projects in India as safe as possible. While no experience can ever be 100% risk-free, our robust safety measures provide peace of mind for both volunteers and their families.

Every program has been personally inspected and approved by a PMGY director. We’ve lived in the Volunteer House, experienced the orientation, and worked on the projects ourselves. Through frequent visits and daily communications, we’ve built strong, trusting relationships with our local team, ensuring that all programs meet our high standards.

In the unlikely event of an issue, volunteers have access to several layers of support:

• PMGY Local Team
• Project Staff
• PMGY International Team

Our programs are continually monitored to evaluate volunteer experiences and ensure high standards. We rely on volunteer feedback to make ongoing improvements to improve volunteer opportunities in India. Safety and security are regularly assessed, and participants are encouraged to raise concerns with our local or International Teams, allowing us to resolve issues promptly and effectively.

Pre-Departure and In-Country Guidance

To ensure you’re fully prepared, PMGY provides comprehensive pre-departure guidance and an in-depth safety briefing during your orientation. Our local team cover all the essentials, including project introductions, emergency procedures, tips for using local transport, and cultural differences. Volunteers also receive a full list of important contact numbers, ensuring you always know who to reach out to.

General Safety Tips

While our local team work hard to ensure your safety, we encourage volunteers to follow these general tips for an even more secure experience:

• Be modest with jewellery worn in public.
• Avoid drinking tap water.
• Stay vigilant in crowds or near beggars; distractions may be used to target you.
• Be discreet when handling money in public.
• Plan your journeys carefully, especially at night, and know your destination in advance.
• Use only reputable transport providers; recommendations will be provided during your orientation.
• Stay in groups at night and avoid walking alone in dark or isolated areas.
• Keep valuables safe, especially when heading out of the accommodation.
• Be cautious of traffic, always looking left and right before crossing roads.
• Never accept food or drinks from strangers.

By following these guidelines and the advice provided by our in-country teams, you’ll be able to enjoy a safe, enriching, and memorable experience at your volunteer project in India.

India has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round, typically ranging between 21-35°C. The country experiences two rainy seasons—March to July and September to October—separated by a short, cool dry season in August. The longer dry season runs from mid-October to March.

The most pleasant weather occurs between December and February, when conditions are dry and relatively cool. If you are volunteering in India during this time, we recommend packing some warmer clothing, especially for early mornings and evenings.

The heaviest rains typically fall between April and June, but showers are usually short and intense, clearing up quickly. The monsoon season keeps the landscape lush and vibrant, so don’t let the rain deter you from joining a volunteer program in India—it’s all part of the experience!

Accommodation – Volunteer House

On the India volunteer program, you will live in our Volunteer House, located in the centre of Faridabad, a satellite city about 15 miles south of Delhi. Restaurants, convenience stores, and ATMs are just a short tuk-tuk ride away.

The Volunteer House is large, basic, but comfortable, and shared with other international volunteers. During your volunteer trip to India, you will stay in single-sex dormitory-style bedrooms accommodating up to 8 people per room. Each room is equipped with fans, and bed linen is provided. During the winter months, additional bedding, such as a sleeping bag, is recommended. Bathrooms are communal with western-style toilets and showers, but there is no hot water.

Free Wi-Fi is available at the Volunteer House, although it can be intermittent. Volunteers are encouraged to purchase a local SIM card to use with an unlocked mobile phone. The accommodation includes communal areas for relaxing and socialising, as well as handwashing facilities for clothes. A laundry service is also available for a small fee. Fridge space is provided for keeping items cool, and volunteers are encouraged to bring a small padlock for securing personal belongings. Valuables can also be stored securely with the local team, but volunteers should only bring essential items during their volunteer work in India.

Power cuts are common in India, but these typically last no more than a couple of hours and should not cause major inconvenience.

Most volunteer projects are not within walking distance of the Volunteer House. The local team will provide transport to and from your placement each day, via tuk-tuk or minivan, and the cost of this service is included in your Program Fee.

The Volunteer House is located on the same campus as the host family who coordinates the projects. While there is a clear divide between the accommodations, volunteers will have regular opportunities to interact with the coordinators and experience local hospitality.

During the busiest periods, you may be placed in alternative accommodation, such as one of our secondary Volunteer Houses, which offer similar facilities and amenities.

Meals

During your volunteer trip to India, you will be served three freshly prepared meals daily. Most dishes are traditional Indian vegetarian cuisine, made with a variety of flavours while ensuring they are not too spicy. Occasionally, the local team may prepare western options such as pasta or vegetarian burgers. Filtered water is available at the Volunteer House free of charge.

* Our team will do their best to cater for dietary requirements, but this cannot always be guaranteed. Volunteers may need to purchase additional ingredients at their own expense. Please note any dietary requirements in your application and re-iterate them to the local team on arrival. For major concerns, contact the PMGY International Team before confirming your place on the program.

Here is an example of the meals you can expect:

Breakfast – Cereal, Milk, Bread, Jams, Fruit, Juice

Lunch – Mixed Rice, Vegetables, Curries, Chapati, Soup

Dinner – Vegetarian Burgers, Pizza, Momo

On the India volunteer program, the cost of your project transport is included in your Program Fee. Our local team operates private transport networks to take you to and from your placement. If the project is not within walking distance, transport is provided by tuk-tuk or minivan, all included in your Program Fee.

PMGY welcomes volunteers of all nationalities and backgrounds. The minimum age to join the program is 17, and there is no upper age limit. All volunteers need to have a good level of English, although it does not need to be your first language. You do not need to speak the local language; however, learning a few words during your time with us will go a long way and greatly enrich your experience!

All participants must provide a clean criminal background check before volunteering abroad with us. No formal experience or qualifications are required—just lots of energy, enthusiasm, and a willingness to prepare!

To confirm your place on a PMGY program, you need to pay a Registration Fee. The remaining Program Fee is due no less than 60 days before your program start date.

For more information on how to join one of our volunteer opportunities abroad, please visit our Application Process.