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.
Teaching Volunteer Program Highlights
- Support The UN’s Sustainable Development Goal No. 4 Through Education
- Build Teaching Skills With An Immersive Authentic Experience In Faridabad
- Teach English & Support Students Within Underserved Slum Communities
- Explore India’s Golden Triangle With Weekend Trips To The Taj Mahal & Jaipur
- Experience Indian Culture Through Yoga, Bollywood Movies & Pottery Classes
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.
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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.
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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.
Other Things to Consider Teaching in India
Return Airport Transfer – Your return airport transfer is not included in your Program Fee. However, our local team can assist in arranging onward transfers to the airport or another destination. Making arrangements once you’re in-country allows for greater flexibility, especially as plans can often change, and some participants may share similar flight schedules. Alternatively, ridesharing apps are a common and cost-effective option. Many participants travel during their final days and may not return to the airport directly from the accommodation. Costs will vary depending on your chosen method of transport and destination, and they can often be split if you’re travelling with fellow trip participants.
Experience – Prior teaching experience is not required for the English Teaching program, as the presence of a fluent English speaker is invaluable. As long as you are creative, determined, and resourceful, you will have a positive impact on the children's educational development.
TEFL Course – We recommend that volunteers prepare thoroughly for their teaching program overseas. To maximise your impact, consider completing our convenient, affordable, and internationally accredited 60-hour Online TEFL Course.
Resources – On the teach English in India project, resources can be limited. We recommend that volunteers bring materials with them each day to enhance productivity and involvement. Preparing in advance will help you get the most out of your teaching English overseas experience.
Project Flexibility – As a volunteer in India, you might have the opportunity to join other India volunteer programs. However, this depends on the availability of space to avoid overcrowding, which could limit opportunities for meaningful involvement. Priority is always given to those specifically signed up for a particular program in India, so while flexibility is possible, it’s not guaranteed.
Weekend Trip Opportunities
Explore India’s cultural treasures with a weekend trip to Jaipur and Agra, home to iconic landmarks like the Taj Mahal, Amber Fort, and Agra Fort. Wander through the Pink City, enjoy sunset views at Jal Mahal, and soak in the rich history and architecture of Northern India.
Getting There
• 6 hours by private taxi or train
Where to Stay
• Accommodation included within suggested budget
Things to Do
• Amber Fort – 5 GBP
• Light & Sound Show at Amber Fort – 2 GBP
• Taj Mahal – 10 GBP
• Exploring the Pink City – Included
• Agra Fort – 6 GBP
A weekend in Rishikesh offers the perfect balance of spirituality and adventure. Explore iconic bridges, riverside temples, cafés, and the Beatles Ashram, then unwind with yoga or meditation before enjoying white water rafting or ziplining on day two.
Getting There
• 7 hours by private taxi
Where to Stay
• Accommodation included within suggested budget
Things to Do
• River Rafting – 6–15 GBP depending on length
• Ziplining – 15 GBP
Escape the bustle of Delhi with a peaceful trip to Dharamshala. Home of the Dalai Lama, this hill station offers breathtaking Himalayan scenery, fresh mountain air, Tibetan culture, and opportunities to hike, relax, and explore.
Getting There
• 10 hours by coach
Where to Stay
• Accommodation included within suggested budget
Things to Do
• Triund Trek – 12 GBP
• Bhagsu Waterfall – Free
• Tibetan Museum – 1 GBP
• Cooking Lesson – 5 GBP
Pushkar is the perfect weekend getaway for spiritual charm and desert beauty. Explore temples, bazaars, and Pushkar Lake, or take in stunning views from Savitri Temple at sunrise. Camel rides and desert dinners complete the experience.
Getting There
• 7 hours by train
Where to Stay
• Accommodation included within suggested budget
Things to Do
• Camel Safari – 7 GBP
• Desert Safari and Dinner – 13 GBP
Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest cities, offers a unique cultural and spiritual experience. Enjoy sunrise boat rides on the Ganges, explore ancient temples, wander through narrow alleys, and witness the powerful Ganga Aarti at night.
Getting There
• 10 hours by public train
Where to Stay
• Accommodation included within suggested budget
Things to Do
• Morning Boat Ride – 2.5 GBP
• Private Boat Ride – 15 GBP
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- Three women explore a historic monument’s steps, capturing friendship and curiosity in warm natural light.
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- Friends enjoying a joyful moment in front of the stunning Taj Mahal during a serene visit.
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- A young woman captures the stunning architecture of an Indian heritage gateway at a historic site.
Accommodation - Shared & Comfort Options Available
Volunteer House
On the India volunteer program, you will stay in our Volunteer House in the centre of Faridabad, a satellite city around 15 miles south of Delhi. Restaurants, convenience stores and ATMs are just a short tuk tuk ride away.
The Volunteer House is spacious and comfortable, with volunteers from around the world staying together and sharing the experience. There are communal areas for relaxing and socialising, as well as fridge space for keeping food and drinks cool. Handwashing facilities are available for clothes, with a laundry service also available for a small fee.
Free Wi-Fi is available at the Volunteer House, although the connection can occasionally be intermittent. Volunteers can also purchase a local SIM card for use with an unlocked mobile phone. Power cuts can occur from time to time in India and typically last no more than a couple of hours.
Both shared and private room options are available within the Volunteer House. All bedrooms have fans and bed linen is provided. We recommend bringing a small padlock for personal belongings, while valuables can also be stored securely with the local team.
Most volunteer projects are not within walking distance of the Volunteer House, so the local team provides daily transport to and from your placement by tuk tuk or minivan. The cost of this transport is included in your Program Fee. The Volunteer House is located on the same campus as the host family who coordinate the projects, giving volunteers regular opportunities to interact with the local team and experience local hospitality.
🛏️ Shared Option - Standard Offering (Recommended for 18-25 Year Olds)
Our Shared Option provides a social way to experience life at the Volunteer House. Bedrooms are arranged dorm style and separated by gender, with up to 8 volunteers sharing a room. Living alongside other participants makes it easy to get to know the group and settle into the volunteer community.
Bathrooms are shared with other volunteers, with ample bathroom facilities available throughout the Volunteer House. These include western style toilets and showers. Hot water is not available. This is our standard accommodation option and is particularly popular with younger volunteers who enjoy the communal experience of living with other participants.
🔒 Comfort Option - Private Room Upgrade 150 USD100 GBP120 EUR210 AUD170 CAD Per Week (Recommended for 26+ Year Olds)
For volunteers who prefer additional privacy, our Comfort Option provides a private bedroom within the Volunteer House. This gives you your own space to relax while still enjoying the communal areas and social experience of living alongside other volunteers.
Comfort rooms can accommodate a solo traveller or up to 2 participants travelling together and contain 2 single beds. Bathrooms are generally shared, with ample bathroom facilities containing western style toilets and showers available throughout the Volunteer House. Hot water is not available. Depending on participant numbers and availability, we may occasionally be able to allocate a bathroom for sole use, but this is not guaranteed and should be considered an additional benefit where available.
Wi-Fi
Yes (Free)
People Per Room
Up To 8 (Shared) or 1 (Comfort)
Single Sex Rooms
Yes
Western Bathroom Facilities
Yes
Airport Transfer
1 Hour
Nearest ATM & Shops
10 Minute Walk
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
Program Location
FAQ's
PMGY welcomes teaching volunteers in India of all nationalities, religions, and backgrounds. The minimum age to join the program is 17, with no upper age limit. Additionally, all volunteers need to have good English, although it does not need to be your first language. While it’s not necessary to speak the local dialect, you’ll find that learning a few local words during your time in India will go a long way in building connections and enriching your experience.
As a India teaching volunteer, you must provide a clean criminal background check before volunteering with us abroad. This ensures the safety and well-being of the children and communities we work with. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept anyone with previous criminal convictions.
In general, no formal experience or qualifications are required to join the teaching projects — just lots of energy, enthusiasm, and a proactive approach to preparation!
Volunteering overseas can be a rewarding yet demanding experience. It can be physically and mentally challenging, so all participants must be fit in both areas. If you have any medical or mental health conditions that may affect your participation, these must be disclosed to us during your online application. This ensures we can best support you and assess the program’s suitability.
If you have any concerns or queries regarding your eligibility or suitability for the India teaching program, we recommend that you contact us before committing to the program. Our team is always happy to assist you in making an informed decision and ensuring a positive and enriching experience for all involved.
For your volunteer trip to India, you should book your flights to Indira Gandhi International Airport – Delhi (airport code DEL) to arrive on the designated Sunday start date. This is the official arrival day for the program, ensuring a smooth and well-organised beginning to your experience as a India teaching volunteer.
Please check out our Chaperoned Flight options for group flights from London Heathrow on selected start dates.
Upon your arrival, you will be warmly greeted at the airport by a member of our local team or an appointed driver. They will be easy to spot, holding a sign with your name to ensure you feel welcomed from the moment you land. From there, they will escort you to your accommodation, where you will have the rest of the day to relax, settle in, and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
The program officially ends on the Sunday of your final week. This means you will need to vacate the accommodation on this day to make way for new participants arriving for their own life-changing experiences. Our local team will be available to assist with arranging transport to the airport or providing guidance for any onward travel plans you may have.
Whether you’re just arriving or bidding farewell to India, our team is here to ensure your transition is as seamless and stress-free as possible. Your time as a India teaching volunteer will leave you with unforgettable memories, meaningful connections, and a lasting impact on the communities you’ve helped.
You can apply anytime for most of our programs, including the India teaching volunteer program. However, we highly recommend applying soon to secure your spot. Some of our programs have limited capacity, and spaces can fill quickly, especially during our peak travel period from June to August. If you plan to join us during this time, applying early is even more important to avoid disappointment!
When you embark on this experience, you must be 100% committed to joining the program. To apply, locate the “Apply Now” button on the individual project page. This will guide you step-by-step through our online Application Process. We’ve made it as straightforward and user-friendly as possible so that you can easily secure your place.
Based on feedback from previous India teaching volunteers, we’ve found that 4-6 weeks is the ideal amount of time to fully immerse yourself in the experience of volunteering in India. This duration provides ample opportunity to integrate into the local community, build meaningful relationships, and contribute to your chosen project. Over this time, you’ll be able to make a lasting positive impact while having plenty of time to explore India’s incredible sights and culture during your weekends.
Many of our India teaching volunteers who joined us for just 2 weeks often expressed that their time was too short. They leave wishing they had stayed longer to further engage with the projects they’ve grown passionate about. If your schedule allows, we highly encourage you to consider a longer stay to make the most of this life-changing experience!
While our programs are available for longer durations, volunteers can initially sign up for a maximum of 12 weeks in each destination. In the past, we’ve found that some volunteers commit to extended placements but later wish to adjust their plans for independent travel or to join another program. Please note, however, that Program Fees are non-refundable once committed. If you arrive and find yourself loving the program (as many do!), you are more than welcome to extend your placement. Extensions are subject to availability at the time of your request, but our team will do their best to accommodate your desire to stay longer and continue making an impact.
For those considering an even more adventurous journey, we recommend exploring our Encounter Programs. These unique opportunities allow you to experience 2-4 week stays across 3-10 destinations, offering a perfect balance of travel, cultural immersion, and volunteering.
At PMGY, we understand the importance of safety, especially for first-time travellers, and we work diligently to ensure that all our programs, including those in India, provide a secure and enriching experience. Our programs are carefully designed to balance structure and independence perfectly. This means you’ll enjoy a guided and supportive environment while free to explore and immerse yourself in local culture. For further details, please refer to our Safety & Wellbeing page.
Volunteer safety in each destination is a top priority and is monitored regularly. A member of our International Team has thoroughly inspected every PMGY program to ensure it meets our high standards. We also stay current with advice published by the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office. Through constant communication with our local teams, we ensure that our volunteers are always placed in secure and stable regions.
Our International Team has personally visited and participated in every program we offer, paying close attention to every detail—from the living conditions and local neighbourhoods to the food you’ll enjoy. These meticulous checks ensure that all aspects of your stay meet our rigorous standards. Additionally, our local teams are experienced professionals with years of experience hosting international volunteers. They serve as PMGY’s trusted representatives, offering 24/7 support to all volunteers throughout their stay. To further enhance your safety, PMGY provides a 24-hour international emergency line accessible at all times. In-country staff also maintain connections with local medical professionals, ensuring that immediate assistance is available should it be required during your placement as a India teaching volunteer.
Before you embark on your journey, you’ll receive a comprehensive Volunteer Handbook, which covers key topics such as health, safety, visas, and dress codes. If you have additional or specific questions, our dedicated support team is available 24/7 to assist. Furthermore, on a monthly basis, PMGY hosts an Introductory Webinar and a Safety Webinar. These interactive sessions offer invaluable information about our projects and practical tips for staying safe abroad.
When you arrive in-country, you’ll participate in a detailed orientation session. This introduction will cover the general volunteer program and your specific project, including essential safety advice tailored to your destination. During this session, you’ll also have the opportunity to purchase a local SIM card — a step we highly recommend to ensure you remain contactable at all times. Additionally, you’ll receive a comprehensive list of essential contact numbers to keep on hand during your stay.
While no travel experience can ever be guaranteed 100% trouble-free, PMGY has taken every precaution to ensure that your time as a India teaching volunteer is as safe and enjoyable as possible. We strongly suggest following the local team’s guidance and advice to ensure your safety throughout your journey.
