Support Community Development & Help

location
4 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Fantastic 4.5  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Good response rate

Highlights

  • Experience a life changing cultural journey to India & gain a unique international experience in the field of community service help women & children in education.
  • You will have opportunity to experience the true Indian way of life, which will expand your perspective of the world, and memories that you'll never forget during your weekend excursions.
  • Our project site (Dharamsala) is truly an exciting place to be, a place where you can really make a difference. Bring the best of yourself to improve our work!
  • Teach the basics of English to the children & women, and create a playful environment by encouraging them to speck, write and read, work in schools & in community centers.
  • Make a positive, long-term impact on a local community that greatly needs your assistance & meet like-minded people from around the globe and build lifetime friendships.


Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+
Wheel Chairs

About the program

Teach basic English to low income and vulnerable women, children to overcome difficult situations by giving them tools through education to improve their quality of life.

Volunteer don't need any TEFL qualification or teaching experience to participate in this program. English teaching volunteers in India make learning English fun and inspire students to reach their full potential. iSpiice promotes educational and training activities for women, children (aged 8 to 15 ...

About the program

Volunteer don't need any TEFL qualification or teaching experience to participate in this program. English teaching volunteers in India make learning English fun and inspire students to reach their full potential. iSpiice promotes educational and training activities for women, children (aged 8 to 15 years old) & to adolescent girls in the villages of Dharamsala. English teaching, computer classes and job-skills training open doors and increase employment prospects while classes offer a platform for network building and social interaction. Your time spent at Dharamsala will aid communities in their understanding and knowledge of the English language and western culture, as well as helping boost their self-confidence.

Volunteer Role & Responsibilities:

  1. Educate women & children by Teaching basic English, computer skills, internet, email writing, writing skills, CV writing, job application, and interviewing skills among others.
  2. Organizing fun activities with the women & children.
  3. Encouraging women to become more self-reliant through learning activities. Support women to get stronger and achieve goals.
  4. Become a volunteer and inspire women & girls in India.
  5. Make a vital contribution to the education system in India and make a real difference in the lives of women & girls.
  6. Improve the teaching standards by introducing fresh and exciting ideas.
  7. Interact with the local community and get to know friendly Indian women.
  8. Experience colorful Indian Culture.


Typical day

Volunteers typically work from Monday to Friday for a total of four to five hours per day, on two different placements. Volunteers work two hours in the morning at one placement and two hours after lunch at another placement. You will have time for taking breaks in between for lunch, chai and ...

Typical day

Volunteers typically work from Monday to Friday for a total of four to five hours per day, on two different placements. Volunteers work two hours in the morning at one placement and two hours after lunch at another placement. You will have time for taking breaks in between for lunch, chai and lesson preparation at the iSpiice volunteer house.

During the week your days at iSpiice will for the most parts, follow this schedule

  • 08:00 AM – Breakfast at volunteer house.
  • 09:30 AM – Prepare for volunteer class.
  • 10:00 AM – Travel to work areas.
  • 10:30 AM – Volunteer work.
  • 12:30 PM – Return to volunteer house.
  • 01:00 PM – Lunch.
  • 02:00 PM – Travel to afternoon work area.
  • 04:30 PM – Work at the placement usually ends. Volunteers are free to travel back to volunteer house or do some shopping.
  • 07:00 PM – Dinner.

iSpiice volunteers will have weekends free and time available to participate in Add On Tours.


Free-time activities

Weekends and evenings are at your disposal to explore the local area and pursue personal hobbies. There are many activities to enjoy in the area such as yoga, meditation, temple visits and shopping. 

iSpiice Program also offers below optional trips while doing volunteering.

  1. Sightseeing of Delhi ...

Free-time activities

Weekends and evenings are at your disposal to explore the local area and pursue personal hobbies. There are many activities to enjoy in the area such as yoga, meditation, temple visits and shopping. 

iSpiice Program also offers below optional trips while doing volunteering.

  1. Sightseeing of Delhi City Tour including, India Gate, Akshardham Temple, Qutab Minar, Lotus Temple and much more which are must see tourist places of Capital City India.
  2. Sightseeing of Agra, visit the world-famous Taj Mahal built by the Moghul Emperor Shahjehan. The Taj Mahal is considered to be one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture. One of the Seven Wonders of the World and famously known as the Monument of love.
  3. Two days weekend trekking in Himalayas at Dharamsala & visit the Mini -Tibet of India, McLeodGanj.
  4. Sightseeing of Pink city of India known as Jaipur which includes visit to historic Amber Fort visit various palaces and monuments on the fort.
  5. Two days trip to Amritsar, visit world famous the Golden Temple & Wagha border ceremony. The Golden temple is famous for its full golden dome, it is one of the most sacred pilgrim spots for Sikhs, surrounded by pool of Nectar.
  6. Varanasi, Rishikesh & Haridwar pilgrimage tour on the tour, you will visit some top tourist attractions of Varanasi like River Ganges, Annapurna Temple, Vishwanath Temple, Sankat Mochan (Hanuman Temple), Bharat Mata Temple & witness a surreal sight of Ganga Aarti on the banks of River Ganges and witness the oil lamp ceremony, as hundreds of lamps are sent floating on the holy river as the sun sets.


Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level)

Education Requirements

at High school level

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

Basic proficiency in English is required and volunteers should be patient, compassionate, committed and willing to learn.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

What's Included

What's Included

Services by iSpiice

  • Pick-up & drop-off from Dharamsala airport by an iSpiice team member.
  • Pre Departure Information Kit, which has all information regarding your program, work area information, things to bring, immunizations details and welcome details.
  • Program briefing on arrival at the iSpiice house.
  • Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner prepared freshly and hygienically by iSpiice’s talented Indian chef.
  • Filtered purified water.
  • Accommodation at the iSpiice volunteer house with wi-fi & electricity.
  • Separate male and female bedrooms and bathrooms (with hot water showers 24*7 and western toilets).
  • Daily private car transfers (to and from work placements) by iSpiice’s drivers.
  • Visit to the local tourist sights including Kangra Fort and Tea Gardens including tickets.
  • Material required for volunteer work such as teacher’s workbooks, pens, pencils, paper and children’s stories – you may wish to bring educational supplies from your home country.
  • Market visit on arrival.
  • Project placement & onsite supervision.
  • Certificate of service as a reference for your future volunteer programs.
  • Visa support and advice.
  • Friendship from the wonderful iSpiice team, fellow volunteers and the local community.
  • 24/7 assistance by in-country coordinator.
  • And most importantly – a donation to the community for educational supplies, basic food supplies, school renovation supplies and help iSpiice sponsor local children to get an education.
  • iSpiice cater to vegetarian and vegan diets. Please let us know in advance if you have any allergies to particular foods.

Airport Pickup at Gaggal Airport

There are generally three flights per day from Delhi to Dharamsala. You will need to book the flight at your own expense and inform us of your flight details.

Accommodation

→ Volunteer House is large, clean, comfortable and communal. We have western comforts (electricity, hot running showers, wi-fi, fans, filtered water for drinking and western toilets). You can expect to share a room with one to three other volunteers of the same gender. Volunteers enjoy the shared environment of the Volunteer House – large bedrooms (separate male and female), bathrooms, large living areas for enjoying meals, relaxing and preparing lessons.

As with most Indian homes, there is no washing machine at the iSpiice house. You will have to get used to the Indian way of washing your clothes by hand and drying.

Food & Beverages

Three delicious, hygienic and healthy meals are provided each day at the iSpiice Volunteer House. Generally main meals will consist of traditional Indian food like vegetables, rice, Dal (lentils), roti (Indian bread), salad, Paratha, Jam, Butter, eggs, Porridge, Bread, Tea (chai) and filtered water is provided in the volunteer house.

There are small shops nearby to buy soft drinks, snack food, washing powder and basic toiletries. iSpiice cater to vegetarian and vegan diets. Please let us know in advance if you have any allergies to particular foods.

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Gaggal Airport (DHM) in Dharamsala. We assist you to find cheap flights to India. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for India provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in India you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for India. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

Our programs starts every Sunday. If you are flying to Dharamsala you can arrive any day of the week, we’re flexible. We have however found it’s easier for our volunteers and community if you arrive on the weekend and start work on a Monday.

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

4 weeks (min. stay) 944€
12 weeks (max. stay) 2,784€
Average fees 234€/week

Program fees

234€ per week 4 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

4 - 12 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with iSpiice during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

iSpiice

Fantastic 4.5 rating (58 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 2010

Verified by Volunteer World

  Good response rate

Coordinated by

Varun

About the project

Join us to spend your gap year in the Himalayas or to combine amazing volunteer programs with travelling in India and visit stunning places like the Taj Mahal.

Meet your organization

iSpiice – Integrated Social Programs in Indian Child Education is set up to improve the lives of Indian families especially women and children in rural villages of India in Dharamsala.

iSpiice is a humanitarian organization supported by volunteers across the world that builds partnerships between international volunteers and Indian communities. iSpiice provides safe and affordable travel volunteer programs in India. Given the beauty, serenity and spiritual atmosphere of the area, his Holiness the Dalai Lama holds residency in Dharamsala. Our volunteers also appreciate the peacefulness of our location for their volunteer India Placement.

Join iSpiice and combine volunteer travel in India on a 2 day tour of the Taj Mahal, a two day guided Himalayan Trekking tour, a two day adventure tour in Manali and a two day tour of Punjab state visiting the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the Wagha border ceremony and the jallianwala Bagh gardens.

58 reviews · rating4.5

Harriet Burdge rating5

2023 at Support Community Development & Help

Working with iSpiice has been a phenomenal experience. From its mission, to the people who run it, to the Programs we volunteer at. I’ve loved working with all the people behind iSpiice because they’re all nice, funny, accommodating and such joys to have around. Varun is so passionate about the ...
If you are looking to interact directly with the people of India and appreciate the culture while still having the opportunity to see tourist destinations like the Taj Mahal iSpiice is a great choice. In addition to teaching, the extra activities on the mini break, such as trekking in the Himalayan ...
Romane Golebiewski rating5

2023 at Private Tutor Caretaker

Doing for the first time a volunteer abroad as a seventeen years old French girl. I am still learning how to speak English well. Indeed it is really open to every age and different level of English. Because without knowing exactly how this trip would look like it could be easy to worry about so ...
Aimee Mckay rating5

2023 at Private Tutor Caretaker

“iSpiice (Integrated Social Programs In Indian Child Education) is awesome! “My experience with iSpiice changed my life. It opened my eyes and my heart to a world that was so similar to mine, yet so different. It was also such an honor to be part of a global community of volunteers who were ...
Volunteering in India with iSpiice was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. Not only did I have the opportunity to help teach kids English I also had the chance to see the most amazing sights such as Amritsar, The Golden Temple & and the world famous Wagha border ceremony. I also saw ...
Keep an open mind and GO! The guidance and preparation resources I received pre-departure were spot on target and the in-country volunteer coordinator was absolutely fabulous! Very passionate and dedicated. I had an absolutely amazing experience in India with the iSpiice Volunteer program. This ...

Location

Asia > Southern Asia > India > Dharamsala

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