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India Volunteer Quests
Volunteer in India: 2-12 weeks

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"This was truly an experience that few can ever say they've had. I've tried but can't yet find all the words to describe the feelings and experiences that I've had while volunteering in India. And I'm not talking about feelings of sadness for the poverty that I was witness to everyday, but the feelings of knowing that I'm contributing to something that is greater than anything I've done and having a place in the world that is more than I thought possible for myself."

-Jeffrey Nichols, Short-term volunteer in India

United Planet's Quest Volunteer Abroad program offers you or your group a life-changing opportunity to interact with local communities through customized work experiences, cultural activities, and home stays.


 

Country and Community Information

India is a large country in South Asia and in terms of population it is the second largest in the world, with an estimated population of 1.12 billion people. The country is made up of 28 states and 7 territories, each with its own unique cultural background and heritage. It seems fair to categorize India as a cultural melting pot; over 100 languages are spoken in the country, India is also significant as it is the birthplace of Hinduism and Buddhism at the same time as being home to people of wide variety of other religious backgrounds. Although modern day India has a strong economy social issues such as poverty and illiteracy are widespread.

United Planet is currently working in three distinct locations in India: Goa in the south, Himachal in the north east and Rajasthan in the north west of the country.

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Volunteer Opportunities in India (2-12 weeks)

The purpose of this Quest is to promote a deeper level of cultural exchange and understanding through meaningful volunteer work at local organizations, social activities with the local community, and excursions and cultural activities.

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Year-round, on-going volunteer opportunities:

United Planet works with a local non-profit organization in India that works with various non-governmental organizations to support social development projects in rural and urban areas.

United Planet Volunteers will work in a group with other volunteers from various countries, having the opportunity to learn not only about India’s rich culture and history, but about others cultures as well.

Volunteers can participate for between 2 and 12 weeks and begin on a designated start date. Volunteers are greeted upon arrival and receive an orientation and therefore, must begin with the rest of the group.

We offer volunteer opportunities in three different locations in India: Goa, Himachal and Rajasthan. In Goa we offer Quests for 4 or 8 weeks, focusing on social work or envionmental conservation. In Himachal we offer 2,3,4 and 8 week Quests, focusing on community development and social work, and in Rajasthan we offer 2,3,4 and 8 week Quests, focusing on community development, social work, and working with the Kanjar caste.


Special Budget Options are available for 4-week Social Work Quests in Goa, Himachal and Rajasthan! 

The Quests take place in Goa, Himachal and Rajasthan, and therefore provide many cultural learning opportunities, through living in villages and interacting with local communities. United Planet also provides excursions and cultural activities, such as visiting an Ashram, local temples and treks! For more information on excursions, prices and details please visit India Prices and Details.

  • Volunteers must be 18 years of age to participate in an India Quest
  • Click here for Long-Term Quests (6 months - 1 year) in India
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Visas
United Planet sends volunteers from many countries around the world. Obtaining a Visa (if necessary) is therefore the responsibility of the volunteer. U.S. citizens can visit the website of the U.S. State Department to learn more about foreign entry requirements. For citizens of all other countries, please contact your destination country's embassy in your home country or your government website. If you need a letter from United Planet to verify your participation in our program, please e-mail us with this request and we will be happy to provide one.

Health Issues and Vaccinations

Some countries require or suggest that volunteers have certain vaccinations before entering the country.  Please consult your country's government website for more information regarding the health of travelers. U.S. citizens can visit the website of the Centers for Disease Control to learn more about vaccinations and staying healthy while traveling.  It is also recommended that you visit the nearest travel clinic prior to departure.

Living and volunteering in another country, often in conditions you are not used to, can take a toll on the body and mind.  In addition to the information that is provided in your pre-departure package, please research how to stay healthy in your country of destination.  It could make all the difference!

 

 

 

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Request Info

Any questions? Please contact us online at Request Info or call 1-800-292-2316 or 1-617-267-7763. United Planet is open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm EST.

Apply Now

Fill out the online application and start to make a difference as a volunteer!

Prices and Start Dates
Check out Prices and Details for India volunteers!

Why Pay to Volunteer

Learn how your program fee is spent.

Fundraising

Need help with your fundraising activities? Check out our fundraising kit.

Short-term Locations
(1-12 weeks)

Cambodia
Chile
Costa Rica
Ecuador
Ghana
Guatemala
India
Italy
Japan
Jordan
Mexico
Nepal
Peru
Romania
Tanzania
Thailand
Tibet
Turkey

Long-term Locations
(6-12 months)

Belgium
Bolivia
Brazil
Colombia
Costa Rica
Denmark
Ecuador
Finland
France
Germany
Ghana
Honduras
Iceland
India
Italy
Kenya
Mexico
Moldova
Mozambique
Nepal
New Zealand
Nigeria
Russia
South Korea
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Uganda
United Kingdom

Skills and Interest

Quests projects vary by location and are offered to both skilled and unskilled volunteers. Read more at:

Groups

Are you interested in going as a group? Learn more on our groups page!

FAQS

Click here to find out answers to many frequently asked questions about United Planet Quests.

Picture Gallery

View pictures taken by our volunteers and staff.

Volunteer Testimonials

Hear what United Planet volunteers have to say about their Quests.

Family and Friends Page

Are you a parent, family member or friend of a UP volunteer? Read this important information!

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