Individual Programme
If you want to live and work alongside Indian people as an individual volunteer, this programme is for you!
Placements are available in projects in various locations around India, including Dehli, Mumbay (Bombay), Ahmedabad, Patna (Bihar), Dehradun (Uttaranchal) and Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh).
Main Features
- Orientation course on arrival
- Homestay with a local host family, or guest house
- Projects: teaching, welfare, conservation and media projects
- From 7 to 24 weeks
Projects
There are many interesting projects available in the categories listed below. The projects given here are an example of the projects in each category. Our goal is to match the skills and expectations of the participants with the needs of the local projects. Our volunteer coordinator in the field will suggest a project for you once they have your application. They are well placed to match your skills and interests to the right placements.
Teaching
There are 15 official languages in India. English is the most important language for business and politics, however it is not widely spoken among the poorer sections of society. Female education in particular remains a problem, with over half the female population unable to read and write. There are many opportunities for volunteers in schools around India to teach basic English in collaboration with the local English teacher to primary school children, secondary students and adult learners.
Bharitiya Vidya Bhawan, New Delhi, is a secondary school with a section for children with intellectual disabilities. Volunteers can assist in teaching English in the secondary school or work with the children in the special needs school.
Welfare
India is a highly populated country with extreme economic difficulties. Alleviation of poverty, improving the welfare of the rural poor, and providing support and facilities for the most vulnerable sections of society are some of the areas which need immediate attention. Voluntary organisations play an important role in this regard. There are volunteer placements available in orphanages, shelters for the homeless, centres for destitute women, old age homes, and centres for the disabled.
Aksay Pratishthan, New Delhi, is a community based rehabilitation centre for people with disabilities. It aims to provide integrated education, medical care, vocational training and self-employment. Volunteers assist in providing vocational training in the areas of weaving, textile design, arts and crafts, and computers
Conservation
Deforestation has become a serious problem all over the world. In India many organisation have come forward to combat this problem. Nature reserves and forest plantations have been developed to create general awareness of environmental issues. Volunteers do hands-on fieldwork, and also help the local staff by preparing educational aids on environmental educational programmes.
The Centre for Environment and Education, Ahmedabad is a national environmental organisation which aims to improve public awareness of environmental issues and to promote the conservation of natural resources. Volunteers work in the development and implementation of innovative programmes and educational materials.
Media
Media plays an important role in developing rural India. It creates general awareness among the rural population and provides information about various developmental schemes. It is very effective and motivating tool, with the power to make improvements in the lives of rural farmers.
Media Research Centre in Ahemedabad is producing films for rural India, providing information about various Government schemes. The team visits villages, meets local people and records their true stories of success and benefits received from these schemes. Volunteers can join the local team for field visits as well as helping with in-house production activities.
Health
Various projects are undertaken by voluntary organisations to create general awareness of health issues and hygiene. Volunteers interested in joining a health project must have some basic qualifications or experience in the health sector.
General Williams Masonic Polyclinic in Delhi, works in the area of community health and development. It also organises immunisation camps from time to time. Volunteers assist local staff as they carry out their work at the polyclinic as well as during special camps in slum areas of the city.
Programme details
Arrival & Orientation
Arriving in Delhi or Mumbai International Airport, you will be met by EIL India authorized transport agent and provided with overnight accommodation. The following day you will be transferred to the area where you will be based for the duration of your volunteer placement.
If the project is in Delhi/Mumbai, arrival and orientation will be for two days, and the project will begin on the 3rd day (excluding holidays). Orientation will cover issues of Indian culture, its people and society as well as details about the project. It would also make you understand the support and assistance you would be receiving from day one.
If proceeding to any other city for the project, overnight accommodation and general Orientation will be provided in Delhi/Mumbai. Orientation about the project and the local area will take place at the project site, and the project will begin on the 4th or 5th day after arrival.
Weekend Activities
Participants are invited to take part in organised weekend activities during their voluntary service placement. These include visits to places of local interest or a cultural programme with local artists.
Workplace conditions
Workplace conditions vary depending on the project. Volunteers work a maximum of 40 hours per week, with 2 days off. Generally there will be other international volunteers and local staff working on the project.
Accommodation
You will stay either with a family, or in furnished rented accommodation with your own room, near the project site where you are working. All meals are included for the duration of the programme.
Start dates
Weekly arrival dates: every Monday and Tuesday (flexible if necessary)
Visas
Six-month tourist visas are issued by the Indian Embassy. You must have proof of onward/return travel.
The EIL Development Education Network
Our volunteers work and live alongside local people in local communities in some of the most deprived areas in the world. It is in response to their experiences that the EIL development education programme was set up. On their return to Ireland we ask our volunteers to be the voice for the stories of the people they worked with and to highlight their experience of poverty and inequality. Then together we campaign to make a difference by promoting global justice, human rights, fair trade, debt relief and greater equality and respect among the peoples of the world. Our goal is to see global justice and equality reach the top of the Irish agenda.
The Application Process
Applying for the Volunteer Abroad programme is a straight forward process: after receiving your application and CV we will contact you to find out more about your interests and motivation for wanting to be a volunteer. We then send your information to our colleagues in the country of your choice and they make your placement. As soon as they confirm a suitable placement for you, we will send you all the information necessary to finalise your preparations. Although some countries can accept late applications, you should send your completed application 12 weeks in advance. The earlier you apply, the more time we have to find the most suitable project for you.
What you need to do:
- Complete the application form ( Word / PDF ) and send it to us together with 2 recent passport photos, €350 deposit, and recent CV.
- Do a telephone interview (or in person if you live in Cork and/or want to call in).
- A confirmation letter of enrolment will then be sent within 10 working days.
If you prefer we can send you the application form by post.
For more information about applying to volunteer with EIL please see How do I apply? or contact Anton.
Cost & Details
We guarantee no hidden costs.
We encourage you to compare our costs with other organisations and a careful comparison of what is included and what is not included is always advisable.
What Is Included
- Pre-departure orientation and support
- Airport pick-up and transfer on arrival
- One night accommodation, if needed, on the day of arrival
- Two days Orientation stay
- Single room accommodation during volunteer placement
- All meals for the duration of the programme
- Transportation from Delhi or Mumbai to the project
- One half-day city tour during Orientation stay
- One weekend trip to any nearby place of historical or cultural importance
- Free access to online TEFL resources
- Debrief workshop on return to Ireland
- Invitation to join the EIL Development Education Network
What Is Not Included
- Visa Fee
- Flights
- Return/onward transportation at the end of volunteer placement.
- Medical, liability and travel insurance (available for €10 per week)
- Local transportation during project placement
- Personal expenses
Costs
| Duration | Cost |
|---|---|
| 7 weeks | €1949 |
| 9 weeks | €2159 |
| 12 weeks | €2569 |
Prices are subject to change and are reviewed annually in November.
Visit our WHY PAY? and FUNDRAISING pages.
Protect the environment: EIL Carbon offset system
Compensate for the CO2 that your flight will generate by helping to plant trees in Guatemala.
Stories from the field
India is like a snake! One point is so far into the future and the other is so far behind!
Volunteering on an individual programme in New Delhi, Aedin Clynes
"the best experience of my life so far": last post from Aedin in India
"I love India", Aedin Clynes writes after two weeks in India - Individual Programme
Laura Abecasis who is French and lives in Dublin volunteered in India for 12 weeks at a day care centre for children in Jaipur.
Caroline Enright, a graduate in International Studies, spent 7 weeks volunteering with the "Manav Sadhna Centre" in Ahnedabad.
Country info
History
Indian history dates back to 3000 BC. Excavations in Punjab and Gujarat reveal that the Indus Valley civilisation was a highly developed urban civilisation. In fact the two cities of Harappa and Mohenjodaro, situated on two sides of the river Ravi, are known to have been built on a similar plan. But that only meant a new wave of urbanisation was taking place along the Ganges around 1500 BC. This has been recorded in the Rig Veda - the earliest known literary source composed in this period that sheds light on India's past.
The Great Dynasties
By 6th century BC, the Magadh rulers dominated the Northern plains. It was also the time when new thinking emerged in the form of Buddhism and Jainism to challenge Hindu orthodoxy. The Magadh rule was followed by the rule of Chandragupta Maurya (322-298 B.C.), one of India's greatest emperors. The Mauryan reign peaked under the reign of Ashoka the Great who extended his empire from the Kashmir and Peshawar in the North to Mysore in the South and Orissa in the East. Not only was Ashoka a great ruler, he was one of the most successful propagators of Buddhism in the country. After Ashoka's death in 232 B.C. the empire began to disintegrate and the country was repeatedly raided and plundered by foreign invaders, leaving India disunited and weak for the next 400 years. Stability returned with the reign of Chandra Gupta I (380-412 A.D.). His rule is considered the golden period in Indian history when art and culture flourished and the country prospered.
Unlike the North of India, foreign invasions had little impact on life in South India which also saw the rise and decline of many empires. These included the Cholas whose rule extended to Sri Lanka and South East Asia, the Pandyas, the Cheras, the Pallavas and the Chalukyas. Under the various rulers, arts and craft in the South also saw the emergence of various styles of architecture and some of the grandest architectural accomplishments in the South - the most famous being the exquisitely crafted Chola bronzes. These were followed by the Hoysala and the Vijaynagar empires - among the greatest Hindu empires.
The Muslim Invasions
The first Muslim invasions of the country started with the Mahmud of Gazni, who plundered the sub-continent for its riches between 1001 and 1025. Later Mohamed Ghori defeated Prithviraj Chauhan, the Tomar ruler of Delhi and left it in charge of his deputy, Qutub-ud-din, the man who built the Qutub Minar in Delhi. His rule was followed by that of the Khilji, Tughlaq, Sayyid and Lodi dynasties. Known as the Sultanate of Delhi, it was during this period that the Muslim rulers introduced Islamic concepts of society and governance to most of the sub-continent, though the South remained largely untouched.
In 1525, Babur, a descendant of Timur, as well as Genghis Khan invaded Punjab and eventually founded the Mughal empire in India. His rule was followed by that of his son Humayun. Humayun was ousted by Afghan chieftain Sher Shah but resumed power after Sher Shah's death. Sher Shah is, however, remembered as the one to build the Grand Trunk road spanning from Peshawar to Patna. Humayun's reign was followed up by his son Akbar who actually consolidated power and extended the empire across North India and parts of South India. One of India's wisest rulers and most able administrators, Akbar's reign is considered to be one of the best the country has known. Akbar was succeeded by Jahangir, followed by his son Shah Jahan - best known as the builder of the Taj Mahal, the Red Fort and the Jama Masjid. Shah Jahan's reign was followed by Aurangzeb's. The death of Aurangzeb saw the decline of the Mughal rule in India.
British Rule
Over the centuries India had always been attractive to traders, and one of the first Europeans to come to India was the Portuguese trader Vasco da Gama who landed at Calicut, sailing via the Cape of Good Hope in 1498. The Portuguese established their colony in Goa in the 16th Century but they did not expand it though their rule continued till 1961. Vasco da Gama was followed by the French, the Dutch and the English, all of whom were lured by the commercial interests that India offered. By the last quarter of the 18th century the English established themselves as the dominant power in India and they set about making revolutionary changes in the social, political and the economic life of the country.
Towards Independence
The disintegration of the Mughal empire, fighting among the Maratha rulers and inability of the various rulers across the country to unite against a common enemy saw the British consolidate their position in the country. However, the 19th century saw a revival of national pride and social reform and the Indians began to tire of the suppressive British rule. Things reached a flash point in the second half of the 19th century when the first war of independence in 1857 broke out in Meerut. It was sparked off by the introduction of a new rifle and cartridge by the British in the Army. The cartridges which soldiers had to bite off, allegedly contained pork and beef tallow, which offended the religious sentiments of both Hindus and Muslims. The soldiers rebelled, reached Delhi and proclaimed Bahadurshah Zafar the sovereign ruler of India. They were eventually overpowered by the British.
But there was no looking back for the Indians who wanted social reform and freedom. The Indian National Congress was set up and educated Indians started formulating strategies to assert their birthright to independence. The anti-British sentiment became a mass movement with the arrival of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi who devised a unique strategy for India's freedom struggle based on non-violence and civil disobedience. He conceived and led the non-cooperation movement in 1922, the Salt Satyagraha in 1930 and the Quit India Movement in 1942. All of which pushed the British into agreeing to transfer power on August 15, 1947, the day that is now celebrated as India's Independence Day. Today, India is the world's largest democracy with a federal form of government.
Religion
As the birthplace of four major religions that exist even today, India is rightfully known as the land of spirituality and philosophy. The most dominant religion in India today is Hinduism with almost 81% of the people being Hindus. One of the truly ancient religions of the world, Hinduism is believed to have developed nearly 5000 years ago.
Around 500 BC two other religions made their mark in India: Buddhism and Jainism and today while these two religions together account for no more than 1.2% of the population, their impact on Indian culture and sensibility is far in excess of that. Between them these three ancient religions - Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism - molded Indian philosophy and thinking. One comparatively new religion in India is Sikhism, which was established in the 15th century. Today about 2% of Indians are Sikhs. There were other attempts to create new religions in India, and though they did not always succeed, they add to the mystic lore and spiritual depth of the land
Along with the religions that developed in India, there are followers of non-Indian religions as well. Islam is the chosen faith of a hefty 12% of India's population. Christians account for more than 2%, and Zoroastrians (Parsis) though a tiny minority, still make their presence felt. There are also a few thousand Jews in India
Culture
Continuity is perhaps the most remarkable feature of Indian society and culture. Over the centuries, communities belonging to different races have come together and mingled in the mainstream of Indian life to make this land a unique composite of different cultures.
Though India is marked by many differences pertaining to geographical features, racial elements, language, customs, modes of dress and eating and so on, its identity as a socio-cultural whole is clearly perceived both by Indian and outsiders.
The varied cultural multiplicity of India is a rich repository of folkloristic materials that provide the scope of sociological and anthropological, linguistic and folkloristic investigations. The rich cultural heritage of India finds expression in the daily life and social life of the people.
Climate
The climate of the country varies from region to region. The North enjoys a cold climate in the winter months between November and March. The coastal areas have a tropical climate throughout the year, while the plains and most central and southern regions of the country are hot in the summer months of April to June. Most of the country has a vigorous monsoon, which lasts from July to October.
Located in the northern hemisphere, India shares its borders with Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and Bangladesh. The rest of the land is surrounded by sea.
FAQ
Questions
Is it safe?
Who volunteers?
Can I go with a friend or family member and can we be placed in the same project?
Is the deposit refundable?
Can I combine more than one country?
How long can I go for?
When can I go?
How much does it cost?
What’s the difference between EIL’s volunteer abroad programme and others?
Why aren’t volunteers paid/given expenses?
Why do volunteers have to pay for their programme?
I would like to participate in the programme but I didn’t realise how much it would be or simply can’t afford it.
How do I apply?
When should I apply?
Can I come in to discuss options?
What visa do I need?
What vaccinations should I get?
What are the age limits?
Do I need any special skills/qualifications?
Can I work on a specific project?
I already have a good language skills – can I drop/reduce the language course?
What is the accommodation like?
Will there be other volunteers going at the same time as me?
What does the optional insurance cover?
Can I apply from northern Ireland/UK/outside Ireland?
Answers
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Is it safe?
We only place volunteers in locations where it is safe to do so. Traveling to a developing country can be challenging, but most people travel without encountering trouble.
Volunteers are briefed on safety issues during the predeparture workshop, during the orientation in-country, by the host family.
We have an emergency system in place with 24h emergency phones (in Ireland and overseas). It is advised to check government travel advice for your destination. Check the websites of the Irish Dept. of Foreign Affairs and the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Also read the safety information that we send you and of course exercise caution in any country.
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Who volunteers?
EIL volunteers come from a range of different backgrounds. Our volunteers are:
- Students and young people willing to volunteer abroad during their holidays, between jobs or on a year out.
- Office workers, teachers, farmers, nurses, engineers, factory workers, waiters and just about anybody wishing to help, take some time out or just looking for a different experience during their holidays.
- Retired people who want to put their time and skills to good use.
- Apprentices and students who need to complete an internship or work experience.
- Youth clubs, family groups, clubs, school groups or groups of friends.
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Can I go with a friend or family member and can we be placed in the same project?
It is possible to apply with one or several friends, family members or a partner and to be placed in the same accommodation and project.
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Is the deposit refundable?
The vast majority of the applicants are accepted in the programme but if your application is not successful, we will refund your deposit. Otherwise, the deposit is not refundable.
Can I combine more than one country?
It depends on the combination of countries. As we are dealing with two different programmes you will have two different programme fees. We may be able to look at a reduction of our administration fees but this is a small part of the fee. In the case of Latin American countries you may be able to do the language course in one of the countries thus reducing the fees in the other country. This will depend on our office in country and we need to make arrangements with them to do this.
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How long can I go for?
Programme lengths vary from minimum 2 weeks to 11 months, depending on which country you choose. 2/3 weeks programmes are available in Guatemala, Thailand and Vietnam. Though if you choose to go for such a short period it is important to have realistic expectation as regard as what you can achieve.
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When can I go?
You can join most of our programmes any time of year. Many of them have flexible start dates. We have set start dates in South Africa, Nepal, Nigeria, India, Morocco but they have at least one every month. If you are looking for a teaching placement we need to check the term times in that country.
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Will there be other volunteers going at the same time as me?
If this is a priority for you to be placed with other volunteers we will indicate you the programmes where you are very likely to be with other volunteers. If there are volunteers going to the same destination at the same time we will put you in touch via e-mail so you can become acquainted. There may well be other international volunteers from other countries working with you. However, be prepared that you may be the only international volunteer there. This is a greater opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and get to know local people if you are not relying on other volunteers. Be prepared that you may feel isolated or lonely sometimes. Accommodation in volunteer house and volunteer camps (with other international volunteers) are available in Thailand, Vietnam and India.
How much does it cost?
The programme fee varies depending on which country you choose and the length of programme. All the programme fees and what is included are on our website and in our country specific information sheets. To give an idea, programme fees start at €785. If the full length of language course isn’t needed, we maybe able reduce the programme fee. Our fees do not include flights, visas, vaccinations, medical and travel insurance, and personal expenses.
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What’s the difference between EIL’s volunteer abroad programme and others?
- EIL is an established Irish not for profit intercultural learning organistion
- We work with sister organisations who are members of the EIL worldwide network.
- We will thoroughly analyse your profile, needs and expectation and match it with the most suitable volunteer programme
- Our programme are flexible: placements are available in 15 couintries, from 2 weeks to 11 months with start dates year-round and a wide range of project is available
- Volunteers are placed in local projects supporting local initiatives
- We offer an authentic cultural experience including a full cultural orientation and most programmes include stay with host family.
- Safety is the first priority: our volunteers have 24-hour support in country from our National office, the local co-coordinator as well as mentors on the project.
- Our programmes fees are very competitive and cover accommodation, meals, transfers, support - with some exceptions.
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Why aren’t volunteers paid/given expenses?
We place volunteers in local partner organisations in developing countries. These organisations need volunteers because they can't afford enough paid staff and are not in the position to offer expenses/pay volunteers. EIL and the partner organisations we work with are not for profit making organisations and depend on the support of volunteers. Please see Why pay? for more information.
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Why do volunteers have to pay for their programme?
EIL and our in-country partner organisations are non-profit making organisations. The programme fee covers the cost of placing a volunteer in the project, to provide accommodation, meals, transfer and transport, pre-departure & in-country support and insurance. The projects volunteers are sent to in developing countries cannot afford to cover these costs themselves. Please see Why pay? for more information. Many volunteers cover some of the costs by raising funds. Fundraising support is available and we will send you a fundraising pack.
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I would like to participate in the programme but I didn’t realise how much it would be or simply can’t afford it.
We recognise that some of our participants are students and affording the programme fee is an issue. Many volunteers cover some of the costs by raising funds. Fundraising information and advice is available. We also have a number of travel awards and scholarships available every year. Keep an eye on our website for these awards.
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How do I apply?
Applying for the Volunteer Abroad programme is a straight forward process: after receiving your application and CV we will contact you to find out more about your interests and motivation for wanting to be a volunteer. We then send your information to our colleagues in the country of your choice and they make your placement. As soon as they confirm a suitable placement for you, we will send you all the information necessary to finalise your preparations. Although we are usually able to accept late applications, you should try to return this form not less than 8 weeks prior to your intended date of departure. The earlier you apply, the more time we have to find the most suitable project for you.
What you need to do:
- Complete the application form ( Word / PDF ) and send it to us together with 2 recent passport photos, €350 deposit, and recent CV.
- Do a telephone interview (or in person if you live in Cork and/or want to call in).
- A confirmation letter of enrolment will then be sent within 10 working days.
If you prefer we can send you the application form by post.
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When should I apply?
Although we are usually able to accept late applications, you should try to return this form not less than 8 weeks prior to your intended date of departure. The earlier you apply, the more time we have to find the most suitable project for you, and you will also need time to sort out your flights, visas and vaccinations.
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Can I come in to discuss options?
You can discuss options over the phone or if you live locally you are welcome to come in. Before you take the trouble to visit us at our offices, we recommend thinking about where you would like to go, what placement you are interested in, when you want to go, how long you want to go for and why you want to volunteer. Call to make appointment.
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What visa do I need?
The type of visa will depend on where you are going and for how long. Visa information is available on our website and on the info sheets we can post you. However you are responsible for your visa and you should contact the Irish Embassy or Consulate for the destination country in good time prior to departure for the requirements and application procedures.
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What vaccinations should I get?
For legal reasons we cannot give advice on this. Please contact your doctor or the Tropical Medical Bureau.
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What are the age limits?
You have to be over 18 for most programmes. If you are on the younger than 18 please contact us to discuss the options. There is no upper limit.
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Do I need any special skills/qualifications?
No. We are looking for people who are independent minded travelers. Living in a developing country demands flexibility, initiative, maturity and drive. Of course if you have particular skills and experience that you would like to use then we will take this into consideration when finding a suitable placement. Please see Is this for me?
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Can I work on a specific project?
You can indicate the type of project that you would like to work on and if you have a particular example in mind from our website then you can indicate it. This is not guaranteed. Our partner organisations will suggest a placement for you. They are well placed to match your skills and interests to the right placements.
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I already have a good language skills – can I drop/reduce the language course?
Sometimes this is possible – we would have to know what level you are at and check this with the national office in-country first.
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What is the accommodation like?
It will depend on the country and project, either with a host family, in a volunteer house / camp or with an independent room at the project site. It may be basic compared to the standards you are used to here. We will provide details of the family or accommodation you will be staying in before you leave.
What does the optional insurance cover?
Basic travel, medical and liability and baggage insurance. Information on what it covers is available in the insurance booklet we will send to you. We can also check with our insurance company if you have specific queries.
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Can I apply from northern Ireland/UK/outside Ireland?
- Northern Ireland: we can take applications.
- UK: We will pass your details onto EIL UK and ask them to get in touch.
- Other: Please visit Federation EIL to find the nearest EIL office to you.