Affordable Volunteer Programs in India

I spent one week in Dharamshala, India with iSPiiCE on their volunteer teaching children program. I had never been to India before and honestly, had no idea what to expect. After having returned home, I now have such a beautiful appreciation for India and its vibrant people and communities.

Dharamshala is a small town nestled at the foot of the Himalayas. The daily program schedule included all meals, a lesson at the elementary school in the morning, and then an afternoon private lesson with a family. The highlight for me was definitely being able to interact with the cute kids, and just witnessing how bright and curious they all were. Education is such a powerful tool, and they were all eager to interact with native speakers. Definitely, be prepared for a lot of energy though because these kids love to chat!

Highlights:
-Daily chai tea throughout the day. Will definitely miss this!
-Using a laptop for an English lesson and seeing all the kids engaged/hovering over because most of them do not have a computer at home
-Being invited to a local family's home for a giant authentic Indian feast! By far one of my favorite memories to be welcomed in their home and to try to eat Indian food with my hands. So much fun and a great opportunity to interact with the locals.
-The Taj Mahal trip. Seeing the Wonder of the World was incredible, especially since I'm an architecture/history geek. The trip to Agra was long, but worth it to witness the marble masterpiece.

Varun and Vineet were amazing and always available for questions. I never once felt unsupported during my time with iSPiiCE. Thank you guys for an unforgettable week.

Note: I am a Go Overseas employee, but the above review is an honest personal reflection of my recent volunteer trip with iSPiiCE.

Overall all I have found my experience here at iSpiice extremely positive and have enjoyed my time here. I found the program excellent for both the volunteer and students. I would look forward to rejoining the program in the future. The staff was excellent. I will certainly recommend the program to others. I had a very rewarding and worthwhile experience, something I will cherish. Thank you iSpiice.

I have nothing negative to say about my time spent with iSPiiCE. The staff, the work, the food, the location, the tours, the locals, and the other volunteers all exceeded any expectations I could have ever had. The best part of the entire experience are the people you will meet through your work. Whether that be in the slums, daycare, or a class you teach, they will change your life! I cannot recommend this program enough.

I can honestly say I have never felt more cared for in my life than in my time at iSpiice. The staff have exactly the right balance between what a Western tourist needs, and immersing them in Indian culture so they feel absolutely at home and not like a tourist at all. I felt safe and comfortable at all times in a country so different to anything I had experienced before. The kindness of Indian people has to be experienced to be believed, those at iSpiice in particular. I came away with a new sense of how good people can be, as well as a tummy stuffed full of the best food I’ve eaten (and pounds lighter, could there be a better place??) How to have the best of all possible worlds, travelling while feeling at home, the most wonderful scenery with plenty of time to see it around worthwhile work that benefits a community unlike any other you’re likely to have experienced, and shopping until you drop. I would go back tomorrow if I were able to do so, and stay longer this time to experience more of the seasons.

I'm 100% sure that I'm returning within the next year. I've never loved living somewhere more than northern India. I felt truly happy and thanks to the staff, I was comfortable and safe. I honestly can't stress how amazing this experience was enough. There aren't enough words to describe how perfect it was. If I could get on the plane right now and go back, I would (and I literally got home two days ago).

I had an incredible experience ISPiiCE! They went above and beyond to meet your every volunteer and personal goals/wishes. Varun even assisted with onward travel plans, and was very personable and inspiring in all that he has done to get the company to where it is now. One example of how selfless Ravi and Vineet, 2 other staff members are, was the multiple times they would offer to cook more rice. I quickly learned that eating everything meant you were still hungry and so they would just keep cooking it and Serving it up. It was so funny, one of the first nights, it took a 3rd refill for me to realise to stop eating it until empty. They just want to please you, therefore you are so well looked after!

The teaching and childcare I was involved in was amazing, and the staff helped with translating. I can't recommend the experience more; it's a must do for anyone. Whether you are a seasoned volunteer, a newbie, retired etc, ISPiiCE are so flexible in meeting your goals and supporting you as needed without you feeling pressured! Amazing! :)

I have a question: How do you make the world a better place? Part of my answer I found in India. “The way to Happiness: keep your heart free from hate, your mind from worry. Live simply, expect little, give much. Scatter sunshine, forget yourself, and think of others.” ~ Norman Vincent Peale With the opportunity provided by iSpiice to live and work in the community – with and for the community. I was truly blessed to have shared in the people and children of Dharamsala’s lives. I am blessed to have shared some skills, knowledge and experience and to share part of their lives with my heart and soul.
In the process I met some really fabulous people, I stepped in ancient places and had some deep spiritual experiences. Mostly I learned from the people who so deeply touched me: Life is really simple!
My sincere gratitude to Varun, Vineet and Ravi – for everything. May you be blessed with what you are doing for your community!

“It was an awesome experience. Varun (the Founder) provides patronage to local services/trades people with disabilities, provides food and support to families who are recently bereaved, and organises sponsorship of promising students to be able to continue their education. I took advantage of the Add On Tours and a highlight of my trip was the visit to the Golden Temple at Amritsar. I thoroughly recommend this organisation/volunteer placement. It has given me the confidence to travel to India again as a volunteer.”