Volunteer Projects in India by iSpiice

Name: Volunteer Projects in India by iSpiice
Brand: iSpiice
SKU: 21387
Rating: 4.94 (53 reviews)

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4.94 Rating

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Location

India
- Dharamsala
- Himalaya

Length

1 to 24 weeks

Project Types

Childcare Street Children Community Development Family Social Services Youth Education Teaching Computer Literacy Health Education Health Medical Human Rights Women's Rights Tourism +5

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Program Details

Age Min.

Age Max

Timeframe

Short Term Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round

Groups

Small Group (1-15) Medium Group (16-30) Large Group (31+)

Travel Type

Budget Family Older Travelers Solo Women

Pricing

Price Details

1) Pick up & drop off from airport at the time of your arrival and departure.
2) Pre Departure Information Kit, which has all information regarding your program
3) Program briefing on arrival at the iSpiice house & market visit on arrival.
4) 3 meals a day by iSpiice’s talented Indian chef with filtered purified water.
5) Accommodation at the iSpiice volunteer house with wi-fi and electricity.
6) Separate male and female bedrooms and western toilets (with hot water 24*7 and western toilets).
7) Daily private car transfers (to and from work placements).
8) Material required for volunteer work such as teacher’s workbooks, pens, pencils etc.
9) Certificate of service.

What's Included

Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Equipment Meals Transportation Wifi

What's Not Included

Airfare SIM cards Travel Insurance Visa

Last Updated: May 14, 2024

Last Reviewed: Apr 01, 2024

Wish List

97 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

iSpiice offers affordable volunteer programs in India for International volunteers. Program includes airport pick-up & drop off, orientation, accommodation in volunteer house, meals, wi-fi, 24/7 support & much more. Our programs feature a combination of volunteering, excursions, and cultural integration. Incredible add-ons available, including a Taj Mahal trip & much more.

Choose from a wide range of trusted India volunteer projects, including
• Teach English to Children in the Himalayan Foothills.
• Women’s Empowerment Program.
• Mini Break Program for 2 weeks.
• Street Children Volunteer Program.
• Summer Volunteer Programs.
• Gap Year Volunteer Programs.
• Dharamsala Community Development.
• Combine Volunteer & Travel Programs in India.
• Program for Child Care Support.
• School and Community Renovation Program.
• Assistant Teaching Computer & Communication Skills.

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Apply Now

Consider your impact: Volunteering abroad can be a rewarding experience for both volunteers and local communities, and at Go Overseas, we believe all volunteers should have the resources to make informed decisions about the type of volunteer project they want to partake in. However, despite best intentions, some organizations offering placements in orphanages may unknowingly place children in danger. You can read about the potential dangers of orphanage volunteering here.

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Diversity & Inclusion

BIPOC Support

iSpiice firmly committed to providing full support and inclusivity for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) individuals. Through our programs and initiatives, we strive to create a safe and empowering space that acknowledges, values, and uplifts the unique perspectives and contributions of BIPOC communities. Our organization stands united in the fight against discrimination and is dedicated to fostering an environment where everyone can thrive, irrespective of their background.

LGBTQIA+ Support

We are dedicated to providing our full support for individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, we strive to create a safe and welcoming space for people of all gender identities and sexual orientations. Our commitment extends to promoting equal rights, dignity, and respect for every individual, regardless of their LGBTQIA+ status. We aim to create a world where diversity is embraced and everyone can thrive to their full potential.

Neurodivergent Support

We are committed to fostering inclusivity, we provide steadfast support to neurodivergent individuals. Our programs create a safe and embracing environment, where diverse neurocognitive perspectives are valued. Upholding equal rights and respect, we aim to eliminate obstacles and empower all members of the neurodivergent community to thrive through our dedicated initiatives.

Accessibility Support

With a strong commitment to inclusivity, We offer support for individuals requiring accessibility accommodations. Our initiatives are designed to create an environment where everyone, regardless of their abilities, can fully participate and contribute. Whilst some programs may be more suitable than others, we strive to empower all individuals to engage and excel in our programs and activities.

Impact

Sustainability

We are dedicated to promoting sustainability in all aspects of our work. By embracing sustainable practices, we envision a future where communities thrive, natural resources are preserved, and the Earth's ecosystems are nurtured for generations to come. We are committed to keeping our projects focused on positively benefitting the local communities and environment.

Ethical Impact

iSpiice is committed to providing ethical volunteer opportunities that truly benefit the local communities. We support a small network of Volunteer Programs in India that we have specifically chosen due to their efforts being sustainable for our volunteers and the local communities alike. We work closely with each of our local teams to ensure we are assessing and adapting to ensure quality experiences for all involved.
iSpiice does not provide volunteer opportunities in orphanages in any of our locations. Our aim is to provide the best facilities to our volunteers and also to nurture the host communities in the most effective manner.
We focus on offering alternative childcare volunteer opportunities whereby children come to and from the placement setting each day. In other words, our local teams collaborate with childcare projects which do not offer any form of residential care. These are safe and responsible projects, where participants continue to provide valued assistance supporting local staff. Volunteers, who wish to get associated with our projects, need to follow certain guidelines according to the company policies.

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Program Highlights

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.
iSpiice Volunteer programs are accessible to everyone who wants to make a difference, through low fees and high-impact projects from $250. Contribute your ideas and share your expertise.
Meaningful: You will experience worthwhile and fulfilling volunteer projects serving our local society.
Optional add on trips to India's famous UNESCO'S sites including Taj Mahal, Trekking in Himalays, Famous Golden Triangle tour, Varanasi, Haridwar, Rishikesh pilgrimage trips and much more.
Volunteering at stunning location of Himalayas, Dharamsala, 5 days (Monday to Friday) per week & help kids build a solid foundation for their future by teaching them English.

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Program Reviews

4.94 Rating

based on 53 reviews

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Rating Spread Volunteer

5 rating 94.34%
4 rating 5.66%
3 rating 0%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 0%

Impact 4.85
Support 4.95
Fun 4.85
Value 4.95
Safety 4.95

Good for Solo Travelers, Students, Adventure travelers

Showing 41 - 48 of 53 reviews

Two years ago I volunteered with Ispiice, and it had a profound impact on my life. Not only did I get to see a whole new part of the world, but I have the opportunity to learn about the culture and feel as though I was giving something back. The program is modest and it is clear that the funding goes directly to the community. It was nice to volunteer directly with children and families and to feel as though every day we had a chance to help. The children and their teachers and parents are so grateful and appreciative for both the time and effort put into improving the education and quality of life. The staff at Ispiice volunteer along side you and really make you feel welcome! It was a fantastic experience.

What would you improve about this program?

I wish I had gone for a longer period of time.

I had a wonderful experience volunteering with iSpiice. I was able to make meaningful connections with my students and really felt that I was starting to become immersed in the culture. When researching volunteer programs, I wanted to find an organization that was based in India and run by locals who knew the community, which is why I chose this organization over other, larger ones that run many trips all over the world.

I couldn't wait to return to India after this experience, and luckily was able to study there for a semester in my next year of college. I met some great people - from the students I taught, to the iSpiice staff, to my fellow volunteers.

What would you improve about this program?

The only suggestion I have for the program is that it could be helpful if they had more guidelines in terms of the curriculum they want volunteers to teach, or at least resources for teaching older students/students at higher levels. They have a lot of teaching materials appropriate for the younger students, but I had a class with teenagers/adults as well.

iSpiice met all my expectations and more. I was supported and well looked after in work and tour activities. Each day I met with eager learners who seemed to get a lot from lessons and interactions with English speakers. Staff at iSpiice are some of the most helpful people I have met and have a real understanding the needs of their volunteers. Not only was iSpiice amazing fun, but it gives the right balance between social/fun and work/volunteer activities. Overall a great programme and a fantastic country :)

I volunteered with iSPiiCe in 2012 and I have to admit, it was one of the greatest and most rewarding experiences i've ever had.
Varun and the team at the Dharamshala camp are extremely friendly, exceptionally kind (especially to us sometimes clueless tourists) and they strive to make every experience you have in India safe whilst not sacrificing any of the magic of the Indian experience.
The volunteer work, helping to teach Indian school children english, was tremendously rewarding. The fee's are worth the opportunity to have a gorgeous indian child sit on your lap and recite the alphabet you've taught him.
The sites that iSPiiCE tours with volunteers are immaculate and must sees on anybodies Indian experience. The Himalayan mountain trek ventures to breath taking views. On the Golden Temple visit in Armistar, you can feel the pulsation of Sikh religion in the air, and of course, the Taj Mahal is a beauty unparalleled.
Varun and the entire team at iSPiiCe can most certainly guarantee you a safe, fun and above all else, rewarding, indian experience and I HIGHLY recommend iSPiiCE to anyone considering volunteer opportunities in India.

Michael Adams. Australia.

I loved every part of my experience at iSPiiCE. I grew really close to the people I was helping, I learnt a lot from them and their culture and I really had the impression I was making a difference by supporting this community. It's not only what I took from that experience, it's really the impression of having an impact and be useful. I highly recommend anyone who would like to volunteer in India to do it through iSPiice.

the most incredible experience of my life. i spent a month at ispiice. Varum and Vineet are perfect. good accomodation best moments with volunteers. amazing trips around india with them. i would recommend ispiice to everyone

It was an honor and a real pleasure to work side by side with such a professionnal and caring team over at Ispiice. Organized and highly motivated, they were able to build a strong family and a solid infrastucture. Apart from the daily work and encounters, which were incredible, we got to spend week-ends away on trecks or visits with the whole community, and these were unforgettable times.

Thank you again Varun, Ravi and all the other staff for what was an amazing experience.

An amazing experience that I will never forget. This program is truly making a difference to the lives of the people living in the local community. Varun and his team will make you feel at home - the foothills of the Himalayas! As a primary school teacher this experience has shaped the way that I teach today!

Questions & Answers

What is the process like for booking this program?

Great question! Once you send a message or press Apply Now, the provider of this program will receive your message or application, and guide you to the next step. All you have to do is fill out a few details! The entire process should only take a few days and every message will appear in your personal inbox.

By Brittany Murphy on March 12, 2019

How long will it take to be accepted?

You will know within the next few days.

By Brittany Murphy on March 12, 2019

What happens after I press "send a message" on the right side of the page?

Your message will be sent to the provider who runs this program! You will receive a personal email as well as a message in your Go Overseas Inbox (top right of the page, "Inbox") once the provider responds to your question. At any point, you can ask more questions by pressing View within your Go Overseas Inbox.

By Brittany Murphy on March 11, 2019

What do I do after I apply to this program?

Wait for the provider of this program to accept you! You will receive an email to your personal inbox as well as your Inbox here on Go Overseas within 48 hours.

By Brittany Murphy on March 11, 2019

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

There were two reasons I decided on the ISPIICE program. The first is my love for the Indian Culture and the Indian People. I had traveled to India previously and wanted to give back to a community in need of critical services.

The second reason was that ISPIICE has many project areas to choose from and two that I felt would compliment my professional skills were that of working with homeless/street youth and early childhood education in the local daycare settings in the villages.

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

The ISPIICE Director arranged initial contact in Delhi with an ISPIICE Team member who then coordinated bus transportation and escorted me to the ISPIICE Team Camp/House. This was a 9 hour bus ride to a village near Dharamsala.

The provider arranged for all meals daily as well as transportation to the project sites. The entire ISPIICE Team was also beneficial in assisting me with transportation and information about local places I wanted to visit in my free time.

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What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

FLEXIBILITY! Regardless of which program you choose our which project you may choose, the reality is that the needs of the community and or provider may change before you arrive, or on a daily basis after you arrive. Being flexible may allow you really tap into your hidden resources.

One of my examples from my ISPIICE experience was not only the opportunity to work with the homeless/street youth, but I was asked one day if I could teach a IT class to them. I am by no means an IT wizard but I figured it out and helped further an IT class that today has youth emailing and Facebooking volunteers who have visited. Being flexible allows you to grow more when working on these critical projects.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

The ISPIICE team has a well coordinated system between all their projects. A typical week is working in the various projects Monday through Friday and the weekends were free for each team member. Each day usually began about 7am with many team members organizing lesson and action planning for the morning projects.

The morning projects were approximately three hours in length, then a break for lunch back at the team house and then back to planning for the afternoon projects that ranged from two to three hours as well.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it and/or how did your views on the issue change?

I have done four projects across four countries so I am at ease with the experience. On my first project my fear was always about getting lost and there being a language barrier.

What I have found in all my travels is that I know enjoy getting lost, as you will find a new adventure.

There is always someone who will assist, point, or even walk you in the direction you need to go towards to get back on your path to your eventual destination. When I get lost, I explore first then find my way!

Sasha Chauhan

2013 Alum

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

What position do you hold at iSpiiCE? What has been your career path so far?

Varun: I am the Founding Director and am from the Dharamsala region and was educated in government schools. After my education I gained employment with a local NGO, having a dedication to education and helping underprivileged people in India. I built my career in this sector and set up iSPiiCE with 14 years experience. I have worked extensively in slums of Mumbai, Delhi, Goa and the state of Rajasthan and now I'm happy that I am able to help in the area where I grew up.

Did you volunteer abroad? If so, where and what inspired you to go?

<p><strong>Varun:</strong> No I have never been outside from India.</p>

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What does the future hold for iSPiiCE - any exciting new programs to share?

Varun: iSPiiCE contributes to the sustainable development of rural communities in India, through education and health initiatives. Our main goal is to break poverty cycles and enable people to rise beyond predetermined progression opportunities, based on their current access to education.

In the short term iSPiiCE aims to reach more schools and children in the Dharamsala region and improve the children’s access to English and Computer skills training. This will enabling them to leave school equipped with the skills and confidence they need, and the aspiration to continue with their education.

Our Goals

To provide classes to the teachers in Government schools in English and Computers so they are better able to teach their own.
To provide each partner school with 4-6 desk top computers (depending on size).
To set up a computer lab for women’s empowerment job skills and computer classes.
To gain new premises to set up our own classrooms to hold after school classes and women’s groups (instead of working in people’s homes which they very kindly open to us or use)
To increase the women’s use of Anganwari centres (and the ICDS scheme), and help Anganwari’s to fulfil their function as first line support for mothers and their young children.
To provide for employment of ladies in the local area.
To offer further employment in the area by employing local women (and our own students) to work as iSPiiCE volunteer guides, where they help with translation in classes, lesson planning, and act as a mediator between students and volunteers.

In the long term iSPiiCE would like to run a free independent educational institution, employing its own teachers and continuing to invite international volunteers to supplement learning. To run a iSPiiCE mentally challenged school and orphanage and for this iSPiiCE have already bought a land but iSPiiCE has to construct the building which takes time - 6 to 10 years) so we try to have a continuous flow of volunteers.

What about the future of the industry? How do you think volunteer abroad will change over the next 10 years?

Varun: I think many people are now a days looking for combine volunteer and travel programs and I think in next years there will be more flow of volunteer’s who would like to experience both travel and volunteer same time.

Which volunteer abroad destination is most underrated? Conversely, which is most overrated?

Varun: Zimbabwe is one of the most underrated country and Europe countries are overrated.

About iSpiice

iSpiice (Integrated Social Programs in Indian Child Education) is a voluntary social organization that builds partnerships between International volunteers and rural Indian communities. With 80% of India’s population living in rural areas an iSpiice volunteer programs takes you to the very heart of India, giving you the opportunity to put your...