Volunteering in another culture offers a unique opportunity to stimulate personal growth while making significant contribution to the local community. And what better way to motivate yourself and others in a country full of ancient culture and diversity? India offers immense potential for experiences and awareness, with incredibly warm people, colorful landscapes, and zen-filled environment.

Cultural Embrace partners with local NGOs to promote quality volunteer opportunities in India.  Our goals are to assist at-need communities and to improve their standards of living. We offer a range of volunteer projects, the minimum duration being 2 weeks. Additional extensions are available, as well as discounts for an extended period of stay.  To top off this unforgettable experience, we will can arrange sight-seeing excursions (ie: Taj Mahal, elephant rides at Amber fort, beach visits, etc), home-stay accommodations during orientation, cultural activities (ie: cooking, yoga, meditation, etc) and other fun and exciting events for you to enjoy India. 

Read our blog for further insight on participants' experiences.

Download Volunteering in India Program Details here.

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Locations:

• Bangalore
• Mysore/Madikeri
• Goa
• Himalaya

Projects:

• Teaching English and/or Special Needs 

Support local children at a primary school, as well as at a children’s center for during and after school activities.

• Women Empowerment

Be a part of the rehabilitation process of young girls who come from dis-tressed families. Main aims are to support the girls from broken families, provide a safe and caring atmosphere, provide education and skills for the girls to be independent, provide self-respect that they are unaccustomed to.

• Medical Project

Assist medical clinics and hospitals to have a better understanding of the medi-cal and health profession. Volunteers will report to the clinic’s personnel on duty during your vol-unteer hours to support him/her and tend to the patients.

• Elders Home

Lend a hand and heart to the Elders at a nursing home. Assist local staff as well as share stories, talk and listen to the Elders, do memory exercises, or encourage physical activity. Exercises may include walks, yoga, meditation, etc.

• Community & Social Work

Help from a wide list of support to underprivileged communities. Sample projects may be to educate children to build a better and more eco-conscious society; to teach the community about health & hygiene; spread awareness on women’s rights and social welfare; first aid/CPR training; orphanages, and much more.

  Volunteering in India Offers:

• An unforgettable experience helping and improving Indian communities 
• An opportunity to broaden your perspective and worldview
• An opportunity to participate in and learn local cultural activities (e.g.: language, crafts, dancing)
• Memorable travel experiences with the chance to see exotic sites you have always dreamed about 
• The ability to make lifelong friends from around the globe
• A valuable work experience that strengthens your resume, exhibiting your diligence, independence, and intercultural experiences 
• A great way to develop and support your self-confidence and interpersonal skills   

  Cultural Embrace Offers:

• Guaranteed Volunteer Placement Prior to Departure
  Cultural Embrace pre-arranges your volunteer project before you leave home to ensure an easy and hassle-free transition to your new life abroad.   
• Housing & Board
  Basic, clean, and comfortable housing and meals during working and orientation days.  (Breakfasts only during excursions, unless otherwise specified)
  Homestay with local English speaking families in Jaipur during orientation, and shared accommodations at on-site volunteer facilities. 
• Visa Assistance
  Cultural Embrace will assist you with information to obtain a visa (if necessary), but we have no control nor the ability to guarantee government issuance and/or visa availability.
• Arrival Assistance, Hotel Stay & Transfer
  An airport pick-up from the Jaipur airport, transfer to orientation and your local volunteer site will be arranged.
• Arrival Orientation
  Training about the local Indian culture, community, project duties, and lifestyle will be provided by your local representatives. Housing and board with carefully selected host families or volunteer facilities will be provided during orientation. 
• Volunteer Materials
  Materials for various activities during the volunteer work like colored pencils, pens, markers, sports equipment, paper, games, etc are provided.
• Dedicated Transportation
  Transportation to and from volunteer sites throughout the program  
• Travel Insurance:  Basic Major Medical Coverage 
  Our policy provides basic medical coverage at your volunteer location. Cultural Embrace highly recommends additional travel insurance.
• Cultural Embrace Kit
  Useful tips, advice, and information to prepare you for the amazing adventure of living and working abroad.
• Full-time Representation
  Cultural Embrace provides representation in the United States and your host country prior to, during, and after your placement. 

In order to participate in this volunteer program, Cultural Embrace requires that you:

• Be between the ages of 18 to 70. Or, if younger than 18, you must have parental or guardian consent
• Have good physical health
• Be open to foreign cultures and living abroad
• Have a high level of responsibility
• Be dedicated to the full term of commitment
• Be a team player
• Enjoy providing a service and working with others in a challenging environment     

View our quick-glance comparison charts for more informaion

*Contact us for discounted rates for extended stays

** Prices subject to change with international currency fluctuations

**Age Groups divided as: Youth 18-29 years old; Adult 30+ years old

Click here for quick tips on how to make a smooth and successful placement.

1. Obtain the Volunteer Abroad Application Forms & Procedures documents in one of three ways:

(a) Download the forms:  Volunteer Form (pdf).   Volunteer in India Program Details and FAQ (pdf). 

(b) Fill out an online application request form and the forms will be e-mailed to you within 2-3 days.

(c) Call Cultural Embrace at 1-512-469-9089 to have the forms mailed to you in 7-10 days.

2. Read the instructions carefully and complete all forms.

3. Submit your completed application packet to:

CULTURAL EMBRACE
7201 Bill Hughes Road
Austin, TX 78745 USA

Completed packet should include:

• Volunteer Program Application
• Signed Volunteer Agreement
• Copy of your passport (information page only)
• Copies of transcripts, diplomas, or certificates related to field of interest (if applicable)
• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter explaining what you want to do and why you want to volunteer in India 
• Two References: preferably professional and/or character references
• Doctor’s Note verifying that you are in excellent mental and physical health
• Copy of Police Clearance (obtainable from your community's local police station) 
• Two 1½" x 2" official passport-size photos, signed on the back
• One smiling full-length photo of yourself
• US$250 non-refundable deposit (credited towards your program fee) 

We recommend submitting your application at least 12 weeks prior to your desired start date in order for us to organize and arrange your volunteer placement.

To follow current and past participants abroad, join our Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Blogger community. For any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@culturalembrace.com or you can call us at 1-512-469-9089, or Skype: Cultural.Embrace.