I gained invaluable lessons in putting myself out of my comfort zone, and for someone else to do the same, you can find out an awful lot about yourself, embrace the challenge, the culture difference, immerse yourself in all aspects of your surroundings, blossom relationships with people from all walks of life.
Teaching English Volunteer Program in India - Delhi
Purpose
Improve access to quality education
Start dates
Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
Duration
Choose from 1-24 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 5 hours a day
Age
Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Accommodation
Volunteer house or homestay
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Fluent English speakers who are interested in education and want to help marginalized children by enhancing their language skills. You’ll have the support of the local team and local teachers so no teaching experience is necessary, but relevant training or a TEFL certificate would be an advantage.
Project details
Keen to Teach English as a volunteer in India - Delhi? International Volunteer HQ’s Teaching English project enables volunteers to help at schools in disadvantaged neighbourhoods in Faridabad. Volunteers will gain experience teaching English while providing young students with the chance to develop their language skills and practice talking with a fluent speaker. Being able to speak English can open many doors for children growing up in low-income areas, giving them employment opportunities and possibilities that may help improve their circumstances and quality of life.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
Children growing up in disadvantaged areas around India often face significant challenges, and it can be hard for them to grow beyond the lives they, and their parents are born into. However, by acquiring new knowledge and skills, their chances of living fulfilling and productive lives increase.
One skill that opens up new opportunities is the ability to speak English. Fluent volunteers play a valuable role in helping children to learn and practice the language.
As a Teaching English volunteer you will teach students aged between 5 and 11 years old in schools in Faridabad. English teaching duties usually include:
- Taking English classes
- Tutoring students
- Talking with students
- Helping with pronunciation and word use
- Lesson planning
Why do Teaching English volunteering in Delhi with IVHQ?
As a volunteer English Teacher in Delhi you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Improving access to language education for disadvantaged students
- Helping students learn and practice English
- Learning Hindi
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining teaching experience
- Immersing yourself in Indian culture
- Seeing India’s education system in action
Volunteer requirements
- Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program
- All volunteers aged 13+ are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure. Those aged 13-17, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead
- All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
- All volunteers must speak fluent English.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
India photo gallery
IVHQ Teaching English project in Delhi, India
IVHQ Health project in Delhi, India
IVHQ Childcare project in Delhi, India
IVHQ Teaching English project in Delhi, India
IVHQ Childcare project in Delhi, India
IVHQ Health project in Delhi, India
IVHQ Childcare project in Delhi, India
IVHQ Teaching English project in Delhi, India
IVHQ Childcare project in Delhi, India
IVHQ Health project in Delhi, India
IVHQ Health project in Delhi, India
IVHQ Childcare project in Delhi, India
IVHQ Health project in Delhi, India
IVHQ volunteer traveling to their project in Delhi
IVHQ volunteer orientation in Delhi
IVHQ volunteer orientation in Delhi
IVHQ volunteer orientation in Delhi
Exploring Humayun's Tomb during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Delhi during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Delhi during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Delhi during an IVHQ weekend
IVHQ volunteers in Delhi
Exploring Delhi during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring Delhi during an IVHQ weekend
IVHQ volunteers in Delhi
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
DL
David Lee
29 Nov 2023
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AC
Abigail Cooke
16 Aug 2023
Very helpful guidance and preparation resources from IVHQ. I had an answer with trips suiting my budget within a couple of hours! The local team were great.
...
LN
Luis Nastili
21 Apr 2023
The guidance and preparation resources I received from IVHQ before starting my trip was good, my Program Manager was helpful, the local were good and did their job. Rocky and Sarita were very accommodating.
I feel I can do anything now after this volunteering trip. After covid I lost so much freedom and couldn’t do what I wanted. I felt free and confident in new and challenging situations.
...
MW
Malini Washizawa
22 Mar 2023
The preparation resources were thorough and helped me with my volunteer program and stay in every way. I was also thankful to IVHQ and their prompt response to my inquiries, as I applied a bit late, and it took time for me to assemble all the necessary documents.
The local team were very helpful and friendly. They helped me feel safe and comfortable during the two weeks of my volunteer program. The accommodation was good and satisfied all my needs and wants. Although the food was vegetarian, the menu was almost always different every day, so I greatly enjoyed it. Meeting the children at the slum school and teaching them was my favorite. I got to learn about the children's lives and how different it is from the world I grew up in.
...
NN
NagaTarang Nimmathota
08 Feb 2023
Facility and the hospitality was very good.
My confidence has doubled after doing this volunteering!
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SS
Shonkie Singh
01 Dec 2022
List of all what was required for the program was nicely laid out. Got support when ever I needed it. Hosts were able to adjust to my slight different food requirements.
...
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditRecommended online TEFL course
Recommended online TEFL course
We encourage volunteers on IVHQ’s Teaching and Childcare projects to come prepared by completing some relevant training, such as a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) course. Although formal teaching qualifications are not required on these projects as volunteers are supported by local staff, taking a TEFL course enables you to gain more from the experience. Visit our Online TEFL Course page to learn how to gain an internationally recognized TEFL certification at a discounted rate.
Get TEFL certified onlineLocation
Location
Delhi is home to India’s capital city, New Delhi. The city and surrounding National Capital Region are home to 46 million people in a number of cities and towns. One of these is Faridabad, where many of IVHQ’s India - Delhi projects are based. With more than 1.4 million people, Faridabad is the biggest city in the state of Haryana and part of one of the fastest growing places in the world. This means lower-income communities and slums are becoming more overcrowded and resources more stretched. Volunteers can help local initiatives that aim to address some of these issues, making life better for the people who live there.
If you’re planning to volunteer in India over the summer between April and July, it is important to consider the climate in Delhi. You’ll be in your element if you like it hot, but some past volunteers have found the heat and humidity were more extreme than they were expecting and often there is no air conditioning at placements. If you are looking for a more temperate destination, the IVHQ India - Kerala volunteer program is a great option. Located in southern India, volunteers can expect a more tropical climate throughout the year.
Arrival and orientation
The program orientation begins on the first and third Monday of each month, and volunteers need to arrive in Delhi on the Sunday before orientation.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at the New Delhi International Airport (DEL). Your airport pick-up is included in your program fee.
When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation in Faridabad, on the southern outskirts of Delhi. Your accommodation is covered by your program fee and includes the night before your program orientation.
If you are travelling in India prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up in Delhi on the day before your program orientation.
There are two options for orientation in India:
Half-day Orientation:
This covers everything you need to know for your volunteer project and stay in India. You will have an introduction to the IVHQ India - Delhi program, your project and the local staff, Indian customs, rules, expectations, and safety.
1-week Language and Introduction Week:
A week-long orientation which not only teaches you everything you need to know for your volunteer project, but also gives you detailed information about life in India, basic Hindi language lessons, tours, entertainment and sightseeing including the chance to visit the Taj Mahal. This week is popular with volunteers and is a great way to settle the culture shock you can face when arriving in India.
The fee for this longer orientation is AU$424 and takes place in the first week of your program. Accommodation and three meals per day are covered during this time. The Taj Mahal Tour costs an extra AU$206. If you want to join the 1-week Language and Introduction Week, please indicate this on your application form.
Volunteer schedule example
First day
On your first day of volunteering, you will be escorted to your placement by a local coordinator and introduced to the placement staff you will be working with.
Weekdays
Work and hours are dependent on the project and placement that the volunteer is working at, but a typical volunteer day would be:
| 7:00 AM | Breakfast at the volunteer accommodation |
| 8:00 AM | Volunteers leave home and travel to their placements. |
| 12:00 - 2:00 PM | Lunch break either at the placement or the volunteer accommodation. |
| 2:00 - 4:00 PM | Work at the placement usually ends. Volunteers are free to travel back to the volunteer accommodation, go sightseeing, or do some shopping. |
| 7:00 - 9:00 PM | Dinner at the volunteer accommodation. |
Weekends
During the weekends, volunteers have spare time to relax or take the opportunity to explore Delhi’s numerous street markets, malls and museums, or discover ancient temples, important religious sites and beautifully curated gardens. You can also travel further afield to destinations such as Agra, where you can see the Taj Mahal; or admire the rose-hued buildings in the Pink City of Jaipur. Volunteers can make travel arrangements after arriving in Delhi, however if you are planning a long weekend trip during your time in India, it is a good idea to look into train tickets in advance and visit a travel agent to discuss travel options.
Accommodation and WiFi
You’ll stay in a volunteer house outside of central Delhi, in Faridabad, where you can expect to share a room with one to three other volunteers of the same gender. While bedding is provided, it is recommended that volunteers bring their own sleeping bag for the winter months of November through February.
Living is comfortable and all accommodation has electricity, WiFi, fans, shared western toilets and running water. The volunteer house has heated water for showers, a dining area and kitchen facilities. It is located in a gated apartment block within Faridabad and volunteers are provided with transport to and from their placement and accommodation each day.
Volunteers may request homestay accommodation or a private room within the volunteer house and both options are dependent on availability at the time. There is an additional fee of US$93 (approximately AU$157) per week for a private room which can be booked and paid for via your Pre-departure Checklist once you have registered. Families will typically be accommodated in homestays, and on some placements on the Medical project volunteers may also be in a homestay.
Meals
Volunteers on the India - Delhi program are provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner, which are all served at the volunteer accommodation.
Toast, eggs, spreads, fruit and tea are served for breakfast. Typical Indian food served for lunch and dinner include chapati, a flat wheat bread; dahl, a lentil soup; curry; paneer; vegetables and salads. Meat is rarely eaten in India, except on festive occasions so you can expect all meals to be vegetarian.
India is home to a great variety of teas and you are sure to be served an authentic home brew of chai tea during your stay. Bottled water is readily available in India and volunteers should budget approximately AU$8 per week for 2 litres per day.
If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know when you apply so as we can discuss this with you further. As you will be living and volunteering abroad, you should not expect to eat as you normally do at home; however, the local team will do their best to ensure you are well taken care of. It’s important that you come to India with an open mind and understand that there is a need to be flexible when it comes to meals. If you wish to supplement some of your meals with home comforts, there are basic kitchen facilities available to use.
Typical volunteer bedroom in Delhi
Typical volunteer bedroom in Delhi
Typical volunteer bedroom in Delhi
Typical volunteer bedroom in Delhi
Typical volunteer lunch in Delhi
Typical volunteer lunch in Delhi
Typical volunteer lunch in Delhi
IVHQ volunteers share a meal in Delhi
IVHQ volunteer eats a meal in Delhi
Typical volunteer dinner in Delhi
Typical volunteer breakfast in Delhi
Typical volunteer breakfast in Delhi
Typical volunteer breakfast in Delhi
IVHQ volunteers share a meal in Delhi
IVHQ volunteers serve a meal in Delhi
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$299 (approximately AU$505), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately AU$505) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $340 Equivalent to $49/day |
| 2 weeks | $425 Equivalent to $30/day |
| 3 weeks | $560 Equivalent to $27/day |
| 4 weeks | $695 Equivalent to $25/day |
| 5 weeks | $830 Equivalent to $24/day |
| 6 weeks | $965 Equivalent to $23/day |
| 8 weeks | $1,255 Equivalent to $22/day |
| 10 weeks | $1,525 Equivalent to $22/day |
| 12 weeks | $1,795 Equivalent to $21/day |
| 16 weeks | $2,335 Equivalent to $21/day |
| 20 weeks | $2,875 Equivalent to $21/day |
| 24 weeks | $3,415 Equivalent to $20/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately AU$505) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Delhi generally find US$100 per week sufficient for additional transport and miscellaneous expenses.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Transportation to and from placement and accommodation each day
- Airport pick-up
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Discounts on travel and tour add-ons
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Return to the airport when your program finishes
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Popular add-ons & experiences in Delhi
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Delhi program.
Airport Drop-off
Experience a hassle-free journey from your volunteer placement in Delhi to New Delhi International Airport (DEL) with the convenience of our local team’s coordination.
AU$59
Taj Mahal Visit (1 day)
If seeing the iconic Taj Mahal is on your bucket list, this visit is your dream come true.
AU$206
Extra Night of Accommodation
Planning to arrive ahead of schedule or extend your stay after your program ends? Book your additional nights of lodging.
From AU$37
Check what's required to visit India
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | New Delhi |
| Population | 1.366 billion |
| Languages | Hindi, English |
| Currency | Indian Rupee (INR) |
| Time zone | UTC+05:30 |
Weather and climate
India is subject to six different climates and can be loosely characterized by four seasons; winter, summer, monsoon, and a post-monsoon period. Delhi experiences intense heat during the summer months (April to June) and temperatures can reach 45°C (114°F) during heat waves from the south. Dust storms are common during summer months. Following the dry summer, there is a period of monsoon weather from late June until September bringing heavy rain and average temperatures of 29°C (85°F). As winds from the Himalayas descend from November, winter in Delhi begins and average temperatures will sit around 12°C to 13°C (54°F to 55°F) until February. Heavy fog is typical during the winter.
Apply to check if you're eligible!
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