Questions and answers

Anyone aged 17 or over who is healthy, open-minded and reliable. Some programs need you to be 18, and medical interns must be health students. Under-18s need a consent form signed by a parent. There is no upper age limit.

Not for most programs. Your coordinator and the project staff show you what to do. The medical internship is for students of medicine, nursing and related subjects.

No. English is widely spoken at our projects and in the cities, and you learn useful Hindi phrases at orientation.

Yes. Tell us who is coming when you apply, and we will place you together where we can. Everyone needs to be at least 17, and some programs start at 18. Ask us about group prices.

From one week up to 18 weeks in Delhi and 12 weeks in Jaipur, depending on the program. Delhi programs start on two Sundays a month and Jaipur programs every Sunday.

Apply online and pay the booking deposit to hold your place. We confirm by email and ask for your documents, including a criminal background check for work with children or vulnerable adults.

Programs start from $495 for one week, with the booking deposit included. Every program page shows the full price for each length of stay.

A payment of US$249, £179, €229 or A$350 that holds your place. It is part of your total price, not an extra charge.

45 days before your start date. If you book later than that, you pay when we confirm your placement.

Online through PayPal, by card or from a PayPal account. We never see your card details.

It depends on how close to your start date you cancel. The details are in our terms and conditions.

Day-to-day costs in India are low: Metro rides, lunches and snacks cost little. Budget more if you plan weekend trips or shopping.

Most volunteers travel on an Indian e-Visa, applied for online before departure. Your passport should be valid for at least six months after your return, with two blank pages. Visa rules change, so check the official Indian government e-Visa site. We send guidance after you book and can provide a supporting letter if you need one.

There are usually no compulsory vaccinations for travelers from most countries, but keep routine vaccinations up to date. Hepatitis A and typhoid are commonly recommended, along with protection against mosquito bites. See a travel clinic six to eight weeks before you go.

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) for Delhi programs, and Jaipur International Airport (JAI) for Jaipur. Arrive on your start date and send us your flight details.

Yes, it is compulsory. See what your policy should cover.

In Delhi you share a room at our base in the south of the city, close to the Metro. In Jaipur you choose between our volunteer house and a local host family. The program pages describe both.

Vegetarian Indian home cooking. Tell us in advance about any special diet, such as gluten-free or lactose-free, and we will do our best to cater for it.

Filtered drinking water is available at the accommodation. Bottled water outside is at your own cost.

Wash your own clothes, use the washing machine at the Jaipur house, or use a local laundry service at your own cost.

No. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed at our accommodation, and breaking this rule means leaving the program without a refund.

Buy a local SIM card when you arrive. Your coordinator can help you set it up, and it makes getting around much easier.

Yes, with sensible precautions. We meet you at the airport, you live in accommodation our team knows well, and you can reach us at any hour. Orientation covers what to wear, how to get around and what to avoid.

Yes. Many of our volunteers travel alone, and you will share your accommodation with other volunteers. Dress modestly, use the Metro, pre-booked taxis or ride apps, and go out in groups at night.

Clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, in light cotton or linen. Avoid tank tops at your project. Closed shoes are useful for project days.

Explore the city, or join one of our weekend trips to the Taj Mahal, Jaipur, Amritsar or Varanasi. Your coordinator can help you plan independent trips too.

October to March is dry and mild. April to June is very hot and July to September is the monsoon. Programs run all year.