Volunteer in India Review

1.- How were the local ABV Coordinator/staff and the support provided in-country?

From the moment I arrived the ABV staff were extremely helpful and welcoming. I always felt I could ask them any questions and they would be able to help.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

Program: As a young person (17) I was surprised by the early curfew. I had originally expected to have our own way of access to the accommodation.

Host Family: I was pleasantly surprised by the workshops that the program organized in the camp, these were really enjoyable.

3- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?

Program: At the beginning I found it challenging to understand what was expected of me in the orphanage. I wasn’t really sure at first what my tasks would be throughout my time here as the hours are quite small.

Host Family: The food was definitely the most challenging aspect of the camp. I, unfortunately, found it very difficult to adapt to the completely different cuisine which I’d have to eat twice every day. Be prepared for this!

ABV: curfew is a must in all our programs abroad, especially for underage volunteers, and meals if you speak up you can get them modify, our volunteer guide specifies to talk with the cook, the host family, the local coordinator and if needed the ABV US office if you need any change)

4- Any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations)

1. If you’re not used to Indian traditional cuisine then definitely bring lots of snacks with you as I became very hungry when I didn’t like the food that was provided.

   ABV: or ask the cook, local coordinator or US office to do some changes

2. If you can, bring a gift or two for the children as they always get so excited by something new (particularly puzzles)

Volunteer India

6- Personal Paragraph about the experience (ABV Program Testimonial):

Volunteer India Review My time in Jaipur has been really eye-opening and rewarding. Hearing the stories and problems that this area still faces today in comparison to my home country has really shocked me. Forming a bond with the children has been a really special experience because despite the significant language barrier I was still able to form a friendship with the children. It’s been heartwarming to see how happy they are, despite their circumstances, and I can see that they will grow up to be hard-working and ambitious people. I wish I could’ve stayed longer.

7- How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security, friendliness, quality others:

The accommodation is very much similar to that you would see in a hostel. For me this is perfectly okay and I’ve been very comfortable. Both the bedroom and bathroom were nice to use.

The meals for me have been the weakest aspect as I found it difficult to eat 2 cold vegetable curry meals a day. This is perhaps just my diet as many of the other volunteers were satisfied with the food.

The security was very good here and the people very friendly.

8- What was your favorite memory of this trip?:

Program: My favorite memory was possibly the last day at the care home with the children, it was both happy and sad to leave them.

The children prepared a cake and celebration to say farewell and I enjoyed the last couple of hours playing and laughing with the kids.

Host Family: The yoga workshop brought us much hilarity as a couple of us struggled to complete the exercises.

9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

Very good, I received regular updates and emails from ABV.

9.1- What do you think about the reservation system online?

Great and easy to use

10 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?

Yes

1- How was the local ABV Coordinator/staff and the support provided in-country?

The support was good and helped in a lot of ways.

2- What was the most surprising thing you experienced?

Program: How curious all the kids were and how different the schools are here.

Host Family: How different we are as people.

Country: How different the cultures are in general.

3- What was the most challenging thing you experienced?

Program: trying to think of things to draw that the kids could get a reference from.

Host Family: Having someone always trying to tell you what to do,

Country: There is a big language barrier. Learn some basic Hindu, take local lessons

4- Any tips for future volunteers… (clothing, travel, personal items, donations)

1. You want breathable material in India’s hot weather. You can buy local clothes

2. Bring your own soaps for showering.

5.- Other things volunteers should know before coming here:

(thats not in the orientation guide)

a. You will get mad at people very easily because you always feel like you’re being pressured everywhere you go for money.

b. You need to learn how to bargain if you are trying to buy anything in India.

6- Personal Paragraph about the experience (ABV Program Testimonial):

This has been a very eye opening experience for me. I have done so many things that some people could only dream of. I couldn’t have had a better experience traveling to a poverty stricken country.

7- How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security, friendliness, quality others:

The accommodations were good but the food could have been a little better. Having the same 4 or 5 choices for an entire month gets tiring. Everything else was very good. So try to eat out a couple of times a week if you want more variety.

8- What was your favorite memory of this trip?:

Program: all the kids would swarm me and bombard me with questions about me or my country.

Host Family: The first day I arrived I was sitting at the airport in Jaipur looking like a lost puppy because I couldn’t find the ABV sign, its big, stay in the gate of arrival waiting for the coordinator and the ABV sign.

Country: How shop keepers and business owners always thought we were rich and always gave us an outrageous price for everything, they do this to any foreigner.

9- How was the ABV USA support prior traveling?

Anytime I called the program I always got a hold of someone and could explain my problems. I would always get emails regarding how everything was going and if I needed anything.

9.1- What do you think about the reservation system online?

It’s good and it got the job done.

9.2- Who did you find Abroaderview website

My grandparents found abroaderveiw and thought it would be good for me.

10 – Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers?

I’m willing to talk to other volunteers to help them with their experience.

Link to the program:

Construction-Painting: Construction / Building
Teaching: Teaching English