How much does this trip cost?
BDS is one of the socially responsible volunteer organizations that offer volunteer programs throughout the year. Volunteers need to pay the living cost only as per the local- host and this cost goes directly to them only. the living arrangement is organized by the local host for all volunteers and groups in India. This cost includes 3 times the local tasty veg food.
What is the registration process?
Soon you check our site and decided to participate in our program, please send us your details through our contact form/email us, and we will contact you as soon as possible with all the details.
What are the program requirements?
We simply ask that volunteers are open-minded, flexible, respectful of cultures and traditions, determined, and motivated. Any special qualifications you may have are always useful.
Can I travel with a friend/friends?
You can certainly seek placement and/or accommodation with a friend/friend. Please indicate in your application, and we will do our best to place you in the same accommodation and/or project. Please keep in mind that this is subject to availability.
What are the documents you need for the application?
We need a brief CV, a copy of your passport, a copy of your visa, two copies of a recent photograph, a criminal record check report from your police station, any experience copies or education copies, and a reference letter to apply for our program. Please ask us if you need any further information.
Can we choose our project?
We are one of the organizations working closely with local and international organizations and place our volunteers in different sectors of volunteering in India request our volunteer/s to mention their intention and choice during the application, we will try our best to find the best possible placement for you and your team members, if it is available otherwise you have to take part as per the availability on your arrival.
Do the volunteers need any qualifications?
No, but they need a soft heart for children, adaptability to different cultures, and societies, and motivated mind to do something.
Do the volunteers have to speak English fluently?
No, but the language spoken by the host families is English. Therefore, volunteers are expected to speak basic English.
Whether any Volunteer can work on different project at a time or can choose their project?
All Volunteers can choose their project at the time of application subject to availability. No Volunteers are allowed to work on two different projects at the same time. All volunteers are requested to work on their own project for their whole term unless they have permission from the Organization.
How much does a volunteer need to join any program?
Living cost + flight cost+ vaccination cost [ ask the Indian embassy nearest you] + personal cost + insurance cost + visa cost. Volunteers receive NO salary or Stipend for their service.
Are there any special things to bring?
No, but if any volunteer likes to gift anything to any poor kid that will be welcome, which they should distribute by themselves. The volunteer will get everything of their daily requirements around their accommodation unless they stay in any rural area.
Is there any hospital near our project area?
It depends on the project area and location. There are many good hospitals in every city in India.
Are Internet and Phone available?
Yes. One hour of free WiFi is available at the accommodation during weekdays. There are many phone booths and Internet cafes in the city as well, which will cost Rs. 10-15 per hour.
What Language is spoken in most the places?
It again depends on the place. India is a big country with many local languages, Hindi is the national language though there are many other languages spoken in the different states of India. There are local people in every city who know English.
Do we need to bring sleeping bags/mosquito nets?
If you are taking part in our volunteer/internship projects then a sleeping bag and mosquito net are essential but if you take part in our package programs like tour and volunteering then these things are not necessary.
What kind of sleeping arrangement do we get?
For the volunteer cum tour program, accommodation would be at guest houses/hotels but for only the volunteer/internship program, your accommodation would be mostly on a dormitory basis as per the availability. Though there is always an option of applying for a privet room/air-conditioned room against extra fees as available by the service providers. Outside living NO Allowed. All volunteers for the same project should have to stay in the same accommodation for safety and security reasons.
Are there any other points to know?
- You are requested to follow the local dress code. Sleeveless/shorts/vests are not allowed.
- Smoking and bringing alcohol into the project area are not allowed.
- Kissing and hugging in the project area are not allowed.
- Photography is not allowed in our project locations.
- Volunteers are requested to be very careful about their belongings/money/cameras/phone etc.
- Volunteers are requested to return to their rooms before 9 p.m.
- Volunteers are requested not to take any food/drinks from any strangers.
- You should bring sunscreen, sunglasses, cotton dresses for summer and light woolen for winter, and an umbrella/raincoat for the monsoon season (July – Sep).
- Anti-mosquito bite kit is important. A flashlight, first aid medicine, one pair of sleepers, and one pair of shoes can be helpful.
