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Language & Orientation Week in Delhi - India

Volunteering Solutions gives it's volunteers a great opportunity to learn the culture, history and language of the diverse country called India. Orientation week is aimed to teach the volunteers all issues about culture, basic language and history about India before they start their program in the field.

You can choose to take part in the Orientation week or join the volunteer placement directly. This program starts on 1st & 3rd Monday of each month. The program aims to give you true insight about India, it's culture, basic language, food, places to visit and things to do while you would spend your time in India.
 
The program is held in Delhi the capital of India and volunteers also have a chance to visit Taj Mahal (at an extra cost) on the 6th day of the program. 
 
While on this program the volunteers would stay at the volunteer home accommodation arranged by Volunteering Solutions.
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Orientation Week Schedule

Sunday: (Arrival in Delhi & welcome) .Arrival at Delhi airport. Pickup and transfer to volunteer’s home.
 
Day 1: Welcome to India, introduction to the program in Delhi, safety issues, basic culture and history about India. Also learn about your weeks program and details about your volunteering program in India to follow after this week. In the evening, welcome dinner with the coordinator and other volunteers.
 
Day 2: Tour of 'Dilli Haat' and Akshardham Temple. These are two of the most popular tourist locations in Delhi with Akshardham Temple being the largest Hindu temple in the world and Dilli Haat , an ethnic craft market where handicrafts and foods from different states of India are displayed.
 
Day 3: Interactive session with the volunteers and coordinator on different topics such as arranged marriage system in India and joint family system. Hindi language class starts in the afternoon and you are introduced to basic Hindi words and phrases.
 
Day 4: Hindi language class continues till the afternoon introducing you to more words usage of which will be helpful during the volunteer placement. In the evening, watch a Bollywood movie at a cinema or in the volunteer house to better understand some of the terms you have learned.

Day 5: Take a Tour to some of New Delhi's most popular tourist locations. In the afternoon lunch will be provided at a restaurant where you will get to experience authentic Indian food.
 
India Gate - At the centre of New Delhi stands the 42 m high India Gate, an "Arc-de-Triomphe" like archway in the middle of a crossroad. Almost similar to its French counterpart, it commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the British Army during the World War I. The memorial bears the names of more than 13,516 British and Indian soldiers killed in the Northwestern Frontier in the Afghan war of 1919.
 
Lotus Temple - Located in South East Delhi, this temple is built in the shape of a lotus flower and is the last of seven Major Bahai's temples built around the world. Completed in 1986 it is set among the lush landscaped gardens. The structure is made up of pure white marble. The architect Furiburz Sabha chose the lotus as the symbol common to Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam. Adherents of any faith are free to visit the temple and pray or meditate.
 
Humayun's Tomb -  This magnificent garden tomb is the first substantial example of Mughal architecture in India. It was built in 1565 A.D.nine years after the death of Humayun, by his senior widow Bega Begam. Inside the walled enclosure the most notable feature are the garden squares (chaharbagh) with pathways water channels, centrally located well proportional mausoleum topped by double dome.It has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
 
Qutab Minar - It is a soaring, 73 m-high tower of victory, built in 1193 by Qutab-ud-din Aibak immediately after the defeat of Delhi's last Hindu kingdom. The tower has five distinct storeys, each marked by a projecting balcony and tapers from a 15 m diameter at the base to just 2.5 m at the top. The first three storeys are made of red sandstone; the fourth and fifth storeys are of marble and sandstone. At the foot of the tower is the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the first mosque to be built in India. A 7 m-high iron pillar stands in the courtyard of the mosque. It is said that if you can encircle it with your hands while standing with your back to it your wish will be fulfilled. 
 
Day 6: Take a day trip to Agra to see 'Taj Mahal' - one of the seven wonders of the world along with the local coordinator or representative.
 
Cost $250 for this 1 week program. 
 
Taj Mahal trip cost - $100
 
(The Language Week Starts on 1st and 3rd Monday of every month)
 
** This is a suggested, itinerary and is subject to change in order to comply with changes according to local conditions. The program cost does not include any monument entry fee**

Start Date

The Language and Culture week in Delhi, which starts on 1st and 3rd Monday of every month throughout the year. Volunteers need to arrive one day prior to their program start date.
 

Program Costs

Volunteering Solutions strives hard to keep costs low and offers one of the most affordable volunteer abroad programs. Compare our prices and services to other organizations and you would be surprised to see the difference. 

USD GBP EUR
1 Week
$250
Please Note: -An application fee of $200 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.
1 Week
£175
Please Note: -An application fee of £140 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.
1 Week
€200
Please Note: -An application fee of €160 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.

    What are you Paying For ?

    • 24 hrs Assistance and support from staff
    • Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information
    • Pick up from the airport
    • Orientation and Hindi language lessons
    • Delhi Tour 
    • Accommodation 
    • Transportation during tours
    • Food
    • Travel & Medical Insurance (Available at an extra cost)

    What's NOT Included ?

    • Airfare
    • Return Trip to Airport (Can be arranged at extra cost)
    • Monument Entry fees to monuments in Delhi and Taj Mahal
    • Visa Fees
    • Vaccinations

What are the project locations in India ?

Our volunteer programs are located in and around Delhi , South India, Palampur/Dharamsala in Himalayas and in Kolkata.

People from which country can join the Volunteering Solutions program ?

We welcome people from any part of the world to join our program regardless of which country he or she may belong too.

Does Volunteering Solutions help with Visa?

Receiving a tourist visa for tourism purpose is the volunteer's responsibility. Volunteering Solutions strongly recommends all volunteers to apply and get a tourist visa before departing for India. If needed, Volunteering Solutions do provide with written document which would help volunteers in getting the Visa.

When should I apply for the volunteer programs in India?

We are able to offer placements from any Monday of each month year round. Because of the increasing volume of applications, participants are requested to apply in advance to secure their spots.

How long does it take to process my application?

Once you have applied, we will send you details of your placement usually within 4-7 working days.

When do I need to arrive in India for my program? What will happen once I arrive in India?

All volunteers need to arrive one day before their program start date. Our local coordinator or representative will pick volunteers from the respective Airport/Railway Station/Bus Station depending upon the arrival details provided by the volunteers. Those volunteers who are arriving overland or are already in India will be picked up from the bus station or at a meeting point decided beforehand.

How do I get to the program location?

Your country coordinator will take you to your placement and introduce you to everyone after giving you a basic orientation about the program/city/culture etc.

I want to know more about accommodation arrangements?

We provide you with accommodation from your start date to the end of the program. Accommodation will either be in the volunteer’s home or with a host family. Accommodation is shared along with other volunteers. You need to bring your own toiletries, mosquito net and sleeping bag.

Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the India-based volunteer programs?

The only qualifications are: -
 
-- Volunteers must be 17 years or older at the beginning of the program
-- Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment.
-- The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.
-- Be in good health.

What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?

We recommend you speak to your doctor before coming. The following are recommended vaccinations: -
  1. Hepatitis A and B
  2. Typhoid

Are there more expenses once I arrive in India?

Your program fee covers you for food, accommodation, airport pick up, Orientation, Pre departure information and in country staff support. You will need to cover yourself for your personal expenses, such as traveling, telephone, internet, shopping, sightseeing etc. However you should carry around $40 - $50 per week for your basic personal expenses, such as water, local transport, phone etc.

Is there phone and internet available on projects?

Yes there is usually a phone at every placement we provide. You’ll have easy access to e-mail, telephone etc. Public telephone booths & cyber cafes are located practically everywhere. You can choose to carry your mobile phone if you want better connectivity with people back home.

What hours will I volunteer every day?

Volunteers usually work for 5 to 6 hours a day depending on their program. You will have weekend off so you can go to travel on weekends. However some organizations will need you to work on some Saturdays as well.

Where can I change my money in India? Are there ATM’s in India?

You can change money in any bank or at the airport by showing your passport. There are ATM's located all around the city (Delhi, Palampur, Kolkata and South India).

Can couples or families join the volunteer program?

Yes, couples and families are welcome to join our programs. We make special provisions for families joining our volunteering programs; we will be able to provide them with program placements and accommodations together.

What will be the food arrangement?

The host family provides two or three meals per day which consists of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals. The meals consist of Chicken, Rice, Beans, Fish, Salads and Fruits. Traditional Indian food will be provided to volunteers.

Do I need to buy health insurance?

Volunteers have the option to purchase Travel and Medical Insurance at a nominal extra cost from Volunteering Solutions. To buy insurance from Volunteering Solutions, please click here

What sorts of clothes are required for India?

Lightweight clothing and rainwear is recommended as well as warmer clothing for the evenings (light jacket and/or light sweaters). A pair of walking shoes is highly recommended as well.

What should I do in case of an emergency during my trip?

You’ll be provided with a pre-departure manual after you’ve signed up with us for our program. It’ll have the entire phone no’s and addresses of our country coordinators whom you may contact in case of any emergency.

Do you recommend any cheap airlines flying into India?

We would recommend you to visit, http://www.kayak.com, http://www.orbitz.com to have more details on cheap airlines to India.

Roshan Thomas George (USA)
Roshan Thomas George-Language and Orientation Week Delhi has proved to be a very attractive city to me. The beautiful architecture as well as the many markets have all left an imprint in my memory. I will never forget this stay...... read more
Darrell George (USA)
Darrell George-Language/Orientation week and Orphanage Program The highlight of the volunteering experience was the service to the children at the center. Service towards those who need it and seeing the smiles on their faces was my most memorable highlight...... read more
Selma Gil (Spain)
Selma Gil-Language and Orientation week Everything was better than expected. Food is delicious, welcome dinner is amazing and accommodation more than sufficient. Sharing the room is perfect to get confident with other volunteers...... read more