Frequently Asked Questions
What are iSPiiCE volunteer programs? iSPiiCE is a voluntary social organization that builds partnerships between International volunteers and Indian communities. iSPiiCE Volunteer Program has been set up to assist children's education, women's empowerment and rural ccommunity development by introducing volunteers to teach English, computers skills, and develop public health educational activities.
Part of the iSPiiCE program fee goes direct to local partners, offering not only human support but also financial. iSPiiCE offer further assistance through after school programs for disadvantaged children and teenagers.
Why iSPiiCE Volunteer program? iSPiiCE offer the opportunity to make a real difference while you travel, to give back to the global community and enjoy a meaningful travel experience. Volunteers are invited to work on independent projects in north India which are carefully selected to make sure volunteers get a quality experience. iSPiiCE have formed partnerships with already established institutions who are the real experts when it comes to defining the local community's needs and by offering our assistance, shared goals are met with greater success. iSPiiCE take the worry out of your volunteer trip to India and we understand what would be classed as a quality experience for you. This is why all the main arrangements are made for you and included in the program fee allowing you to concentrate on your volunteer activities. iSPiiCE programs are a unique combination of a quality volunteering experience, cultural immersion and excursions. We warmly wecome anyone with the heart to help and in turn we can help you realize your volunteer goals.
How many trips are included in an iSPiiCE Volunteer Program? Three weekend trips are included in your iSPiiCE program and included in the program fee.
1.Trek in Himalayan Mountain:
2.Visit to the Golden Temple at Amritsar (Punjab) and Wagha border ceremoy
3.Visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra
* Volunteer programs of 2 and 3 weeks inculde two excursions only, a Himalayan trek and trip to Taj Mahal.
For more information about the weeked excursions please visit Trips Included.
What kind of volunteer work is available? The activities done by volunteers in our programs primarily relate to education, care and empowerment, carried out in various partner institutions identified as appropriate for iSPiiCE intervention. We constantly seek expansion of our programs by developing new initiatives and volunteer activities which meet the needs of the local population. While the requirements of each community group differ there are some common activities that we offer in the areas of education, childcare, women's empowerment and health care.
For a full explanation of the different volunteer activities available visit Volunteer Program Information
What durations are available for volunteer programs? The iSPiiCE volunteers program is available for participation with 2 weeks to 12 weeks options. iSPiiCE welcomes any volunteer who wishes to extend the volunteer period beyond the pre-determined 2 weeks to 12 weeks options. The program starts on fixed dates, which are joined by participants from many countries. Check our Volunteer Program Start Dates.
Who will pick me up from the airport? Depending on the time of your flight arrival, you will be picked up at the New Delhi Airport, by one of our supervisors. He will be waiting for you in the arrivals lounge displaying an iSPiiCE placard. You will be taken to the hotel in Delhi where you will stay overnight and meet other volunteers. Please note that you may be sharing a room with another volunteer. Further details on collection will be discussed upon booking.
What countries do volunteers come from? People join the iSPiiCE program from all parts of the world, creating a divesre international team. There is no restriction based on your country of residence. Prices are quoted in American Dollars to make conversions to other currencies as simple as possible.
What time should flights be arranged to arrive in Delhi and when should I inform iSPiiCE about my flight details? Flights should be arranged to arrive at New Delhi International Airport on the fixed start dates between 12:00am Sunday up to 02:00pm Sunday. Arrival outside these hours will incur an extra cost of $50 US. When you have booked your flights email and let us know your flight number, arrival date and arrival time in Delhi. There are many flight comparison and booking websites to help you get the best deal for your travel to India. Links to such sites are provided below or you may wish to book direct through individual air carrier web sites or via high street travel agents.
www.farecompare.com
www.cheapflights.com
www.travelsupermarket.com (From UK)
www.lastminute.com (From Australia)
Where do I obtain my Visa for my trip? You need to get your Indian Visa from your home country by applying to the Indian Consulate/High Commission and opting for a Tourist Visa. Click on the links below for Indian Visa application services from your home country.
From Australia:http://www.vfs-in-au.net
From Canada:http://in.vfsglobal.ca/
From France:http://www.vfs-in-fr.com
From Germany:http://www.igcsvisa.de
From USA: https://indiavisa.travisaoutsourcing.com/
From UK:http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk
How do I qualify for a volunteer program? There are no specific educational requirements for our programs (except those in health care) and anyone with a heart to help is welcome! Proficiency in English is required and volunteers should be patient, committed and willing to learn. Programs require people who are outgoing and friendly with a good sense of fun and who will be able to fully immerse themselves into daily life in the various work areas and the community. It is important that you are committed and able to work off your own initiative when required. An enthusiastic and positive attitude is a must.
Is there an age limit to join the program? No, there is no age limit. However, you should be fit to travel and work. We accept anyone above the age of 16 years to join our program.
I am not fluent in English. Can I become a volunteer? English need not be your mother tongue but you must have at least conversational English to participate in the program. If English is not your first language the program also presents a great opportunity for you to improve your own English language skills.
What kind of accommodation will be provided during my stay? All accommodations are included in the program fee. Volunteers stay in shared rooms of 2-3 per room and bathrooms are shared. Accommodation is simple, clean and comfortable. While allowing for personal space, iSPiiCE base camp comprises a large recreational area for volunteers to prepare lesson plans, watch movies and relax. On Friday evening iSPiiCE volunteers often congregate here to enjoy a beer and unwind after the working week. Internet facilities are also provided.
What kind of food will I get during my volunteer placement? The weekly menu consists of regional Himachali dishes and north Indian cuisine. This includes a lot of lentil, pulse, rice and mixed vegetable dishes. One or two vegetarian dishes along with rice or flat bread would be a typical evening dinner, self-serviced to allow for individual choice. Meat dishes (chicken, lamb or goat) are prepared as part of the weekly menu in addition to vegetarian dishes. Meal ingredients are bought fresh locally and therefore subject to seasonal change.
Dining outside of the iSPiiCE arrangements is not included in the package, but volunteers are able to visit local restaurants at their own choice and the meal charges are relatively cheap.
Will I have time for sight seeing and in-country travel? Everyday after your volunteer work you'll have the evenings and/or afternoons to yourself, giving plenty of time to explore the local region. Three weekend excursions are provided within your program and you can utilize free weekends for in-country travel. iSPiiCE has vast knowledge on travel in India and will assist with onward travel, offering advice and making bookings.
Are all trips included in the program fee? Yes all the trips are included in a program fee. Two and Three week programs include two excursions only (Himalyan Trek & Taj Mahal-Agra)
Do I need Travel Insurance? Yes. Travel insurance is not included in the price of your volunteer program, due to individual preference of cover. You must purchase comprehensive travel insurance, adequate for the nature and duration of your trip. Not every policy will cover for every eventuality so it is important that you choose a policy tailored to your needs. Furthermore, be sure to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions or medical cover may be found to be invalid. For your iSPiiCE program ensure your policy provides cover for outdoor trekking. Familiarize yourself with the details of your insurance cover and the claims procedure and send your travel insurance policy number to iSPiiCE for our records at least 10 days prior to departure.
Do I need to carry cash for my personal expenses or ATM's are available? Food, accommodation and general transfers are included in the program fee, however, you will need money to buy additional items such as snacks and drinks, alcohol, internet cafe use, telephone use, presents etc. All of these items are relatively cheap in India. ATM (cash point) machines are available in Delhi, Dharamsala, McLeod Ganj, Agra and Amritsar. Further clarification of spending money recommendations can be discussed on booking.
Can I use my mobile in India? Please check with your mobile phone service provider before departure that you are on the best plan to facilitate international phone calls, as it can be particularly expensive to make or receive calls whilst overseas. Alternatively, you can purchase a local Indian SIM card relatively cheaply, which is in our experience the most cost effective way of using your mobile phone to dial home from India. You should provide a passport size photo and copies of your passport and Indian visa.
What should I pack for my trip? You should bring personal medicines, walking shoes, a torch light, light clothes eg: light trousers and T-shirts during Summer months or heavier clothes eg: long sleeved tops, jacket during Winter months. Please don't forget to carry sun screen cream and mosquito repellent. Upon booking you will be given further advice on what to pack giving consideration to the time of year of your placement.
Can I bring along children with me? Yes, iSPiiCE welcome children and families.
Can I come with a friend, my family or in a group? Yes, at iSPiiCE Volunteer Programs you are welcome to join with a friend, family or in a group.
What should I do incase of an emergency during my trip? You will be provided with your iSPiiCE Pre-Departure Manual after you have secured your program. This will have the phone numbers and addresses of our country co-ordinators whom you may contact in case of emergency.
What does the program fee cover? Your Indian Volunteering program includes:
What does the program fee not cover? 1. Insurance and Visa.
2. Application fee of $200 which is paid seperate to the program fee before arrival via PayPal.
3. Personal expenses e.g. toiletries, soap powder.
4. Mineral water and soft drinks.
5. Dining outside of base camp and restaurant dining while on weekend excursions.
Do I need any vaccinations before I leave for my trip? Yes, you must consult a travel doctor from your country well in advance and get the needful done well before your arrival date. We have put down a list of immunizations required by most participants, however it is best to check with your doctor.
-Hepatitis A and B.
-Typhoid.
-Polio.
-Tetanus and diphtheria.
For more details about the vaccinations please see Medical Instructions.
How do I apply? Firstly decide on dates to suit your schedule and have an idea of the work area(s) you would like to volunteer in, then start the application procedure by filling in the online Application Form.
After your application form has been submitted you will receive confirmation and further instructions for the application procedure. You can contact us at any time throughout this process by writing to us at and we will be more than happy to answer your queries.
