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To all the ladies out there
thinking about volunteering in India, I would say sign
up with Volunteer in India!
I chose this company because of the personalised responses I received to
all my queries. Pratima, from the very beginning, made me feel
comfortable
and gave me the courage needed to make that big step of buying my
ticket.
I had never travelled to a non-english speaking country by myself – I
was
apprehensive to even tell my family I was going to India – they would
think I was
crazy.
So I finally made it to New Delhi, I was met at the airport and taken to
wonderful
homestay to overnight – beautiful house (with an art gallery- so be
warned!). I
was picked up the next morning to be taken on my 3 day Golden triangle
tour –
my tour guide was polite and respectful – I think Pratima worried more
than I did.
I then did a three day OSHO meditation camp – a must-do for everyone.
All this
organised for me by Pratima at Volunteer in India. I was then taken to
the train
station to head to Chandigarh.
This entire trip turned out to be just what I needed and introduced me
to a new
way of life and a new way of thinking. I was picked up at the
trainstation by
Pratima – I think she was glad I was finally under her wing so she
wouldn’t have
to worry as much! My homestay family was absolutely lovely. Very strange
that
the make-up was so much like my own family at home! I could not stop
smiling
that first night – I was in love with my family.
The next day I went to my volunteer office – Greenpeace! We were going
to
be involved in a protest! How great is that! Everyone at that office was
great –
made me feel at home – I can really write lots of great stuff about Bobo
and his
team…
Anyways, long story, short – you are well taken care off – I never got
sick (I
walked with a pharmacy), never had to use any medication. Pratima –
amazing,
Homestay family – amazing, greenpeace – amazing, tuk-tuk drivers –
annoying.
If you have any questions or need to find out anything before ask
Pratima for my
contact – I’ll be glad to chat with anyone thinking of signing up with
Volunteer in
India.
Tricia Ali (West Indies)
The people with Volunteer in India were
with me every step of the way, ensuring that I was comfortable and
enjoying myself. If there's ever a problem, they will do everything in
their power to find a solution. They are very flexible, and open to
suggestions. I felt like an integral member of the team the day I
started with the environmental society. Volunteers are treated with
great respect in India, and you never have to worry about fitting in:
from day one, I was welcomed and accepted like a family member. And
that's what I felt like the entire time- a family member, whose
well-being was of the utmost importance. India can be an intimidating
place, but the people with volunteer in India made everything smooth
and I never had to worry about a thing. My recommendation is to just go
for it! You won't regret the experience.
Kyle Smith ( USA )
I wasn’t sure
what to expect out of volunteering as I had not volunteered before. Also I
was going to India and I really haven’t been out of Denmark all my life. I
was very much impressed by Buddhist philosophy and therefore wanted to
volunteer with a monastery. Thanks to volunteerinindia.com for arranging a
wonderful volunteering experience for me. I loved leh, the silence of the
place. I would not hesitate to recommend this experience to anyone who
wants to volunteer in India. I will be coming back again for sure next year
… thanks a lot….!
Sonja Spodek ( Denmark)
I loved the whole feel and the pace of life in India. The traffic rules are
a bit crazy for me but I loved it. Food was great. I was a bit scared at
first, wasn’t sure how I am going to cope , but me and Julie and had a
great time there. Those 5 weeks were really a rejuvenating experience for
me and I think Jules thinks the same. Thank you so much Volunteerinindia
fro creating such a wonderful experience for me
Yvonne Marshal (UK)
I would recommend volunteer experience to anyone who wants to see India. I
love the smiles and Ladakh. My stay was comfortable and worthwhile. I feel
I contributed something. Thank you. I highly recommend this experience
through VolunteerinIndia to anyone who wants to volunteer in Himalayas.
Thanks guys..Keep on the good work.
Sasha Michaleht ( Germany)
Leon, thank you so much for
organizing such a beautiful experience for me. I am already missing the
kids at the school and specially Nishan, he was was a lovely boy.
. The mediation camp camp at Dharasmala which you suggested was a
the icing on the cake. I always wanted to start my spiritual quest from
India and you helped me achieve that. I would be happy to recommend to
you to all my friend and colleges who want to volunteer with difference.
Many many thanks to all the team of Vii. Love
Colleen Carfs (Australia)
I am writing this letter to
you to show my gratitude to all the members of Volunteer in india.com
who helped me while I was in Chandigarh. My placement was
excellent, I always wanted to work with slum kids and that's what I got.
ASK is a wonderful NGO and I am glad I was a part of such an
organization and could offer my help. I was always told by my
friends how tough Indian can be but I never felt that, you guys were
awesome in telling me the do's and don'ts. Thanks for taking such
great care of me. My mom finally is relived that I am back home safely
;o).
Barbara Harnet (USA)
Thank you so much Vii, it
was the best time of my life. My host family was more like my own
family, they cared for me more than they would for their children. I
always wanted to experience the Indian culture and at the same time give
back to society. this program was the perfect match. The Yoga
lessons were just Terrific, Amrita is great teacher and I would love to
come back to learn more from here. The program was far more than what I
could expected.
Melisssa Bulton (Canada)
A quick email to tell you
that I am having a awesome time here in Rishikesh. I am loving
work at the orphanage and sitting in the evening Aarti every evening.
The heat is still taking some getting used to and I seem to be getting
used to it. I have met some of other Vii volunteers here Marika
and Helen. They are fun to be with. I have also made some Indian
friends here at the ashram and they are teaching me how to wear a Dhoti
(lol). We all are planning a trip to Gangotri next week as a part
of the ashram pilgrimage. Vivek, my coordinator is great he has
been meeting me everyday to look into my comfort and helping me
understand the rituals here (there are so many of them). Thanks a ton to
letting me participate in your program and giving me this opportunity. I
am sure I'll never forget it.
Gary Evans ( New Zealand) |
