Volunteering with IVC - FAQs
Q: Can I volunteer with a friend, my family, or a group?
A: Yes, of course! Please contact us early though, so we can arrange accommodation for you to be together.
Q: When do I have to pay the program fees?
A: We ask that you pay your program fees before you arrive as a sign of your commitment. Once you have filled out the application form and we've responded to accept you as a volunteer, you can make your payment. Please visit the
Pay Fees Now page for more information or to make a payment.
Q: How much money should I bring?
A: Please visit our Volunteer Costs page for guidance.
Q: Why do I need health insurance to volunteer with IVC?
A: We care about you and want any potential health-related situations to be completely taken care of. It is for your best interest to have health insurance while traveling and living abroad.
Q: Will I have time to explore the rest of India?
A: Yes, we completely understand you will want to venture out of Pondicherry and see more of India. Volunteers typically have Saturday and Sunday off and there are many easy weekend trips around Pondicherry. Buses or trains are an inexpensive way to travel or we can help you arrange a private taxi if you wish. If you want to take a longer trip, just simply let us know ahead of time. Visit our Travelling in South India page for more trip ideas.
Q: How should I travel to your location in Pondicherry?
A: Most volunteers fly into the Chennai Airport, which is approximately 3 hours drive north of Pondicherry. We can arrange a taxi to pick you up at the airport and bring you directly to our office/accommodations if you'd like. Visit our Volunteer Costs page for prices. If you will be traveling India before coming to volunteer with us or would like to arrive in Pondicherry independently, let us know when you will arrive so we can arrange to pick you up from the train or bus station (there is no cost for this).
Q: Can I work with IVC for school credit?
A: Yes, if you are more than welcome to conduct research while volunteering with IVC. Additionally, if you are interested in an internship experience or in conduction research, visit our Internship Option page.
Q: Who volunteers at IVC?
A: IVC has received volunteers from all demographics. We've had married couples, retirees, gap year students, and undergraduate/graduate students. Our volunteers come from all of the world, from Hong Kong to France and the USA to Australia, making the IVC experience truly diverse.
Q: How long can I volunteer?
A: You can stay with IVC for one month, two months, or longer, the choice is up to you, but keep in mind that most volunteers apply for a 6 month double entry tourist visa when traveling to India. You are welcome to volunteer with us the entire time you have a valid visa.
Q: How many hours a week will I volunteer?
A: That is largely up to you. However, most volunteers work Monday-Friday from roughly 9am-6pm with a 1-2 hour lunch break. We also hold weekly volunteer meetings on Monday at 9am to discuss the work we've completed the week before. Again, your schedule will depend on the projects you get involved with and the commitments you make.
Q: English is not my first language, can I still volunteer with IVC?
A: Yes, many of our volunteers' first language is not English. As long as you can communicate in English to the other volunteers and our staff, you'll be able to make valuable contributions to any project that suits you.
Q: Are there any rules for volunteers?
A: Yes, please see the Guidelines and Requirements page and the Volunteer Guidebook for more information.
Q: Can I drink/smoke while in India?
A: Like much of Europe and North America, cigarette smoking is banned in public areas. However, you are free to smoke outside of our accommodations or on the rooftop. It is worth noting that in India, smoking and drinking are looked down upon among women. You should be aware of this but don’t let it stop you from ordering a drink. Any other soft or hard drugs are strictly prohibited by IVC, and illegal in India.
Q: Can I contact a previous IVC volunteer?
A: Yes, of course! Click here to meet our IVC Ambassadors.
A: Yes, of course! Please contact us early though, so we can arrange accommodation for you to be together.
Q: When do I have to pay the program fees?
A: We ask that you pay your program fees before you arrive as a sign of your commitment. Once you have filled out the application form and we've responded to accept you as a volunteer, you can make your payment. Please visit the
Pay Fees Now page for more information or to make a payment.
Q: How much money should I bring?
A: Please visit our Volunteer Costs page for guidance.
Q: Why do I need health insurance to volunteer with IVC?
A: We care about you and want any potential health-related situations to be completely taken care of. It is for your best interest to have health insurance while traveling and living abroad.
Q: Will I have time to explore the rest of India?
A: Yes, we completely understand you will want to venture out of Pondicherry and see more of India. Volunteers typically have Saturday and Sunday off and there are many easy weekend trips around Pondicherry. Buses or trains are an inexpensive way to travel or we can help you arrange a private taxi if you wish. If you want to take a longer trip, just simply let us know ahead of time. Visit our Travelling in South India page for more trip ideas.
Q: How should I travel to your location in Pondicherry?
A: Most volunteers fly into the Chennai Airport, which is approximately 3 hours drive north of Pondicherry. We can arrange a taxi to pick you up at the airport and bring you directly to our office/accommodations if you'd like. Visit our Volunteer Costs page for prices. If you will be traveling India before coming to volunteer with us or would like to arrive in Pondicherry independently, let us know when you will arrive so we can arrange to pick you up from the train or bus station (there is no cost for this).
Q: Can I work with IVC for school credit?
A: Yes, if you are more than welcome to conduct research while volunteering with IVC. Additionally, if you are interested in an internship experience or in conduction research, visit our Internship Option page.
Q: Who volunteers at IVC?
A: IVC has received volunteers from all demographics. We've had married couples, retirees, gap year students, and undergraduate/graduate students. Our volunteers come from all of the world, from Hong Kong to France and the USA to Australia, making the IVC experience truly diverse.
Q: How long can I volunteer?
A: You can stay with IVC for one month, two months, or longer, the choice is up to you, but keep in mind that most volunteers apply for a 6 month double entry tourist visa when traveling to India. You are welcome to volunteer with us the entire time you have a valid visa.
Q: How many hours a week will I volunteer?
A: That is largely up to you. However, most volunteers work Monday-Friday from roughly 9am-6pm with a 1-2 hour lunch break. We also hold weekly volunteer meetings on Monday at 9am to discuss the work we've completed the week before. Again, your schedule will depend on the projects you get involved with and the commitments you make.
Q: English is not my first language, can I still volunteer with IVC?
A: Yes, many of our volunteers' first language is not English. As long as you can communicate in English to the other volunteers and our staff, you'll be able to make valuable contributions to any project that suits you.
Q: Are there any rules for volunteers?
A: Yes, please see the Guidelines and Requirements page and the Volunteer Guidebook for more information.
Q: Can I drink/smoke while in India?
A: Like much of Europe and North America, cigarette smoking is banned in public areas. However, you are free to smoke outside of our accommodations or on the rooftop. It is worth noting that in India, smoking and drinking are looked down upon among women. You should be aware of this but don’t let it stop you from ordering a drink. Any other soft or hard drugs are strictly prohibited by IVC, and illegal in India.
Q: Can I contact a previous IVC volunteer?
A: Yes, of course! Click here to meet our IVC Ambassadors.
LIVING IN INDIA
Q: Will I be able to communicate with people in India?
A: Yes! India is a country of many languages, and consequently many Indians use English in communicating with other Indians. In more urban areas (like Pondicherry) you can generally use English to order food, take a rickshaw (3-wheeled taxi), and find your way around. If you work in more rural areas, we will have staff with who can translate for you. The local language in Pondicherry (and Tamil Nadu state) is Tamil. If you are interested in learning this unique language our staff can certainly give you lessons.
Q: What should I pack to be comfortable in India?
A: You can download our Volunteer Guidebook here for a packing list and guidance on what type of clothing to bring.
Q: Will I get sick?
A: When traveling to another country there is always the risk of feeling unwell. Changes in time-zones, climate, and diet affect everyone differently. Our staff will always be checking on you, and if an illness does occur, there are excellent medical facilities in the Pondicherry area. Volunteers that do report feeling unwell often recover in a few days. If you require any special medications we advise you to bring extra, solely for convenience and ease of access.
Q: What vaccinations do I need to come to India? Do I need to take anti-malarials?
A: It is best to contact your primary doctor or a travel clinic in your home country to discuss which vaccinations or medications you may need while in India.
Q: Is it safe for me to live in India?
A: Yes, if basic common sense is practiced India will be a very safe country for you to visit. Women should take care to dress modestly (shoulders covered, no cleavage, and at least knee-length pants/skirts) and everyone should be aware of their surroundings as they would at home. All of our accommodations are very well secured, with 1 to 2 padlocks on the outer gates, large bolted locks on the main home doors, and a lock for your personal room. Upon arrival you will receive numerous phone numbers of staff that you can contact at any time. Plus, living in IVC is a very social experience and you will always have people to eat with, travel with, and work on projects with, creating more security in your day-to-day living.
If you don't see your question answered here, please contact one of our IVC Ambassadors or e-mail us at [email protected]
A: Yes! India is a country of many languages, and consequently many Indians use English in communicating with other Indians. In more urban areas (like Pondicherry) you can generally use English to order food, take a rickshaw (3-wheeled taxi), and find your way around. If you work in more rural areas, we will have staff with who can translate for you. The local language in Pondicherry (and Tamil Nadu state) is Tamil. If you are interested in learning this unique language our staff can certainly give you lessons.
Q: What should I pack to be comfortable in India?
A: You can download our Volunteer Guidebook here for a packing list and guidance on what type of clothing to bring.
Q: Will I get sick?
A: When traveling to another country there is always the risk of feeling unwell. Changes in time-zones, climate, and diet affect everyone differently. Our staff will always be checking on you, and if an illness does occur, there are excellent medical facilities in the Pondicherry area. Volunteers that do report feeling unwell often recover in a few days. If you require any special medications we advise you to bring extra, solely for convenience and ease of access.
Q: What vaccinations do I need to come to India? Do I need to take anti-malarials?
A: It is best to contact your primary doctor or a travel clinic in your home country to discuss which vaccinations or medications you may need while in India.
Q: Is it safe for me to live in India?
A: Yes, if basic common sense is practiced India will be a very safe country for you to visit. Women should take care to dress modestly (shoulders covered, no cleavage, and at least knee-length pants/skirts) and everyone should be aware of their surroundings as they would at home. All of our accommodations are very well secured, with 1 to 2 padlocks on the outer gates, large bolted locks on the main home doors, and a lock for your personal room. Upon arrival you will receive numerous phone numbers of staff that you can contact at any time. Plus, living in IVC is a very social experience and you will always have people to eat with, travel with, and work on projects with, creating more security in your day-to-day living.
If you don't see your question answered here, please contact one of our IVC Ambassadors or e-mail us at [email protected]
