I had a wonderful time in India volunteering with the Teaching Project in Jaipur through VWI for six unforgettable weeks. During this time, I met many amazing people, made lifelong Indian friends, ate countless delicious local dishes, and traveled to some truly beautiful historical places.

Working at the school center was the highlight of my experience. Spending time with the children helped me understand the deeper meaning of life. I volunteered from August through September, which turned out to be a lovely time to be in Jaipur. The monsoon rains had just passed, and the entire city—surrounded by mountains—looked lush and green. The kids could be a little naughty at times, but they were also incredibly sweet. They’d offer me their toys, hand me their notebooks to write my name, and surround me with warmth every time I stepped into the classroom. They filled my heart with joy, softened my spirit, and reminded me of the purity of childhood. I sincerely hope they grow up happy and healthy.

I stayed with a local Indian host family who made me feel completely at home. A caretaker cleaned my room daily, and I was served three delicious meals every day—breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The food was always flavorful and prepared with love. Though I didn’t spend much time indoors—thanks to my many outings with Indian friends—I always looked forward to the warm hospitality of my host family. The VWI team even invited me to their homes for dinners. Their families were incredibly welcoming, and I felt like part of the extended family.

Thanks to my friends, I also got to explore local temples, taste traditional snacks, and visit beautiful spots that I wouldn’t have found on my own. I learned so much about Indian culture and religion—fascinating stories of gods like the cobra deity and Ganesha, the elephant-headed god. These myths and traditions were both mysterious and captivating.

I didn’t face much culture shock in India—just many fascinating discoveries. I learned to eat with my hands, watched cows walk freely through traffic, and witnessed people’s deep spiritual beliefs in their daily lives. If there’s one challenge I faced, it was the traffic! Crossing the street was a real adventure with the fast-moving cars, autos, and motorbikes. But I picked up a valuable local skill—bargaining with auto drivers! I learned how to ask them to use the meter and to stick to the fastest route.

Overall, this was a truly unforgettable experience. I’ve fallen in love with the people, the culture, and the food of India. I’ll definitely recommend this program to my friends—because it doesn’t just give you a chance to volunteer, it gives you memories that will stay with you forever.

Arriving at New Delhi Airport, I was immediately immersed in the incredible bustle, vibrant colors, loud chatter, and unique energy that make India so special. As I stepped into this new world—far from my friends and family—I felt a mix of nervousness and curiosity, wondering what the next four weeks of teaching English in India would bring.

From Delhi, I traveled to Jaipur on a luxurious Volvo bus, which took around four hours. When I reached Jaipur, a friendly VWI team member, Tapan, was already waiting for me at the bus stand. He warmly greeted me and dropped me off at my host family’s home, where my Indian journey truly began.

My host family was absolutely wonderful—kind, loving, and full of warmth. They welcomed me with a heartfelt Namaste—the first Hindi word I learned on my very first day! My room was neat, clean, and comfortable, complete with an attached bathroom, which made me feel right at home.

Each morning, I spent about three hours teaching English across different sections at the local school. Afternoons were free for rest, lesson planning, using the internet, or simply exploring the colorful streets and markets of Jaipur. One thing that stood out to me from the beginning was how incredibly friendly and helpful Indian people are—you never feel lost, because someone is always there to assist you with a smile.

Teaching gave me immense confidence and taught me valuable new skills. But beyond the classroom, what enriched my journey even more was learning about Indian culture, traditions, and everyday life. I wore a salwar suit, the traditional attire of Rajasthani women, and learned to cook and enjoy many delicious Indian dishes. I completely fell in love with the culture—so different from my own, yet so warm and welcoming.

I return home with unforgettable memories, new friendships, life skills, and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of India. This journey helped me understand why they call it Incredible India. I’ll always cherish this incredible experience—it truly changed me for the better.

Volunteering with VWI was a completely new and truly enjoyable experience. One of the biggest highlights for me was the special bond I formed with the children at the childcare center. I felt like an elder sister to them, and they treated me like family—it was heartwarming and unforgettable.

The accommodation exceeded my expectations, and Jaipur turned out to be a wonderful place to live and volunteer. The city has so much to offer, from vibrant culture to stunning sights—and compared to Delhi, everything felt more relaxed and hassle-free.

The meals were fantastic, and the host family went above and beyond to make us feel at home. The program coordinator gave us a perfect balance of guidance and freedom, which made the whole experience smooth and stress-free.

I honestly couldn’t have asked for more. It was an amazing time… and I already miss it!

VWI is a fantastic organization. I volunteered with them for 8 weeks in Jaipur, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. The program staff were absolutely amazing—supportive, kind, and always available when needed. I genuinely felt that the work I was doing was meaningful and would have a lasting impact on the local community.

Beyond the volunteering itself, I had an incredible time. My host family was wonderful, and by the time I left, I truly felt like a part of the community. From the cultural immersion to the daily interactions, every moment added something special to my journey.

A great experience all around—I would highly recommend VWI to anyone looking for purposeful travel and real connection.