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FAQs

We are looking forward to helping you out. However, before reaching out to contact us please check the below list of most frequently asked questions. This will give us more time to answer specifics and it saves you time waiting for our reply.

General

While Volunteer Quest India is a newly established entity, its founders bring extensive experience from hosting international volunteers before the COVID-19 pandemic. Their expertise spans managing diverse and impactful volunteer projects across India, focusing on sustainable community development, education, and conservation initiatives.

We partner with nationally recognized NGOs that are leaders in child education, environmental conservation, and health. Additionally, we collaborate with The Tarzan Way, a renowned travel tech company, to enhance the travel experiences of our volunteers.

VQI integrates volunteer efforts with cultural immersion and travel opportunities, providing a comprehensive experience that combines social impact with personal growth and exploration.
Our programs are designed based on thorough research and collaboration with local communities and expert NGOs to ensure that the volunteer efforts meet real needs and have a lasting impact.
We focus on educational programs that improve literacy, provide educational resources, and foster educational development in underserved communities through our partnerships with local schools and NGOs.
Our wildlife research projects have contributed to the conservation of critical species, like hyenas, through data collection and analysis that support conservation strategies and policies.
Volunteers often report that their experiences are enriching and transformative, citing the well-organised projects, supportive staff, and the opportunity to make a real difference in the communities they serve.
VQI provides a comprehensive orientation, a local coordinator for initial support, and detailed guides on living and volunteering in India, ensuring volunteers feel well-prepared and welcomed.
We adhere to stringent health protocols, including vaccination requirements, regular health checks, and partnerships with local health providers, to ensure the safety of our volunteers and community members.
Beyond the initial support, volunteers have continuous access to VQI staff for guidance and assistance throughout their stay, ensuring they have support whenever needed.

Volunteer Quest India officially registered in India as Quest India Travels Private Limited is a sister company of Tarzan Way Travels Private Limited or The Tarzan Way (https://thetarzanway.com/). Since 2017, we have hosted international travel experiences of thousands of travellers hosting them for volunteering projects, cultural exchange projects and more!

For more information about us and our journey so far, please check out the “About Us” page or check out our profiles on GoAbroad (https://www.goabroad.com/) and GoOverseas (https://www.gooverseas.com/).

Volunteer Work

 

Volunteer Quest India offers diverse programs in three different cities focusing on child education and development, animal rescue (specifically birds), research projects on wildlife (hyenas), and initiatives promoting mental awareness and yoga along with many others. Each volunteer can apply for any such program listed as per their specification.

 

At Volunteer Quest India, volunteers can choose to participate in projects ranging from a minimum of 2 weeks up to 8 weeks, based on their availability and preference. Additionally, some of our projects, particularly in animal rescue and special campaigns, are seasonally based and only run during specific months of the year. This allows volunteers to engage deeply while accommodating their schedules and ensuring impactful contributions to our targeted initiatives.

 

Volunteer Quest India enriches the volunteer experience with weekend travel add-ons, allowing participants to explore the rich cultural and natural beauty of India during their project tenure. Additionally, we offer a unique volunteer and travel program that spans three different cities, partnering with three distinct NGOs. This special program is designed for those looking to make an impact across various domains, providing a diverse and enriching experience in child education, animal rescue, and environmental conservation. Volunteers will have the opportunity to engage deeply in local communities while experiencing the vibrant culture of each location.

 

Volunteer Quest India is experienced in hosting international volunteers and provides dedicated support to ensure a smooth transition into our programs. During the initial weeks, a local coordinator will assist volunteers by helping them familiarize themselves with the city, navigate local customs, and overcome communication barriers. This support is designed to make your volunteering experience as impactful and enjoyable as possible, allowing you to focus on your project and personal growth.

 

Volunteer Quest India is committed to inclusiveness, bringing together individuals from various countries to collaborate on shared goals. Our programs are designed to foster a global community of volunteers who work alongside our local partners. This diversity enhances the volunteer experience, enriching the cultural exchange and collective impact on the communities we serve. Volunteers gain unique insights and form lasting bonds while contributing to meaningful change.

Health & Safety

To safeguard your health and well-being during your stay, the following vaccinations are recommended:

  • Typhoid Fever: Often spread through contaminated food and water.
  • Hepatitis A and B: Protection from viruses affecting the liver.
  • Malaria Prophylaxis: Depending on your specific destination within India, antimalarial medication may be advised.
  • Routine Vaccinations: Ensure that your routine vaccines such as measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) are up to date.
  • All volunteers must possess international health insurance covering medical treatment in India and medical evacuation if necessary.
  • We advise bringing a personal health kit containing:
  • Hand sanitizers and masks
  • Medications for common travel-related ailments like diarrhea and motion sickness
  • Any personal medications with prescriptions
  • Water Safety: Drink only bottled or purified water.
  • Food Safety: Avoid raw or undercooked food, and street food vendors.
  • Insect Protection: Use insect repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts and pants for protection against mosquitoes, especially if traveling to areas prone to malaria or dengue fever.
  • You will undergo a brief health screening by our local coordinator to ensure no symptoms of illness are present.
  • Continuous monitoring for health concerns will be maintained throughout your stay.
  • Information on local English-speaking doctors and clinics will be provided as part of your orientation package.

Expenses

 

The project cost for volunteers includes all essentials: accommodation, meals, and local sightseeing plans. Any additional travel add-ons or extended trips will incur extra charges, which depend on the location and duration of the travel.

 

While the main expenses are covered, volunteers should budget for personal expenses, such as shopping, extra snacks, or optional excursions not included in the itinerary. Extra travel add-ons provided through our partner, The Tarzan Way, also carry additional costs.

 

We have partnered with The Tarzan Way, a travel tech company, to fulfill all experiential travel requirements for our volunteers, ensuring a comprehensive and enjoyable experience across India.

 

Volunteers are advised to consult their healthcare providers regarding vaccinations for typhoid, hepatitis A and B, and malaria prophylaxis, among others, as these are recommended for travel to various parts of India.

 

Yes, Volunteer Quest India is fully registered according to Indian law, ensuring that we operate under strict regulations to provide the utmost safety and legal compliance for all our volunteers.

 

We provide assistance with visa applications and related queries to ensure our volunteers have a smooth process preparing for their trip. A one-pager brochure detailing all visa and travel requirements will be provided to each volunteer before their departure to India.

 

 Health and safety are paramount at Volunteer Quest India. We ensure that all volunteers are informed about local health risks and safety protocols. Additionally, volunteers should have adequate travel insurance to cover any unexpected medical issues during their stay.

Legalities

  • Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the date of your intended return from India.
  • Tourist Visa: Most volunteers will need to obtain a Tourist Visa unless specified otherwise. You can apply for an e-Visa online or contact the nearest Indian embassy.
  • Visa Application: Prepare the necessary documents, including your passport photo, invitation letter from Volunteer Quest India, and proof of your travel itinerary.
  • Mandatory Insurance: All volunteers are required to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses, accidents, and emergency repatriation.
  • Recommended Coverage: We also recommend ensuring that your policy covers trip cancellations and personal belongings.
  • Registration with Local Authorities: Upon arrival, depending on your length of stay, you may be required to register with the nearest Foreigners’ Regional Registration Office (FRRO).
  • Compliance with Local Laws: Familiarize yourself with and respect local laws and customs. Drug offenses, for example, carry severe penalties in India.
  • Cultural Engagement: Embrace the diverse cultural experiences that India offers. We encourage you to dress modestly and engage respectfully with local customs. Always seek permission before photographing people or sacred sites.
  • Environmental Stewardship: We advocate for responsible travel. Help us maintain the natural beauty of our surroundings by avoiding single-use plastics and ensuring proper disposal of waste.
  • Confirm that all documents are up-to-date and accessible for travel.
  • Notify your bank of international travel to avoid any issues with card usage in India.
  • Make copies of important documents like your passport, visa, and insurance policy. Keep one set with you and leave another with someone at home.
  • Keep your documents handy for immigration and customs clearance.
  • Attend the orientation session by Volunteer Quest India to understand your legal responsibilities as a volunteer in India.

Food, Accomodation & Local Experiences

 

Volunteer Quest India provides accommodation in PGs (Paying Guest), hostels, or homestays through our partner NGOs. All volunteers stay together, fostering a community environment. Project-specific images of accommodations are available on our website for reference.

 

We provide all meals for our volunteers at their accommodation. The meals are designed to give a taste of local Indian cuisine, ensuring volunteers have a nutritious and authentic dining experience. We encourage our volunteers to mention any dietary restrictions to make arrangements accordingly.

 

To ensure volunteers fully experience the richness of Indian culture, local sightseeing trips are organised over the weekends. These are facilitated by a coordinator, especially in the initial days, to help volunteers navigate the city and feel welcomed.

 

Volunteer Quest India hosts a first dinner for every group of new volunteers. This welcome dinner is an opportunity for volunteers to meet each other, bond, and feel comfortable in their new environment. It sets the tone for a collaborative and friendly atmosphere throughout the duration of the project.

While all volunteers typically stay together in accommodations arranged by us, specifics can vary by project. We encourage prospective volunteers to view the accommodation options and details for each project on our website to understand what to expect and feel prepared before arrival.

How to Get Started

At Volunteer Quest India, our journey began in 2016 when our passionate team embarked on a mission to create meaningful volunteer projects in India. 

Fill Form

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Choose Project

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Select Dates

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Submit Form

Send your completed form to finalize your volunteering registration.

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