Involvement Volunteers International WHY we need you in India
- India is one of the poorest countires in the world, with 2 thirds living in poverty.
- According to UNICEF, about 25% of children in India have no access to education, with higher rates of girls not attending school.
- 43% of childen under five years are underweight and around 61 million children are stunted due to malnutrition.
- Even though there is a law about no child labour under age 14, it's estimated by aid agencies, that there could be up to 65 million children aged 6-14 working.
HOW can you help?
- Centered around a rural school just outside of Bodghaya, you can help at the school or out in the community.
- Help give an education to one of the poorest regions in India.
- Teach English, help at the special needs school, or teach on basic nutrition.
- There are multiple areas you can get involed in!
WHAT you can do?
- Teach at the school, help to feed to children at lunch time and supervise them in the playground
- If you are qualified or studying in any health related industries, help with health checks in the local community
- Educate on diet, basic first aid and personal hygeine
- Assist with construction and renovation projects in the school and surrounding areas
Why Involvement Volunteers International?
- Non Profit Organisation & Charity
- Over 30 Years Expertise Globally
- Low Program Fees - From US$295
- Excellent Safety Record, In-Country 24/7 Support & Emergency Assistance
- 1 Application Fee - Multiple Countries
PROJECT NAME: BODHGAYA SCHOOL & COMMUNITY SUPPORT
LOCATION: BODHGAYA, INDIA
START DATES: WEEKLY (SAT/SUN ARRIVALS)
ACCOMMODATION: VOLUNTEER HOUSE (SHARED ROOMS)
MIN DURATION: ONE WEEK
MIN AGE: 16+
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Criminal background check required
Overview
Transform Lives. Discover the Heart of India.
Step into a life-changing experience at the Bodhi Tree Educational Foundation, a grassroots school located just outside the sacred city of Bodhgaya, India. This powerful volunteer opportunity offers more than a placement—it’s an invitation into a living story of hope, resilience, and social change.
Nestled in a remote farming region where education was once out of reach, the school now empowers 700+ children, including those with special needs, from impoverished and marginalized communities. Many families here live below the poverty line, and without Bodhi Tree School, these children would be locked out of learning and opportunity.
Why This Placement Matters
In a region where deep-rooted caste systems and poverty have long silenced potential, Bodhi Tree is a revolutionary force. As the first school of its kind in this area, it faced resistance from village elites—but slowly, it’s shifting generations. The school now stands as a beacon of dignity, inclusion, and possibility, grounded in compassion and courage.
As a volunteer, you’ll be welcomed with open arms and radiant smiles, receiving unforgettable Indian hospitality. Whether you’re supporting teachers in classrooms, working on community gardens, mentoring youth, or helping with inclusive learning for differently-abled children—your presence makes a real and lasting difference.
This is not charity. It’s solidarity.
Location
Your placement is set just outside Bodhgaya, a UNESCO World Heritage site and spiritual epicenter where Prince Siddhartha became the Buddha under the Bodhi Tree in 525 BC.
Here, ancient wisdom meets modern-day need. You’ll walk the path of pilgrims, visit the breathtaking Mahabodhi Temple, and witness the sacred rituals of monks from across the world in robes of burgundy and saffron. Step outside the city, and you’ll enter vibrant rural India—a world of colour, humility, culture, and contrast. It’s in the villages, far from the noise, where the real magic of connection begins.
Project Tasks
- Make a meaningful contribution to grassroots education and inclusion
- Work alongside passionate local educators and changemakers
- Immerse yourself in authentic Indian village life
- Explore sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites in your downtime
- Be transformed as you help transform the lives of others
Food & Accommodation
Our volunteer centre is a safe, clean, and welcoming space designed to support your comfort during your stay. Located just minutes from the sacred Mahabodhi Temple, the centre offers eight rooms with a shared living area and a fully equipped kitchen.
Volunteers can choose from single, double, or dorm-style rooms (subject to availability). Each room is furnished with double beds and attached western-style bathrooms. Standard amenities include:
- Comfortable beds with mattresses, sheets, pillows, and towels
- Western toilets with cleaning supplies
- Mosquito nets, fans, and air coolers
- Chairs and tables for personal use
- A water purifier for safe drinking water
Please note: Wi-Fi is not available at the centre, but we’re happy to help you organise a local SIM card with data so you can stay connected throughout your stay. Internet cafes are also available within walking distance.
We provide three wholesome vegetarian meals per day.
- Breakfast includes seasonal fruits, bread, butter, and tea or coffee.
- Lunch features mild or spicy Indian-style vegetarian meals with rice, pulses (dal), green vegetables, salad, and soup.
- Dinner offers another nourishing serving of authentic, home-cooked vegetarian Indian cuisine, with the option of non-spicy or spiced dishes to suit your preference.
Bodhgaya
Projects
- Rural Education, Bodhgaya
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1 Week - $400
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2 Weeks - $580
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3 Weeks - $720
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1 Month - $960
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2 Months - $1620
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3 Months - $2200
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Meals
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Airport Pickup
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Local Transportation
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1 Day Orientation
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24/7 In-Country Support
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Project Materials & Equipment
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Pre-departure Expert Advice
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Preperation Tools & Checklists
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Certificate of Completion
$5 Feeds a Child in Rural India for 1 Month!
Help this ongoing fundraising campaign by making a donation and spreading the word
Are you a health professional or student? Here is a comprehensive outline of what sort of things you can set up in Bodhgaya, from one of our past volunteers.
Testimonials...
FAQ
Anyone seeking to experience first hand the richness of Indian community spirit while offering services to those in need. Knowledge of the Hindi language is a major advantage. Many do speak some English, however it is very scarce in the rural areas.
What you will experience is the most incredible welcome, warmth, friendliness, acceptance, and Indian hospitality. Be prepared for a celebration where children shower you with flower petals and then performed a series of native hindu and Indian songs and greetings.
- Accommodation
- 3 meals p/day weekdays / 2 meals p/day weekends
- Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
- Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
- 1 day orientation
- Daily transportation to project
- In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
- Fundraising support
- University course credits (where applicable)
- Certificate of Completion
- Airfares
- Travel Insurance
- Tours, Souvenirs & spending money
- Introduction meeting, General rules, Setting Expectations, Advice on Health and Safety and insuring you have all your documents.
- Indian Do’s and Don’ts, Cultural introduction, learning about the countries history
- Tour around the accommodation and local area.
Airport pick-up is included in the volunteering cost unless specified.This may involve either a local pick-up by your volunteer host or a public transport ticket where necessary. These details will be finalised with you upon making a booking as this will depend on your arrival information.
Each day can be different and depends on your skills/ where you would like to be working. You can volunteer at the school, out in the community or on medical projects. It’s really up to you to decide where you would feel most comfortable and make the biggest impact.
Visit Mahabodhi Temple: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is where Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment. It’s a sacred site for Buddhists and a place of deep historical and spiritual significance.
Explore Bodhi Tree: Located within the Mahabodhi Temple complex, this ancient tree is believed to be the direct descendant of the original tree under which Buddha meditated.
Visit Great Buddha Statue: The 80-feet tall statue of Buddha is a prominent landmark in Bodhgaya. It’s located near the Mahabodhi Temple and is an impressive sight to behold.
Attend Meditation Sessions: Bodhgaya is a hub for meditation and spiritual practices. Many centers and monasteries offer meditation sessions and retreats for visitors.
Visit Monasteries and Temples: Bodhgaya is home to various monasteries and temples representing different Buddhist traditions. Explore these to gain insight into the diverse Buddhist culture.
Take a Walk around Sujata Village: This nearby village is where Buddha received his first meal after his ascetic practices. It’s a serene place to explore and learn about Buddha’s early life.
Participate in Puja Ceremonies: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of traditional Buddhist rituals by attending puja ceremonies at the Mahabodhi Temple or other monasteries.
Shop for Souvenirs: Bodhgaya has markets selling a variety of Buddhist artifacts, handicrafts, and religious items. It’s a great place to buy souvenirs or gifts.
Enjoy Local Cuisine: Explore the local food scene and try traditional Indian and Tibetan dishes available in Bodhgaya’s restaurants and street stalls.
No extra requirements for this program.
India is an eclectic and intoxicating cultural experience like no other! Home of the famous Taj Mahal, the Himalayas, the sacred Ganges river, and over 1 billion people of varying languages, cultures and beleifs, India is sure to push you to the boundaries of your comfort zone.
IVI is focused on establishing sustainable employment and education through volunteering efforts in India. Children in some of the regions we service have not had basic nutritional background. Over 950,000 newborns per year in India die from infections. Education about health for families provides a strong foundation for self-care in the communities we service in India.
India’s climte ranges from tropical down south to alpine up in the northern mountain regions.
From April until the start of October is summer, and in most places in India, is very hot. In June the monsoon rains start in Kerala down south, and move inland. Further north and in the rural areas of Rajasthan, it can get pretty cold from December to January- sometimes as low at minus 5 degrees!
Be prepared for some hot temperatures but if in the Sikkim region, bring along some warmer clothing as it can get cold in the mountains.
India is a country FULL of culture! From the beautiful colours, different religions, ancient traditions and the smells of spices- India is a country like no other. It’s the the second most populous nation after China, with over 1.2 billion people.
The most prominant religions are Hinduism and Buddhism and around 13% of the popualrtion are Muslim. Because there are so many religions, India celebrates a large number of festivals throughout the year. Some of these include Diwali, Holi, Eid and Good Friday.
In India, the cow is considered to be a Holy animal and you will see cars either driving around, or simply waiting if a cow is in the road holding up traffic! In some parts of India it is forbidden to eat meat or drink alcohol.
You will see many temples in India, as well as colourful clothing, particually the sari’s that the local women wear, and many cultural dance shows and activities.
30 Years Non Profit Experience
IVI is an Australian charity & non profit organisation founded in 1989 and is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering successfully placing over 20,000 volunteers globally.
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