Volunteering to teach children in the Himalayas has been one of the best decisions I’ve made—especially to spend my gap holidays before beginning my Teach for India fellowship in May 2023.

Every day with the children here offers a window into their world. I’m learning how to connect with them, how to engage their attention, how to help them grasp new ideas—and just as importantly, how to learn from them. There’s so much to learn, unlearn, and grow in this environment.

And then there’s the setting—surrounded by the natural beauty of the Himalayas, I’ve truly fallen in love with this place. The local people are warm and welcoming, and I must especially mention coordinators Naveen and Sameer, as well as Sameer Sir’s wife. They’ve made my stay comfortable, meaningful, and full of memorable experiences.

I would highly recommend this program to anyone interested in education, child development, or simply exploring the rich culture and serenity of the Himalayan region. It’s a journey that will open your heart and mind in ways you never imagined.

The Himalayan Cultural Exchange Program has provided me with some of the most meaningful experiences of all my travels across Asia.

I had the opportunity to teach in rural classrooms while living with a local family, which allowed for complete cultural immersion. From the very beginning, I felt welcomed and connected to the local community in a deeply authentic way.

The project coordinators were not only professional and supportive, but also gracious hosts who ensured I experienced every facet of village life. From attending traditional weddings and local feasts to participating in the region’s spiritual and cultural practices, every day brought something new and enriching.

This program goes far beyond volunteering—it’s a genuine cultural exchange that leaves a lasting impact on both the community and the volunteer.

My name is Jessica, I’m 27 and from the UK.
Last year, I had the incredible opportunity to volunteer with the Himalaya Teaching Program in the Barkot region of India, organized by the capable Naveen and supported by Volunteering With India (VWI).

This grassroots initiative offers a truly authentic experience of rural Indian life. I taught at a local school during the day, and spent my evenings exploring the scenic hills, playing cards with village families, and enjoying home-cooked meals with my host family.

What made this experience so memorable was not just the teaching, but the deep cultural immersion—I attended vibrant local festivals and even a traditional Indian wedding.

If you’re looking for a meaningful way to connect with a community, immerse yourself in Himalayan culture, and make a difference, I wholeheartedly recommend this program to future participants.

My first volunteer experience—and it couldn’t have been better!
I was initially nervous about getting involved, worried about the possibility of money-making schemes. But this program proved to be 100% genuine, with real, meaningful work that directly benefits local children and the community.

From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with open arms by everyone—making my time here truly filled with love, warmth, and joy.

It was an amazing experience, and if I had the chance, I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat!