How much does this trip cost?

SMILE is one of socially responsible volunteer organization who offers volunteer programmes throughout the year.Volunteers need to pay the living cost only as per local host and this cost goes directly to them only.living arrangement are organized by the local host for all volunteers and groups in India.This cost includes 3 times local tasty veg food and dorm/shared simple non airconditioned accommodation in the hotel/guest houses/host families as per available on arrival,airport pickup also available between 6 m to 6 p.m on prior information.Orientation and onsite coordinator also be organized for free from the organization.

What is the registration process?

Soon you check our site and decided to participate in our programme ,please send us your details through our contact form/email us,we will contact you as soon as possible with all the details.Then you can book your seat through our online application form.

What are the program requirements?

We simply ask that volunteers are open-minded, flexible, and respectful of cultures and traditions, determined and motivated. Any special qualifications you may have are always useful.

Can I travel with a friend / friends?

You can certainly seek placement and/or accommodation with a friend/ friends. Please indicate in your application, and we will do our best to place you in the same accommodation and/or project. Please keep in mind that this is subject to availability.

What are the documents you need for application?

We need a brief CV, a copy of your passport, a copy of your visa, two copies of a recent photograph, criminal record check report from your police station, any experience copies or education copies and a reference letter to apply in our programm. Please ask us if you need any further information.

Can we choose our project?

We are one of the organization working closely with the local and international organizations and place our volunteers in different sector of volunteering in IndiWe request our volunteer/s to mention their intension and choice during application ,we will try our best to find the best possible placement for you and your team members,if it is available otherwise you have to take part as per the avilability on your arrival.

Do the volunteers need any qualification?

No,but they need soft heart for children,adaptibility to different cultures,societies and really motivated mind to something.

Do the volunteers have to speak English fluently?

No, but the language spoken with the host families is English. Therefor, volunteers are expected to speak basic English.

Whether any Volunteer can work in different project at a time or can choose their own project?

All Volunteers can choose their project at the time of application subject to availability .No Volunteers are allowed to work in two different projects at the same time. All volunteers are requested to work in their own project for their whole term unless they have the permission from the Organization.

How much does a volunteer need to join any program?

Living cost + flight cost+ vaccination cost [ ask the Indian embassy nearest you] + personal cost + insurances cost + visa cost.

Are there any special things to bring?

No, but if any volunteer like to gift anything to any poor kid that will be welcomed. Volunteer will get everything of their daily requirements around their accommodation unless they stay in any rural are

Are there any hospital near our project area?

It depends on the project area and locations. There are many good hospitals in every cities in Indi

Are Internet and Phone available?

Yes. There are many phone booths and Internet cafes in the city. It will cost Rs. 10-15 per hour.

What Language is spoken in most of the places?

It again depends on the places. India is a big country with many local languages, hindi is the national language though there are many other languages spoken in the different states of India. There are local people in every city know English.

Do we need to bring sleeping bags/mosquito net?

If you are taking part in our volunteer/internship projects then sleeping bag and mosquito net is essential but if you take part in our package programmes like tour and volunteering then these things are not necessary.

What kind of sleeping arrangement we get?

For volunteer cum tour programme, accommodation would be at guest houses/hotels but for only volunteer/internship program you accommodation would be mostly on dormitory basis as per available. Though there are always a option of applying for the privet room/air conditioned room against a extra fees as per available by the service providers.

Is there any other points to know?

  • You are requested to follow the local dress code. Sleeveless/shorts/vest are not allowed.
  • Smoking and bringing alcohole in project area is not allowed.
  • Kissing and hugging in project area are not allowed.
  • Photography is not allowed in our project locations.
  • Volunteers are requested to be very careful about their belongings/money/camera/phone etc.
  • Volunteers are requested to return back their room before 9 p.m.
  • Volunteers are requested not to take any food/drinks from any strengers.
  • You should bring sunscreen, sun glasses, cotton dresses for summer and light woolen for winter and an umbrella/rain coat for monsoon season (July - Sep).
  • Anti-mosquito bite deet is important. A flash light, first aid medicine, one pair of sleepers and one pair of shoes can be helpful.

" My experience at SMILE is such an amazing things for me!! The name “SMILE” is so perfect when I see that all the kids are smiling all day, one thing that I notice is the happiness in the kids eyes. Money does not buy happiness is definitely proves here. Living at SMILE has been so great that you all giving me such a welcoming atmosphere, when I walked in to the door I felt the home right away. This is probably one of the happiest and most gratifying times that I felt in my life. I am so grateful to have this opportunity. Thank you all so much!!"

- Sheila Das, Chicago, United States

"I choose for a short time but I think that stay a long time probably would be better. I really enjoyed the working with the kids. I definitely see the kind of great work that SMILE does. It’s been great staying with the SMILE family .Thank to them to make such a welcoming place. May be I'll come again next year."

- Mary Jay East, London, United Kingdom

"I been very glad that I came here and when I go back to England I will try more volunteer to come over here."

- Anonymous

"My time at SMILE was a great learning experience. The kids are fantastic.I wish I could have stayed longer."

- Joseph Millum, United Kingdom

"The best thing about SMILE is that it’s like a family and I make real contact with the kids and it was like superb but I am sorry that I did not have enough time."

- Mariam Abodouma, Egypt

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