Volunteering may be one of the most rewarding experiences you ever have.
However, working with an NGO in India can be very challenging. Adjusting to the pace and the occasional ambiguity of work in Mumbai requires significant patience and adaptability. Being proactive about finding solutions to roadblocks and being communicative your experience are key in making your volunteership a defining and meaningful life experience.
Think over your objectives and agenda for wanting to volunteer, and what you hope to get out of the experience before you decide to take the leap to come to India and volunteer for a significant period of time.
It’s also important to understand the personal financial costs of volunteering in Mumbai. Mumbai is an expensive city. You can live cheaply, but the experience of most foreign volunteers is that they have spent much more money then expected.
Please see the Atma Volunteer Sample budget for more information.
Have further questions? Check out the Volunteer FAQ.
“Atma was consistent and supportive, providing a space for me to share my HR expertise with an Atma Partner who required it.” Anna Hankimaa, Finland
“Initially I found that integrating into the Indian society was challenging, but in retrospect, going back home after such a rich volunteering experience was the most challenging.” James Zhao, Australia
“Atma has given me a huge gift by introducing me to FMCH. This is an organisation I have learnt a great deal from and would like to be affiliated with for the rest of my life. I have also seen the positive impact that Atma has had on FMCH as a partner organisation through their support and guidance and am grateful to be associated with Atma as well.” Tara Humphries , USA
“The level of professionalism at work and the amount of support every volunteer gets is just great. I have got to learn so many different things and skills directly and indirectly.Atma and Atma Volunteer Program are unique in themselves. The culture that Atma makes you be a part of being a volunteer is amazing. I thank everyone at Atma for such a wonderful volunteering experience.” Vishal Chauthamal, India
“My experience at Atma helped me gain new perspectives into my own life. I discovered what is important to me and what I truly enjoy. The Atma team is a diverse group of people, many of whom have switched over from the corporate sector. It helped me realise that it would be possible to have a highly satisfying career in the development sector in my home country too. I am so thankful to Atma for this experience. If an opportunity like this were to ever present itself I would take it up in a heartbeat!” Bo Van Rijsingen, Netherlands
“It is an extremely unique and wonderful experience to be able to discover another culture, make a significant difference in the lives of others, gain valuable skills, and to share the experience with amazing people from around the world. I would definitely recommend an Atma volunteership to anyone who is looking for an incredible learning opportunity” Tom Ladner, Canada
