Who can volunteer?
Volunteers need to be at least eighteen unless accompanied by an adult at all times. There is no upper age limit for volunteers and we have had many retired people with us over the years in Goa.

Our volunteering placements are for a minimum of a month and there is no maximum. We suggest that at least two months is needed for placements with children and young people as this allows you to build up genuine relationships and make a real difference. Many volunteers have visited Goa several times and brought their gifts and skills to us over many years.

How do I get to Goa?
Goa has two airports (Mopa and Dabolim) and we are happy to collect volunteers from either. There are a few international flights directly to Goa and many other options with a connection in a major Indian hub such as Delhi or Mumbai.

Where do I stay in Goa?
Volunteers in Goa either live on site in the charity or in our central volunteer house. Either way the accommodation is basic but clean and comfortable and local meals will be provided. Some volunteers like to take weekend breaks and book rooms on the beach to relax away from the pressures of charity work. This is inexpensive in Goa and we are happy to recommend places to stay. Many volunteers also add a holiday to the beginning or end of their placement and take the time to explore more of Goa or travel more widely in India.

What training will I be given?
All volunteers spend the first few days in Goa at our central hub, where they are given guidance about living in Goa, local travel and customs and important things to be aware of locally. Further training depends on the nature of the placement but often includes an introduction to the local education system and key information needed while working with vulnerable people in different contexts. There are always local staff and helpers on hand in our charities to guide you and help you fit in.

What paperwork is needed for volunteering?
During the application process, we will guide you through obtaining the paperwork you need. In order to ensure the safety of the vulnerable people in our care, we will need to run an enhanced police background check before completing registration. It is also essential that your travel insurance covers voluntary work abroad. All international travel to India requires a visa. An e-tourist visa allows voluntary service for up to a month, while longer placements require a specialist employment visa.

How much does volunteering cost?
Volunteering Goa never aims to make a profit from supporting wonderful people offering their time in Goa. There are some essential costs involved and we keep these as low as possible:
£500 registration fee - This covers the cost of running this website, administering the company and advertising placements as well as collecting you from the airport and providing the support and training you will need from the application to the end of your placement
£350 per month - This covers the cost of your local accommodation and food either in our volunteer house or in one of the charity sites
Other costs - Volunteers are responsible for organising their flights, visas and travel insurance. We are available to offer advice and practical help and please do discuss this with us before making any bookings.

So you're ready to think about volunteering with us and would like to know more? Please do get in touch! Email us and tell us a little bit about yourself, your background and your skills. We will get back to you with some ideas about how your placement might look. We look forward to welcoming you to Goa!