If you are a volunteer your stay will be arranged in a host family or with other volunteers and you are also permitted to stay in the orphanage. If you opt to stay in the orphanage, then you will need to know about the Indian culture, society where you will be in touch with the Indian people, you are supposed to eat same food they eat or prepare. Volunteers are encouraged to learn and speak their local language i.e. Hindi, involve in Indian customs and traditions and you also need to get close to children at the orphanage and be friendly with them. The lifestyle of the Indians is quite simple when compared to the lifestyle of the Western countries. Volunteer should not expect the luxurious accommodation. You will be provided same accommodation facilities prepared by family. The Indian bathrooms have a sit on your heels toilet, a shower area and running cold water and in the bedroom, you may either sleep alone or with another volunteer on a woven mattress or an a hard mattress. If you stay in the orphanage, you are supposed to do the household activities like cleaning the house, cooking food, taking care of children, taking care of elder people. According to the Indian culture, Indian people do not send the elderly people to old age homes like other countries do. It is against their culture.

During lunch and dinner the entire family sits together to have their meal and though you are a guest in their house you are considered as a part of their family which is a part of the lifestyle of India. The food in India has an appealing blend of strong and vibrant taste. You will be provided with three meals a day which includes rice, noodle, drinks, soups, salad, and vegetables, which is delicious. And if you want to have your own food, you are welcome to have it and you can get it from anywhere. There are many restaurants in India that would suit your tastes and budget. Indian food is much cheaper when compared to other places and your hometown. During your volunteer service you are supposed to live with your group of people or family, and share the same experience that they face. You will be given the local fare twice a day, but things that you can enjoy throughout the day and till your service is the love, kindness, hospitality and welcome of Indians which is extraordinary!

Free time in India has very much different taste; as you will enjoy the beautiful scenic sites as well as help the local poor people by teaching and training them.  GVS wants its volunteers to enjoy their free time, so you can explore India by visiting the different historical and ancient places of Delhi, Goa etc. You will also visit villages, cultural places; this will give you more knowledge about the simple lifestyle of India. Volunteers in their free time can also go for the shopping, meet with friends and have fun in their free time. Volunteers can also take orphans for different trips, programs and other events but at their own expense. Our program fee does not includes or cover your extra curricular activities. We can only give suggestions and advices about the traveling route and other booking information. How ever, India has huge numbers of beautiful and attractive tourist locations that you can easily discover in your free time.