Top reasons why you should choose DiA!

More Responsibility and Involvement. DiA focuses on development, we are not a travel agency. On your return you are welcome to assist in running the organisation, gaining more experience. We have been built by volunteers and value your contributions and ideas both in India and the UK.

Placements to suit your interests and needs. We offer an opportunity to gain valuable work experience and to get genuinely involved with development work in a Southern country. This enables you to develop practical and personal skills and further your understanding of how development projects work.

Good training, support and follow up. Training is lead by recently returned volunteers, who can give you the most up to date advice, experiences & information. Support is available throughout your placement. Afterwards, feedback sessions ensure lessons are learnt from your valuable experience.

Become part of a development experience. Instead of just having a great experience, when you get back from volunteering with DiA you will have completed a DiA project. This will be used as a development education resource and gives a great opportunity for you to get involved back in the UK.

Live and work in India. We provide a link between you and established Indian organisations. Giving an opportunity to become immersed in Indian community life and work with people from a diversity of backgrounds.

Will I have time to travel?

On summer (2-month) placements you will have four months left on your visa - your travel time will vary depending on when you have to return to the UK. For five-month placements you will have one month left for travelling. During your placements you will get opportunities to travel at the weekends and on public holidays.

Quotes from past volunteers

“This organisation is not just educating the children but also the adults and the communities as a whole…. Education gives people not just qualifications to get jobs, but more importantly it creates opportunities and choices”

“One of the most rewarding aspects of the trip was the opportunity to challenge myself. I often found myself in situations that required careful thought and extreme patience, as well as the need for self motivation”

“I learnt that development is also a personal process”