Become A Teaching Volunteer

Volunteer playing dominoes with children

Two Schools

Teaching volunteers at Shanti Bhavan work within a unique residential school setting that now spans two campuses — the first opened in 1997, and the second in 2024. Because we only admit children at the preschool level, our original campus now serves students from preschool through 12th grade, while the second campus is growing year by year and currently supports students in the early grades.

Volunteer Expectations

The school day runs on a full schedule from 6:30 am to 9:30 pm. As a volunteer, you’ll support our teachers and provide supplemental instruction in a variety of academic and co-curricular programs that change throughout the year.

Shanti Bhavan is accredited by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE) in New Delhi. Available grade levels and subjects for volunteers vary depending on the roster of full-time teachers and the current needs of each campus.

Beyond the classroom, volunteers often engage with students in daily routines, mealtimes, and evening activities, building relationships that make the experience personally meaningful. It’s a role that requires flexibility, initiative, and a willingness to immerse yourself in the rhythm of campus life.

To learn more about what to expect, visit our Volunteer FAQ for details on the experience.

Volunteer Application Timeline

 

We offer three volunteer terms throughout the year — Fall, Spring, and Summer. Applications received after a deadline may be considered on a space-available basis.

We accept volunteers based on the application cycle below. You may list prospective dates on your application, and we can discuss specifics throughout the interview process. Please keep in mind that accepted volunteers may be assigned to either campus based on need.

Fall Spring* Summer
Accepting apps March – June July – September October – January
Deadline June 23 September 23 January 24
First-round decisions May 23 August 15 February 16
Final decisions July 23 October 24 March 24

 

Note: Shortened application period due to December holidays and office closures

How To Apply

As a potential volunteer at Shanti Bhavan, please read thoroughly through these details before you apply.

Before you apply to be a volunteer at Shanti Bhavan, here are some things that are important to think about:

  • All accepted volunteers are required to complete a federal background check as part of our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students.
  • COVID-19 Update: Each volunteer must present proof of vaccination. Please keep in mind that campus procedures may change from month to month, depending on international and national COVID-19 policies.
  • Flexibility is essential when volunteering at Shanti Bhavan. Consider how you handle yourself in new, different, or stressful situations and if this could impact how you work with children.
  • The children of Shanti Bhavan have experienced extreme trauma and difficulties. Whether it is a lack of access to nutritious food, loss of immediate family or friends, or being a victim of racism and discrimination, the children have all survived some form of crisis. Please consider how the reality of these traumas may affect you, and impact the way you interact with the children. We encourage our volunteers to practice self-care throughout their time on campus.
  • Due to a variety of unpredictable factors, you will likely need to step out of your comfort zone at some point during your time on campus – whether it’s due to food, living conditions, time constraints, or cultural differences.
  • The volunteer’s workload is demanding and requires very long hours. Prospective volunteers should expect a full-time workload with little opportunity to engage in side projects.
  • Volunteers are role models for our children. No smoking, alcoholic beverages, or illegal substances are permitted on Shanti Bhavan property ever, without exception.

  • Volunteer applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
  • There is a six-week minimum commitment for volunteers at Shanti Bhavan, waived only under special circumstances.
  • One letter of recommendation is required, submitted with your application.
  • All applications must be submitted in English. Shanti Bhavan is an English medium school, and volunteers are required to be fluent in the English language.

  • Submit the online application form.
  • Submit your recommendation letter within the online application form, or have your recommender email their letter to [email protected] within one week of submitting your application.
  • Fulfill up to two rounds of video interviews.
  • Complete online training modules (post-acceptance).
  • Participate in two online, pre-departure training sessions (post-acceptance).