Shanti Bhavan’s volunteers help break the cycle of poverty by contributing to our children’s world-class education. Volunteering at Shanti Bhavan is an experience unlike any other. Your work as a volunteer at our school will be challenging, culturally enriching, and life-changing.
Shanti Bhavan is a boarding school with a tight schedule from 6:30 am to 9:30 pm. A volunteer can expect to support our teachers and provide supplemental instruction with various academic and co-curricular programs that will vary during the academic year. The school is accredited by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE) in New Delhi. The grade levels and classes available for volunteers to teach are subject to change, as they can vary depending on the active roster of full-time teachers.
Shanti Bhavan provides all volunteers with free on-campus accommodations and meals. Read our volunteer FAQ for more information on the volunteer experience.
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.
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.
FALL
Accepting apps: March – June
Deadline: June 23
First-round decisions: May 23
Final decisions: July 23
SPRING
Note: Shortened application period due to December holidays and office closures
Accepting apps: July – September
Deadline: September 23
First-round decisions: August 15
Final decisions: October 24
SUMMER
Accepting apps: October – January
Deadline: January 24
First-round decisions: January 16
Final decisions: March 24
Application Requirements
Volunteer applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
There is a six-week minimum commitment for all applicants, 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.
Application Process
Submit the online application form below.
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).
Before you apply, 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.
Media Volunteer
Do you have a background in videography or photography and an interest in coming to campus? Shanti Bhavan is looking for an experienced individual to serve as a media volunteer, helping to gather content for our website and social media platforms. Click below to find out more about the Media Volunteer position.
“I loved my experience at Shanti Bhavan in June 2017. I had the opportunity to see with my eyes what I’ve always dreamed of: love generates other love and education is a powerful tool to improve the future of children all over the world. The beautiful smiles of the children and the kindness of their souls reminded me that we can hope for a better future. Shanti Bhavan is truly a piece of heaven where dreams come true.”
“As an educator, being a volunteer teacher at Shanti Bhavan has been a truly transformative experience both professionally and personally. Shanti Bhavan allows for anyone who becomes actively involved with the school to witness first hand the profound power of a high caliber education.”
Jason
“Shanti Bhavan represents the junction in which a relentless dedication to educating children meets the embodiment of hope, love, and compassion. My time at SB not only shaped me as an educator, but also built life-long friendships with the students, on-site staff, and the rest of the volunteer team. The children of Shanti Bhavan will forever hold a special place in my heart.”
Danielle
“Shanti Bhavan means everything to me. My year at SB taught me what it meant to be human, to be vulnerable, to be strong. SB taught me to cherish small moments of happiness, to dance, to step outside myself and my comfort zone and become a part of something greater.”
