Udayan Care believes that citizen involvement is integral to enacting social change, and they invite students from a wide range of backgrounds to join the team in New Delhi for internships of three or more months. Interns will typically divide their time between the head office and the children’s homes, providing an invaluable opportunity to engage with experienced staff as well as the direct beneficiaries of the organization’s work.
Internship opportunities include teaching (English, art, technology, life skills, etc.), developing recreational and cultural programs, enhancing health and social initiatives, mentorship, research, advocacy, communications and marketing, fundraising, web design, database management, organization and administration, human resources, capacity building, and training.
Udayan Care is a New Delhi-based voluntary organization that is committed to sustainable social development through working with disadvantaged and vulnerable children and women. They currently operate in 14 cities across nine states in India, and since 1994, Udayan Care has supported more than 15,000 children and young adults. Udayan is a Sanskrit word meaning 'Eternal Sunshine'.
The mission of the organization is to provide a nurturing home for every orphaned child, an opportunity for higher education for every girl and for every adult, the dignity of self-reliance, and the desire to give back to society. The organization’s primary projects include establishing family homes, supporting girls' education, and providing vocational training.
Udayan Care’s long-term residential homes, known as Ghars, provide a nurturing and family-like environment for orphaned and abandoned children between 6-18 years of age. The organization also provides monetary support and mentorship for girls from disadvantaged sections of society, enabling them to continue on to higher education, through the Shalini Fellowship. Udayan Care also provides vocational training and after care programs for young adults up to the age of 21. They have made significant strides and touched many lives through the support of like-minded people, donors, and partners who have believed in Udayan Care's work and mission. For more information, check out Udayan Care’s website.
Udayan Care is able to offer a wide range of internship opportunities within the organization. All interns are encouraged to visit and support programs in the Ghars, but those with specific interests may dedicate more time in those areas. Interns will work alongside Udayan Care staff and other interns and volunteers from India and abroad.
Work in the Ghars (children’s homes)
Interns can support educational programs such as English language classes, tutoring, and enhancing student confidence. Interns may also provide social, psychological, health, or cognitive assistance. For example, supporting the growth of the children and proposing ways to overcome psychological and physical deficiencies.
Work in the head office
Projects depend on current needs but interns are encouraged to propose projects based on their own interests and resources. Interns can expect to support the team with administrative, organizational, and technology projects. There are many opportunities within IT, research and development, HR management, staff training, marketing and communications, fundraising, outreach, and advocacy. Udayan Care is constantly working to strengthen organizational and educational partnerships within India and internationally.
Past interns have supported projects such as applying for official partnership with UNESCO, establishing new university relationships, researching and applying to national and international accreditation opportunities, evaluating changing laws and legal resources, enhancing donation processes, and implementing IT solutions and security improvements.
No specific academic background is required, but experience in social work, psychology, education, fundraising, accounting, human resources, or IT would be helpful. Applicants should be interested in supporting Udayan Care’s work and be sensitive to the cultural and social circumstances involved in working in India, with youth, and with vulnerable populations.
Ideal applicants will be flexible, creative, and effective communicators with strong interpersonal skills. Interns should be willing to support a wide-variety of activities and be self-motivated to identify projects.
This is an English-language internship. Applicants must have strong written and spoken English skills. Knowledge of Hindi or other major Indian languages is a plus, but not necessary.
Interns must bring their own laptop to use during the internship.
Qualified candidates will need to obtain a local criminal background check from the US.
Estimated One-Time Expenses
Udayan Care can arrange shared accommodation in one of the children’s homes for a small fee of 500 INR/day (approximately $8/day, or $750 for three months). This homestay option includes vegetarian meals and a unique opportunity to build relationships with the children and staff. For interns who wish to live independently, Udayan Care can provide a list of suggested guesthouses near the office.
Read more about Molly’s Family and Human Services internship with Udayan Care in Delhi (summer 2017).
“Interning abroad is full of personal and professional benefits. Personally, I changed and grew into a whole new person over the 10 weeks that I was in India. I was personally challenged with a new level of independence, confidence, and cultural understanding. This was my first experience traveling alone, and I dove into it head first. I lived independently and was forced to find a way to make friends and connect with the community. This challenge ended up being one of the greatest benefits. Professionally, I got the experience of a lifetime. I found myself in a foreign non-profit, with very different systems and “way-of-doing” compared to anything that I have experienced before. My cultural awareness and understanding was heightened immensely from working in the office and with the children in the orphanages. I learned how to adapt to cultural differences in a professional setting in a very short period of time.”
-Molly Maguire, University of Oregon
Summer: January 25
Fall: April 15
Winter: September 1
Spring: November 15
-Coursework and experience in social work, education, psychology, business, or IT preferred
-Prior experience working cross-culturally or with disadvantaged populations, especially children, is a plus