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Duration
6-12 Weeks -
Minimum age
17+ - 1st Saturday of Every Month
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From
£1,050
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Duration
6-12 Weeks -
Minimum age
17+ - 1st Saturday of Every Month
-
From
£1,050
Asia Experience
Quicklinks
Are you looking for a life changing experience that will see you travelling across Asia in one fully inclusive and structured trip? Well look no further! This 6, 9 or 12 week adventure will take you to 3 of the continents most visited destinations; Sri Lanka, India and Nepal - and maybe a trip over to the Maldives!
Asia has so many alluring destinations that are steeped in spirituality, full of ancient wonders and of course breath-taking landscapes. This is your chance to discover the picturesque palm tree lined beaches of Sri Lanka, get lost in the hustle and bustle of the Indian streets and to take in the steep mountain ranges of the Himalayas in Nepal. Asia literally has it all and it's abundance in physical diversity and variety is why so many people are drawn to the continent - and it's all waiting to be discovered!
You’ll be able to choose the trip duration, the volunteer projects you get to help on and the organised trips and tours on offer to see each country- ensuring you get the experience that is right for you. Whether you’re a first time traveller or have plenty of air miles to spend, you’re in for a trip you’ll never forget!

Choose The Mighty Roar
I had a great experience in India as a volunteer with the Mighty Roar! I was there with my gf and we had an outstanding time in Jaipur. I was teaching and my gf was practicing as a doctor at one of the hospitals. It was a great challenge but we learned a lot. And Rahul, Tanu, and Guarav have been... Read More
Frederik Petersen December 2022
Choose The Mighty Roar
I had a great experience in India as a volunteer with the Mighty Roar! I was there with my gf and we had an outstanding time in Jaipur. I was teaching and my gf was practicing as a doctor at one of the hospitals. It was a great challenge but we learned a lot. And Rahul, Tanu, and Guarav have been amazing and have helped us so many times with all kinds of things. They all went out of their way to make sure we were comfortable and had a good and interesting stay in Jaipur as volunteers with The Mighty Roar. Thank you! 10/10 I’d recommend choosing The Mighty Roar for your volunteer and travel program 😃
Frederik Petersen December 2022
Sri Lanka
Mighty Roar organised a volunteering and travel program that will definitely be unforgettable. I am so glad I had opportunity to be involved in it.
The accommodation during volunteering was a very nice place to stay in and just next to the beach. I could enjoy the new room, very clean and t... Read More
Karolina PopadziukSeptember 2022
Sri Lanka
Mighty Roar organised a volunteering and travel program that will definitely be unforgettable. I am so glad I had opportunity to be involved in it.
The accommodation during volunteering was a very nice place to stay in and just next to the beach. I could enjoy the new room, very clean and tidy. Thanks to the air conditioning it was easy to share it with other people that were invited solved in the same programme.
It was really good experience to be involved in turtle restoration project and to teach local kids. All meals were included and most of them were unique Sri Lankan cuisine.
Personnel is very nice and friendly and would help you to find yourself in new surroundings as well as show you most interesting spots in the area.
After volunteering I went for 9 days travel. You don’t need to worry about anything as everything is organised by Karu. Transport, hotels and meals. You just relax and enjoy.
Karu put a lot of effort to show us as much as possible during this limited time so be sure you will not get bored. Busy days filled with plenty of attractions.
I was surprised how many things you can do in such a short time: national parks safaris, interaction with elephants, visiting temples, festivals, hiking, spa and massages, best shopping spots of Sri Lankan goodness, train trip, national dance performance, waterfalls and in general a lot of time in nature.
The accommodation during the tour was good and you often had a chance to enjoy the swim in the hotel swimming pool.
If you had any troubles and requirements you can be sure that they will be addressed with a good care.
Thank you very much for this experience and showing me so much of Sri Lanka :) I feel like I’ve explored so much in only 2 weeks.
Karolina PopadziukSeptember 2022
Great Experience
Great experience. TMR are a great company, everything went smoothly and communication was always good. The experience we had in Sri Lanka was well organised and valuable. It was all as it had been promised. Accommodation was very basic as you would expect in a developing country. Overall, I can't... Read More
Becky PearsonSeptember 2022
Great Experience
Great experience. TMR are a great company, everything went smoothly and communication was always good. The experience we had in Sri Lanka was well organised and valuable. It was all as it had been promised. Accommodation was very basic as you would expect in a developing country. Overall, I can't fault the experience or the company. The local Sri Lankan team were lovely. Totally recommend 😁
Becky PearsonSeptember 2022
TMR Sri Lanka
The whole experience was a 1 in a million. I would recommend anyone to book this trip. Day to day you are very busy always on your feet learning new experiences and gaining knowledge on a new culture. The trips are a must and the people make the experience, everyone is very kind warm and welcomin... Read More
Henry SykesSeptember 2022
TMR Sri Lanka
The whole experience was a 1 in a million. I would recommend anyone to book this trip. Day to day you are very busy always on your feet learning new experiences and gaining knowledge on a new culture. The trips are a must and the people make the experience, everyone is very kind warm and welcoming and the food is just is spectacular.
Henry SykesSeptember 2022
The Mighty Roar
Just returned from 4 weeks volunteering in the childcare programme in Jaipur and would do it again in a heart beat. I was met at the airport by Rahul and this was swiftly followed by a text from Chris checking I’d arrived safely. Accommodation was not as basic as I was led to believe - AC, Wi-F... Read More
Dee FrostAugust 2022
The Mighty Roar
Just returned from 4 weeks volunteering in the childcare programme in Jaipur and would do it again in a heart beat. I was met at the airport by Rahul and this was swiftly followed by a text from Chris checking I’d arrived safely. Accommodation was not as basic as I was led to believe - AC, Wi-Fi and a bathroom to each bedroom (2-3 sharing a room). Tanu looked after us all so well - sorted us out with everything you could imagine - even took us to get SIM cards ( £3.50 for enough data to last the month). Food excellent but easy to access crisps cheese bread or cafes etc if you prefer.
Placement was excellent lovely children, welcoming, supportive and friendly staff.
Rahul’s mother invited us to cookery lessons and sari fittings - including the male volunteers which made you truly feel part of the community.
Can’t wait to do it all again. I felt safe and welcome throughout my stay and enjoyed lots of site seeing on my days off as well as visiting Sheros and an orphanage for girls all arranged by Rahul and his team. Can’t recommend it highly enough especially as I travelled alone. Can’t wait to do it again 💕💕💕
Dee FrostAugust 2022
Sri Lanka
Volunteering in Sri Lanka with the mighty roar is a wonderful experience, and upon arriving at the airport everything was smooth and well run from start to finish. The local team conducting the travel and volunteer experience were incredible - we were taken to some incredible activities that you ... Read More
Amelia SmithAugust 2022
Sri Lanka
Volunteering in Sri Lanka with the mighty roar is a wonderful experience, and upon arriving at the airport everything was smooth and well run from start to finish. The local team conducting the travel and volunteer experience were incredible - we were taken to some incredible activities that you would not be able to do as a regular tourist. Overall, an incredible trip (thanks to the efforts of the local team) and will be booking with TMR again!
Amelia SmithAugust 2022
Overview & Structure
The Asia Experience starts on the first Saturday of every month throughout the year, but alternative dates can be considered on request. You are welcome to choose the trip duration that is suitable for you, with the option to travel for 6, 9 or 12 weeks.
Should you choose the 6 week option then you will spend 2 weeks volunteering and travelling in each country; Sri Lanka, India and Nepal. In the same vein, if you choose the 9 week option then you will spend 3 weeks in each country and finally the 12 week option will see you spend 4 weeks in each country.
When travelling across Asia you will meet plenty of other travellers and volunteers, with the numbers and types of people you encounter changing from country to country. If you’re looking for a social experience where you’ll make lots of new friends, then this is the trip for you.
You can choose any of the volunteer programmes listed further below for each country and once you have applied we will be in touch to confirm exactly what you wish to do. Please note, some volunteer projects may be subject to availability.
Once you have signed up you will then also be able to request organised weekend trips within each country through your My Trip account. You can read all about what weekend trips are on offer and what dates they run further below within each country section.
You will be responsible for organising your flight schedules to each country and although this may seem complicated at first, rest assured we are on hand to provide all of the assistance required.
Volunteering in Sri Lanka
Your first stop will be Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is our most popular destination and literally has it all! From the famous stunning coastlines with golden sand and crystal clear waters to the rolling lush green tea plantations in hill country. This somewhat undiscovered island has something for everyone, with sacred temples enriched with history, national parks packed with wildlife and the endless stretches of beautiful beaches.
All of our volunteering programmes are located together and are based just 10 minutes away from the famous backpacker town of Hikkaduwa. You will be living right on the beach, where you can snorkel, enjoy the spacious accommodation and experience the true way of life in Sri Lanka. You can read all about each programme that you can volunteer on by clicking on the below links.
Sri Lanka Sea Turtle Conservation (+£75)
Sri Lanka Street Dog Rescue (+£75)
Sri Lanka Childcare Volunteers
Sri Lanka Teaching Volunteers
Sri Lanka Medical Experience (+£100)
Sri Lanka Mental Health Experience (+£100)
As well as volunteering on rewarding programmes you will also have the option to travel and explore Sri Lanka and even head over to the Maldives during your free time. You can read all about our organised weekend trips here.
Volunteering in India
Your second stop will be India. Few countries in the world carve such a deep, lasting impression on a traveller as India does. Be stunned by the richness of the land, it’s lush beauty, exotic architecture and by its ability to overload the senses with the intensity of its colours, smells, tastes and sounds. Get ready to experience chaos, with a trip full of the unexpected.
Based in Jaipur in the heart of the famous Golden Triangle, you will have ample opportunities to see everything India has to offer. Walk the crowded streets of Delhi, see the iconic Taj Mahal, party on the beaches of Goa or stay closer to home and see Amber Fort and Hawa Mahal.
This is your chance to help make a difference to underprivileged communities while exploring a fun, vibrant and fascinating country. Our projects have been created to assist and help those in most need. From teaching in under resourced government schools, looking after children in overstretched kindergartens or to providing an extra pair of hands in a rural slum clinic, you can be sure that your time will be greatly appreciated. You can read all about each programme that you can volunteer on by clicking on the below links.
India Childcare Volunteers
India Teaching Volunteers
India Medical Experience
India Special Needs Childcare Volunteers
As well as volunteering on rewarding programmes you will also have the option to travel and explore India during your free time. Hit the road and explore everything the Golden Triangle has to offer (including the Taj Mahal) or party or relax on the famous beaches in Goa. You can sign up for a structured weekend trip that you can read all about here.
Volunteering in Nepal
Your final stop will be Nepal. Nepal still evades travellers' bucket lists and we for one can’t understand why. Home to the majestic Mt. Everest and the birthplace of Lord Buddha, a unique and adventurous experience awaits. Known for being a trekkers paradise, Nepal combines Himalayan views, golden temples, charming hill villages, jungle wildlife, vibrant culture and charismatic people - need we say more!
Your volunteering journey will be based in the capital city of Kathmandu, where you will get to enjoy the panoramic views across the Kathmandu valley and even of the snow-capped Himalayan Mountains. The hustle and bustle of Thamel (the main tourist area of Kathmandu) is just a 20 minute taxi ride away where you can wander the narrow alleys packed with people. You can read all about each programme that you can volunteer on by clicking on the below links.
Nepal Childcare Volunteers
Nepal Teaching Volunteers
While volunteering in Nepal you will have many tours and activities to sign up to with the help of the local team, including safaris in Chitwan, boating in Pokhara and more!
Further Information
Schedule a Zoom call
Schedule a Zoom call
Interested in volunteering abroad with The Mighty Roar? Why not schedule a 20 minute Zoom call!
Whether you need help narrowing down your options or have questions about a specific trip we offer, we can go into detail about all aspects of our programmes. This can include the day to day itinerary, finances, weekend trips, safety, arrival procedures and more!
Simply click the below link to head over to our calendar page and choose the best date and time for you.
Accommodation & meals
Accommodation & meals
Sri Lanka
We cannot think of anywhere better to stay when volunteering in Sri Lanka! Our volunteer accommodation is just a stones throw away (10 second walk) from a quiet golden sand beach that is lined with palm trees – paradise! It’s the perfect place to come and relax each evening and witness some incredible sunsets. Not only this, but you can snorkel in the crystal clear waters that has an abundance of colourful fish swimming around the coral reef and you may even see a sea turtle swim by!
Our spacious and comfortable volunteer accommodation is set on a large plot of land where you will be staying in one of our purpose built houses. Surrounded by the jungle on one side and the beach on the other, you have the best of both worlds! You can sit back and relax outside under the sun while drinking from a King Coconut that grow on the many palm trees around the accommodation or top up your tan over at the beach. Everyone comes together to eat their delicious meals outside under a traditional shelter where you can all share stories and you’ll even be able to hear the waves crashing down. This is also the perfect place for impromptu parties and BBQ’s where you can socialise into the night looking up at the dark starry sky.
You will be sharing a room with up to 5 other volunteers in comfy bunk beds (all bedding and mosquito nets are provided). All rooms have the added luxury of air-conditioning and modern en-suite bathrooms. If you’re lucky you could be staying in one of the bedrooms that have a small balcony where you can look far into the jungle and you can even see the sea!
Wi-Fi is available throughout the accommodation although this can be intermittent. Our local team are more than happy to provide laundry services at a small charge.
The backpacker town of Hikkaduwa is just a 5-minute tuk tuk ride away where you can visit many restaurants and bars that back right onto the beach. A favourite town amongst most volunteers, there are many supermarkets, quirky shops and water activities on offer – including surfing. The accommodation is also conveniently located close to the historic town of Galle and famous beaches including Mirissa, Unawatuna and Ambalangoda. There are also great bus and train links that allow you to easily explore the rest of the country.
India
During your time volunteering in India, you will be staying within our volunteer accommodation in a quiet residential suburb of Jaipur. Everything you need can be found within a short 10-minute drive! There are large shopping malls that have western restaurants like Pizza Hut and Subway, as well as convivence shops and ATMs. If you are looking for a quiet evening, then you can head down to one of the nearby restaurants or bars to talk about your day volunteering. If you are looking for a more local and cultural approach, then you can explore the bustling bazaars and markets where you will have ample opportunity to sample some mouth-watering cuisine and to purchase some gifts.
You cannot come all the way to India and not check out some of the big cultural tourist attractions! Jaipur is located in the heart of the Golden Triangle and boasts many significant sights, including Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal (Wind Palace), the Pink City Bazaars and so much more! Everything is located within just 20 kilometres and you can also head further afield to the Taj Mahal and New Delhi at the weekends.
Our accommodation is a fairly modern apartment that boasts spacious bedrooms. Although basic, the apartment is very clean and comfortable and is the ideal base for your time in India. Each room has 2 bunkbeds, sleeping up to 4 people with all bed linen provided and fans to keep you cool. There are western style bathrooms with hot water. The accommodation has several communal areas for everyone to gather in the evening. Sit back and relax in the living room while playing some cards, board games or try your hand at some more local games or head up to the roof terrace to take in the surroundings! There is Wi-Fi, although this can be intermittent.
All volunteers will be provided with fridge space if needed and will be able to take advantage of the laundry facilities within the apartment.
Nepal
While volunteering in Nepal you will be staying within the same building as the school where you will feel a part of the local community from day one. Located in Naikap Purano Bhanjyang, you will get to enjoy the panoramic views across the whole Kathmandu valley and even of the snow-capped Himalayan Mountains.
The hustle and bustle of Thamel (the main tourist area of Kathmandu) is just a 20 minute taxi ride away where you can wander the narrow alleys packed with people. Be sure to pick up some great bargains in the market but don’t forget to haggle! There are several local shops and all of the amenities you will need are just a short walk down the road from the accommodation too.
Although the accommodation is basic, it is clean and will ensure you have a comfortable stay throughout your time here. You will be sleeping in single beds in shared bedrooms with 2 or 3 other volunteers. All bedding is provided as well as ceiling fans to keep you cool during the hotter months. You will have a small cupboard where you can put some of your belongings. There is a shared bathroom with western style toilets and hot water (during the winter months). You can relax in the communal area where most volunteers come together to share stories and watch some TV. There is no Wi-Fi within the volunteer accommodation but our local team will assist with getting a SIM card so you can stay connected.
Meals
Sri Lanka
This is your chance to live life like a local and try some mouth-watering local cuisine! Freshly prepared and cooked each day, you will get to try many traditional Sri Lankan dishes as well as some western home comforts. All meals are provided at our volunteer accommodation and are included within the programme fee (except at weekends, please budget £2 per meal). All volunteers come together each meal time to sit outside, socialise and eat – the perfect time to share stories.
Here is an example of some of the meals you can expect:
Breakfast – Toast, omelette, string hoppers, fresh fruits, tea, milk
Lunch – Rice, vegetables, chicken, fish, dhal, curry, poppadoms
Dinner – Noodles, rice, pasta, hoppers, vegetables, curry
India
To ensure you get an authentic Indian experience, you will be staying with our host co-ordinators Beena and her husband, who will be there to provide meals and to make sure you have everything you need. While staying at the accommodation you will provided with three meals per day between Monday and Friday. Please note, you are responsible for meals on the weekends where you can head into town and try some more local dishes!
Meals are aimed to be as varied as possible across the week and include many traditional Indian cuisine. It is important to note that only vegetarian meals are served within our accommodation. You can expect some of the following meals:
Breakfast – Bread, biscuits, eggs, fruit, cereals, Poha
Lunch – Chapaties, rice, lentils, vegetables, salads
Dinner – Curries, chapaties, rice, lentils, vegetables
Nepal
All meals will be provided at the volunteer accommodation and are included within the programme fee. The menu rotates on a weekly basis to give you lots of variation and this is your chance to try out many local dishes! If you fancy a change of scenery or taste then you can of course head on out to one of the many restaurants nearby. You can expect some of the following meals:
Breakfast – Cereal, bread, fruit, toast, jam
Lunch - Lentils, fried rice, noodles, salad, momo
Dinner – Lentils, fried rice, noodles, salad, momo
Please note that our local teams will do their best to cater for any dietary requirements. However, there may be instances where you may need to purchase alternative ingredients at your own expense. Any dietary requirements should be noted within your application and reiterated to the local team upon arrival.
Volunteer fees
Volunteer fees
All of the below prices exclude the £179 registration fee. The total price payable is the below programme price + the £179 registration fee, as will be confirmed in the application process. To find out exactly what's included as part of fees, please click the What's Included box on the programme page.
What's included
What's included
The fees you pay go towards the structure and support put in place in order to provide you with an organised and safe environment in which to volunteer. The programme fee goes directly to our local teams and is used towards the following:
- Accommodation
- Airport pickups
- Meals on volunteering days in Sri Lanka
- Meals on volunteering days in India
- Meals on volunteering days in Nepal
- Transport to projects in Sri Lanka
- In-country orientation
- 24-hour in-country support
The registration fee that you pay to confirm your place on the volunteer programme is retained by our team in the United Kingdom. This fee is used towards the following:
- 24-hour UK based emergency support
- Unlimited telephone and email support
- A comprehensive volunteer handbook
- Assistance with all aspects of your trip
- 100% financial protection
- Regular programme inspections
- Certificate of completion
What's not included
There are still some parts of your trip that will need to be funded by yourself, these include:
- Flights
- Transport to volunteer projects in India
- Transport to volunteer projects in Nepal
- Travel insurance
- Return airport transfers
- Visas
- Criminal background check
- Spending money
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
What are the requirements to be a volunteer?
The Mighty Roar welcomes volunteers from all nationalities, religions and backgrounds. No previous experience or qualifications are required to volunteer and we look forward to hosting everyone who is willing to come and help make a difference and bring lots of positive energy.
We ask that all volunteers have a good level and understanding of English, although it does not need to be your first language. You of course do not need to speak the local dialect, but you will find learning a few words will go a long way.
You must be able to provide a clean criminal background check in advance of volunteering with us abroad. We're afraid we are generally unable to accept anyone who has any previous convictions, but please do get in touch so we can discuss this further.
Volunteering abroad can at times be both physically and mentally challenging, therefore we ask that all participants be fit in both areas. If you do have any medical / mental health conditions that you believe may affect your time volunteering, then these must be declared to us during the application process. If you have any questions regarding your suitability, then please do not hesitate to contact us.
Are there any age restrictions to volunteer?
If you are hoping to volunteer with us on the Asia Experience then you will need to be at least 17 years old on the programme start date. Generally the average age range for our programmes is 17 - 25, although this is by no means definitive.
None of our programmes have an upper age limit and in the past we have hosted participants of all ages. We find that age does not play an important part of volunteering abroad, as everyone has travelled for the same reason and to make new friends. However, in saying this, we have found at times that our more mature participants have perhaps expected a higher level of accommodation or structure. We cannot stress enough that all volunteers should remain open minded and flexible.
When is the best time of year to volunteer?
Over the years we have hosted many volunteers across all of our programmes in Asia and have obtained lots of feedback from everyone. The comments suggest that if you are looking for a large social experience then volunteering during the European summer months of June to August will provide the best experience. During this time we host our peak numbers across all projects and this is when we will be at total capacity in terms of the accommodation and numbers at the projects.
Conversely, volunteering outside of these months will typically provide the greatest opportunity to become fully immersed at the projects and within the local community and give you the chance to build a greater bond with our local team. You will of course still make many new lifelong friends along the way too!
I am really interested in volunteering, when should I apply?
You are more than welcome to apply at any time for any of our programmes, with start dates available at least two years in advance. We recommend that you apply as soon as you know it is something you 100% want to do, to ensure the best chances of availability on your chosen dates. Many of our programmes have limited capacity and at times these spaces can get filled very quickly - this is particularly true for our peak period between June and August.
We generally recommend applying at least 60 days in advance to give you ample time to ensure everything has been arranged. However, if you are looking to volunteer sooner than this, then it should not be a problem. Please do get in contact if you have any concerns about arranging any essentials within a shorter timeframe.
Once you have applied and confirmed your place on the programme, then it is possible to amend your start date and / or duration. Any changes need to be made at least 60 days prior to your start date and are subject to availability.
What duration would you recommend volunteering for?
This is of course down to personal preference, however, on gaining feedback from previous volunteers we believe the 9 or 12 week option is the best option. Not only will you be able to get fully involved with all aspects of the programme and integrate yourself within the local community, but you will also have many opportunities to explore everything each country has to offer on the weekends.
What date should I arrive and leave?
For the Asia Experience you will need to arrive into Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) near to Colombo, Sri Lanka on your chosen Saturday start date. You will be met by one of our local team members or an appointed driver who will be holding a named sign and will take you to our accommodation 2-3 hours away.
On the Saturday of your final week in Sri Lanka (the duration depending on which option you select when applying), you will need to depart Sri Lanka from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) and fly into Jaipur International Airport (JAI) in India. You will be met at the airport by one of our local team members who will be holding a named sign. They will take you to the volunteer accommodation for you to settle in and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
After your volunteering time in India finishes, you will need to fly from Jaipur International Airport (JAI) to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu on the Saturday. Please ensure you land between 9am and 10pm for the airport pickup to be included within the programme fee. You will be met by one of our local team members or an appointed driver who will be holding a named sign and will take you to our accommodation just 30 minutes away.
The programme ends on a Saturday of your final week and you should depart the accommodation on this day. Our local team will be happy to help organise any onward journeys or take you back to the airport, but please note this is not included within the programme fee.
Can I volunteer with TMR if I live outside of the UK?
Yes of course! Although The Mighty Roar is located within the United Kingdom, we welcome participants from all around the world. Over the years we have hosted many volunteers from across the globe, including USA, Germany, France, Canada, Australia and more. We wish for everyone to have an equal opportunity to travel and help make a difference, no matter where you are from.
Can I volunteer abroad with my friends / parents / partner?
You are of course more than welcome to travel and volunteer with your friends, family members and / or your partner. If required, we can ensure that you stay within the same accommodation and volunteer at the same project - so that you are together as often as wanted. Our volunteer accommodation is on a single-sex basis, so if you are wanting to share a a room with someone of the opposite sex, we will do our best accommodate this. However, it would be dependent on space and logistics at the time.
Why are TMR's volunteering fees so much more affordable than other organisations?
The Mighty Roar was founded with the aim to make all of our volunteering programmes as affordable and accessible as possible, allowing this once in a lifetime opportunity to all travellers. If you really want, we will even allow you to compare our pricing with other organisations, charities and not-for-profits where you will find us significantly cheaper.
How can we do this I hear you ask? Well, it’s pretty simple really! We do not need big fancy offices, lots of employees or massive monthly overheads. Our small family team work from a cosy farm office and we have done away with out-dated glossy brochures, an unnecessary high street shop or plush office and because we are passionate about what we do, we don't need 10+ staff to handle all of the operations.
Can I talk to previous volunteers and others who will be volunteering at the same time as me?
Each and every destination we operate in has its very own dedicated Facebook group where you can talk with past, present and future volunteers. This is the perfect place to ask any questions from previous volunteers and to also talk with other volunteers who will be volunteering at the same time as you. You can request to join each group using the below links:
Sri Lanka Facebook group
India Facebook group
Nepal Facebook group
Will I be able to travel whilst volunteering?
There will be plenty of opportunities for you to travel while volunteering in each country. In fact, we actively encourage you to do so! Not only will you have several hours of free time every weekday to explore the local area, but you will also have the weekends off - allowing you to head further afield. Our local teams are able to provide you with recommendations and details of any weekend opportunities and travel tips to help you plan any independent adventures. Please feel free to also browse some of our own recommendations further down on the programme page.
The Mighty Roar also operate a number of amazing weekend trips every month that allow you to explore the country as a group with your new-found friends. The structured itinerary ensures you travel in a safe manner and allows you to see as much as possible during your free time. You can view all available weekend for each country using the below links:
Sri Lanka weekend trips
India weekend trips
Nepal weekend trips
Is it safe to travel? What support will I receive?
While we can never guarantee your volunteer experience will be 100% trouble free, we have taken all of the necessary precautions to minimise all risks and to ensure all programmes are as safe as possible. Our helpful and knowledgeable UK team are with you throughout your whole journey, from answering questions about programmes, through the application process, providing pre-departure information, support while in-country and to answer any questions you may have on your return home.
A member of our UK team visit each and every volunteer programme we offer on a regular basis to rigorously check all aspects of the project - something generally not done by most other organisations! We experience every programme just like a volunteer would, from staying within the accommodation, helping on the projects, eating the meals provided and travelling the local area. By doing this, not only can we ensure everything is safe and running as planned, but we can truly tell you what to expect and can provide informed recommendations and advice about anything relating to your trip.
As part of our commitment to your safety, we monitor the stability of all of our volunteer destinations on a daily basis. We are in communication with the local embassies and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and we are also in constant contact with our overseas teams to ensure we can identify and act upon any problems immediately.
Every volunteer programme we offer has a co-ordinator and several key team members who will be in charge of ensuring your whole trip runs smoothly. Our local teams are made up of highly experienced individuals who have hosted international volunteers for many years. Everyone will be introduced to you during your orientation and it's these amazing people that will be on hand to answer any questions, deal with any issues and to help make any travel arrangements. Over the duration of your programme, we are sure that the local staff will also become your new best friends and will make your experience even more enjoyable!
With the majority of our programmes, a member of our local team or a trusted appointed driver will be waiting for you at the airport for when you arrive. Over the first day or two you will be given a full orientation that will cover things like emergency procedures, how to use the local transport, the do's and don'ts, local cultures and health and safety information.
Please do not forget that our UK office is available 24/7 in case of any rare emergencies, on the number provided within the volunteer handbook. Both our UK and international team's contact details can be passed onto friends and families and to ensure everyone has peace of mind.
When do I pay for my volunteer programme? Can I pay in instalments?
In order for you to confirm your placement on one of our programmes, you need to pay the registration fee of £179. Your remaining balance for your programme fee and any weekend trips and / or optional extras is then due no less than 60 days prior to your programme start date. if you're applying within 60 days of your programme start date then the remaining balance will be due no later than 7 days after your initial application.
When paying for your remaining balance, this can be made in one lump sum or split into several smaller instalments - just as long as the balance is clear 60 days prior to your programme start date. If you have chosen to take travel insurance through The Mighty Roar, then this must be paid in full before the policy can be processed and made live.
We accept payments via BACS (bank transfer) or through our website using all major debit and credit cards. All details required to make payment will be outlined in our email communications with you and they can also be found within your online account once you have confirmed your place.
Can I use the programme as part of my university or college placement?
Yes, it is generally possible to use the majority of our programmes as part of your university or college placement. Since all placements have different requirements and parameters, we recommend that you speak to a member of our UK team to ensure that your chosen volunteer programme will be suitable. Any school / college / university representative is more than welcome to contact us to discuss further the suitability of our programmes and to ensure they are satisfied with all aspects of the trip.
Our UK and in-country teams are able to complete and sign-off any paperwork that is required before your volunteer placement begins, during your trip and upon your return. The Mighty Roar regularly receives college and university students on our programmes and have built up strong ties with many leading universities.
Can I fundraise to pay for my volunteering trip?
Although we do our best to keep our programme costs as low and as affordable as possible, when you add flights, travel insurance and spending money you may find that you need a little financial help. The money you and other volunteers pay for the programme goes towards the overall structure of the project and includes your accommodation, meals, airport transfers and support from our UK and local teams.
Consequently, a large number of our volunteers decide to fundraise for their upcoming trip. We find that the best way of letting all of your friends and family know about your volunteer adventure is to create an online fundraising page. The Mighty Roar have teamed up with GoGetFunding who are an online crowd funding website that many of our volunteers have used and have recommended in the past. You will be able to create a personalised fundraising page of your own where you can tell everyone exactly what you are doing and why you need some extra money (the more detail you go into the better), set financial goals and upload lots of pictures.
You can read some more advice about fundraising for your upcoming trip here.
How much spending money will I need?
It is very difficult for us to give an exact figure for how much spending money you will need to take with you. The amount you spend is totally dictated on what you plan on doing during your free time and at the weekends. We recommend that you budget between £50 and £100 per week for general expenses and some independent travel. However, if you plan to travel every weekend and take part in many activities then you should budget accordingly. If you are on a tight budget, then we have had many volunteers come and not spend that much at all.
Will I need any vaccinations and / or malaria tablets to volunteer abroad?
As we are not medical experts and have no qualifications or experience within this field, we are unable to give any advice about what vaccinations you should or should not have. It is important for you to consult with your local doctor or travel clinic to find out which vaccinations are needed / recommended. They will generally ask where abouts you will be travelling to and what activities you will be involved in. Additional information can be found on the NHS Fit For Travel website.
Who are the the local teams?
Our programmes in each country are run by a dedicated and experienced in-country local team. Ayomi (Sri Lanka), Rahul (India) and Asim (Nepal) and their colleagues are in charge of providing the overall structure for your stay, including the accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, in-country orientation and 24/7 emergency support.
All local staff have been fully vetted by our UK team and over the years we have built up a strong relationship with them. The local team provide a great framework for you to enjoy a unique volunteering experience with us and they are sure to become your good friends, giving you a unique insight into each country.
Can I arrange a private room?
Our volunteer accommodation generally involves sharing a room with other participants on a same-sex basis. However, when we are not operating at full capacity, you may have the option to have a private room - although this is not something we can guarantee.
Can you cater for my dietary requirements?
Our local team will do their best to cater for any dietary requirements you may have. Any dietary requirements should be provided on your application and re-iterated to the local team on arrival into the country. It is important that if you have any concerns for major requirements, that you raise these with our UK team before confirming your place on the programme.
It is important to note that we cannot guarantee that we can cater for all requirements. Consequently, there may be instances where you need to purchase alternative ingredients or arrange dinner plans at a third party restaurant at your own expense.
What is the dress code at the projects?
We ask that all volunteers take the approach of a smart and responsible image during your time in the communities and on projects. It is best to also take some older clothes that you don't mind getting dirty.
Generally, it is best to avoid tight and very short clothing and anything that may have offensive slogans on it. It's recommended that you take some nicer clothes for weekends or any free time you may have.
We do not wish to impose strict regulations, however we do ask that you respect the local culture and do your best to adhere to the clothing guidelines within the volunteer handbook.
Are there any public holidays that would affect the project?
We aim to communicate as clearly and accurately as possible all holidays that may affect project availability and closures. However, holidays can often be sporadic or prone to change. We ask that you be flexible with regards to holidays and generally a holiday would offer a unique experience to enjoy in the festivities. Some programmes may not be affected by certain holidays, so if you would like to confirm any details please just let us know.
How do I arrange my flights?
You will need to arrange your flights to each country, which may seem daunting at first but we are always on hand to assist! When you first sign up to volunteer with The Mighty Roar you will gain access to your pre-departure volunteer handbooks that will have all of the important arrival and departure details for each country, including correct airports, dates and times.
We recommend using a flight comparison website like Sky Scanner. Not only will you be able to see the range of prices, but you can also see what airline and route / duration is best for your requirements and budget. Although we recommend booking your flights as early as possible to help ensure you secure the best price and required dates, it can also help to monitor the price over the course of a few weeks to see what the average is.
Within Sky Scanner there is the option to choose Multi City which will enable you to book all flights under one booking - making life much more simple.
There may also be times when changing your flight dates by a day or two provides substantial savings, so this is always worth checking and bearing in mind. We may not be able to accommodate you within the volunteer accommodation outside of your selected dates, but can provide hotel recommendations etc...
If you are unsure about anything regarding your flights then please just get in contact with us. We are more than happy to check over your preferred flights to ensure they are correct with the requirements of your programme before you book them.
We strongly recommend that you do not make any flight and / or third party travel arrangements until your place has been confirmed via email by The Mighty Roar. Please note that we cannot accept standby flights, all flight details provided to us must be fully confirmed.
Do you offer travel insurance?
Whether you are travelling for 1 week or 6 months, having adequate travel insurance that covers your entire duration abroad is an essential and compulsory part of your adventure. Although The Mighty Roar does everything in their power to ensure each and every trip is safe, inevitably things can and do go wrong. Therefore, having a travel insurance policy in place will help you with any problems you may encounter during your time away.
We have teamed up with Endsleigh to create an affordable and comprehensive travel insurance policy specifically for The Mighty Roar volunteers. You can be safe in the knowledge that you have full protection if needed and that our polices cover all of your volunteering activities.
If you would like to purchase your travel insurance through TMR then you can easily add this on when applying under the optional extras page. Alternatively, you can contact us today to add this onto your existing application. Please do not contact Endsleigh directly, as they will be unable to assist.
We recommend that you organise your travel insurance as soon as you confirm your place. This will ensure that your pre-departure cancellation starts from the day you are accepted and will cover you should you have to cancel your trip for an insured reason (such as illness).
You should ensure that your travel insurance covers you for the total duration of your trip i.e. from when you depart your home country to the day you return. It is important to note that our travel insurance is inclusive of your start and end date. For example, if you are volunteering for one week, from Saturday to Saturday, this is in actual fact 8 days and you will need to take out 2 weeks insurance to be fully covered.
For further information about our travel insurance, please click here.
How do I obtain a criminal background check?
In order for you to participate in any of our volunteering programmes, you will need to present to us a clean criminal background check (also known as a DBS or Police Check). This must be submitted and approved no less than 21 days prior to your programme start date. A criminal background check is a mandatory requirement for all volunteers aged 16 and over. We are unable to provide any exceptions to this, which is why it is important that you apply for one as soon as possible – at least 6 weeks prior to your start date.
If you already have a criminal background check that has been issued within 18 months of your programme start date, then you are more than welcome to provide this.
If you don't have a valid DBS check then you will need to apply for one. UK volunteers need to apply for a "Basic Disclosure" through the government website here. This costs £23 and can take up to 15 working days to process.
For international participants, we recommend you obtain a Police/Criminal Background Check through your local police station or official governmental body.
When will I receive my volunteer handbook?
All volunteers will receive a comprehensive volunteer handbook that provides all of the information you need to prepare for your upcoming trip. This includes details on what to pack, how to obtain a visa, what to expect and so much more. With this in mind, it is really important that you read through the volunteer handbook carefully.
You will receive your volunteer handbook once you have confirmed your place by paying the registration fee. We will send an email entitled 'Welcome to TMR', which will include a link to your online account where you can access the handbook and other important details. Please note, all material is sent via email and hard copies cannot be sent.

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