Volunteer/Intern FAQs
Q: Can I volunteer with a friend, my family, or a group?
A: Yes, of course! Please contact us early though, so we can arrange accommodation for you to be together.
Q: When do I have to pay the registration fee?
A: We ask that you pay your registration fee before you arrive as a sign of your commitment. Once you have filled out the application form and we've responded to accept you as a volunteer/intern, you can make your payment. Please visit the
Please visit our Fees Payment page for more information or to make a payment.
Q: How much money should I bring?
A: Please visit our Volunteer Costs page for guidance.
Q: Why do I need health insurance to volunteer with Prime Trust?
A: We care about you and want any potential health-related situations to be completely taken care of. It is for your best interest to have health insurance while traveling and living abroad.
Q: Will I have time to explore the rest of India?
A: Yes, we completely understand you will want to venture out of Pondicherry and see more of India. Volunteers typically have Saturday and Sunday off and there are many easy weekend trips around Pondicherry. Buses or trains are an inexpensive way to travel or we can help you arrange a private taxi if you wish. If you want to take a longer trip, just simply let us know ahead of time.
Q: How should I travel to your location in Pondicherry?
A: Most volunteers fly into the Chennai Airport, which is approximately 3 hours drive north of Pondicherry. We can arrange a taxi to pick you up at the airport and bring you directly to our office/accommodations if you'd like. Visit our Volunteer Costs page for prices. If you will be traveling India before coming to volunteer with us or would like to arrive in Pondicherry independently, let us know when you will arrive so we can arrange to pick you up from the train or bus station (there is no cost for this).
Q: Can I work with Prime Trust for school credit?
A: Yes, you are more than welcome to conduct research while volunteering/interning with Prime Trust. Please let us know of this before your arrival so we can make any necessary preparations.
Q: Who volunteers/interns at Prime Trust?
A: Prime Trust has received people from all demographics. We've had married couples, retirees, gap year students, and undergraduate/graduate students. Our volunteers come from all of the world, from Hong Kong to France and the USA to Australia, making the Prime Trust experience truly diverse.
Q: How long can I volunteer?
A: You can stay with Prime Trust for a minimum of one month, and there is no maximum. We encourage long term volunteers. You are welcome to volunteer with us the entire time you have a valid visa.
Q: How many hours a week will I volunteer?
A: That is largely up to you. However, most volunteers work Monday-Friday from roughly 9am-6pm with a 1-2 hour lunch break. We also daily meetings to discuss progress or any issues that may have arisen, attendance of these meetings is optional. Your schedule will depend on the projects you get involved with and the commitments you make.
Q: English is not my first language, can I still volunteer with Prime Trust?
A: Yes, many of our volunteers' first language is not English. As long as you can communicate in English to the other volunteers and our staff, you'll be able to make valuable contributions to any project that suits you.
Q: Are there any rules for volunteers?
A: Yes, please see the Guidelines and Requirements page and the Volunteer Guidebook for more information.
Q: Can I contact a previous Prime Trust volunteer?
A: Yes, of course! Just contact us and we will organise communication for you, this can be via email, Whatsapp or Skype.
A: Yes, of course! Please contact us early though, so we can arrange accommodation for you to be together.
Q: When do I have to pay the registration fee?
A: We ask that you pay your registration fee before you arrive as a sign of your commitment. Once you have filled out the application form and we've responded to accept you as a volunteer/intern, you can make your payment. Please visit the
Please visit our Fees Payment page for more information or to make a payment.
Q: How much money should I bring?
A: Please visit our Volunteer Costs page for guidance.
Q: Why do I need health insurance to volunteer with Prime Trust?
A: We care about you and want any potential health-related situations to be completely taken care of. It is for your best interest to have health insurance while traveling and living abroad.
Q: Will I have time to explore the rest of India?
A: Yes, we completely understand you will want to venture out of Pondicherry and see more of India. Volunteers typically have Saturday and Sunday off and there are many easy weekend trips around Pondicherry. Buses or trains are an inexpensive way to travel or we can help you arrange a private taxi if you wish. If you want to take a longer trip, just simply let us know ahead of time.
Q: How should I travel to your location in Pondicherry?
A: Most volunteers fly into the Chennai Airport, which is approximately 3 hours drive north of Pondicherry. We can arrange a taxi to pick you up at the airport and bring you directly to our office/accommodations if you'd like. Visit our Volunteer Costs page for prices. If you will be traveling India before coming to volunteer with us or would like to arrive in Pondicherry independently, let us know when you will arrive so we can arrange to pick you up from the train or bus station (there is no cost for this).
Q: Can I work with Prime Trust for school credit?
A: Yes, you are more than welcome to conduct research while volunteering/interning with Prime Trust. Please let us know of this before your arrival so we can make any necessary preparations.
Q: Who volunteers/interns at Prime Trust?
A: Prime Trust has received people from all demographics. We've had married couples, retirees, gap year students, and undergraduate/graduate students. Our volunteers come from all of the world, from Hong Kong to France and the USA to Australia, making the Prime Trust experience truly diverse.
Q: How long can I volunteer?
A: You can stay with Prime Trust for a minimum of one month, and there is no maximum. We encourage long term volunteers. You are welcome to volunteer with us the entire time you have a valid visa.
Q: How many hours a week will I volunteer?
A: That is largely up to you. However, most volunteers work Monday-Friday from roughly 9am-6pm with a 1-2 hour lunch break. We also daily meetings to discuss progress or any issues that may have arisen, attendance of these meetings is optional. Your schedule will depend on the projects you get involved with and the commitments you make.
Q: English is not my first language, can I still volunteer with Prime Trust?
A: Yes, many of our volunteers' first language is not English. As long as you can communicate in English to the other volunteers and our staff, you'll be able to make valuable contributions to any project that suits you.
Q: Are there any rules for volunteers?
A: Yes, please see the Guidelines and Requirements page and the Volunteer Guidebook for more information.
Q: Can I contact a previous Prime Trust volunteer?
A: Yes, of course! Just contact us and we will organise communication for you, this can be via email, Whatsapp or Skype.
