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| Q: |
'Can I shake hands with everyone I meet?' |
| A: |
When a foreign man meets an Indian man for the first time, shaking hands is mostly accepted. When you are women, nowadays no problem is seen in shaking hands. If you are a male foreigner, however, meeting an Indian woman for the first time, a more held back attitude is suitable, unless the Indian lady indicates by gesture that she'd like to shake hands. In case a women (or a man) makes an Indian greetings gesture (both hands folded before the chest), one is expected to make the same gesture back. In Tamil Nadu (South-India), one says 'Wannakam' ('hello'), in the north it is 'Namaste' (same meaning). You are not supposed to ask an unmarried girl to travel with you - if you're a man - on the backseat of your two-wheeler; she can only travel with her father or brother(s). And mind you, kissing an Indian (married or unmarried) girl farewell on departure, even if you've been in their family for weeks, is not advised. Especially if she's unmarried. |
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| Q: |
'What if someone comes too close to me and calls himself my friend?' |
| A: |
It is quite common that - especially men - become very familiar with you very fast. For some Westerners it takes some time to get used to this (as with many other things ;-). Sometimes your new host ('friend') will invite you to his house, for a dinner (most likely) and a good talk. About ... everything! It happens that questions are being asked to a foreigner in the very first conversation, that he/she considers inappropriate ('what is your annual salary?'), but for an Indian is just a matter of sudden curiosity the satisfaction of which is not seen as a breach of privacy. In India you sometimes simply land up in odd situations. Try to laugh about it. And carry on. If, however, the 'friendship' becomes a nuisance, it's better to be decisive and tell your 'friend' that you have to be on your way without delay. 'Awfully sorry, but I've got to go...' often does it. If you happen to be a woman with a 'friend' stalking you, it's better to stay in a public place, where you're often lucky to find a real gentlemen who tells your 'friend' to leave you alone. India is not known for its harassment by men, but it can happen. And when it happens, its better to be prepared. |
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| Q: |
'What is the dress-code in India?' |
| A: |
In India women in the countryside (in villages and towns), wear either a 'sari' or a 'churidar'. Everyone has heard or has even seen someone in a sari, a cotton or synthetic sometimes brightly colored/patterned cloth of about 6 meters, that is wrapped around the women's body in such a way that it covers a great deal of it; under the sari on the upper body, a 'blouse' is worn: short, tight sleeves and leaving the belly exposed, to be covered by the upper part of the sari. The second dress is the 'churidar' or 'punjabi' or 'salwar kameez' (as it is called in the North): a long, short-sleeved mostly cotton blouse underneath which one wears a cotton long/wide pant. For most of the female volunteers, the churidar is more convenient, as you don't need an experienced Indian woman to dress you up, as in the case of wearing a sari! Jansi (from AMAIDI) will take you in the second or third day to Pondi to either buy cloth to have the churidar (or sari-blouse) tailor-made; or she'll take you to shops where you can buy your new dress 'ready-made'. The prices of a sari and churidar vary from Rs. 250 (for a simple, synthetic one) up to more than Rs. 10,000 for a pure silk sari. But, trust us: there are gorgeous low budget churidars and saris! Volunteers, who go to work in their Indian dress the first day, are surprised about the positive reaction they get everywhere: on the street, in the bus and at work. Indians, both men and women, love foreigners who thus 'show respect for Indian customs'. Men have more liberties than women if it comes to cloths. As long as the short pant is no hot-pants, one can walk freely in shorts and T-shirt. Walking on the public road with your upper body part uncovered is not considered decent. When invited at someone's home or for an official (business) meeting or event (marriage, temple), a long pant with a clean shirt is considered respectful towards your host. |
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| Q: |
'Can I drink alcohol everywhere in India?' |
| A: |
A guesthouse, hotel or restaurant needs a 'special permit' to sell alcohol containing liquor. In most touristic areas larger hotels and restaurants cater to the need of foreigners (or well-to-do Indians) for a drink. As a result, if you find yourself in a village, you might have the single option of drinking water, as the illegally brawn 'arrack' is not particularly supporting your health. Whether or not many or just a few hotels serve alcohol, depends on the State you're in. Rajasthan is trying to become a 'dry State', whereas Pondicherry is - since long - known for its lenient attitude towards alcohol consumption. As the Government earns handsomely from the sales of alcohol, there is hardly any relief for the sufferings of the poor in the villages, where alcoholism amongst men often leads to domestic violence and social disruption. |
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| Q: |
'Are drugs prohibited in India?' |
| A: |
Regarding drugs, there is both a supple and a harsh attitude by the government. On the one hand you can buy tranquilizers at some medical shops without doctor's prescription; on the other hand you can be imprisoned on possessing marihuana. Possessing or selling hard-drugs like heroin, cocaine and others, is punished by imprisonment. |
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| Q: |
What is people's attitude towards smoking? |
| A: |
Smoking is not considered proper for women. But one recognizes the fact that in foreign countries habits are different and - besides an amazed look - people won't object to you smoking, as a woman. Men often buy a single cigarette at a grocery stall on the way to work (or coming back) and smoke it before continuing their journey. A growing number of State Governments is banning smoking in public buildings (like city halls, theaters, libraries etc.). |
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| Q: |
'Is it true that Indians don't mind coming too late at an appointment?' |
| A: |
If you're a person who lives by the clock, India comes as a shock: nobody is really concerned about time. Coming on time is not seen as normal, although it happens ;-) Making an appointment is considered necessary, but keeping it is not. The best remedy is to accept this fact before you enter India. Your anger shown will not be appreciated, as most Indians have mutually agreed on this national artifact. And guess what happens if you stay in India long enough, you become a 'time bandit' too! |
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| Q: |
What about anti malarial medication? |
| A: |
The World Health Organization - on the basis of its national health reports - advises travelers to any part of India to always take anti-malarial medication, unless they're going to stay at an altitude of 1,800 meters or higher. Taking medication is of course a personal choice, made on the basis of correct information. Except this website, you have to consult your local medical practitioner or government health service. We always support their advice! When in Puducherry some people choose for anti-malarial medication, and some choose not to bother. But certainly most people traveling around India use anti-malarial medication. Finally, often an individual's decision is based on the severity of the side effects of the medicine - but there are a number of different drugs, so look into the medication options closely. Whatever you decide, consult your local physician first! |
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| Q: |
Will I get ill? |
| A: |
Most people traveling through India get ill once (generally in the first few weeks) then they are fine. Bring some nice tasting rehydration salts and ;-) a photo of your mum. We will take care of you; bring you to a doctor in case necessary, or to a hospital. Don't worry. |
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| Q: |
Do I need to decide my project in advance? |
| A: |
Essentially, it is best to have a good idea on the type of project you would like to undertake in advance. This is easy to do by browsing our website for various options (by project as well as by location) and then fill up our application form. If there's any doubt or information is insufficient, we'll supplement you with information through email or chat. From here you can decide on one or two project areas that interest you. Once we are aware of your preferences, your experience and your motivation to come to India and work as a volunteer, and once we received the advance towards our service fee, we will contact our partners hosting projects in the fields and location of your interest and make a preliminary match. After you agreed to this, we'll make the match a final one. For the sake of your preparation and that of our project partner, it's good to commit to a project before you come, but reality has shown that in some cases we have to re-orientate after the first few days so that an even better match can be reached. Only so much can be decided via emailing, it seems. |
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| Q: |
Can I do more than one project? |
| A: |
This largely depends on the time you have. For example, anything under a month, we would strongly advice choosing and sticking to one project, or one activity. A month or more and you could consider two separate activities under the same broad project heading, maybe even two separate projects. However, this decision should be balanced against the impact you can make - with this I mean; if you split your energies between two projects, you will almost certainly achieve less than with one. But remember we are flexible at Amaidi, and always open to discussion. |
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| Q: |
How many days do I work per week? |
| A: |
As a general rule: You work the same hours as your Indian colleagues. Often this is Mon-Sat, 9am-4/5pm. If you work at a school, the week is usually only Mon-Fri. For volunteers working for only for 3 weeks or less (who have no opportunity for further travel) we make an exception. We will contact their project coordinator and request that you have Saturdays off. When, however, the type of work/project does not permit to have Saturdays skipped, we will communicate this to you at an early stage. |
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| Q: |
Can I take time off from work? |
| A: |
The short answer is 'Yes'! Taking a break is just as important as the work. We don't want anyone to 'burn out', and besides, there are some nice sights to see around about. From AMAIADI's point of view, our main concern is that the project you are working on is not negatively affected. If taking a few weeks off would ruin the project you are engaged in, we would advice very strongly against it. But again, advance planning helps to avoid these sticky situations. One important factor to consider is that Amaidi will still charge you for your accommodation if you are absent. Unfortunately, as we are not a 'regular' guesthouse, and so we cannot give your room to anyone else if you stay away for a few nights or a few weeks. |
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| Q: |
What about my transport to the project site? |
| A: |
There are several ways: you could either rent a cycle, a moped or a motorbike (driving in the Indian traffic is hazardous and therefore for your own risk). You could also take a bus (cheaper and - some think - safer). You have to bear these transportation costs yourself, unless it is part of a package deal; but even then, you will have to pay for the petrol, as only the rent of the vehicle is covered! |
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| Q: |
What about my insurance? |
| A: |
When you're busy finding out the top-job amongst volunteer work and you've finally found what you like, it is time to settle your international insurance! We at Amaidi favour volunteers, interns and professionals who are well prepared AND well insured. Of course, it's always someone else who's involved in an accident or causes damage to someone's property abroad... but statistics might just pick you as a case to prove the numbers. At this moment we advise to take a close look at the options that The JoHo Company from the Netherlands has to offer. By clicking here you're transported to their English language insurance page, where the following policies are offered: World Nomads, IHI Annual Travel Insurance and IHI Single Trip Insurance, Gouda Expatriate Policy and IHI Denmark 'International Health and Hospital Plan', and more. Whether you want insurance for just one trip or all year round all your trips, whether you live and work abroad alone or with your family, The JoHo Company is able to offer you a tailor-made package deal. You can find JoHo Jobs & Holidays centers in The Netherlands in Amsterdam, Groningen, Leiden and Rotterdam. Headoffice: The JoHo Company, Stille Rijn 8, 2312 DE Leiden, the Netherlands; Ph: +(31) 71 5131357/Fax: +(31) 71 5145003; e-mail: insurance@joho.nl. |
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| Q: |
How can I reach AMAIDI? |
| A: |
AMAIDI can organize an airport pick-up for you with a private car. As outlined in the brochure (look at the 'Fees' section), this service costs about €30 one-way. You do not have to pay on arrival - the charge is put on your final bill. If you fancy diving right into adventure, catch a bus to the Central Bus Stand (walk out of airport onto main road, try and catch a bus going left), or maybe a taxi (I'm sure they'll try to charge you more than the local price). Once at the Bus station follow the below advice. Coming by train, you will most likely arrive at Central Station or maybe at Egmore Station, depending where you departed from. Basically from each train station buses will leave to the Central Bus Station - they take about an hour (slightly quicker from Egmore). Ask around for the correct bus number. Traveling by bus you should arrive in the Central Bus Station itself. Once there you obviously want to go to Pondicherry. Get a Pondi bus that drives down the East Coast Road (it will be marked 'ECR'). The bus trip will take around 3-4 hours. You can ask the driver/conductor to let you off at "Auroville" or, to give the local village name "Periya Mudaliar Chavadi' (!!) This will save you going all the way into Pondi and back out again to AMAIDI. Alternatively, from Chennai you can take the train (the bus is a slightly easier option). You cannot go direct to Pondi; you must first go to "Villupuram Junction". From here you can wait for a train to Pondi Station, but at this stage it is generally much quicker to take the bus (walk out the station, catch one going left). Then you wind up in Pondi bus station (1 hour). From here you have to ask around for a bus to "Auroville". It is sometimes hard trying to find the connecting bus, but if you keep asking the off-duty drivers you will manage to find the right one. The bus trip will take around 20-30 minutes; ask to get off at Auroville or near "Beach Cafe", the local meeting point on the crossroad with Auroville Main Road. If by the time you've reached Pondi bus station and you've had enough, an auto rickshaw (or 'tuk-tuk') should cost no more than anywhere between 100 and 150 Rupees to get you from the bus station to Auroville. It does happens that you have to bargain (hard). Your first experience with it in India. Good luck! Whatever you do, you can reach Camille at +91-900-353-0-838 or Jansi (Camille's wife) at +91-904-724-1-035. Call when you are close, and we can direct you from there. |
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| Q: |
Do I have to take a mosquito-net? |
| A: |
In AMAIDI Guesthouse, but not in all accommodations in India (!), mosquito-nets are available. The one's we have at AG are, by the way, not impregnated with an anti-mosquito substance, so if you're particular about this .... And do wear long cotton pants and long-sleeved cotton T-shirts after 5 pm. Of course there's always 'Odomos', the local mosquito repellent, a real must! |
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| Q: |
Is there a safe place for my travel-documents and money to keep? |
| A: |
We have a safety locker on a safe place in AMAIDI Guesthouse, where all our guests keep their valuables. We will make sure that - in case you stay elsewhere in India - your host organization will likewise have a place where you can keep your passport, money etc. |
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| Q: |
What about my laundry? |
| A: |
At AMAIDI Guesthouse we will take care of your laundry (its included in the price). If you stay with an Indian family, they most probably was your cloths; the same counts for a stay at one of the host-organizations' accommodations. Ultimately, there are many so called 'dry-cleaners' in India whose livelihood it is to was and iron your laundry. If you prefer to wash your own laundry, buy some small pockets of washing powder at any roadside petty shop, and ask for a bucket at someone in the place where you stay! |
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| Q: |
Is there a computer with Internet at AMAIDI Guesthouse that I can use? |
| A: |
If you bring your laptop, you can Internet from practically everywhere in and around AMAIDI Guesthouse due to a wireless broadband connection. The usage is included in the price. If you don't happen to have a laptop (or don't want to bring one as you're going to travel away from AMAIDI after project work not to return to pick up your computer), perhaps there's a computer available at AMAIDI office. You might be asked to use it 'after office hours', as the office staff often need the computers during day-time. |
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| Q: |
Are there discounted rates? |
| A: |
As a consequence of AMAIDI functioning as a JoHo Center in India, at present only holders of a so called 'JoHo Membership Card' can avail a discounted rate of 10% on AMAIDI's service charge and 5% on the accommodation charge. For information about how to become a JoHo member, check here < http://www.joho.nl/srv/cards_lidworden/ > |
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| Q: |
How do I pay AMAIDI? |
| A: |
You will be asked to advance 25% towards AMAIDI's service fee; the remainder will be paid cas in Rupees on your arrival. After filling up and sending your application form, AMAIDI will send you a confirmation with a request to pay the amount to AMAIDI's bankaccount in India. You will find our banking information here Click here to view banking information |
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| Q: |
Do I have to buy Rupees on the airport on arrival? |
| A: |
If you have time - and if you have run out of water or simply want to get a taste of local coffee - it might be handy to change some euro's, dollars or pounds in Rupees on arrival at one of the airport exchange desks. When you're on your way to AMAIDI Guesthouse (or anywhere else), the taxi might stop to have a cup of tea. Some will advance you a cup (expecting a small tip after having brought you to your destination safely), others don't. Some small notes (Rs. 10 or Rs. 20) might help you pay for your tea and a local snack. The taxi that picks you up, we will pay on your behalf, for that you don't need to change money. For cash withdrawal of your foreign account, there are loads of ATM's where you use your bank card (with Maestro Logo) or credit card. There are official money exchange offices and banks where you can exchange your cash for Rupees, as well as cash your TC's. You can find a currency converter here. |
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| Q: |
When do I need to pay for my stay at Amaidi? |
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If you stay less than one month, you will pay your bill at the end of your stay; if you're a long-term guest, we'd prefer settling the accounts at the end of each month. The balance amount of the AMAIDI service fee, we'd like to receive shortly after your arrival. |
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| Q: |
How long will it take until AMAIDI has found a volunteer/internship placement for me? |
| A: |
If your aim is clear and you accept the first suggestion we offer of an NGO, school or hospital that is willing to take you up, it might take not more than a few working days. If, however, you're still trying to find out what you want and there are many options offered from our side to let you come to a conclusion or - at present - there's no partner that can take you up with your specific request, it could take up to several weeks before we reach the end: a suitable match. |
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| Q: |
Where in India can I do voluntary work? |
| A: |
AMAIDI has partner organizations in various states all over India. The majority of projects is located in Tamil Nadu, followed by Puducherry, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. There are plans to cover at least 10 states in India in the near future. |
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| Q: |
How long can I work or conduct an internship? |
| A: |
We have as a policy that a volunteer - to be useful to the receiving organization - should commit to a minimum period of one month. However, if the receiving organization sees reason to deviate from this minimum time span, a volunteer can come for a shorter period. For interns, we have no such rule, as all of them often stay for more than 1 month. |
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| Q: |
Can I take my friend along with me to do voluntary work? |
| A: |
If you let us know well in advance, we can organize a volunteer placement for you and your friend in one and the same project organization, unless you indicate that your friend has a different wish and provided there is a need for the skills or experience that your friend has to offer. |
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| Q: |
Do I need a specific education or expertise in a certain area to apply for a voluntary job? |
| A: |
AMAIDI offers voluntary placements in various fields, where different requirements apply. Including projects where no prior experience is needed to get started as a volunteer. Interns often work in fields that they're studying in, which calls for another approach. In principle, all placements are 'tailor made', up to a certain level. The receiving organization - certainly in the case of volunteers - likes to keep some space in negotiating the specific tasks for the volunteers during the first few days of his/her exposure. |
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| Q: |
My English is not excellent, will I manage? |
| A: |
Don't worry, often the level of English of your host is also 'not excellent'. You simply have to take some time to get used to both 'your kind of English'. Indian English sounds sometimes a lot different from what you're used to hear in English at home or in school in your country. |
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| Q: |
How is public transport in India? |
| A: |
The bus is the most widely used mode of public transport, followed by the auto-rickshaw and 'tempo' (a collective rickshaw for more than 5 people). But fact has it that the buses are often overloaded (and worse), so that either auto-rickshaw or your own transportation vehicle (cycle, moped, scooter or motorbike) becomes an option. But take care, because most insurance policies don't cover damage as a result of driving a motorized vehicle. And the Indian traffic is crazy, at times. |
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| Q: |
How is it like for women to volunteer or conduct an internship in India? |
| A: |
Women are respected as colleagues in more and more places, but especially in the larger cities; but in India at large, women still occupy lesser positions and are being paid less than men. When volunteers or interns work in India - and certainly if they maintain proper dress-code - they are highly respected, both men and women. Indian women especially will show their respect and admiration for your color-full Indian dress, when you wear one. . |
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| Q: |
Is it safe to be/work in India? |
| A: |
Yes, India in general is a safe country, although people will be able to point you out where it is not safe to wander (by day or by night). Better stick to that advise. |
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| Q: |
Is there some kind of preparatory course I can participate in? |
| A: |
If you're Dutch and sent by one of our Dutch partners (JoHo, People4Change, Activity International or IJU), most often they offer a training to prepare you for coming to and working in India. If you're based in another country, most likely there are quite a few organizations that do the same for you. Try to Google them out. |
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| Q: |
I'm going for Homestay. Will I have any privacy? |
| A: |
You will always have a room for yourself at your homestay address. A room that can be locked. And where you can resort to whenever you like. No one will force you to stay in the same room as the homestay family all the time. But most likely you are going to spend quite some time with them, because that's why you have chosen to go for homestay in the first place. |
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| Q: |
Do I have to bring my own (inflatable) matress and bed-sheets and stuff? |
| A: |
AMAIDI Guesthouse, your homestay family as well as other guesthouses, incl. the accommodation that project organizations will offer you, will all take care of that. If you have a back-problem and you know that sleeping on a hard(er) matress will cause you trouble, you might consider taking a device that you could put on your Indian mattress to feel more comfortable. But sometimes some (local) cushions will also do. |
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| Q: |
Do I have to bring a laptop, or can I also work on a computer at the project org or at AMAIDI? |
| A: |
If you bring your laptop, you could make use of the wireless Internet connection at AMAIDI Guesthouse (if you stay there). And work wherever you (and your laptop) are. But I you do not have a laptop to bring, in AMAIDI Guesthouse there's a computer available to work on (with Internet connection). Else, there is one of the many Internet or Cyber-cafes available, from morning to evening, to do your work. |
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| Q: |
Is there an introduction program in India? |
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Yes, there is! If you're staying at AMAIDI Guesthouse in Bharathi Nagar, Tamil Nadu, twice a month - the exact date dependent on the actual number of starting volunteers - you'll be having an 'orientation day'. While visiting neigboring Auroville and Puducherry - we wouldn't want you to get bored in a normal classroom setting - we will provide you with information on country, culture and climate, discussing topics such as dress-code and other cultural differences, money matters, shopping, working in an Indian organization, language etc. Again dependent on who starts at that moment, we organize a few language classes to get you acquainted with Tamil, spoken in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, where you will work if staying at AMAIDI Guesthouse. On request other gatherings or trips can be organized. If however you're starting your project in another location - for example in the north of India - your host organization will take care of a proper introduction to the Indian culture and your project. |
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| Q: |
What if I miss the introduction. Can I still join my project? |
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Yes, missing the introduction does not disqualify you to join your project, but as we think that the introduction program does add value and makes your 'blending in' more easy, you should try - but not at all cost - to be with us when the introduction program starts. |
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| Q: |
Can I buy a local SIM card? I heard calls are much cheaper then. |
| A: |
Yes, at least at AMAIDI Guesthouse we'll guide you where to go for a local SIM. The procedure is quite simple: you buy a SIM card and provide the seller - shops are everywhere - with a filled up form, a copy of your passport and visa and a stamp-size photo of yourself. If your phone is not simlock-free (and your model is not too modern!), we can have it 'unlocked' over here. Insert your SIM and - in most cases - within an hour or so (sometimes instantly) you're able to make and receive calls and SMS's. Do inform how long your SIM's validity goes. Then 'top-up' (feed) your call balance and call your mum. It's hard to say what it will cost you, as prices vary over time. But to give you an indication: for about EUR 3 or USD 4 you have a SIM with a validity of one month. You can 'top up' from anywhere close to Rs. 10 up to Rs 1,000 or more. |
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