India - FAQ
Tell me more about India
What is the climate like in Kolkota?
What kind of volunteer work is available?
Is there any time of the year when I can’t volunteer?
When will I know specific details on the placement?
Where will I be located?
Tell me more about flying into Kolkota?
When do I need to arrive in Kolkota?
How do I get to the project?
Tell me more about the accommodation?
Do you make provision for vegetarians?
Are there holidays or festivals I should be aware of when traveling?
What age do you have to be to volunteer?
What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?
Do I need to speak English to volunteer?
How will I communicate with the local people?
Can I bring my own family with me to the program?
Are there more expenses once I arrive?
How safe is it to volunteer in India?
How many volunteers are there on site at the same time?
What is the course content of the training?
What hours am I expected to take part in the program?
Is there the opportunity to take classes such as language or more cultural activities while on the program?
Are we able to do any sightseeing?
What clothing is appropriate for the program?
What resources will be available?
Can you tell me more about your partner in Kolkota?
Who organises my Visa for my volunteer placement?
What is the criterion for volunteers to be accepted into the program?
Do I need travel insurance?
Do I have to be from New Zealand to volunteer through Global Volunteer Network?
How do I pay my fees?
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Tell me more about India
India is a large country with a population of 1 billion people. Its rich culture and incredible people attracts many from around the globe to enjoy its beauty and mystery. To find our more specific information about India you may like to refer to the 'About India' link on the program page.
What is the climate like in Kolkata?
April to mid June is very hot and this can be a difficult time of the year to work in. Temperatures are in the 37 - 40 degree Celsius range. The monsoon begins in early to mid June and extends through to October. Although the rain is a welcome change, lowering the temperatures to 30 - 35 C, it is accompanied by high humidity. Temperatures start to drop in November coming to the winter months and this time up to the end of March is usually very pleasant.
What kind of volunteer work is available?
This will vary depending on the needs of the program. We will where possible use your relevant skills. Most volunteers will be involved in teaching, working with disabled children, the elderly or disadvantaged members of the community. Some of the children's and women's work is restricted to women volunteers only.
Is there any time of the year when I can’t volunteer?
You can volunteer all year round however there may be projects that are not available for periods of time due to various reasons, e.g school holidays.
When will I know specific details on the placement?
At the orientation and training more detailed information is provided as to the specific placement. It is at this time that you, along with staff will be able to look at the most appropriate placement for you.
Where will I be located?
You will be staying in the city. All projects are located in the city and within easy reach by public transport. If specific projects are available outside of the city you will be given instructions on how to get there (this travel will be at your own expense).
Tell me more about flying into Kolkata?
You can fly directly into Kolkata which has an international airport. From here our partner organisation will meet you and transport you to your accommodation.
When do I need to arrive in Kolkata?
You need to arrive on the last day of the month prior to your placement (e.g, if you are volunteering in June, you should arrive in Kolkata on May 31st). This is because you need to be able to acclimatise to India, get used to the city of Kolkata and get over your jetlag. Orientation will begin on the 1st or 2nd of the month.
How do I get to the projects?
You will be accompanied to and from the project on the first day and maps and directions will be supplied for future visits.
Tell me more about the accommodation
Volunteers will be living in a guesthouse. You should expect to be sharing accommodation with other volunteers. This will be shared rooms with a same gender room mate. Basic bedding will be provided. Volunteers will be provided with 1 meal per day (breakfast). Our partner is happy to recommend places for getting lunch and dinner which are safe to eat and affordable.
Do you make provision for vegetarians?
Yes and if you are vegan this will not be a problem. Kolkata, as with the rest of India, is predominantly vegetarian, and due to this there is a wide variety of vegetarian food. If you have special dietary needs please let us know and we will advise if these can be met.
Are there holidays or festivals I should be aware of when traveling?
There are many festivals in Kolkata; however this will not hinder your volunteering. When festivals are on you will most likely be invited to celebrate with everyone. There are 2 major festivals in October-Nov and during this time projects generally close for approximately one week.
What age do you have to be to volunteer?
You must be 18 years or older to volunteer. We will consider applicants in the 50-60 age bracket with evidence of good health.
What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?
If you will be travelling (within 6 days) to India from Africa, South America or other infected areas the only legally required vaccination is Yellow Fever which will be required to obtain a visa for India. Anti malarial medication is essential.
The following are recommended vaccinations:
- Tetanus and diphtheria
- Polio
- Hepatitis A and B
- Typhoid
- Rabies
- Japanese B encephalitis
- Tuberculosis recommended if living with local people for 3 months.
Do I need to speak English to volunteer?
You will need to understand basic English in order to work alongside our partner organization in India.
How will I communicate with the local people?
You will have basic language training on arrival. It is essential that you develop your skills in Kolkata as much as possible throughout the program. It is not expected that you will become fluent in the time you are volunteering.
Can I bring my own family with me to the program?
Family members over the age of 18 can volunteer together and couples can be placed together (if it is not a gender specific project). Due to the type of work you will be involved in it is not possible to accommodate children.
Are there more expenses once I arrive?
The in-country fee covers your accommodation and breakfasts while you are working. It does not cover the cost of other meals, or transport, (including travelling to/from the airport). Daily transport costs on average between US 50 cents - $2 per day. You will also need extra funds to cover water, entertainment during your days off, and any personal shopping you may do.
How safe is it to volunteer in India?
There is often ill health associated with travelling in India. You should expect to experience some ill health during the time you are there as you adjust to the heat and types of food you will be eating. If you eat carefully at recommended places and drink only filtered water you should be safe from most stomach problems. In general, you should not travel alone at night. India is usually a safe place for women travelers, however, there is a risk of becoming a target of sexual harassment. You will be given safety advice about situations to avoid and appropriate reactions in your orientation.
As in many countries, foreigners are perceived as wealthy in India. Although the people are generally warm and friendly towards foreigners, as well as appreciative of the work done by volunteers, not every individual is the same. We work extremely hard to ensure you are placed in safe environments while volunteering and security policies are in place to achieve this. However, as in any situation at home or abroad, there is no way to erase all potential threats.
How many volunteers are there on site at the same time?
This varies according to which project you are working on as some of our projects also receive volunteers from other sources.
What is the course content of the training?
Training covers the following areas: City orientation, program information, cultural issues, code of conduct, health and sanitation.
What hours am I expected to take part in the program?
Hours will vary depending on the specific project you are involved in. You should not expect to work a full day as the challenges of heat can be overwhelming. Specific projects such as teaching have set hours and days.
Is there the opportunity to take classes such as language or more cultural activities while on the program?
You should discuss this with staff if you are interested in using spare time to participate in activities outside of the program.
Are we able to do any sightseeing?
You will have 2 free days per week in which you can use the time to tour the local area. All costs are at the volunteer's expense.
What clothing is appropriate for the program?
There is information specific to this question in the information pack that is provided once you secure your placement in the program.
What resources will be available?
Part of your in-country fee will cover resources that will be required to do the work as well as from donations given.
Can you tell me more about your partner in Kolkota?
Our partner organisation is newly established and has formed relationships with NGO's in the Kolkata region who can benefit from the use of international volunteers.
Who organises my Visa for my volunteer placement?
You do. You are required to get a tourist visa which can be issued for 6 months. More details are given in the information pack on how you should go about doing this and it is essential that you follow our advice for obtaining a visa so you are able to take part in the program.
What is the criterion for volunteers to be accepted into the program?
Each applicant is considered by the information they provide on the application. If further information is required applicants will be emailed to request this. Please refer to the program requirements listed on the program page which outlines the minimum expectations of what is required for volunteering in this specific program. We also look further at your application as to skills and experience specifically related to the program you have applied to. We look at volunteer experiences, travel experience and also your particular interest in the program to make our decision.
Do I need travel insurance?
As with any overseas travelling, insurance is recommended. The Global Volunteer Network has arranged a comprehensive travel insurance package specially designed for volunteering. It includes excellent medical and accident coverage as well as a 'loss of deposits' cover which covers fees paid to GVN, airlines etc (up to US$8,000). If you would like to learn more just follow this link: http://www.volunteer.org.nz/insurance/.
What is the criterion for volunteers to be accepted into the program?
Each applicant is considered by the information they provide on the application. If further information is required applicants will be emailed to request this. Please refer to the program requirements listed on the program page which outlines the minimum expectations of what is required for volunteering in this specific program. We also look further at your application as to skills and experience specifically related to the program you have applied to. We look at volunteer experiences, travel experience and also your particular interest in the program to make our decision.
Do I have to be from New Zealand to volunteer through the Global Volunteer Network?
No
How do I pay my fees?
Your application fee secures your place on the program (remember this is fully refundable if you decide not to take part in the program). Your program fee is payable to Global Volunteer Network 8 weeks prior to the 1st of the month you wish to volunteer. Please note that all charges incurred by the payment of the program fee are at the volunteer's expense, e.g. if a bank transfer incurs a bank fee at the point of origin, that is at the expense of the volunteer. Eighty percent (80%) of your program fee is refundable until one calendar month before the 1st of the month you are due to begin your program.
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Question not covered here? Please check the generic FAQ, and if still unanswered, please ask us a question here. (We aim to answer all email within 48 hours).
Click here to apply for the India program.
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