Information for International Volunteers

Housing
We have apartments in our Thoraipakkam office, for volunteers to stay, close to some of our important projects.

This is a shared accommodation with a common kitchen that has cooking gas, heater, toaster, other utensils, a refrigerator and storage space. There is one television in the living room. A bed, table and chair will be provided for each volunteer.

Free access to internet and phone will also be available for volunteers.

Costs
We do not charge for volunteering. For your accommodation, you need to pay Rs 10000/- per month (approx. 170 EUR/USD) to volunteer with us. This includes housing and the usage of basic amenities. This cost will also partly fund the project you will be working on. The cost of airport transfer, pickup and drop is Rs.1600. The expenses for the entire period of stay shall be paid in full on arrival. The amount is not refundable.

The volunteer is responsible for his/her food. There are hotels, restaurants and eateries in the vicinity. There is a local supermarket that stocks basic groceries.

Preparation (important information before you volunteer)

Personal expenses
Any personal expenses, such as travelling, sightseeing, food and medical expenses are to be borne by the volunteer. From our volunteers' experience we know that a personal budget of 200 to 300 EURO/USD per month will be sufficient to even allow you some weekend travelling.

Visa
Since visa regulations maybe different for every country, we recommend you check with your embassy locally, regarding the same. Please begin visa, ticketing and travel arrangements ONLY after you get our clearance for a volunteering opportunity with us.

Vaccination
The volunteer should consult his/her local doctor/institution for the recommended vaccinations 6 weeks in advance. Our volunteers have usually had to take vaccinations such as, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio, Hepatitis A&B, Typhus, Meningitis, and Rabies.

Equipment and Attire
Light summer clothes would come in handy due to the predominately humid and hot conditions in Chennai. People of this city are fairly traditional, so you might feel the most comfortable in long skirts, trousers, blouses and t-shirts. Local clothes are the best option and can be found at reasonable rates at select outlets. Bringing along a formal outfit may save you last minute shopping if you are invited to a formal occasion.
Other items that maybe useful are a mosquito net, a set of pharmaceuticals (from mosquito repellent to diarrhea medication), towels, and bed-sheets.

Rules and guidelines for volunteering with us

  • You are required to abide by the rules of the management and organization during the days of your stay here. In order to get a reference letter from us, the main requirements are - regular reporting on activities to the management, satisfactory conduct during the stay at our premises and a project report at the end of the placement.

  • Wearing Indian clothes, understanding and abiding by the cultural requirements of our country is important, and it is given as under.

  • Getting back to the apartment before 7 pm is a must in order to ensure your safety.

  • Smoking, alcohol consumption, gambling or any other habits viewed as a vice in Indian society, is to be completely avoided.

  • Guests can be entertained only after prior permission from the management, guests of the opposite gender stay in the same apartment with the volunteer.

  • During weekdays, the volunteer is required to stay only in the apartment/ housing allotted to them and not outside. Weekends and holidays with prior intimation are free for travel and stay.

There will be times when the volunteer is alone in the apartment especially when there is a lean period and there are no other placements. Volunteers should come prepared to stay alone. The apartment is located in a safe and quiet neighborhood.

Things you can bring
In case you have spare luggage capacity and have access to material from the following list, feel free to bring them.

  • Teacher resources such as – books on education, psychology, classroom practices, educational films/documentaries; visual displays for classrooms.
  • Story books for children aged 2 to 10 years
  • Educational puzzles and toys for children
  • Picture charts
  • Water colours and brushes
  • Used clothes for children
  • Balloons
  • Colour pencils
  • Thick colour paper
  • Stickers
  • Stencils for pictures
  • Inflatable balls, toys and soft toys