Volunteers
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Frequently Asked Questions
Pre-arrival
Do I need a Visa?
Check with the Indian Embassy in your country to find out if you need a Visa. Applying for a Visa is quiet straightforward in most countries; you can normally get all the information and downloadable forms on your countries Indian embassy’s website. It can take up to a month to get a Visa, so apply in advance. You should apply for a tourist Visa. If you require help or advice please contact us.
Do I need insurance?
Please ensure that you buy adequate insurance to cover your stay in India. Make sure it covers medical care and personal belongings.
Is there anything I should consider regarding my health?
Please discuss with your doctor which vaccinations (such as typhoid and hepatitis B) you need to travel to India as well as medication for things like malaria. Your doctor should be able to help.
What should I pack?
What you bring is entirely up to you but the following are some suggestions:
- A mosquito net to avoid being bitten or some DEET insect repellent if you prefer
- Light modest clothing- there are many inexpensive places where you will be able to buy Indian clothing
- A raincoat if you are coming in monsoon season (Oct-Dec)
- Bring sufficient money to cover your personal expenses and incidentals such as transportation, snacks and souvenirs. ATMs and foreign exchange bureaus are widely available here
- If you’re going to stay a long time it is advisable to bring your cell phone so that you can buy an Indian SIM card. They cost around Rs.200 ($4).
Arrival
Will I get picked up from the airport/train/bus station?
Transport is available to pick you up from the airport, train or bus station as long as enough warning is given.
How does the volunteer programme work?
Upon arrival you will be taken to there accommodation which is always as near as possible to their chosen workplace. On your first day at work you will be given an orientation on The Banyan; this includes information on the history of The Banyan and background on each project as well as a visit to all the Banyan projects starting from The Banyan Centre. On your first day you will asked to sign a volunteer contract which comprises things like The Banyan’s requirements of behavior, punctuality and so on.
How many days will I be expected to work?
Staff at The Banyan work 9-6 Monday to Saturday. However, for volunteers, it is entirely negotiable and greatly depends on the department you are working in.
Transport
The Banyan owns several vehicles which are available to staff and volunteers but are often fully booked. When cars are not available we are often required to travel by auto-rickshaw. If you ever need help with travel, Banyan staff are very approachable and can help you at any time. You will have to cover your own transport costs which will vary between Rs.80-Rs200 ($2-$4) a day depending on where you are staying.
What is Chennai like?
Chennai is the capital city of Tamil Nadu, a state in south-east India. The official language is Tamil but many speak English and some speak Hindi, Malayalam and French. Chennai is a busy portal city that is full of culture and events. It is right on the coast, next to Marina beach which is the second longest in the world. Transport is easy by auto-rickshaw and there are many hotels, hostels and fantastic restaurants. The climate is hot and humid most of the year. April-June is the hottest time of year and November-January is the coldest. The monsoon season is also around this time.
Do I need to speak Tamil?
Speaking Tamil is an asset but not essential. You’ll pick up some useful words once you are here for a bit. Here are a few words to get you started:
Ama (ah-mah)– Yes
Illai (eel-eh)– No
Nandri (nan-dree) – Thank you
Kale wané com (kah-lee-vann-ah- kum) – Good morning
Ingé (ing-gay) – Here!
Accommodation
Where will I stay?
If you require accommodation, The Banyan can find you a place to stay. We endeavor to find a place that is suitable to your needs and close to your agreed place of work. You are required to cover the cost of your accommodation, which varies greatly depending on what standard you require. A basic, private room would cost between Rs.4000-Rs.6000 ($85-$130) a month.
What standard is the accommodation?
The accommodation is generally simple with basic furnishings but with all the major amenities such as running water and electricity. Accommodation may sometimes require sharing with other volunteers.
Food
Is food available?
Food is readily available at The Banyan, three meals a day are provided. There are also plenty of outside cafes and restaurants to get a variety of different foods. It’s recommended NOT to eat at road side places for the lack of hygiene.
How much does it cost?
The food that is provided within The Banyan is free of charge. If you buy food from outside then you will have to cover this cost.
What about water?
Do not drink the tap water. Litre bottles of mineral water are available for about Rs. 10 or there is ‘canned’ water provided at The Banyan.
Help
Who do I contact with problems?
While at The Banyan you will have a coordinator at your project who you should ask for help if you need to. You can also contact the volunteer case manager, Lalita on:
Lalita.L@thebanyan.org +9789037743
What do I do in emergencies?
In emergencies please go to your coordinator or to the volunteer case manager for help. The Banyan is here to help you. You can also contact:
Police and fire brigade: 100
Ambulance: 1066
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