SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 18
Download to read offline
Cross-Cultural Solutions
New Delhi




                   DEPARTING THOUGHTS
PACKING
Clothes

  For work site in general:
  - For women: A Salwaar Kameez can easily be
  purchased from any tailor. Otherwise, fairly modest
  clothing such as khakis, cropped pants, knee-length or
  longer skirts, and shirts with sleeves and a modest
  neckline. Nothing tight or revealing!
  - For men: Casual clothing is okay, pants/trousers and
  shirts are fine, as long as their clean and neat.
  - Any shoes are acceptable, as long as they are
  comfortable and practical.
• Remember that New Delhi has very intense seasons.
  Clothing should be versatile (layers!) and you should
  prepare for rain.
• After hours: T-shirts, jeans, cropped pants are fine.
  Do NOT bring shorts or tank tops. New Delhi is a city
  with both modern and conservative communities, and
  volunteers should respect that.
• For the latest weather in New Delhi, check here:
  http://www.wunderground.com/global/stations/42
  181.html
PACKING
Other Tips                                              Some of my favorite things I
                                                        never travel without include:

 • I strongly recommend you bring one small
                                                        • A journal
   backpack or an overnight/weekend bag. This           • Camera (and extra batteries and
   will be great for weekend excursions.                memory card)
 • Ziploc bags are also a handy thing to pack –
   they are great for storing toiletry items and will   • A battery operated alarm clock
   prevent leaks from getting on your clothes!
                                                        • A flashlight
 • Note: Electricity in India is 240 volts. You
   may want to bring an adaptor and/or converter        •A sturdy water bottle
   if you plan to need electrical outlets during your
   program- battery chargers, ipod chargers, etc.       • Insect Repellant (with DEET)
 • Things you do not need to pack: The CCS              • Hand sanitizer
   Home-Base will provide you with towels, bed
   sheets, pillow and pillow case, and blankets.        • Photos from home
 • Remember – PACK LIGHT. You will be able              • Sunglasses
   to buy “all the basics” in New Delhi.
                                                        • A hat or visor
                                                        • And a sarong (makes a great
                                                        towel, blanket, and pillow, and it is small
                                                        and lightweight for packing).
Arriving in New Delhi

VISA
•   You should have already applied and received your six-month tourist visa. When
    you are in customs at the airport, remember to put down TOURIST on your
    paperwork.
•   If you have not done so already, please send me a copy of your visa and passport.

AIRPORT PICK-UP
•   If you have not sent me your itinerary, please do so ASAP so that we can arrange
    for airport pick-up.
•   It is strongly recommended that you bring your CCS t-shirt to put on after
    customs so that our staff can recognize you. Make sure you also pack your
    Handbook and staff contact numbers with your carry-on in case you need to call
    them.

• After exiting customs, meet that staff at the end of
  the corridor, inside the gates in the Arrival Hall.
  They will be waiting there with a sign with the CCS
  logo.
Orientation Schedule

• Saturday:
  - Arrival Day
• Sunday:
  - Introduction, Orientation Part I
  - Lunch
  - Shopping for clothes to wear to work
  - Tour of Delhi (time permitting)
  - Dinner
• Monday:
  - To worksite
  - Drop-Off exercise
  - Dinner at CCS
At the Home-Base
 • You will be rooming with 1-2 other people in
   your room, each flat with 3 bedrooms.
 • Bedrooms have closets or storage bins.
 • 2 bathrooms per flat with warm water, flush
   toilets and showers
 • Large open kitchen area/meeting space
 • Common room
 • Room for outside seating
 • Breakfast in your own flats, food provided by
   CCS. Lunch served at the office, short walk
   from flats, and dinner served in Flat 5.
 Do not drink the tap water – CCS will provide
   you with unlimited filtered water. Be sure to
   use this when brushing your teeth!
At the Home-Base
Some things to keep in mind when living with others:

 • Be respectful and courteous at all times.
   Sometimes adjusting to living with 20 strangers is more
   difficulty than adjusting to the new culture.
 • Be supportive of each other. Each person handles
   culture shock and home sickness in a variety of ways.
   Be there for each other.
 • Be neat and tidy. Keep in mind, you’re sharing a
   house with others – you need to pick-up after yourself
   otherwise the house can quickly get messy.
 • Be quiet in the evenings. Noise can quickly spread,
   so be courteous of those that are sleeping.
 • Be on time! Be mindful that cultural activities and
   departures for placements in the morning involve other
   people. Being late holds up the group.
 • Outside visitors are not allowed in the Home-Base.
   This is for the safety of you and your fellow volunteers.
Policies

   The following policies have been established to ensure the safety,
  comfort and respect of all the volunteers in the Home-Base. Please
              be mindful and considerate of the following:

  •   Drinking alcohol is not permitted in the Home-Base
  •   The legal drinking age in India varies from state to state. In the National Capital Territory of Delhi, where
      you’ll be living, the drinking age is 25. If you are of legal drinking age, please remember to be responsible
      and respectful of yourself and the community.
  •   Smoking is allowed in the outside areas of the Home-Base
  •   For your safety, the curfew during the week is 11pm.
  •   Missing work is not acceptable for weekend trips. If for some reason you may be missing a day at your
      placement, you need to schedule this ahead of time with your co-workers at your placement.
  •   You will get more detailed rules upon your arrival. Be sure to review them and turn to the staff if you have
      any questions.




        Please remember that you are in India to be of service -
      don’t let your evening activities get in the way of your work
                            during the week.
Money & Communications

MONEY
•   The currency in India is the Indian Rupee. To view current exchange rates, visit:
    http://www.xe.com/
•   It is easiest to access money through ATMs. Please make sure your card has a Visa or
    MasterCard logo.
•   Traveler's checks may be used as a back-up in case of emergency, but it is advised not to use
    this as a primary method of accessing money.

COMMUNICATIONS
•   PHONES: There is a phone at the Home-Base that you can make/receive international calls.
    You can purchase international calling cards at stores close to the flats in New Delhi.
•   INTERNET: The flats are within walking distance to a few internet cafes. The connection will
    most likely be slower than you are used to, and it’s not uncommon for the electricity to go out, so
    please approach the cafes with patience!
Placements

 • Be proactive and take initiative.
 • Be prepared for the language barrier and try not
   to get frustrated.
 • Learn from others and be supportive of each
   other.
 • Participate in cultural exchange – the people at
   your placement will want to learn just as much
   about your culture as you are there to learn
   about the Indian culture.
 • If you have any frustrations, celebrations, or
   want feedback, talk to the CCS staff.
 • Don’t let your personal goals get in the way of
   being of service.
Donations Policy
         Important Things to Know about the
         CCS Donations & Gift-Giving Policy:
-    Developed by our in-country staff and Partner Programs
     to ensure that the volunteer program is as effective as
     possible
-    Volunteers are prohibited from giving money, supplies,
     materials, or gifts (including candy, toys, pens, etc.) to
     Partner Programs, the individuals they serve, and
     individuals in the community.
-    Supplies and materials are available in the CCS
     Resource Center for volunteers to use at their
     placement. Volunteers are not expected to bring
     supplies from home.
-    Volunteers who offer donations or materials to Partner
     Program, the individuals they serve, or individuals in the
     community (including in-country staff) are subject to
     early termination and will be unable to enroll in future
     programs.
-    The Donations & Gift-Giving Policy applies to CCS
     volunteers even after they have completed the program
     and returned home.
Donations & Gift-Giving Policy

Why we ask that you do not donate to your placement:
• Sustainability. Cross-Cultural Solutions works with Partner Programs that are independently
  sustainable and rely on volunteers as a human resource that will help them achieve their long-term
  goals in the community. Donating to these organizations can lead to financial dependency on
  volunteers and have a negative impact on their ability to secure funding and support from the local
  government and community in the future. In addition, the organization may not have the ability to
  replace materials once the supply is exhausted, especially if they are not purchased locally.

• Motivation. If volunteers continually donate to the Partner Programs, it becomes difficult to
  determine the effectiveness of the volunteers’ work and the true motivation for requesting volunteers
  at that placement site.

• Expectations. Donating materials can set unsustainable expectations for future volunteers who are
  unable or choose not to donate. This can compromise the relationship between volunteers and the
  communities they serve and can damage partnerships with local organizations.

• Cultural Exchange. By shifting the focus away from giving/receiving donations, there is a greater
  emphasis on the learning and cultural exchange.

• Empowerment. Giving money and material donations to our Partner organizations can create a
  sense of dependency, taking power away from these organizations. By supporting them
  through volunteer work, instead of donations, we are supporting them in their goals and
  empowering them in to maintain their independence.
CCS Resource Center

 All CCS Home-Bases have a well-stocked
Resource Center with locally purchased
supplies and materials that you can use at your
placement.

 If there are other supplies you would like to
use after starting your placement, please
discuss this with the Program Director. If
appropriate, we are happy to purchase them
locally and add them to the Resource Center!

 Remember that any supplies and materials
taken for use at the Partner Program must be
returned at the end of the day. If supplies are
left at your placement, it will be considered a
material donation and will be in violation of the
Donations & Gift-Giving Policy.
CCS Resource Center: Basic Supplies

Comprehensive resource materials:
    Scissors                               Recycled resource materials:
    Glue                                       Cardboard Boxes
    Tape                                       Egg Cartons
    Pens in assorted colors                    Empty toilette paper rolls/
    Markers in assorted colors                     paper towel rolls
    Pencils in assorted colors                 Plastic bottles
    Crayons in assorted colors                 Magazines
    Paint in assorted colors                   Plastic cups
    Paint brushes assorted sizes               Old newspaper
    Poster Board/ Cardboard                    Socks
    White Paper                                Paper bags
    Lined Paper                                Uncooked Beans, Rice
    Colored paper                              Uncooked Pasta
    Index Cards                                Cloth
    Erasers                                Comprehensive sample lesson plans/ ideas/ craft activities:
    String and Yarn                            Placement Guides
    Rubber bands                               Language Dictionaries/Books
    Sponges                                    Story Books (children/adult)
    Pencil sharpener                           Books on the country and culture
    Paper plates                               Educational planning books/art and craft books
Sports equipment:                              Logbooks or folders for each placement site
    Assorted balls                             Materials created by previous volunteers
    Jump ropes                                 Ideas for craft activities
    Sport equipment local to the culture
                                                                …and more!
Photography Policy
Most volunteers document their experience on the program by taking photographs.
While we recognize that this is an important element of the experience, the laws, rules,
and etiquette of taking photos differ across countries and cultures. It’s important to be
cautious about taking photos and adhere to the following guidelines:


At Your Placement
 –   Not all placement sites allow you to take photos - please adhere to the rules and guidelines that are
     specific to your placement site.
 –   It is only appropriate to take your camera to your placement once you have developed relationships,
     towards the end of your program, and with the permission of the Partner Program and CCS Program
     Director.
 –   It may not be appropriate to have expensive camera equipment at the placement.
 –   When taking photos at your placement, please be respectful and do not to disrupt activities.


 On Your Free Time
 –   Always ask permission and respect people’s wishes before taking any photos.
 –   Be discreet when carrying your camera – keep in mind that you are traveling through another country
     and working in communities where expensive photographic equipment can attract undesirable
     attention. Don’t be conspicuous about your equipment and always play it on the safe side.
 –   Consider taking an inexpensive disposable camera.
Last Thoughts

 BEFORE YOU GO:
 • Be sure to leave your Travel Contact Information
   with friends and family and set reasonable
   expectations regarding your first contact from India
 • Pack your Handbook and CCS T-shirt in your carry-
   on.


 WHILE YOU’RE THERE:
 • Keep an open mind and be patient! These are the
   best defenses for fighting off frustration and home-
   sickness.
 • Be proactive and ready for anything!
 • Keep those of us back home updated on your trip! If
   you keep a blog or email friends and family, please
   include me on your list.
We are looking forward to meeting you!
Cross-Cultural Solutions
    New Delhi




         HAVE AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE!

More Related Content

Viewers also liked

Caratula
CaratulaCaratula
Caratularoberto
 
El Teclado Virtual
El Teclado VirtualEl Teclado Virtual
El Teclado Virtualroberto
 
網路散佈流言
網路散佈流言網路散佈流言
網路散佈流言ftps96033
 
2009 / 11 / 25 meeting 用
2009 / 11 / 25 meeting 用2009 / 11 / 25 meeting 用
2009 / 11 / 25 meeting 用Che-Hsien Lin
 
Actividades De Janeth
Actividades De JanethActividades De Janeth
Actividades De Janethroka120
 
Nirogi Mata Dr. Shriniwas Kashalikar
Nirogi Mata Dr. Shriniwas KashalikarNirogi Mata Dr. Shriniwas Kashalikar
Nirogi Mata Dr. Shriniwas KashalikarMonika Gavali
 
Leaflet hipertensi
Leaflet hipertensiLeaflet hipertensi
Leaflet hipertensiaskep33
 
Portafolio de evaluación karina oropeza
Portafolio de evaluación karina oropezaPortafolio de evaluación karina oropeza
Portafolio de evaluación karina oropezaKarinaEndoqui
 
Gunung kelud
Gunung keludGunung kelud
Gunung keludNaya Ti
 
Makalah sifat wajib dan mustahil allah
Makalah sifat wajib dan mustahil allahMakalah sifat wajib dan mustahil allah
Makalah sifat wajib dan mustahil allahNaya Ti
 

Viewers also liked (16)

Caratula
CaratulaCaratula
Caratula
 
El Teclado Virtual
El Teclado VirtualEl Teclado Virtual
El Teclado Virtual
 
網路散佈流言
網路散佈流言網路散佈流言
網路散佈流言
 
Iss
IssIss
Iss
 
Valeria
ValeriaValeria
Valeria
 
2009 / 11 / 25 meeting 用
2009 / 11 / 25 meeting 用2009 / 11 / 25 meeting 用
2009 / 11 / 25 meeting 用
 
Actividades De Janeth
Actividades De JanethActividades De Janeth
Actividades De Janeth
 
Nirogi Mata Dr. Shriniwas Kashalikar
Nirogi Mata Dr. Shriniwas KashalikarNirogi Mata Dr. Shriniwas Kashalikar
Nirogi Mata Dr. Shriniwas Kashalikar
 
Animals
AnimalsAnimals
Animals
 
Alexandra.Ziesing.Resume
Alexandra.Ziesing.ResumeAlexandra.Ziesing.Resume
Alexandra.Ziesing.Resume
 
Angely
AngelyAngely
Angely
 
Leaflet hipertensi
Leaflet hipertensiLeaflet hipertensi
Leaflet hipertensi
 
Portafolio de evaluación karina oropeza
Portafolio de evaluación karina oropezaPortafolio de evaluación karina oropeza
Portafolio de evaluación karina oropeza
 
Dermatofitosis o tiñas
Dermatofitosis o tiñasDermatofitosis o tiñas
Dermatofitosis o tiñas
 
Gunung kelud
Gunung keludGunung kelud
Gunung kelud
 
Makalah sifat wajib dan mustahil allah
Makalah sifat wajib dan mustahil allahMakalah sifat wajib dan mustahil allah
Makalah sifat wajib dan mustahil allah
 

Similar to CCS Delhi Expectations

Preparing for a trip to China - Pre departure information
Preparing for a trip to China - Pre departure informationPreparing for a trip to China - Pre departure information
Preparing for a trip to China - Pre departure informationLaDonna Allen
 
International Volunteering Guide
International Volunteering GuideInternational Volunteering Guide
International Volunteering GuidePaula Clackson
 
NEA RA New Delegate Orientation
NEA RA New Delegate OrientationNEA RA New Delegate Orientation
NEA RA New Delegate OrientationISTA Slideshow
 
Part 6: Living Abroad (Semester)
Part 6: Living Abroad (Semester)Part 6: Living Abroad (Semester)
Part 6: Living Abroad (Semester)stjglobal
 
PERSONAL HYGIENE AND SELF IMAGE.pptx
PERSONAL HYGIENE AND SELF IMAGE.pptxPERSONAL HYGIENE AND SELF IMAGE.pptx
PERSONAL HYGIENE AND SELF IMAGE.pptxAyeshaWajahat1
 
Voluntariado Marruecos de larga duración 2020
Voluntariado Marruecos de larga duración 2020Voluntariado Marruecos de larga duración 2020
Voluntariado Marruecos de larga duración 2020YesEuropa
 
Etoquette ba 381_presentation_use_this_one
Etoquette ba 381_presentation_use_this_oneEtoquette ba 381_presentation_use_this_one
Etoquette ba 381_presentation_use_this_oneShaolins Prem
 
Into the Wild! Surviving UX Research Where Few Go!
Into the Wild! Surviving UX Research Where Few Go!Into the Wild! Surviving UX Research Where Few Go!
Into the Wild! Surviving UX Research Where Few Go!Evelina Deleanu
 
Pre d slideshow summer fall 2011 mc edits
Pre d slideshow summer fall  2011 mc editsPre d slideshow summer fall  2011 mc edits
Pre d slideshow summer fall 2011 mc editsMatthewcreasy
 
Part 5: Preparing To Go - Summer
Part 5: Preparing To Go - SummerPart 5: Preparing To Go - Summer
Part 5: Preparing To Go - Summerstjglobal
 
Part 5: Preparing to Go (Faculty-Led)
Part 5: Preparing to Go (Faculty-Led)Part 5: Preparing to Go (Faculty-Led)
Part 5: Preparing to Go (Faculty-Led)stjglobal
 
Part 6: Living Abroad (Exchange)
Part 6: Living Abroad (Exchange)Part 6: Living Abroad (Exchange)
Part 6: Living Abroad (Exchange)stjglobal
 
Part 1: Safety Abroad
Part 1: Safety AbroadPart 1: Safety Abroad
Part 1: Safety Abroadstjglobal
 
Voluntariado en India corta duración
Voluntariado en India corta duraciónVoluntariado en India corta duración
Voluntariado en India corta duraciónYesEuropa
 
Part 5: Preparing to Go (Exchange)
Part 5: Preparing to Go (Exchange)Part 5: Preparing to Go (Exchange)
Part 5: Preparing to Go (Exchange)stjglobal
 

Similar to CCS Delhi Expectations (20)

Swaziland2012#2
Swaziland2012#2Swaziland2012#2
Swaziland2012#2
 
Preparing for a trip to China - Pre departure information
Preparing for a trip to China - Pre departure informationPreparing for a trip to China - Pre departure information
Preparing for a trip to China - Pre departure information
 
International Volunteering Guide
International Volunteering GuideInternational Volunteering Guide
International Volunteering Guide
 
NEA RA New Delegate Orientation
NEA RA New Delegate OrientationNEA RA New Delegate Orientation
NEA RA New Delegate Orientation
 
Part 6: Living Abroad (Semester)
Part 6: Living Abroad (Semester)Part 6: Living Abroad (Semester)
Part 6: Living Abroad (Semester)
 
PERSONAL HYGIENE AND SELF IMAGE.pptx
PERSONAL HYGIENE AND SELF IMAGE.pptxPERSONAL HYGIENE AND SELF IMAGE.pptx
PERSONAL HYGIENE AND SELF IMAGE.pptx
 
Voluntariado Marruecos de larga duración 2020
Voluntariado Marruecos de larga duración 2020Voluntariado Marruecos de larga duración 2020
Voluntariado Marruecos de larga duración 2020
 
Etoquette ba 381_presentation_use_this_one
Etoquette ba 381_presentation_use_this_oneEtoquette ba 381_presentation_use_this_one
Etoquette ba 381_presentation_use_this_one
 
Into the Wild! Surviving UX Research Where Few Go!
Into the Wild! Surviving UX Research Where Few Go!Into the Wild! Surviving UX Research Where Few Go!
Into the Wild! Surviving UX Research Where Few Go!
 
Pre d slideshow summer fall 2011 mc edits
Pre d slideshow summer fall  2011 mc editsPre d slideshow summer fall  2011 mc edits
Pre d slideshow summer fall 2011 mc edits
 
Part 5: Preparing To Go - Summer
Part 5: Preparing To Go - SummerPart 5: Preparing To Go - Summer
Part 5: Preparing To Go - Summer
 
Part 5: Preparing to Go (Faculty-Led)
Part 5: Preparing to Go (Faculty-Led)Part 5: Preparing to Go (Faculty-Led)
Part 5: Preparing to Go (Faculty-Led)
 
Part 6: Living Abroad (Exchange)
Part 6: Living Abroad (Exchange)Part 6: Living Abroad (Exchange)
Part 6: Living Abroad (Exchange)
 
orientation
orientationorientation
orientation
 
The Benefits of voluteering
The Benefits of voluteering The Benefits of voluteering
The Benefits of voluteering
 
Part 1: Safety Abroad
Part 1: Safety AbroadPart 1: Safety Abroad
Part 1: Safety Abroad
 
Prepping basics
Prepping basicsPrepping basics
Prepping basics
 
Voluntariado en India corta duración
Voluntariado en India corta duraciónVoluntariado en India corta duración
Voluntariado en India corta duración
 
Part 5: Preparing to Go (Exchange)
Part 5: Preparing to Go (Exchange)Part 5: Preparing to Go (Exchange)
Part 5: Preparing to Go (Exchange)
 
Business Etiquette
Business EtiquetteBusiness Etiquette
Business Etiquette
 

CCS Delhi Expectations

  • 2. PACKING Clothes For work site in general: - For women: A Salwaar Kameez can easily be purchased from any tailor. Otherwise, fairly modest clothing such as khakis, cropped pants, knee-length or longer skirts, and shirts with sleeves and a modest neckline. Nothing tight or revealing! - For men: Casual clothing is okay, pants/trousers and shirts are fine, as long as their clean and neat. - Any shoes are acceptable, as long as they are comfortable and practical. • Remember that New Delhi has very intense seasons. Clothing should be versatile (layers!) and you should prepare for rain. • After hours: T-shirts, jeans, cropped pants are fine. Do NOT bring shorts or tank tops. New Delhi is a city with both modern and conservative communities, and volunteers should respect that. • For the latest weather in New Delhi, check here: http://www.wunderground.com/global/stations/42 181.html
  • 3. PACKING Other Tips Some of my favorite things I never travel without include: • I strongly recommend you bring one small • A journal backpack or an overnight/weekend bag. This • Camera (and extra batteries and will be great for weekend excursions. memory card) • Ziploc bags are also a handy thing to pack – they are great for storing toiletry items and will • A battery operated alarm clock prevent leaks from getting on your clothes! • A flashlight • Note: Electricity in India is 240 volts. You may want to bring an adaptor and/or converter •A sturdy water bottle if you plan to need electrical outlets during your program- battery chargers, ipod chargers, etc. • Insect Repellant (with DEET) • Things you do not need to pack: The CCS • Hand sanitizer Home-Base will provide you with towels, bed sheets, pillow and pillow case, and blankets. • Photos from home • Remember – PACK LIGHT. You will be able • Sunglasses to buy “all the basics” in New Delhi. • A hat or visor • And a sarong (makes a great towel, blanket, and pillow, and it is small and lightweight for packing).
  • 4. Arriving in New Delhi VISA • You should have already applied and received your six-month tourist visa. When you are in customs at the airport, remember to put down TOURIST on your paperwork. • If you have not done so already, please send me a copy of your visa and passport. AIRPORT PICK-UP • If you have not sent me your itinerary, please do so ASAP so that we can arrange for airport pick-up. • It is strongly recommended that you bring your CCS t-shirt to put on after customs so that our staff can recognize you. Make sure you also pack your Handbook and staff contact numbers with your carry-on in case you need to call them. • After exiting customs, meet that staff at the end of the corridor, inside the gates in the Arrival Hall. They will be waiting there with a sign with the CCS logo.
  • 5. Orientation Schedule • Saturday: - Arrival Day • Sunday: - Introduction, Orientation Part I - Lunch - Shopping for clothes to wear to work - Tour of Delhi (time permitting) - Dinner • Monday: - To worksite - Drop-Off exercise - Dinner at CCS
  • 6. At the Home-Base • You will be rooming with 1-2 other people in your room, each flat with 3 bedrooms. • Bedrooms have closets or storage bins. • 2 bathrooms per flat with warm water, flush toilets and showers • Large open kitchen area/meeting space • Common room • Room for outside seating • Breakfast in your own flats, food provided by CCS. Lunch served at the office, short walk from flats, and dinner served in Flat 5. Do not drink the tap water – CCS will provide you with unlimited filtered water. Be sure to use this when brushing your teeth!
  • 7. At the Home-Base Some things to keep in mind when living with others: • Be respectful and courteous at all times. Sometimes adjusting to living with 20 strangers is more difficulty than adjusting to the new culture. • Be supportive of each other. Each person handles culture shock and home sickness in a variety of ways. Be there for each other. • Be neat and tidy. Keep in mind, you’re sharing a house with others – you need to pick-up after yourself otherwise the house can quickly get messy. • Be quiet in the evenings. Noise can quickly spread, so be courteous of those that are sleeping. • Be on time! Be mindful that cultural activities and departures for placements in the morning involve other people. Being late holds up the group. • Outside visitors are not allowed in the Home-Base. This is for the safety of you and your fellow volunteers.
  • 8. Policies The following policies have been established to ensure the safety, comfort and respect of all the volunteers in the Home-Base. Please be mindful and considerate of the following: • Drinking alcohol is not permitted in the Home-Base • The legal drinking age in India varies from state to state. In the National Capital Territory of Delhi, where you’ll be living, the drinking age is 25. If you are of legal drinking age, please remember to be responsible and respectful of yourself and the community. • Smoking is allowed in the outside areas of the Home-Base • For your safety, the curfew during the week is 11pm. • Missing work is not acceptable for weekend trips. If for some reason you may be missing a day at your placement, you need to schedule this ahead of time with your co-workers at your placement. • You will get more detailed rules upon your arrival. Be sure to review them and turn to the staff if you have any questions. Please remember that you are in India to be of service - don’t let your evening activities get in the way of your work during the week.
  • 9. Money & Communications MONEY • The currency in India is the Indian Rupee. To view current exchange rates, visit: http://www.xe.com/ • It is easiest to access money through ATMs. Please make sure your card has a Visa or MasterCard logo. • Traveler's checks may be used as a back-up in case of emergency, but it is advised not to use this as a primary method of accessing money. COMMUNICATIONS • PHONES: There is a phone at the Home-Base that you can make/receive international calls. You can purchase international calling cards at stores close to the flats in New Delhi. • INTERNET: The flats are within walking distance to a few internet cafes. The connection will most likely be slower than you are used to, and it’s not uncommon for the electricity to go out, so please approach the cafes with patience!
  • 10. Placements • Be proactive and take initiative. • Be prepared for the language barrier and try not to get frustrated. • Learn from others and be supportive of each other. • Participate in cultural exchange – the people at your placement will want to learn just as much about your culture as you are there to learn about the Indian culture. • If you have any frustrations, celebrations, or want feedback, talk to the CCS staff. • Don’t let your personal goals get in the way of being of service.
  • 11. Donations Policy Important Things to Know about the CCS Donations & Gift-Giving Policy: - Developed by our in-country staff and Partner Programs to ensure that the volunteer program is as effective as possible - Volunteers are prohibited from giving money, supplies, materials, or gifts (including candy, toys, pens, etc.) to Partner Programs, the individuals they serve, and individuals in the community. - Supplies and materials are available in the CCS Resource Center for volunteers to use at their placement. Volunteers are not expected to bring supplies from home. - Volunteers who offer donations or materials to Partner Program, the individuals they serve, or individuals in the community (including in-country staff) are subject to early termination and will be unable to enroll in future programs. - The Donations & Gift-Giving Policy applies to CCS volunteers even after they have completed the program and returned home.
  • 12. Donations & Gift-Giving Policy Why we ask that you do not donate to your placement: • Sustainability. Cross-Cultural Solutions works with Partner Programs that are independently sustainable and rely on volunteers as a human resource that will help them achieve their long-term goals in the community. Donating to these organizations can lead to financial dependency on volunteers and have a negative impact on their ability to secure funding and support from the local government and community in the future. In addition, the organization may not have the ability to replace materials once the supply is exhausted, especially if they are not purchased locally. • Motivation. If volunteers continually donate to the Partner Programs, it becomes difficult to determine the effectiveness of the volunteers’ work and the true motivation for requesting volunteers at that placement site. • Expectations. Donating materials can set unsustainable expectations for future volunteers who are unable or choose not to donate. This can compromise the relationship between volunteers and the communities they serve and can damage partnerships with local organizations. • Cultural Exchange. By shifting the focus away from giving/receiving donations, there is a greater emphasis on the learning and cultural exchange. • Empowerment. Giving money and material donations to our Partner organizations can create a sense of dependency, taking power away from these organizations. By supporting them through volunteer work, instead of donations, we are supporting them in their goals and empowering them in to maintain their independence.
  • 13. CCS Resource Center  All CCS Home-Bases have a well-stocked Resource Center with locally purchased supplies and materials that you can use at your placement.  If there are other supplies you would like to use after starting your placement, please discuss this with the Program Director. If appropriate, we are happy to purchase them locally and add them to the Resource Center!  Remember that any supplies and materials taken for use at the Partner Program must be returned at the end of the day. If supplies are left at your placement, it will be considered a material donation and will be in violation of the Donations & Gift-Giving Policy.
  • 14. CCS Resource Center: Basic Supplies Comprehensive resource materials: Scissors Recycled resource materials: Glue Cardboard Boxes Tape Egg Cartons Pens in assorted colors Empty toilette paper rolls/ Markers in assorted colors paper towel rolls Pencils in assorted colors Plastic bottles Crayons in assorted colors Magazines Paint in assorted colors Plastic cups Paint brushes assorted sizes Old newspaper Poster Board/ Cardboard Socks White Paper Paper bags Lined Paper Uncooked Beans, Rice Colored paper Uncooked Pasta Index Cards Cloth Erasers Comprehensive sample lesson plans/ ideas/ craft activities: String and Yarn Placement Guides Rubber bands Language Dictionaries/Books Sponges Story Books (children/adult) Pencil sharpener Books on the country and culture Paper plates Educational planning books/art and craft books Sports equipment: Logbooks or folders for each placement site Assorted balls Materials created by previous volunteers Jump ropes Ideas for craft activities Sport equipment local to the culture …and more!
  • 15. Photography Policy Most volunteers document their experience on the program by taking photographs. While we recognize that this is an important element of the experience, the laws, rules, and etiquette of taking photos differ across countries and cultures. It’s important to be cautious about taking photos and adhere to the following guidelines: At Your Placement – Not all placement sites allow you to take photos - please adhere to the rules and guidelines that are specific to your placement site. – It is only appropriate to take your camera to your placement once you have developed relationships, towards the end of your program, and with the permission of the Partner Program and CCS Program Director. – It may not be appropriate to have expensive camera equipment at the placement. – When taking photos at your placement, please be respectful and do not to disrupt activities. On Your Free Time – Always ask permission and respect people’s wishes before taking any photos. – Be discreet when carrying your camera – keep in mind that you are traveling through another country and working in communities where expensive photographic equipment can attract undesirable attention. Don’t be conspicuous about your equipment and always play it on the safe side. – Consider taking an inexpensive disposable camera.
  • 16. Last Thoughts BEFORE YOU GO: • Be sure to leave your Travel Contact Information with friends and family and set reasonable expectations regarding your first contact from India • Pack your Handbook and CCS T-shirt in your carry- on. WHILE YOU’RE THERE: • Keep an open mind and be patient! These are the best defenses for fighting off frustration and home- sickness. • Be proactive and ready for anything! • Keep those of us back home updated on your trip! If you keep a blog or email friends and family, please include me on your list.
  • 17. We are looking forward to meeting you!
  • 18. Cross-Cultural Solutions New Delhi HAVE AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE!