Welcome

Dear Fairkonnect Travel intern or volunteer,

Thank you for participating in our projects in Bangalore, India with Fairkonnect Travel.  With the trip just a few weeks away, you may be feeling excited, anxious and ready to go.  This Pre-Departure Handbook is intended for you to read through, understand, and plan efficiently for your trip.  Additionally, you may reach out to the Fairkonnect staff for continued assistance prior to arrival for questions related to your trip.   The next couple of pages will help you plan what steps you need to take to begin this exciting opportunity.  Please note that we do our best to give you precise details about your time in India.  Certain details might change according to factors outside of our control such as (budgeting, visa requirements, vaccinations, travel advisories, project details, accommodation addresses, etc.).  We endeavor to keep you informed at every step, in case anything changes prior to your trip. 

On behalf of our team in India, we are very excited to host you!

Contact information

United States

Prachi Jain

Program Director

Phone: 516-998-6615 (New York)

prachi@leaveurmark.com

India

Pradeep Krishnappa

Program Director

Phone: +91 98454 69420

pradeep@fairkonnect.com

Section 4 - Cultural Implications of Interning and Volunteering In India

Section 5 - Flights and Packing

Flights

Start looking at flight bookings to Bangalore Airport (airport code= BLR). It’s best to arrange your flight to arrive at your destination on the arrival date of your project. We advise that you buy flexible, date-changeable air tickets as Fairkonnect Travel cannot be held responsible for any costs that might require you to change your date or cancel your trip.

Packing Tips

• Lay out everything you plan to take and cut it in half. You will have to carry everything you pack!

• Carry your passport, flight info, and other important documentation in your carry-on. Do not pack it where it will be difficult to access upon arrival.  Make sure to also have Pradeep’s contact info in India on hand to fill out during immigration.  

• Make sure your luggage tabs have your name, address and phone numbers. Also, place your contact info inside your luggage.

• Don't carry all of your valuables in the same place. 

• Leave a copy of itinerary, passport identification page, driver’s license, insurance documents, medical prescriptions and credit cards with friends or family. Pack a set of copies in a place separate from where you carry the originals. 

• Buy a neck or waist money belt to hold important items. 

• Bed sizes abroad are often different to the USA - don't take bed linens with you - it might not fit.

• India’s voltage system is 220V compared to the USA which is 120V. Pack converters and adapters for things you cannot do without – chargers for cameras or cell phones – and consider chipping in and sharing converters with other participants of the group.  

Section 6 - Code of Conduct

You are a representative of your country, of Fairkonnect Travel, and a traveler and are expected to live and travel in India accordingly.  

All participants are expected to behave respectfully in accordance with what is deemed appropriate by the accommodation and the country director. Participants are expected to follow the below mentioned conditions:
• To be aged at least eighteen years of age at the date of the program commencement.
• To respect the local culture, customs, and rules as well as all Fairkonnect staff, accommodation that you have chosen, and partners. It is up to Fairkonnect to judge if a participant is being disrespectful and ask the participant to exit the internship early.
• To take medical advice and take necessary safety precautions, inoculations and immunizations with respect to the country in which you are traveling.
• To bring with you any necessary medications or medical equipment and be responsible for your health while abroad.
• It is the participant's responsibility to take travel advice and learn about travel warnings from your government agencies.
• You take all responsibility to carry out duties for completing the program and attending the scheduled internship or volunteer project as planned and agreed.
• Participant must inform their program contact of any absence from internship due to illness or other conditions.

Section 7 - Communication

All participants may choose to buy a local phone on the first day of arrival. A basic phone costs around $20 and you may put in a pre-paid sim card. You can also check with your phone company if your current phone is unlocked for use in India. We recommend bringing a laptop or iPad and using Skype, Google Chat, and Email to connect with your family and friends rather than spending too much money on phones.

Upon arrival, contact your parents/guardians or anyone else that may be anticipating your landing in India via email, Skype, or a call.  Oftentimes people at back home will be nervous about your trip so it’s best to keep them aware of your safe arrival as well as periodic updates.  

You should also set up a communication plan with your parent/guardian/spouse/significant other if they are involved in your trip in any way.  We will sometimes get calls from your family and friends that you have not contacted them for X amount of days.  Be clear to your family and friends about how often you plan to be in touch with them while you are in India.  Set up a daily/bi-weekly/weekly communication plan with them that you are both comfortable with.  

We do not encourage participants to skip out on scheduled activities of the internship or volunteer program (for example, the regular work week of Monday through Friday for x amount of hours).  If for any reason you are not able to attend a certain event or activity due to emergency such as illness, you must communicate with your in-country coordinators.  Absence from projects without notice is disruptive to the program and will be taken seriously.  Participants who skip internships and choose not to communicate about their whereabouts will be evaluated and may be asked to leave the program early.  Participants who choose to take off an entire week of travel in the middle of their program will generally be hurting both their own reputation for their commitment to the work as well as the program host by disrupting their work.  Therefore traveling around India for an extended period of time is encouraged only before or after your program is completed with Fairkonnect Travel. 

Section 8 - Advice from Your Government

As Fairkonnect Travel is only an internship/volunteer project provider, and cannot claim to know all the most accurate and up to date information on the safety, securities, politics, and events occurring across India.  Therefore, it’s important to read travel-specific advice from your country’s government and how it relates to you traveling and living in India.  Many governments have travel sections on their websites for their local citizens going to various countries and indicating travel warnings, travel alerts, and detailed information on India.  We request that you research country specific information on India prior to your travel into the country.  Below are a few resources we have found from a few countries.  Please search your own if it is not below:

United States: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country/india.html
American citizens can enroll in STEP: https://step.state.gov/step/
STEP is a free program by the U.S. Government that allows you to enroll your trip to allow the U.S. to better assist you in case of an emergency abroad.  We highly recommend enrolling your trip to India. 

United Kingdom: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/india

Canada: http://travel.gc.ca/destinations/india

France: http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/country-files/india-500/france-and-india/

Section 9 - Health

*India specific information from the U.S. Government*.  This is not an exhaustive list.  Each participant should do their own health research and visit their doctor prior to traveling in India. 

Good information on vaccinations and other health precautions is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or by calling the hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747).  For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.  Please note specifically for India: Monkeys can transmit rabies and herpes B, among other diseases, to human victims. Avoid feeding monkeys. If bitten, you should immediately soak and scrub the bite for at least 15 minutes and seek urgent medical attention.  Please note that if you are coming from countries in Africa or South America, you will need a valid Yellow Fever certificate (that you have had the Yellow Fever vaccine).   If you do not have this certificate, you may be put under quarantine for 6 days.  Please check if this applies to you here: http://www.boi.gov.in/content/health-regulation

• We recommend wearing a face mask in crowded neighborhoods or markets.

• Always drink bottled (check seal) or filtered water when possible.  Some people even brush their teeth with filtered water.  Carry iodine tablets to purify water if you are traveling to remote areas and villages. 

• Avoid seafood in non-coastal areas and most meats or dairy (especially at low-end restaurants). 

• Avoid eating cut fruit from roadside vendors.  Only eat fruits and vegetables that you have peeled yourself. 

• Carry mosquito repellant ointment with you. 

• Keep some basic medicines on you (fever reducers and stomach upset, diarrhea, vomiting).

• Try to avoid spicy dishes in the first week of your travel.

• Always keep hydrated. 

• When in doubt, visit a doctor.  Don’t try to sleep off your illness without getting proper medical care. 

• Opt for going to a private hospital rather than a public, government hospital.  Private hospitals generally have better care.  

• Medical care greatly varies in India.  When traveling outside of the major cities such as Bangalore, make sure you research the nearest private hospital close to your hotel.  

• Don’t neglect taking any medications that you regularly do in your own country (high/low blood pressure, diabetes, etc.)

• There is low awareness of STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) in India.  Take precaution and ask the right questions if dating or coming into a relationship with a local. 

• Avoid staying out in the sun too long, and always carry sunscreen and a hat or scarf. 

• Ask to be taken to the emergency room if you feel severely sick, dizzy, nauseous, have food poisoning, or have a temperature that won’t go away.  Medical care is cheap in India so it won’t set you back too much money and you can claim your bills through travel insurance afterwards.  

• For serious emergencies in which you get into an accident or need to have surgery, consult with your parent/guardian back home or make the choice of whether you want to continue your treatment in India or fly back to your country (Travel insurance should cover these expenses). 

• Notify your Pre-Departure Coordinator if you have any pre-existing medical conditions, dietary restrictions, or allergies prior to departure.  

• My Medical is a record-keeping app to keep your personal medical information safe as you travel. Instead of carrying around paper records or various electronic systems that hold bits of your medical history, this app stores it all right on your phone in one place.  Consider downloading it if you have medical concerns that you need to pay attention to while abroad.  

• Consider bringing a First Aid Kit such as the one that the Red Cross has for $3.00: http://www.redcrossstore.org/item/RC600

Section 10 - Safety Considerations

• Always travel in groups with trusted friends.

• The leading cause of death abroad for travelers is drowning. Avoid swimming in the waters in beaches—stay close to the shore.

• Be aware of rip tides in certain parts of Indian waters if traveling outside of Bangalore.  

• Do not try to rescue a bather caught up in a rip current, unless you are an experienced ocean swimmer.

• Never drink alcohol before swimming or swim at night/early in the morning when it is dark out. 

• If swimming in a pool, make sure you know how to swim and that you have at least two spotters to help you in case of emergency.

• Completely avoid all forms of driving on your own including car, truck, auto-rickshaw, bicycle, or motorcycle.

• Women should cover up their shoulders, chest, and legs when out.

• If going into a mall or store and trying on clothes, make sure to go with a group of people into the fitting room or at least have friends and familiar faces waiting right outside the fitting room.  Avoid situations where you might be the only person in a public fitting room, changing room, bathroom.

• Be mindful of large crowds.  

• Carry bags with many zippers to avoid pickpockets. Do not carry cloth bags.

• Keep daily cash in separate pockets. 

• Download a language translation app that allows you to translate from English to the local language (Kannada) or at least Hindi to be used in India.  Google Translate or SayHi are good examples.  

• Avoid riding on scooters and bikes with locals.  Many locals bike without wearing helmets.  Accidents on these scooters and bikes can and have been fatal for many Indians.  

• Do not buy, sell, or use drugs, illegal substances and narcotics.  

• Women should avoid leaving nightclubs, bars, and restaurants at night alone. 

• If you are going to drink, make sure to drink responsibly.  If everyone plans to go out and drink, make sure to designate one or two sober buddies for the group that will be keeping an eye out for the group.  

• Be aware of travel warnings. 

• Keep updated on Indian news through newspapers and television for heightened terrorist activity or increased crime alerts. 

• Communicate with all program supervisors as to your whereabouts.  

• Make sure that someone in the group has a cell phone or easy access to one.  

• Travel by road in India is often chaotic and different from the United States.  You should exercise extreme caution when crossing streets, even in marked pedestrian areas.  Always cross with a group of people and do not jaywalk.  

• Prior to your departure, if you are feeling very nervous, consider taking a self defense course.  This can often help with nerves and building up confidence.  

• Avoid displaying expensive jewelry, watches, cameras, and other accessories that may make local people feel that you are wealthy.

• Always pack your own luggage.  Don’t let other people you have met on weekend trips, locals, etc. pack your stuff or go through your purse.  

• Do not apply for local paid jobs that seem like easy work.  These could be fraudulent ads created by criminals.  These types of jobs might include hostesses, “Bollywood models”, acting in an Indian movie, nannies, maids, or other seemingly legitimate jobs.  

• Do not apply for jobs or contracts that allow you to become an accidental “spy” for your country with governmental officials.  There was an incident of an American student who was studying abroad in China that was imprisoned for three years for giving Chinese intelligence officers confidential information about the United States in exchange for money. 

• Do not apply for jobs, internships and volunteer work that has not been previously negotiated with Fairkonnect.  

• Lower your tourist profile and try not to give the impression that you’re lost or vulnerable.  Know where you’re going, what you’re doing, and how to get back.  Always carry the address of your accommodations.  Study a street map beforehand. 

• If you get lost, try to get your bearings and ask for directions from a police officer, shopkeeper, or another woman on the street, or by finding a phone and calling a coordinator.  Or a hotel.  

• Never hitchhike or ask strangers for rides.  There is no country on earth that is safe for hitchhiking whether you are a male or female. 

• Don’t be afraid to make a scene.  A loud scream or whistle can be helpful to ward off attackers, deter an intruder, or call for help.  You can consider carrying a whistle if you would like.  

• Never leave food or drinks un-attended.  

• Don’t accept drinks and snacks from new acquaintances at restaurants and bars.  

• If you begin to feel strange, sick, intoxicated, etc. ask a friend or someone you trust to take you to a safe place or a hospital.  If you’re alone, call the local police, a hospital, or the nearest government office abroad.

• Know the risks of ending up alone with strangers after a night out.  Do not leave a restaurant, party, club, or bar without the rest of your group.

• On a bus or a train, sit next to someone of your own sex.  Avoid traveling in train carriages where you are the only passenger. 

• Never go walking, jogging, or sightseeing alone in secluded areas, especially at night. 

• Understand that India is a conservative and diverse country.  In some parts of the country, alcohol is illegal.  In other parts, it is considered “indecent” for women to drink alcohol in public.  Don’t drink alone in public, especially at night.  

• Book any hotels and lodgings for weekend excursions well in advance so that in case you arrive late at night, you do not have to search hotels in the darkness of a foreign town.  Make sure the hotels have locks on the door and that you feel comfortable once you settle in.  Don’t stay anywhere where you feel uncomfortable. 

• India is an old country which means that many of its buildings and structures are very old as well.  Make sure not to climb atop old buildings and rooftops that are old.

Section 11 - Emergency Procedures

It’s important to have all local phone numbers, your travel insurance, and nearest hospital/police station on you always written down on a piece of paper.  Most travel insurance companies want you to get in touch with them first so they can refer you to the right resource within the city.  Contact your travel insurance company’s 24-hour number (have your policy number handy as well) and ask them what steps they’d like you to take.  

• For health emergencies, have local colleagues or your accommodation staff or friends to accompany you to the doctor, hospital, or other medical care provider.  For any other type of emergency (legal, loss of passports, crime, theft, etc.) speak to your travel insurance company
  about the next possible steps such as contacting your local embassy.

•  Contact your Travel Assistant from your insurance company if you need continued assistance upon departure from India.  

• Emergency Numbers for Bangalore are: 

  • Fire: 101 or 2942999 for Control Room 

  • Police: 100 

  • Ambulance: 102 

Section 12 - Articles to Read

We recommend reading general articles about health, safety, and decreasing your risks while on a program abroad not just in India, but around the world.  Here are some great links to get started.  Please let us know in case any of these links are not working as some websites may have archived them.  These articles are meant to help you give a wide knowledge base of the field of studying, living, and working abroad, especially as it relates to health and safety.  

1. A study that finds students increase their alcohol consumption while traveling abroad:

   http://www.boston.com/news/education/higher/articles/2010/10/11/study_students_learning_abroad_increase_drinking/

2. An excellent compilation of information about Safety from Northwestern University: 

   http://www.northwestern.edu/studyabroad/resources/online-guide/health-and-safety/safety/strategies-for-staying-safe.html

3. This is advice from the United States Government for travelers abroad.  Although this is highly relevant to Americans, non-Americans will find value in much of the advice and tips that are provided. 
   http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/go/checklist.html

Section 13 - Payment & Currency exchange

Section 14 - Itinerary for Bangalore

Day of Arrival

After clearing immigration, luggage pickup, and customs, you will exit the gate and see the driver holding up a sign with your name. The driver will bring you to the accommodation that you have arranged. Be sure to have the phone number and email of the in-country coordinator in India as well as the address to your accommodation in case you need them due to any unexpected changes during travel. For first time travelers to India, please note just in case that international airports in India have prepaid taxi counters at which you can arrange a taxi at a fair rate. It’s best to go with the Fairkonnect Travel driver but in case you arrive in other cities prior to using our program, please be cautious of the type of driver you hail at the airport.

One Week in Bangalore

This advice is from Fairkonnect Travel staff on the kinds of experiences we would pack in while in Bangalore on your internship or volunteer program.  

By: Jenna Davis

To help you plan your trip to Bangalore, India here is my well experienced guide to the best week in Bangalore.

Day 1: Introduction to Indian Cuisine

Indian cuisine is one of the best reasons to come visit a place like Bangalore. Known for their South Indian food and delicious curries, there is so much that is not to be missed!

• Cooking Class
  You really don’t understand the love and dedication that goes into each Indian dish until you have tried to cook it yourself. I learned how to make chapatti, paneer butter masala and aloo curry – all which I now have gained a huge appreciation for Indian cooks.

• Walk around Street Markets
  Though I will advise you to be traveling with a partner, exploring the streets of Bangalore is a great way for you to immerse yourself in the culture. There are so many wonderful snacks to try:

  • Coconut Water

  • Idly and Lentils

  • Paneer Butter Masala

  • Fruit juices

Day 2: Rickshaw Riding & Sight Seeing

Each district in Bangalore is known for one or two things and the best way to get your eye on each district before diving in is to take a rickshaw through the city and get a glimpse at what you would like to return back to.

• Malleshwaram
  A beautiful district with gorgeous nature and Sampige Road where you will find lots of great local deals on local items. This is where a lot of the interns from Fairkonnect Travel have choice to purchase sarees, henna and much more!

• Indiranagar
  Though this is one of the most expensive districts in Bangalore, it is well known for their incredible restaurants and commercial shops.

• Whitefield
  A little out of the heart of the city, but a nice change of scenery. Whitefield is home to many of the tech parks across Bangalore and just across the road it is still home to many small villages and settlements.

• M.G. Road
  This is where most of us refer to as the ‘bar area,’ a lot of the popular bars among expats are located in this area including Hard Rock Café, Church Street Social and The Thirteenth Floor.

Day 3: Tour of Temples & Exploring

You’re in India, you must see them! My two personal favorite temples in the Bangalore area are the Shiv Mandir Temple and the Bull Temple. You may not be able to make it to all the temples listed below but it is definitely in your interest to visit a few of them while you’re here!

• Dodda Ganapathi Temple

• ISKCON Sri Radha Krishna-Chandra Temple

• Surayanarayana Temple

• Bull Temple

• ISKCON Bangalore, Sri Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Temple

• Shiv Mandir Temple

Day 4: Culture, Music & Dance

There is so much history behind Indian music and dance, it must be explored! After a few long days in Bangalore, heading out to Nrityagram Dance Village is a breath of fresh air. Instead of roaring traffic sounds, and the hustle and bustle of the city, you hear birds chirping and the quiet sound of nature.

• Half Day Trip to Nrityagram Dance Village

• Afternoon Meal: South Indian Thali

• Dinner and Drinks

  • Thirteenth Floor

  • Church Street Social

Day 5: Bangalore Knowledge

I’m not planning this day to bore you with knowledge but to educate you on the city you’ve been in for the past 4 days. Bangalore Palace is a great place to start. Despite the knowledge you will gain by entering the Bangalore Palace and following an audio guided tour, the structure alone will have you in awe. Explore a few more historical places while you’re at it if you can!

• Bangalore Palace

• Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum

• National Galley of Modern Art

• The Heritage Centre & Aerospace Museum

Day 6: Shopping, Shopping, Shopping

Well, it’s been fun but 5 days likely flew by pretty fast. It’s time to start your souvenir shopping before you depart!

• Commercial Street
  Cheap and touristy but well worth it. Make sure you keep your belongings safe and get ready for an overwhelming shopping experience. Stall after stall of Indian bangles, kurtas and sarees… you will have your day cut out for you if you’re planning on visiting Commercial Street.

• Sampige Road
  Sampige is a more relaxing way to shop but won’t sell many touristy items. If you’re looking for local items and wanting to shop where the locals shop, take a stroll down Sampige Road and hit up PSR and Mantri Mall while you’re at it!

• Bangalore KR Market
  If you’re looking to explore the fresh fruits and veggies that Bangalore has to offer, it’s a good idea to get up early and venture off to KR Market. The sights, the sounds, the colors, the smells… they will all overwhelm you with both positive and negative emotions. It is truly a unique cultural experience.

Day 7: Rest & Relaxation

Well we’re on the last leg of the journey and we’ve just about seen and done it all. Here you may want to take advantage of the cheap ways to get rest and relaxation in the city of Bangalore. I know from experience watching all the interns from Leave UR Mark come and go; booking a beautician for the last day of your trip is a wonderful idea. For less than $20 you can pamper yourself head to toe. Waxing, facials, pedicures, massages and more! Other places to visit which provide a calm and relaxing atmosphere are the following:

• Lal Bagh Botanical Garden

• Cubbon Park

• Indira Ghandi Musical Fountain

Section 15 - Where Does My Money Go?

Fairkonnect Travel is a social enterprise that links interns and volunteers to corporate organizations, non-profits, and NGOs.  We specialize in support services which encompass pre-departure information, your placement, on arrival support, and continuous check-ins for the duration of your project dates.  This includes the following services: 

1. An internship or volunteer placement in India.

2. Details of your project(s), accommodation, and Country Directors.

3. Airport pickup.

4. An orientation on arrival in country.

5. Periodic internship check-ins.  

6. Assistance with resume/LinkedIn building/reference letters.

Interns and volunteers use our services to come to India and sign up for projects because they are looking for local know-how to help set up the placement and guide them on culture, health, safety, and surroundings.  We are not a charity.  We are not a travel agency. We are in effect, a program provider.  Your total project fee includes all the services listed above and is not specific to just just airport pickup, or just the placement.  You are paying for a package of services rather than putting money towards one specific item on the list.  As such, we have an individual budget and an overall budget when any intern or volunteer signs up with us.  This means that your individual budget is subject to change due to our overall budget.  Here is an example of how every person’s budget is broken down:

• Service Tax (18%)

• Money Transfer Fees (4%) (From your country to India)

• Setting up your project (this may require several meetings or a financial donation to the organization to host you). 

• Providing you with Pre-Departure Information and various admin expenses. 

• Varying costs of airport pickup, orientation materials, and orientation. 

• Our own community development efforts at various organizations (in particular to Asha Foundation to help fund education for children with autism and cerebral palsy, Water Literacy Foundation, Agastya (a rural school for science), etc.…this cost varies yearly by need). 

• Marketing Expenses to help recruit more interns and volunteers for our partner organizations that need continued assistance and a steady flow of help after you are done with your project. 

Due to fluctuating currency, increases in taxes and transaction fees, increases in housing, food, and gas prices, our individual budget for you is subject to change.  

Fairkonnect Travel ensures that all volunteers and interns receive the same level of support and a meaningful experience despite any varying costs.  We ask our volunteers and interns to keep in mind all the factors explained above when evaluating their own personal experience.  

Pre-departure Guide Quiz