Mid-term (1 to 6 months) "social work" projects in India

Standards of safe practice are required to reassure women who plan to deliver their babies in rural settings. Sadly, government hospitals are severely under staffed and over worked, thus, medical and professional assistants are severely needed in these settings.

The volunteers will work and serve as medical assistants and help the rural medical team as a team member, within villages and
government hospitals.

Volunteers applying for this programme must be trained in a medical background.

This is an ongoing project. The starting date of the programme is the First Monday of Every Month: Participants should make sure that they would be able to arrive to Kundapur, which is well connected by train and bus! Then meet at a common meeting point, where they will be picked up. Specific information regarding your arrival will be sent to you in a pre arrival letter.

All the registration and formalities will be done on the first day of the orientation. This will consist of understanding and signing the contract, collecting the participation fee, etc. Please note that the first three months fee is collected if applied for more than three months or if applied for less then three months the whole fee is collected. Please make sure that you have the money converted before you arrive or make sure that you have the full money ready with you. You will need two copies of your passport and VISA.

The Orientation Week will take place in our Kundapur Centre. This week will prepare you for your program and introduce you into the Indian culture and people. This will be the time to ask all your questions about the programme, the organisation, the country, the culture, etc.

Host Families - You will be staying in local families near to the project. You will be sharing rooms with 2-3 volunteers.

What is it like to live with a host family?

The people who host volunteers are of all kinds, couples with or without children, joint families, single parents, single people etc. Host families provide accommodation, food, emotional and moral support, and guidance. A routine day in a host family is the behind-the screen look into the culture of the hosting country and gives a large insight into the customs of a family; an experience like no other can give to one who wants to learn about another culture. Not only learning but also understanding why the culture is like the way it is. Host families help you to interact with the local community, which increases their chances of making friends and contacts.
An Indian host family requires that the volunteer who lives in their home should be willing to become part of his/her host family with the same rights, that he/she should be prepared to help with the daily household chores (clean his/her room, help to prepare meals or to clean the dishes etc.) We also expect all the volunteers to make an honest effort to share the daily life of the family he/she is living with. The volunteer is required to participate in family activities, show interest in the family functions and activities, help in the kitchen and play with the children. You are also requested to refrain from smoking and consumption of alcohol in the house unless permitted by the family. Volunteers also should be ready for basic accommodation and basic Indian food three times a day, community living: shared bedrooms and bathrooms, strict timings for meals, internal rules, and dress code.

Sometimes, projects provide accommodation. The project will provide a room that is shared by other volunteers/staff. You must respect the living conditions of the project and respect for the local environment is expected at all times for example there will a designated smoking area. Volunteers also should be ready for basic accommodation and basic Indian food three times a day, community living: shared bedrooms and bathrooms, strict timings for meals, internal rules, and dress code.

What happens if I am unhappy with my project or hosting facilities?

Changes of placement and hosting facilities can be made only for very special reasons, but not before trying to adjust in the first placement. We kindly ask all participants to stay in their assigned placement for a minimum of one month before changing to a new placement. We consider that it is the time required to adapt and contribute to a long-term project. Please note that even when we work very hard in trying to confirm you in the project you are interested in, we cannot fulfil everyones wishes. We always try to provide the best possibilities for our volunteers, but there is no 100% guarantee that you get the project you have applied for as a first choice. Therefore we request all participants to make a minimum of 3 choices on their application form.

FSL India organises a monthly evaluation and motivation Meeting for all volunteers. This is an occasion to meet altogether for a day to exchange experiences, have fun and relax. These meetings will take place in different locations and will have different topics and activities. This offer is additional, so FSL will provide basic food and accommodation but volunteers have to pay for their own transportation and “extras” during the weekend. It is after all a very good occasion to meet again with a larger group of volunteers and the coordinators of FSL to make a mid-term evaluation, discuss issues, topics and problems…and, of course, have fun altogether!

The final evaluation will be done at the end of the programme term and a personal meeting with programme coordinator will be held at our centre. At the end of your programme FSL India kindly asks you to take part in a final evaluation session with your coordinator. This will be either individually, or in a group depending on the project. You will talk about your experiences (good and bad ones!) and complete a feedback form. FSL India will provide each volunteer with an official certificate of appreciation to formally attest of your international voluntary experience. It will also be the time to say good-bye to all those you have shared time with.

Participation Fee – RS. 10.000/- for each month.

FSL India is a non–profit organization and does not have external funding. All costs of FSL India are sustained through participation fees from volunteers. We work only with local organisations that need our support. Please remember that the participation fee is non refundable. Please decide while you apply how long you want to be in our programme. The participation fee will be collected only for a full month and it is not possible to apply for half a month. The payment will be collected on the first two days of the programme, during the orientation week. The amount will be collected only in the local currency (Indian Rupees). We do not accept any payments in foreign currency. We expect volunteers to pay the first three months of the participation fee before starting the programme, for practical and organizational reasons. Please try to exchange your foreign currency as soon as possible. However try not to do it immediately after you get off the plane, at the airport; the rates are more disadvantageous than outside. FSL staff can assist you to find a convenient place for the exchange of currency or travellers cheque and cash withdrawal at ATMs.

What does your programme participation fee cover?

We are a non-profit organisation, so we have kept our prices as affordable as possible. FSLIndia is a non-profit body registered under the Indian Trust Act. We receive absolutely no financial support from the government of India or from any other foreign agency. The main source of income available for FSL is the participation fee that is collected from the volunteers.

Many NGOs and government organizations are increasingly putting women at the centre of their projects and are working out programs and
strategies in which they support the socially and economically disadvantaged women of India.

Empowering women and educating them on their constitutional rights and the law, works towards the achievement of social and economical security of women.

Since most of the women you are going to work with come from an underprivileged background, they speak very little or no English. Be ready to find creative and alternative ways of communication. Please note the work mainly involves working in the office with the NGO as well as field work.

Your Info sheet will contain all the information that you need to prepare for your journey and stay in India. It is very important that you read the whole info sheet at least once and understand all the contents. Your info sheet will be sent to your sending organization one month before your arrival in India.
The pre-arrival letter will include all the necessary information that will make your journey to the LTV centre (Kundapur) as smooth and trouble free as possible. Please make sure to read it carefully.

Participants should make sure that they arrive in Kundapur by that date. Kundapur is well connected by train and bus. All volunteers will meet at a common meeting point, where they will be picked up. Specific information regarding your arrival will be sent to you in a pre-arrival letter.

All the registration formalities will be done in the first three days of the orientation. This will consist of understanding and signing a contract; collecting the participation fee. Please note that the first three months fee is collected in the beginning, if you have applied for more than three months. If you have applied for less then three months, then the entire participation fee is collected in the beginning. Please make sure that you have the amount converted to Indian Rupees before your registration. You will need two photocopies of your passport and of your visa.

The Orientation Week will take place at FSL India's Centre at Kundapur. The Orientation week will prepare you for your program and introduce you to Indian culture and people. This will be the time to ask any questions about the program, the organization, the country, the culture, etc.

FSL-India organises a Monthly Evaluation and reflection meeting for all volunteers. This is an occasion for volunteers to come together for a day to exchange experiences, have fun and relax. These meetings will take place in different locations and will have different topics and activities. This offer is additional, so FSL will provide basic food and accommodation and travel to the chosen location. It is a very good opportunity to meet
and get to know the other volunteers as well as the FSL staff team. There will be one-toone sessions between the volunteer and LTV coordinator to discuss the progress and to resolve any challenges faced.

A Final Evaluation will be carried out at the end of the program term and a personal meeting between the volunteer and the LTV Coordinator will be held at the Kundapur centre. The Final Evaluation/Report outlines the work done by the volunteer where you can share your experiences (good and bad ones!) and complete a feedback form. The Final Evaluation serves as a guideline for future volunteers and for FSL-India to improve upon the quality of its projects. FSL India will provide each volunteer with an official Certificate of Appreciation to formally attest your international voluntary experience. It will also be the time to say good-bye to all those who have made your experience in India a memorable one.

Accommodation for volunteers can either be at the project, in a local host family or in a hostel - depending on the project, location and availability.

You could be staying with local families near to the project. You could be sharing rooms with 2-3 volunteers or staying on your own.
The people who host volunteers are of all kinds - couples with or without children, joint families, single parents, single people etc. Host families provide accommodation, food, emotional and moral support, and guidance. A routine day in a host family is the behind the screen look into the culture of the hosting country and gives an insight into the
customs of a family, which is an experience like no other for anyone who wants to learn about another culture. Not only learning, but the volunteer also develops an understanding of why the culture is the way it is. Host families help you to interact with the local community, which increases your chances of making friends and contacts.
An Indian host family requires that the volunteer who lives in their home should be willing to become part of his/her host family with the same rights, that he/she should be prepared to help with the daily household chores (clean his/her room, help to prepare meals or to clean the dishes etc.). We also expect all the volunteers to make an honest
effort to share the daily life of the family he/she is living with. The volunteer is required to participate in family activities, show interest in the family functions and activities, help in the kitchen and play with the children. You are also requested to respect the timings, refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol in the house unless permitted by
the family.
Volunteers should be prepared for basic accommodation and basic Indian food three times a day. As part of the community living experience, volunteers are expected to adjust to shared bedrooms and bathrooms, strict timings for meals, house rules, and dress code.

Sometimes, projects provide accommodation for the volunteers. The project will provide a room that is shared by other volunteers or with the staff of the project. You must respect the living conditions of the project, and respect for the local environment is expected at all times. For example, there will be a designated smoking area.
Volunteers also should be ready for basic accommodation and basic Indian food three times a day. As part of the community living experience, volunteers are expected to adjust to shared bedrooms and bathrooms, strict timings for meals, house rules, and dress code.

What happens if I am unhappy with my project or hosting facilities?:
Changes of placement and hosting facilities can be made only for very special reasons, but not before the volunteer displays an attempt to adjust and overcome the challenges that are present. We kindly ask all participants to stay in their assigned placement for a minimum of one month, as we encourage volunteers to try and adapt to the new
environment.

“Your Expectations are your worst enemy!” -

What do you expect from your volunteering experience?

• To learn about a new culture?
• To eat good food?
• To take part in a political and/or humanitarian act?
• To receive support and to help others?
• To work within a dynamic team?
• To change the world?
• Or simply to have fun?

If these expectations are not met, how will this make you feel? Disappointed? Frustrated? Useless? Let down?
Imagine having NO expectations, meeting your new experience with an open-mind. Will this enhance and enrich your experience? YES! It will give you the freedom to be open to all new possibilities and opportunities. It will give you the chance to discover new things and for you to enjoy your wonderful personal experience, by accepting and enjoying everything that you come across.

FSL India is a non–profit organization and does not depend on external funding. All costs of FSL India are sustained through the participation fees from volunteers. We work only with local organizations that need our support.

Participation Fee – RS. 10,000/- for each month.

Remember that the participation fee is non refundable. Please decide the duration of your program carefully while you are applying.
If you have applied for more than three months, then the first three months fee is collected in the beginning. If you have applied for less then three months, then the entire participation fee is collected in the beginning. The participation fee will be collected only for a full month and it is not possible to apply for half a month. The participation fee will be collected from the volunteers during the first three days of the orientation week. The amount will be collected only in the local currency (Indian Rupees). We do not accept any payments in foreign currency. We expect volunteers to pay the first three months of the participation fee before starting the program for practical and organizational reasons.

The Participation fee is non-refundable.

Please try to exchange your foreign currency as soon as possible. However, try not to exchange foreign currency at the airport as the rates are more disadvantageous. FSL staff can assist you to find a convenient place for the exchange of currency and cash withdrawal at ATMs.

What does your program participation fee cover?:
We are a non-profit organization, so we have kept our participation fee as affordable as possible. FSL-India is a non-profit body registered under the Indian Trust Act. We receive absolutely no financial support from the government of India or from any other foreign agency. The main source of income available for FSL-India is the participation fee that is collected from the volunteers.

FSL India requires that volunteers interested in applying for their project fill a different application form from our regular VEF. Therefore if you are interested to apply for this project please contact VAP so that we can email you the form.

Indian cities suffer from huge urbanization problems and slums are present and growing in many places. These areas of the cities are clusters of houses and shacks built illegally, where all basic infrastructures are absent. Water and electricity supply are scarce or non
existent, hygiene is low and outbreaks of diseases are common. The rate of unemployment is very high.

The aim of many NGOs working in the slums is to improve the basic living conditions of the large number of people living in these slums. The volunteers will have the opportunity to join hands with local NGOs to support ongoing projects such as awareness campaigns, literacy programs, educational projects and empowerment of minorities.

A prior experience and/or a good knowledge of the situation are appreciated. Working and living conditions can be hard.

Your Info sheet will contain all the information that you need to prepare for your journey and stay in India. It is very important that you read the whole info sheet at least once and understand all the contents. Your info sheet will be sent to your sending organization one month before your arrival in India.
The pre-arrival letter will include all the necessary information that will make your journey to the LTV centre (Kundapur) as smooth and trouble free as possible. Please make sure to read it carefully.

Participants should make sure that they arrive in Kundapur by that date. Kundapur is well connected by train and bus. All volunteers will meet at a common meeting point, where they will be picked up. Specific information regarding your arrival will be sent to you in a pre-arrival letter.

All the registration formalities will be done in the first three days of the orientation. This will consist of understanding and signing a contract; collecting the participation fee. Please note that the first three months fee is collected in the beginning, if you have applied for more than three months. If you have applied for less then three months, then the entire participation fee is collected in the beginning. Please make sure that you have the amount converted to Indian Rupees before your registration. You will need two photocopies of your passport and of your visa.

The Orientation Week will take place at FSL India's Centre at Kundapur. The Orientation week will prepare you for your program and introduce you to Indian culture and people. This will be the time to ask any questions about the program, the organization, the country, the culture, etc.

FSL-India organises a Monthly Evaluation and reflection meeting for all volunteers. This is an occasion for volunteers to come together for a day to exchange experiences, have fun and relax. These meetings will take place in different locations and will have different topics and activities. This offer is additional, so FSL will provide basic food and accommodation and travel to the chosen location. It is a very good opportunity to meet
and get to know the other volunteers as well as the FSL staff team. There will be one-toone sessions between the volunteer and LTV coordinator to discuss the progress and to resolve any challenges faced.

A Final Evaluation will be carried out at the end of the program term and a personal meeting between the volunteer and the LTV Coordinator will be held at the Kundapur centre. The Final Evaluation/Report outlines the work done by the volunteer where you can share your experiences (good and bad ones!) and complete a feedback form. The Final Evaluation serves as a guideline for future volunteers and for FSL-India to improve upon the quality of its projects. FSL India will provide each volunteer with an official Certificate of Appreciation to formally attest your international voluntary experience. It will also be the time to say good-bye to all those who have made your experience in India a memorable one.

Accommodation for volunteers can either be at the project, in a local host family or in a hostel - depending on the project, location and availability.

You could be staying with local families near to the project. You could be sharing rooms with 2-3 volunteers or staying on your own.
The people who host volunteers are of all kinds - couples with or without children, joint families, single parents, single people etc. Host families provide accommodation, food, emotional and moral support, and guidance. A routine day in a host family is the behind the screen look into the culture of the hosting country and gives an insight into the
customs of a family, which is an experience like no other for anyone who wants to learn about another culture. Not only learning, but the volunteer also develops an understanding of why the culture is the way it is. Host families help you to interact with the local community, which increases your chances of making friends and contacts.
An Indian host family requires that the volunteer who lives in their home should be willing to become part of his/her host family with the same rights, that he/she should be prepared to help with the daily household chores (clean his/her room, help to prepare meals or to clean the dishes etc.). We also expect all the volunteers to make an honest
effort to share the daily life of the family he/she is living with. The volunteer is required to participate in family activities, show interest in the family functions and activities, help in the kitchen and play with the children. You are also requested to respect the timings, refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol in the house unless permitted by
the family.
Volunteers should be prepared for basic accommodation and basic Indian food three times a day. As part of the community living experience, volunteers are expected to adjust to shared bedrooms and bathrooms, strict timings for meals, house rules, and dress code.

Sometimes, projects provide accommodation for the volunteers. The project will provide a room that is shared by other volunteers or with the staff of the project. You must respect the living conditions of the project, and respect for the local environment is expected at all times. For example, there will be a designated smoking area.
Volunteers also should be ready for basic accommodation and basic Indian food three times a day. As part of the community living experience, volunteers are expected to adjust to shared bedrooms and bathrooms, strict timings for meals, house rules, and dress code.

What happens if I am unhappy with my project or hosting facilities?:
Changes of placement and hosting facilities can be made only for very special reasons, but not before the volunteer displays an attempt to adjust and overcome the challenges that are present. We kindly ask all participants to stay in their assigned placement for a minimum of one month, as we encourage volunteers to try and adapt to the new
environment.

“Your Expectations are your worst enemy!” -

What do you expect from your volunteering experience?

• To learn about a new culture?
• To eat good food?
• To take part in a political and/or humanitarian act?
• To receive support and to help others?
• To work within a dynamic team?
• To change the world?
• Or simply to have fun?

If these expectations are not met, how will this make you feel? Disappointed? Frustrated? Useless? Let down?
Imagine having NO expectations, meeting your new experience with an open-mind. Will this enhance and enrich your experience? YES! It will give you the freedom to be open to all new possibilities and opportunities. It will give you the chance to discover new things and for you to enjoy your wonderful personal experience, by accepting and enjoying everything that you come across.

FSL India is a non–profit organization and does not depend on external funding. All costs of FSL India are sustained through the participation fees from volunteers. We work only with local organizations that need our support.

Participation Fee – RS. 10,000/- for each month.

Remember that the participation fee is non refundable. Please decide the duration of your program carefully while you are applying.
If you have applied for more than three months, then the first three months fee is collected in the beginning. If you have applied for less then three months, then the entire participation fee is collected in the beginning. The participation fee will be collected only for a full month and it is not possible to apply for half a month. The participation fee will be collected from the volunteers during the first three days of the orientation week. The amount will be collected only in the local currency (Indian Rupees). We do not accept any payments in foreign currency. We expect volunteers to pay the first three months of the participation fee before starting the program for practical and organizational reasons.

The Participation fee is non-refundable.

Please try to exchange your foreign currency as soon as possible. However, try not to exchange foreign currency at the airport as the rates are more disadvantageous. FSL staff can assist you to find a convenient place for the exchange of currency and cash withdrawal at ATMs.

What does your program participation fee cover?:
We are a non-profit organization, so we have kept our participation fee as affordable as possible. FSL-India is a non-profit body registered under the Indian Trust Act. We receive absolutely no financial support from the government of India or from any other foreign agency. The main source of income available for FSL-India is the participation fee that is collected from the volunteers.

FSL India requires that volunteers interested in applying for their project fill a different application form from our regular VEF. Therefore if you are interested to apply for this project please contact VAP so that we can email you the form.

The regional medical colleges and governmental institutes conduct rural health check ups and rural medication as part of health legislations. And there is always a lack of staff support. The volunteers will work and serve as medical assistants and help the rural medical team as a team member.

Volunteers applying for this programme must have medical background.

This is an ongoing project. The starting date of the programme is the First Monday of every month. Participants should make sure that they would be able to arrive to Kundapur, which is well connected by train and bus! Then meet at a common meeting point, where they will be picked up. Specific information regarding your arrival will be sent to you in a pre arrival letter.

All the registration and formalities will be done on the first day of the orientation. This will consist of understanding and signing the contract, collecting the participation fee, etc. Please note that the first three months fee is collected if applied for more than three months or if applied for less then three months the whole fee is collected. Please make sure that you have the money converted before you arrive or make sure that you have the full money ready with you. You will need two copies of your passport and VISA.

The Orientation Week will take place in our Kundapur Centre. This week will prepare you for your program and introduce you into the Indian culture and people. This will be the time to ask all your questions about the programme, the organisation, the country, the culture, etc.

Host Families - You will be staying in local families near to the project. You will be sharing rooms with 2-3 volunteers.

What is it like to live with a host family?

The people who host volunteers are of all kinds, couples with or without children, joint families, single parents, single people etc. Host families provide accommodation, food, emotional and moral support, and guidance. A routine day in a host family is the behind-the screen look into the culture of the hosting country and gives a large insight into the customs of a family; an experience like no other can give to one who wants to learn about another culture. Not only learning but also understanding why the culture is like the way it is. Host families help you to interact with the local community, which increases their chances of making friends and contacts.
An Indian host family requires that the volunteer who lives in their home should be willing to become part of his/her host family with the same rights, that he/she should be prepared to help with the daily household chores (clean his/her room, help to prepare meals or to clean the dishes etc.) We also expect all the volunteers to make an honest effort to share the daily life of the family he/she is living with. The volunteer is required to participate in family activities, show interest in the family functions and activities, help in the kitchen and play with the children. You are also requested to refrain from smoking and consumption of alcohol in the house unless permitted by the family. Volunteers also should be ready for basic accommodation and basic Indian food three times a day, community living: shared bedrooms and bathrooms, strict timings for meals, internal rules, and dress code.

Sometimes, projects provide accommodation. The project will provide a room that is shared by other volunteers/staff. You must respect the living conditions of the project and respect for the local environment is expected at all times for example there will a designated smoking area. Volunteers also should be ready for basic accommodation and basic Indian food three times a day, community living: shared bedrooms and bathrooms, strict timings for meals, internal rules, and dress code.

What happens if I am unhappy with my project or hosting facilities?

Changes of placement and hosting facilities can be made only for very special reasons, but not before trying to adjust in the first placement. We kindly ask all participants to stay in their assigned placement for a minimum of one month before changing to a new placement. We consider that it is the time required to adapt and contribute to a long-term project. Please note that even when we work very hard in trying to confirm you in the project you are interested in, we cannot fulfil everyones wishes. We always try to provide the best possibilities for our volunteers, but there is no 100% guarantee that you get the project you have applied for as a first choice. Therefore we request all participants to make a minimum of 3 choices on their application form.

FSL India organises a monthly evaluation and motivation Meeting for all volunteers. This is an occasion to meet altogether for a day to exchange experiences, have fun and relax. These meetings will take place in different locations and will have different topics and activities. This offer is additional, so FSL will provide basic food and accommodation but volunteers have to pay for their own transportation and “extras” during the weekend. It is after all a very good occasion to meet again with a larger group of volunteers and the coordinators of FSL to make a mid-term evaluation, discuss issues, topics and problems…and, of course, have fun altogether!

The final evaluation will be done at the end of the programme term and a personal meeting with programme coordinator will be held at our centre. At the end of your programme FSL India kindly asks you to take part in a final evaluation session with your coordinator. This will be either individually, or in a group depending on the project. You will talk about your experiences (good and bad ones!) and complete a feedback form. FSL India will provide each volunteer with an official certificate of appreciation to formally attest of your international voluntary experience. It will also be the time to say good-bye to all those you have shared time with.

Participation Fee – RS. 10.000/- for each month.

FSL India is a non–profit organization and does not have external funding. All costs of FSL India are sustained through participation fees from volunteers. We work only with local organisations that need our support. Please remember that the participation fee is non refundable. Please decide while you apply how long you want to be in our programme. The participation fee will be collected only for a full month and it is not possible to apply for half a month. The payment will be collected on the first two days of the programme, during the orientation week. The amount will be collected only in the local currency (Indian Rupees). We do not accept any payments in foreign currency. We expect volunteers to pay the first three months of the participation fee before starting the programme, for practical and organizational reasons. Please try to exchange your foreign currency as soon as possible. However try not to do it immediately after you get off the plane, at the airport; the rates are more disadvantageous than outside. FSL staff can assist you to find a convenient place for the exchange of currency or travellers cheque and cash withdrawal at ATMs.

What does your programme participation fee cover?

We are a non-profit organisation, so we have kept our prices as affordable as possible. FSLIndia is a non-profit body registered under the Indian Trust Act. We receive absolutely no financial support from the government of India or from any other foreign agency. The main source of income available for FSL is the participation fee that is collected from the volunteers.

There are many NGOs working for social inclusion projects where minorities or less fortunate people have been left behind in the race for economic and social reform. FSL India tries to motivate/support them by placing interested volunteers to help them in their office, field work or to bring new creative ideas to their work. The work varies from project to project. So, in the application the volunteers must write clearly why they want such a project and also how they can contribute to the project.

Following are examples of the different kinds of projects available...

• projects where working children are given vocational training.
• projects where young people are given training in various trades.
• projects where Micro-finances are given to a minority community and we help them to become economically stable.
• projects where computer education is given.
• projects with disabled children and/or adults, in order to give them more autonomy and to eventually reintegrate them in mainstream society.

Volunteers can help in many ways; for example there were instances when volunteers have taken photographs of local projects and helped them build a web page. Then volunteers in a vocational training centre helped the project to make a catalogue of all their products. Volunteers have helped projects by implementing a good filing system and helping in survey data collection. Here creativity plays a major role, and prior experience can help the project as well as the volunteer.

FSL India also helps less fortunate youth from slums or low economic backgrounds by giving them training in camp leading or office work. For example, slum boys will be recruited and given training in camp leading. After training they will work as camp leaders for a year. Then they go back to their slum and organize work camps for the next year so as to bring in development to their community.

Your Info sheet will contain all the information that you need to prepare for your journey and stay in India. It is very important that you read the whole info sheet at least once and understand all the contents. Your info sheet will be sent to your sending organization one month before your arrival in India.
The pre-arrival letter will include all the necessary information that will make your journey to the LTV centre (Kundapur) as smooth and trouble free as possible. Please make sure to read it carefully.

Participants should make sure that they arrive in Kundapur by that date. Kundapur is well connected by train and bus. All volunteers will meet at a common meeting point, where they will be picked up. Specific information regarding your arrival will be sent to you in a pre-arrival letter.

All the registration formalities will be done in the first three days of the orientation. This will consist of understanding and signing a contract; collecting the participation fee. Please note that the first three months fee is collected in the beginning, if you have applied for more than three months. If you have applied for less then three months, then the entire participation fee is collected in the beginning. Please make sure that you have the amount converted to Indian Rupees before your registration. You will need two photocopies of your passport and of your visa.

The Orientation Week will take place at FSL India's Centre at Kundapur. The Orientation week will prepare you for your program and introduce you to Indian culture and people. This will be the time to ask any questions about the program, the organization, the country, the culture, etc.

FSL-India organises a Monthly Evaluation and reflection meeting for all volunteers. This is an occasion for volunteers to come together for a day to exchange experiences, have fun and relax. These meetings will take place in different locations and will have different topics and activities. This offer is additional, so FSL will provide basic food and accommodation and travel to the chosen location. It is a very good opportunity to meet
and get to know the other volunteers as well as the FSL staff team. There will be one-toone sessions between the volunteer and LTV coordinator to discuss the progress and to resolve any challenges faced.

A Final Evaluation will be carried out at the end of the program term and a personal meeting between the volunteer and the LTV Coordinator will be held at the Kundapur centre. The Final Evaluation/Report outlines the work done by the volunteer where you can share your experiences (good and bad ones!) and complete a feedback form. The Final Evaluation serves as a guideline for future volunteers and for FSL-India to improve upon the quality of its projects. FSL India will provide each volunteer with an official Certificate of Appreciation to formally attest your international voluntary experience. It will also be the time to say good-bye to all those who have made your experience in India a memorable one.

Accommodation for volunteers can either be at the project, in a local host family or in a hostel - depending on the project, location and availability.

You could be staying with local families near to the project. You could be sharing rooms with 2-3 volunteers or staying on your own.
The people who host volunteers are of all kinds - couples with or without children, joint families, single parents, single people etc. Host families provide accommodation, food, emotional and moral support, and guidance. A routine day in a host family is the behind the screen look into the culture of the hosting country and gives an insight into the
customs of a family, which is an experience like no other for anyone who wants to learn about another culture. Not only learning, but the volunteer also develops an understanding of why the culture is the way it is. Host families help you to interact with the local community, which increases your chances of making friends and contacts.
An Indian host family requires that the volunteer who lives in their home should be willing to become part of his/her host family with the same rights, that he/she should be prepared to help with the daily household chores (clean his/her room, help to prepare meals or to clean the dishes etc.). We also expect all the volunteers to make an honest
effort to share the daily life of the family he/she is living with. The volunteer is required to participate in family activities, show interest in the family functions and activities, help in the kitchen and play with the children. You are also requested to respect the timings, refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol in the house unless permitted by
the family.
Volunteers should be prepared for basic accommodation and basic Indian food three times a day. As part of the community living experience, volunteers are expected to adjust to shared bedrooms and bathrooms, strict timings for meals, house rules, and dress code.

Sometimes, projects provide accommodation for the volunteers. The project will provide a room that is shared by other volunteers or with the staff of the project. You must respect the living conditions of the project, and respect for the local environment is expected at all times. For example, there will be a designated smoking area.
Volunteers also should be ready for basic accommodation and basic Indian food three times a day. As part of the community living experience, volunteers are expected to adjust to shared bedrooms and bathrooms, strict timings for meals, house rules, and dress code.

What happens if I am unhappy with my project or hosting facilities?:
Changes of placement and hosting facilities can be made only for very special reasons, but not before the volunteer displays an attempt to adjust and overcome the challenges that are present. We kindly ask all participants to stay in their assigned placement for a minimum of one month, as we encourage volunteers to try and adapt to the new
environment.

“Your Expectations are your worst enemy!” -

What do you expect from your volunteering experience?

• To learn about a new culture?
• To eat good food?
• To take part in a political and/or humanitarian act?
• To receive support and to help others?
• To work within a dynamic team?
• To change the world?
• Or simply to have fun?

If these expectations are not met, how will this make you feel? Disappointed? Frustrated? Useless? Let down?
Imagine having NO expectations, meeting your new experience with an open-mind. Will this enhance and enrich your experience? YES! It will give you the freedom to be open to all new possibilities and opportunities. It will give you the chance to discover new things and for you to enjoy your wonderful personal experience, by accepting and enjoying everything that you come across.

FSL India is a non–profit organization and does not depend on external funding. All costs of FSL India are sustained through the participation fees from volunteers. We work only with local organizations that need our support.

Participation Fee – RS. 10,000/- for each month.

Remember that the participation fee is non refundable. Please decide the duration of your program carefully while you are applying.
If you have applied for more than three months, then the first three months fee is collected in the beginning. If you have applied for less then three months, then the entire participation fee is collected in the beginning. The participation fee will be collected only for a full month and it is not possible to apply for half a month. The participation fee will be collected from the volunteers during the first three days of the orientation week. The amount will be collected only in the local currency (Indian Rupees). We do not accept any payments in foreign currency. We expect volunteers to pay the first three months of the participation fee before starting the program for practical and organizational reasons.

The Participation fee is non-refundable.

Please try to exchange your foreign currency as soon as possible. However, try not to exchange foreign currency at the airport as the rates are more disadvantageous. FSL staff can assist you to find a convenient place for the exchange of currency and cash withdrawal at ATMs.

What does your program participation fee cover?:
We are a non-profit organization, so we have kept our participation fee as affordable as possible. FSL-India is a non-profit body registered under the Indian Trust Act. We receive absolutely no financial support from the government of India or from any other foreign agency. The main source of income available for FSL-India is the participation fee that is collected from the volunteers.

FSL India requires that volunteers interested in applying for their project fill a different application form from our regular VEF. Therefore if you are interested to apply for this project please contact VAP so that we can email you the form.

Eco Tourism involves two major themes, Nature and Culture. Eco Tourism is a form of responsible travel which contributes to the protection of the environment in natural areas, and the preservation of culture in local communities. It also provides conscious travellers with unique experiences which cannot be provided by mass tourism.

This is a new project initiated by FSL, which means there is still a lot to be done! The volunteers will start by getting to know the village, neighbourhood and villagers in order to work together with them and see the different aspects of their lives. Educating the locals about the problems and exploring possibilities with Eco Tourism is an important aspect of the work. Volunteers have to develop a working methodology that taps into local resources. Volunteers will develop a way of working, drawing local potential, introducing and setting up structures, such as...

• Creating a database of information of the surrounding areas.
• Training and working with the local community in order to involve them in active participation.
• Raising environmental and cultural preservation awareness.
• Setting up and running the Eco Tourism project.
• Making a web site and promoting Eco Tourism as a form of livelihood for the local community.

The main fields of work are art, traditional life, sights, environmental awareness, food, agriculture, industry, medicine, landscape, outdoor activities, religion, and spiritual experience. Each of those fields is divided into more sub-fields. You will be working in a small team or individually to complete the database. The work will include site-based research, hence the ability to research and write reports is appreciated.

This is an ongoing project. Please note that the minimum period of stay is of four months.

Your Info sheet will contain all the information that you need to prepare for your journey and stay in India. It is very important that you read the whole info sheet at least once and understand all the contents. Your info sheet will be sent to your sending organization one month before your arrival in India.
The pre-arrival letter will include all the necessary information that will make your journey to the LTV centre (Kundapur) as smooth and trouble free as possible. Please make sure to read it carefully.

Participants should make sure that they arrive in Kundapur by that date. Kundapur is well connected by train and bus. All volunteers will meet at a common meeting point, where they will be picked up. Specific information regarding your arrival will be sent to you in a pre-arrival letter.

All the registration formalities will be done in the first three days of the orientation. This will consist of understanding and signing a contract; collecting the participation fee. Please note that the first three months fee is collected in the beginning, if you have applied for more than three months. If you have applied for less then three months, then the entire participation fee is collected in the beginning. Please make sure that you have the amount converted to Indian Rupees before your registration. You will need two photocopies of your passport and of your visa.

The Orientation Week will take place at FSL India's Centre at Kundapur. The Orientation week will prepare you for your program and introduce you to Indian culture and people. This will be the time to ask any questions about the program, the organization, the country, the culture, etc.

FSL-India organises a Monthly Evaluation and reflection meeting for all volunteers. This is an occasion for volunteers to come together for a day to exchange experiences, have fun and relax. These meetings will take place in different locations and will have different topics and activities. This offer is additional, so FSL will provide basic food and accommodation and travel to the chosen location. It is a very good opportunity to meet
and get to know the other volunteers as well as the FSL staff team. There will be one-toone sessions between the volunteer and LTV coordinator to discuss the progress and to resolve any challenges faced.

A Final Evaluation will be carried out at the end of the program term and a personal meeting between the volunteer and the LTV Coordinator will be held at the Kundapur centre. The Final Evaluation/Report outlines the work done by the volunteer where you can share your experiences (good and bad ones!) and complete a feedback form. The Final Evaluation serves as a guideline for future volunteers and for FSL-India to improve upon the quality of its projects. FSL India will provide each volunteer with an official Certificate of Appreciation to formally attest your international voluntary experience. It will also be the time to say good-bye to all those who have made your experience in India a memorable one.

Accommodation for volunteers can either be at the project, in a local host family or in a hostel - depending on the project, location and availability.

You could be staying with local families near to the project. You could be sharing rooms with 2-3 volunteers or staying on your own.
The people who host volunteers are of all kinds - couples with or without children, joint families, single parents, single people etc. Host families provide accommodation, food, emotional and moral support, and guidance. A routine day in a host family is the behind the screen look into the culture of the hosting country and gives an insight into the
customs of a family, which is an experience like no other for anyone who wants to learn about another culture. Not only learning, but the volunteer also develops an understanding of why the culture is the way it is. Host families help you to interact with the local community, which increases your chances of making friends and contacts.
An Indian host family requires that the volunteer who lives in their home should be willing to become part of his/her host family with the same rights, that he/she should be prepared to help with the daily household chores (clean his/her room, help to prepare meals or to clean the dishes etc.). We also expect all the volunteers to make an honest
effort to share the daily life of the family he/she is living with. The volunteer is required to participate in family activities, show interest in the family functions and activities, help in the kitchen and play with the children. You are also requested to respect the timings, refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol in the house unless permitted by
the family.
Volunteers should be prepared for basic accommodation and basic Indian food three times a day. As part of the community living experience, volunteers are expected to adjust to shared bedrooms and bathrooms, strict timings for meals, house rules, and dress code.

Sometimes, projects provide accommodation for the volunteers. The project will provide a room that is shared by other volunteers or with the staff of the project. You must respect the living conditions of the project, and respect for the local environment is expected at all times. For example, there will be a designated smoking area.
Volunteers also should be ready for basic accommodation and basic Indian food three times a day. As part of the community living experience, volunteers are expected to adjust to shared bedrooms and bathrooms, strict timings for meals, house rules, and dress code.

What happens if I am unhappy with my project or hosting facilities?:
Changes of placement and hosting facilities can be made only for very special reasons, but not before the volunteer displays an attempt to adjust and overcome the challenges that are present. We kindly ask all participants to stay in their assigned placement for a minimum of one month, as we encourage volunteers to try and adapt to the new
environment.

“Your Expectations are your worst enemy!” -

What do you expect from your volunteering experience?

• To learn about a new culture?
• To eat good food?
• To take part in a political and/or humanitarian act?
• To receive support and to help others?
• To work within a dynamic team?
• To change the world?
• Or simply to have fun?

If these expectations are not met, how will this make you feel? Disappointed? Frustrated? Useless? Let down?
Imagine having NO expectations, meeting your new experience with an open-mind. Will this enhance and enrich your experience? YES! It will give you the freedom to be open to all new possibilities and opportunities. It will give you the chance to discover new things and for you to enjoy your wonderful personal experience, by accepting and enjoying everything that you come across.

FSL India is a non–profit organization and does not depend on external funding. All costs of FSL India are sustained through the participation fees from volunteers. We work only with local organizations that need our support.

Participation Fee – RS. 10,000/- for each month.

Remember that the participation fee is non refundable. Please decide the duration of your program carefully while you are applying.
If you have applied for more than three months, then the first three months fee is collected in the beginning. If you have applied for less then three months, then the entire participation fee is collected in the beginning. The participation fee will be collected only for a full month and it is not possible to apply for half a month. The participation fee will be collected from the volunteers during the first three days of the orientation week. The amount will be collected only in the local currency (Indian Rupees). We do not accept any payments in foreign currency. We expect volunteers to pay the first three months of the participation fee before starting the program for practical and organizational reasons.

The Participation fee is non-refundable.

Please try to exchange your foreign currency as soon as possible. However, try not to exchange foreign currency at the airport as the rates are more disadvantageous. FSL staff can assist you to find a convenient place for the exchange of currency and cash withdrawal at ATMs.

What does your program participation fee cover?:
We are a non-profit organization, so we have kept our participation fee as affordable as possible. FSL-India is a non-profit body registered under the Indian Trust Act. We receive absolutely no financial support from the government of India or from any other foreign agency. The main source of income available for FSL-India is the participation fee that is collected from the volunteers.

FSL India requires that volunteers interested in applying for their project fill a different application form from our regular VEF. Therefore if you are interested to apply for this project please contact VAP so that we can email you the form.

FSL India helps many projects by sending volunteers to old age homes where the elderly are neglected and forgotten by the mainstream society.
Working at an Old Aged home can be quite a challenge. The work will include interacting with the old people and basic support towards the staff in their daily routine. The volunteers will take part helping in the daily activities, medical care, special programs for physical exercise, and simply giving company to the elderly. This project is for those who are willing to work with elderly people.

Your Info sheet will contain all the information that you need to prepare for your journey and stay in India. It is very important that you read the whole info sheet at least once and understand all the contents. Your info sheet will be sent to your sending organization one month before your arrival in India.
The pre-arrival letter will include all the necessary information that will make your journey to the LTV centre (Kundapur) as smooth and trouble free as possible. Please make sure to read it carefully.

Participants should make sure that they arrive in Kundapur by that date. Kundapur is well connected by train and bus. All volunteers will meet at a common meeting point, where they will be picked up. Specific information regarding your arrival will be sent to you in a pre-arrival letter.

All the registration formalities will be done in the first three days of the orientation. This will consist of understanding and signing a contract; collecting the participation fee. Please note that the first three months fee is collected in the beginning, if you have applied for more than three months. If you have applied for less then three months, then the entire participation fee is collected in the beginning. Please make sure that you have the amount converted to Indian Rupees before your registration. You will need two photocopies of your passport and of your visa.

The Orientation Week will take place at FSL India's Centre at Kundapur. The Orientation week will prepare you for your program and introduce you to Indian culture and people. This will be the time to ask any questions about the program, the organization, the country, the culture, etc.

FSL-India organises a Monthly Evaluation and reflection meeting for all volunteers. This is an occasion for volunteers to come together for a day to exchange experiences, have fun and relax. These meetings will take place in different locations and will have different topics and activities. This offer is additional, so FSL will provide basic food and accommodation and travel to the chosen location. It is a very good opportunity to meet
and get to know the other volunteers as well as the FSL staff team. There will be one-toone sessions between the volunteer and LTV coordinator to discuss the progress and to resolve any challenges faced.

A Final Evaluation will be carried out at the end of the program term and a personal meeting between the volunteer and the LTV Coordinator will be held at the Kundapur centre. The Final Evaluation/Report outlines the work done by the volunteer where you can share your experiences (good and bad ones!) and complete a feedback form. The Final Evaluation serves as a guideline for future volunteers and for FSL-India to improve upon the quality of its projects. FSL India will provide each volunteer with an official Certificate of Appreciation to formally attest your international voluntary experience. It will also be the time to say good-bye to all those who have made your experience in India a memorable one.

Accommodation for volunteers can either be at the project, in a local host family or in a hostel - depending on the project, location and availability.

You could be staying with local families near to the project. You could be sharing rooms with 2-3 volunteers or staying on your own.
The people who host volunteers are of all kinds - couples with or without children, joint families, single parents, single people etc. Host families provide accommodation, food, emotional and moral support, and guidance. A routine day in a host family is the behind the screen look into the culture of the hosting country and gives an insight into the
customs of a family, which is an experience like no other for anyone who wants to learn about another culture. Not only learning, but the volunteer also develops an understanding of why the culture is the way it is. Host families help you to interact with the local community, which increases your chances of making friends and contacts.
An Indian host family requires that the volunteer who lives in their home should be willing to become part of his/her host family with the same rights, that he/she should be prepared to help with the daily household chores (clean his/her room, help to prepare meals or to clean the dishes etc.). We also expect all the volunteers to make an honest
effort to share the daily life of the family he/she is living with. The volunteer is required to participate in family activities, show interest in the family functions and activities, help in the kitchen and play with the children. You are also requested to respect the timings, refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol in the house unless permitted by
the family.
Volunteers should be prepared for basic accommodation and basic Indian food three times a day. As part of the community living experience, volunteers are expected to adjust to shared bedrooms and bathrooms, strict timings for meals, house rules, and dress code.

Sometimes, projects provide accommodation for the volunteers. The project will provide a room that is shared by other volunteers or with the staff of the project. You must respect the living conditions of the project, and respect for the local environment is expected at all times. For example, there will be a designated smoking area.
Volunteers also should be ready for basic accommodation and basic Indian food three times a day. As part of the community living experience, volunteers are expected to adjust to shared bedrooms and bathrooms, strict timings for meals, house rules, and dress code.

What happens if I am unhappy with my project or hosting facilities?:
Changes of placement and hosting facilities can be made only for very special reasons, but not before the volunteer displays an attempt to adjust and overcome the challenges that are present. We kindly ask all participants to stay in their assigned placement for a minimum of one month, as we encourage volunteers to try and adapt to the new
environment.

“Your Expectations are your worst enemy!” -

What do you expect from your volunteering experience?

• To learn about a new culture?
• To eat good food?
• To take part in a political and/or humanitarian act?
• To receive support and to help others?
• To work within a dynamic team?
• To change the world?
• Or simply to have fun?

If these expectations are not met, how will this make you feel? Disappointed? Frustrated? Useless? Let down?
Imagine having NO expectations, meeting your new experience with an open-mind. Will this enhance and enrich your experience? YES! It will give you the freedom to be open to all new possibilities and opportunities. It will give you the chance to discover new things and for you to enjoy your wonderful personal experience, by accepting and enjoying everything that you come across.

FSL India is a non–profit organization and does not depend on external funding. All costs of FSL India are sustained through the participation fees from volunteers. We work only with local organizations that need our support.

Participation Fee – RS. 10,000/- for each month.

Remember that the participation fee is non refundable. Please decide the duration of your program carefully while you are applying.
If you have applied for more than three months, then the first three months fee is collected in the beginning. If you have applied for less then three months, then the entire participation fee is collected in the beginning. The participation fee will be collected only for a full month and it is not possible to apply for half a month. The participation fee will be collected from the volunteers during the first three days of the orientation week. The amount will be collected only in the local currency (Indian Rupees). We do not accept any payments in foreign currency. We expect volunteers to pay the first three months of the participation fee before starting the program for practical and organizational reasons.

The Participation fee is non-refundable.

Please try to exchange your foreign currency as soon as possible. However, try not to exchange foreign currency at the airport as the rates are more disadvantageous. FSL staff can assist you to find a convenient place for the exchange of currency and cash withdrawal at ATMs.

What does your program participation fee cover?:
We are a non-profit organization, so we have kept our participation fee as affordable as possible. FSL-India is a non-profit body registered under the Indian Trust Act. We receive absolutely no financial support from the government of India or from any other foreign agency. The main source of income available for FSL-India is the participation fee that is collected from the volunteers.

FSL India requires that volunteers interested in applying for their project fill a different application form from our regular VEF. Therefore if you are interested to apply for this project please contact VAP so that we can email you the form.