Am I eligible to be a SHAKE HANDS volunteer in India?
If you are enthusiastic, and motivated to learn and help the needy people, especially children and women, you are perfect and exactly what we are looking for. You do not need specific skills and past experience. We organize sufficient in-house orientation programs for all selected volunteers to enable them to work effectively with target groups.
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How safe is it to volunteer in India ?
Overall India is a very peaceful country and people are very friendly and supportive. We ensure all possible measures regarding safety and security of the volunteers while working with us.
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When can I start volunteering in India?
Volunteers can start as per your own suitable time and date but they should get themselves applied at least 10 days before they arrive in India.
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Should I pay for volunteering in India?
We try to keep costs as low as possible, a difficult task in itself. Our volunteering programs are absolutely the most affordable in India. Volunteers have to pay for their food and accommodation and all of which is included in the overall fee. We charge our volunteers a nominal amount for raising the funds needed to carry out all of our many projects. The program cost depending heavily upon the program and the length of stay. Certain programs like summer program, gap year India expedition and work & travel program follow a stricter schedule and include a good deal of traveling, trekking, safaris and other activities. These programs are thus slightly more expensive, in order for SHAKE HANDS to provide for all travel arrangements and accommodations. The starting range of programs is 2 weeks, depending upon the availability of the volunteers.
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What is the program duration?
We provide programs from starting with 2 weeks duration, program could be extending in multiple weeks.
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Do I need to speak English to become a volunteer?
Yes, it will be helpful if you speak English, but it is perfectly acceptable if you speak English as your second language. When you arrive in India you will be placed into an orientation program that includes an intensive language course on basic India phrases that you may need while volunteering.
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What are the accommodation arrangements when volunteering?
We offer comfortable accommodation with easy approach to project sites for the volunteers in every running project locations.
Jaipur location: You are provided accommodation in volunteer’s home established by the organization with perfect setup. The volunteer's home is fully residential with some modern and traditional arrangements. The home is furnished with TV, DVD, Refrigerator, Music System and other entertaining gadgets with sufficient vacant space for celebration and spent leisure time. There is a facility of 3-4 sharing rooms with western toilets. During summer season the rooms are cooled with AC system. The team serves quality India food prepared by expert cooks to the volunteers in the home itself.
Rural Rajasthan Location: The Rural Camp is the volunteer's home. It is characterized by its unique appearance. The camp area is fully residential and volunteers' dwellings are fully equipped with modern and traditional arrangements. The clay finished earthen huts, roof duly thatched with straw and reeds gives a picturesque view and are very comfortable to live in. The beds are having a look of the traditional style. These huts stay cool in summer and remain warm in winters.
Dharamshala & other Location: On placement, you ought to live with a local Indian family like a family member. A separate living room on dual or triple sharing basis with volunteers will be provided. The host family will serve 3 local area meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) The food they prepare and serve to you would be delicious one with daily changed varieties. You may help the host in preparing the meal so that you may learn cooking of various India dishes, which would be liked by your inmates when you go back and serve them with. You may also cook food of your own choice. Living with the Indian family will prove for you the best track of learning the India tradition, culture and behavior without much cost and efforts.
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Do I need travel insurance?
As with any overseas traveling, health insurance is recommended. Please obtain necessary health and travel insurance before come to India. Talk to your travel agent about this or search on the internet to see what offers are available, and make sure you look into the details of the policy. Find out if it covers airfare in case of a medical emergency. We also suggest that volunteers consult a physician or an international travel clinic for recommendations on immunizations, and you should carry with you small first aid kit. India offers basic medical services and there are some places for emergency medical treatment. If you are taking any prescription medicine, we suggest that you bring an ample supply from your home country.
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Should I be single if I am thinking about volunteering through Shake Hands?
That is not necessary. We organize volunteer programs for individuals, couples, groups, students and families.
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Who organizes my flights?
Definitely that will be borne by you. You will need to organize your trip to and from India.
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How do I make the reservation for the post of volunteer with SHAKE HANDS?
Fill out and submit the online application form. The form will ask you about your personal information, choice of volunteering program, location, duration and others. Shake Hands team member will review your application and when your application is approved, you will receive a request money email to deposit your application fee US $200. Once your application fee is done, your place on the program is secured.
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Where can I obtain a VISA?
You can apply and obtain a visa for India from Indian Embassy office at your home country.
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Do I have to be from a certain country to volunteer?
We welcome volunteers from all places from the world; you can come and volunteer with us from any country.
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What about Hygiene?
We always try our best to ensure that the food and water during training and placement is safe and clean.
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What about medication ?
All program location has several national and international level hospitals, nursing homes and health clinics available.
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What vaccinations should I consider having prior to arrival?
This depends on which country you are traveling from. You should always consult your doctor before purchasing any medication, as some may not be necessary. In addition, depending on where you are from, you may have already had some of the required vaccinations as a child. We suggest that you consult a travel doctor at your country before you leave. However, you should consider the following vaccinations:
Hepatitis A & B
Diphtheria
Tetanus
Yellow fever
Rabies
Tuberculosis
Malaria
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Can I schedule my own volunteer service for the dates that interest me?
SHAKE HANDS is very flexible on when volunteers can start with the program, and it’s possible to start any day of the year. It just depends on your availability.
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Will I have access to communication mediums such as e-mail, telephones and the post office?
This all depends on your placement. Almost all placements will have access to a post office. If you are in a city, there are many places in which you can use a phone or have access to e-mail.
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Can I come with a friend or can I be placed near other volunteers?
Yes, we welcome individuals, couples, family, small and large groups, students and experts, as well as senior and young professionals to make a great contribution and bring changes by getting involved in our volunteer program.
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What types of clothes are allowed to wear? Should I wear specific types of clothes?
We advise all volunteers to wear decent cloth especially female volunteers not to wear very short and tight cloths. Indian dress modestly covers most of the body; it is the Indian tradition.
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Visa:
You can get the tourist visa at the Indian embassy in your country. A non-tourist visa is difficult to obtain and is twice as expensive as the tourist visa. It is the responsibility of volunteers to manage their own tickets and visa.
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Traveling:
India is a cheap place for shopping and traveling, but if you are planning to travel in India before or after your volunteer program, you will need extra money. You may change your major currencies and travelers checks in Jaipur/Delhi/Bangalore and at the airports
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Will there be anyone at the airport to receive me?
Yes, you will be received at the airport by our representative on your arrival.
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