top travel sites: WHAT DO I NEED TO TRAVEL TO INDIA?

The Indian education system follows the British method, in that they refer to a student’s grade (year they are in school) as “standard.” So on any given day I will be in 1^st through 6^th standard classrooms. As you can imagine, my methods and approach need to vary significantly to adapt to the student’s level and understanding of English. I’ve tried to bring more interactive and entertaining activities into the classroom, since their way of improving the students English consists of rote memorization and recitation of dialogues in front of the class. Teaching has been pretty challenging…the students are still very excited to have me in their midst, so a good chunk of time is spent simply getting them to stay in their seats and be quiet long enough for me to give instruction. I have to constantly remind myself that my presence alone is beneficial for them because they must speak in English. I’ve also been encouraged by the fact that many of the teachers come to solicit my help in improving their English pronunciation.

I’ve learned that in many cases…its not that their English is incorrect but that many Indians fail to maintain correct sentence stress and rhythm. I have even found myself adopting this speech pattern so the younger students will understand me. Needless to say this is a hard habit to break. Most of the older students struggle with articles, verb tenses, prepositions and contractions (it is…it’s). So I’ve been spending a good amount of time trying to focus on these weak spots.

A few weeks ago Sr. Lisy Jose, the principle of the school, approached me with an idea. The school day begins at 9:00 but many children start arriving as early as 8:15, and take to roughhousing and causing mischief. To combat this “idleness,” she asked if I would teach English songs and rhymes to the students before school starts. Now…from the moment I show my face in the morning, students rush to fill the hall and sing with me. I think I had as many as 250 kids one morning marching and screaming, “We’re going on a bear hunt” along with me.

From the pop songs of Bollywood to classical Indian Hindustani, music and dance in any form is such an important part of Indian culture. It is amazing really…spend any time in a bustling area and you will hear the steady pulse of music coming from somewhere. It is woven into the fabric of everyday life. I love it. Music has always stirred my soul. It’s a universal language that all understand without ever stepping into a classroom.

Rachel Tracewski -- racheltracewski@gmail.com

Here is a video with Rachel and her friend, Emma Fryer, talking about their motivation in going to India:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhGsmhTgmBQ

For those of you with an artistic bent, there are plenty of drab walls at the orphanages and school that await your touch. You might look at what a yoga group did during a visit:

http://www.wilmingtonyogacenter.com/blog/2009/01/decorating-with-love-during.html

CONTINUING THE WORK YOU WILL DO IN INDIA

Whatever work you do, it is important that you train a person to carry on after you leave. You will identify older girls or students who are responsible and will, in fact, enjoy continuing your work. If you have done art projects, they can do more art projects. If you read stories in English, they can do the same. If you taught games, they can play them again. It is most important that your impact continue, even after you leave. And, you can be in touch with your “teacher” to help her with new ideas and encouragement.

SOME THOUGHTS ON THE “RESULTS” OF YOUR WORK

            Volunteering in a third world country can be a daunting experience. There is so much poverty. Am I making a difference? Am I doing the right thing?
            It is best to draw back a moment and reflect. These words from Thomas Merton, my favorite spiritual writer and guide, are helpful:

Do not depend on the hope or the results.

When you are doing the sort of work you have taken on, you may have to face the fact that your work will be apparently worthless and even achieve no worth at all, if not perhaps, results opposite to what you expect.

As you get used to this idea, you will start more and more to concentrate not on the results, but on the value, the rightness, the truth of the work itself.

            In other words, if you are expecting to see profound changes or immediate improvements, you may be disappointed.
            On the other hand, if you approach your work in India, each day, with each person, in each situation, with love and affection – you will indeed make a profound difference in the lives of these girls and young women. They know authenticity. They know when you genuinely care about them.
            You are making a far greater impact than you realize.

WHAT IS HOMES OF HOPE INDIA – U.S.?

Home of Hope India-US is a 501c3 charitable organization started in 2006 by Paul and Tracy Wilkes of Wilmington, North Carolina. We support -- through direct funding, providing of resources, and volunteers – the work of the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco of the Bangalore Province Our volunteers utilize their specific skills in helping to rescue and house orphan children, to educate tens of thousands of poor children in the Salesian schools, and through Salesian empowerment centres, to provide support and micro-loans to help poor women and their children lift themselves out of poverty.

TYPICAL “DAILY SCHEDULE” FOR ORPHANAGES

5.30. a.m - Rising.

5.30. – 6.30. . a.m - Personal cleanliness, Yoga , Morning prayer

6.30 – 7.00a.m - Holy Mass

7.05 – 8.00. a.m - Study

8.00 – 8.25. a.m - Duties

8.30. a.m - Breakfast

9.00. a.m - Off to School

4.30.pm. - Gardening

5.00 – 6.50.pm. - Tea, Tuition

7.00 – 7.30.pm. - Rosary

7.30.pm. - Supper

8.00.pm. - Recreation

8.30.pm. - Goodnight, Night Prayer

9.00.pm. - Study / Rest

WHAT CAN I DO TO PREPARE?

“Slumdog Millionaire” gives a good picture of the poor and orphan children we serve.

Also excellent:

“The Documentaries of Louis Malle: Phantom India” (1969)

“Born into Brothels”

“Water”

Good books to read, to get a picture of Indian life:

May You Be the Mother of 100 Sons, Elizabeth Bumiller
Sacred Games, Vikram Chandra
A Better India, A Better World, N.R. Narayana Murthy
Being Indian, Pavan K. Varma
Freedom at Midnight, LaPierre and Collins
Culture Smart: India, Nicki Gribault

Courses, ESL Texts

· If you can, take a basic course in the teaching of English at your local literacy council. This is usually a nine hour course that will give you a good understanding of teaching ESL (English as a Second Language.)

· Or, a good online course is “English Language Learners in the Mainstream: Strategies that Work.”

http://shop.ascd.org/productdisplay.cfm?productid=PD05OC48

“Keep Talking: Communicative Fluency Activities for Language Teaching.” This book is published by Cambridge University Press (1984), which publishes a good number of English language teaching resources. You might want to take a look at their ELT website: http://www.cambridge.org/elt/

Peace Corps-published TEFL/TESL materials (in PDF format) are found on this page of the website: http://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=library.language There are two TEFL/TESL publications listed that might be of interest, although they are not specific to oral communication. Also, on the same page of the website, the publication “Volunteer On-Going Language Learning Manual” includes strategies for continued language learning that might be useful for adaptation to your purposes in India.

· As many of you will be teaching English to orphan girls, students, and teachers, I recommend you do a Google search of “Teaching English Through...(Music, Science, etc.) A good example of free material: http://www.esl-galaxy.com/music.htm

· An excellent book is “More Than a Native Speaker: An Introduction to Teaching English Abroad (Revised Edition)”

---At a minimum, please read these pages:

V - X, 3-19, 204-208, 217-219, 240-247, and 252-255

Dave’s ESL Café has great tips. http://www.eslcafe.com/
Getting Started With English Language Learners: How Educators Can Meet the Challenge, Judie Haynes
Strategies for Success with English Language Learners, Virginia Rojas
Virginia Rojas online curriculum http://www.asa.edu.py/common/events/aassa_conf/follow_up/v_rojas_booklet.pdf

WHAT ABOUT MEDICAL INSURANCE?

It is highly recommended that you have international medical insurance:

http://www.imglobal.com/insurance_plans.cfm?imgac=29796&frames=0&app_method=2&CFID=8788301&CFTOKEN=34d5e0e59a1dbcfa-50F4E37B-1143-EBE5-7675358289133D50

WHAT DO I NEED TO PACK?

Indians are very modest, so tank tops, sleeveless tops, shorts, etc. are not considered proper. Inexpensive Indian clothing is available there; a light cotton overblouse and trousers called the churida (women) kurta (men) is popular and cool.

If you have a laptop, bring it. All locations have email connections, but are sometimes limited by either electricity or the email provider being down. We have a webcam at some locations, so you can call back to the US and use Skype

There are ATMs all over India; so don’t worry about currency exchange or bringing traveler’s cheques.

The weather in most locations is always hot, 75 at night, 90 or higher during the day. The sun is hot, so take a baseball cap. There is no air conditioning, but there are many fans that help in cooling. You want to drink a lot of water while there. Drink bottled water unless you are assured the water has been purified.

I find it best to stick to a vegetarian diet, as meat and fish can be more risky, stomach-wise. You can eat all your meals with the sisters; the food is good and plentiful. I recommend taking a daily vitamin to supplement the diet (I buy a big bottle of children’s vitamins and leave it behind, as I do with all medications, lotions, shampoo, etc.) I also take Metamucil along, as it seems to calm my stomach if the food is too spicy. Also, Pepto-Bismol helps and anti-malaria medication like Malarone is also standard.

Also take along good insect repellents, as you want to avoid mosquito bites (you will sleep under a mosquito netting; it is pretty standard there.) I recommend you get a good insect repellent to apply to your skin, plus a spray for your clothes and mosquito netting. The best I’ve found is on www.buggspray.com. Get Buggspray Insect Repellent Original (2x4 fl oz) and Buggspray Insect Repellent for Ticks.

You may be asked to transport donated or purchased items the sisters and girls need, such as medicines, computers, replacement parts. What many visitors do is pack one suitcase for themselves and one with items for the orphanage. You are allowed two check-in bags at 50 pounds apiece. It is advisable to take a carry-on piece of luggage with essential medicines and a few days change of clothing in case your luggage is delayed, as sometimes happens on long trips.

WHAT CAN I BRING FOR THE ORPHAN GIRLS/STUDENTS?

If you are assigned to an orphanage, some hard candy is always nice for the girls. Perhaps some chocolates or a nice bar of soap is always appreciated by the sisters. Tooth brushes, hair brushes, and girls’ hygiene items are always good.

If you can, bring any durable outdoor/indoor game (i.e. Bocce ball, Jarts, etc.) that does not have small pieces or parts that break. Games that are fragile or have a lot of parts are not the most useful.

You may want to purchase some item in India and leave it behind as a gift. People have bought batteries for lighting, games, special foods, etc. You will quickly see the needs and you can respond as you see fit.

Always work with the sisters to distribute the items you bring as they know what is needed when.

WHAT DO I DO WHEN I ARRIVE?

You will be supplied contact information and will be picked up at the airport/train/bus station by the sisters and taken to your assignment. If you are staying at a hotel, please contact the hotel for pickup arrangements. Some visitors prefer to spend the first night or two at an air-conditioned hotel, to adjust to the time change, weather, and food.

As flights/trains/buses can be delayed, if you are delayed, please contact the sisters.

WHAT ARE THE COSTS FOR MY TRIP

Homes of Hope India-US does not charge visitors anything. You are going to serve the poor and we want to make that possible without any additional cost. You may want to make a donation or buy something to leave at your site after your visit, but that is entirely up to you. The cost of airfare from the East Coast is around $1,700-$2,000, depending on the time of year. Once you are in India, your costs will be minimal, as you can stay right at the orphanage, school or hostel to which you are assigned.

Here is what a breakdown of what help we can and cannot provide.

WHAT WE CAN PROVIDE:

Personal guidance to match your skills/desires with needs in India
Specific assignment to a Salesian orphanage, school or hostel
Recommendations on international travel
Pickup at airport and transportation to and from your assignment
Meals and lodging
Internet access (sporadic at times)
Tax exempt letter for your expenses
Letter of reference, if needed.

WHAT WE CANNOT PROVIDE:

· Airfare

· Visa/Passport

· Insurance

· Vaccinations

· Medical bills

HOW CAN I RAISE MONEY FOR THE TRIP?

As you are going on a "missionary" trip, the idea of asking relatives, friends, church for some support for your trip is entirely appropriate. You serve as their representative and can send periodic emails and report back after your trip. They may also want to send over some medicines or items for the girls. You are going in person; they are going in spirit.

If you need more copies of the Homes of Hope brochure for such fund raising, please let me know and I will send them along. On the website www.homesofhopeindia.org we have a flash video and a lot of information about our work.

As you are traveling for humanitarian purposes, the cost of the trip is a legitimate donation to a non-profit organization and therefore is tax deductible.

Paul Wilkes * U.S. Coordinator * Home of Hope India – U.S.

1413 Hawthorne Road * Wilmington, NC 28403 * paulwilkes@ec.rr.com * 910-815-0695

www.homeofhopeindia.org

Many thanks for your interest in being a HopeCorps Volunteer to work alongside the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco in the Bangalore Province, India. Do not hesitate to call or email if you have questions. That is what I am here for.

Tips for HopeCorps Volunteers

The following is a compilation of suggestions for HopeCorps volunteers, created by past volunteers.

TO BRING:

Medicine, Toiletries: Contrary to popular belief most of India is quite developed and unless your site is in an extremely rural area medicines and toiletries should be easily available. However, it may be more difficult to find specific brands and for these items you should bring your own. You should still carry a basic medicine kit with the following: Advil/Ibuprofen, Tums, Insect Repellant (if you receive some from Paul Wilkes be sure it is tightly closed before packing), Benadryl, Neosporin, Antiseptic Wipes, Band-Aids, etc. To protect your luggage in case of leakage, make sure to put all bottles, liquids, sprays (particularly the leak-prone bug spray) in sturdy zip lock bag(s). Bring extra zip lock bags, too, as they are handy for all kinds of things (e.g. to store food, protect camera and cell phone against rain while out-and-about, etc). Tampons are also difficult to acquire. Earplugs or sleeping tablets are recommended as busy streets are noisy (cars use horns rather than signals or stop signs). Antibacterial gel is helpful as well, for you will be shaking many dirty little hands. Of course, bring your basic toiletries.

Food: The food in India is quite spicy or pungent as they say. The sisters are happy to prepare a separate plate for you if this would be a problem. You will be fed well, but I still suggest bringing supplemental snacks for yourself and to share, as many enjoy trying other foods. Also, you can buy a huge assortment of safe “Western” type snacks (e.g. crackers, cookies, chips, etc) at food stores in almost any town or village. Note: you will get the tastiest (and least costly) cashews of your life in the state of Kerala. All sorts of nuts are widely available across the country.

Vitamins: Available at most pharmacies but still bring your own. You can bring a big bottle of chewable children’s vitamins and leave the bottle behind with whatever remains.

Bedding: Basic bedding is provided; though you may want to carry a small sleep sack for travel and also a travel pillow. Most mattresses at the Salesian houses are simply pads and can be hard on your back. If it’s too hard, don’t be afraid to nicely ask the sisters for an extra pad. Also feel free to pack your own inflatable pad just in case.

Computer or pen drive: There are many power outages so it is helpful to have a way of saving your work and uploading photos and documents. The computer can also be a source of comfort if you feel like retreating a bit, especially if you're not planning on backpacking afterwards.

Gifts: It is nice to bring presents for the girls. Barrettes are a good option and preferable to hair ties as many have short hair. Candies, toys, art supplies, games etc. are good options to share. Speak with the sisters about how to distribute these items.

Books: Bring plenty to read in your spare time, as it's difficult to find a good selection. An exception is if you will be spending time in a more urban area, in which case you will find chain stores with good selections (same titles for half the cost.) Airports are also good places to buy books. It is also nice to have a few books to donate, bring story bookss to read or songs to sing. Prizes or stickers for school children may be hectic, as the children will essentially stampede, but they do pass out candies on their birthdays so that is a good opportunity to give them a little something.

WHAT YOU WILL DO IN INDIA

Your first few days – it takes a few days to get used to the time difference, climate and surroundings, so take it easy, get plenty of rest, drink a lot of water, eat well.

Never be afraid to ask – The superior or principal at the house at which you are volunteering wants you to ask questions, tell when you are in doubt, or don’t quite know how to go about things. For most of us, this is the first time in India and we will have questions – ask them, don’t be shy.

You are a member of the community – The sisters are very hospitable and gracious and will want to treat you as a guest. We know we are there to do as much as we can to help, so just consider yourself part of the community and if something looks like it needs to be done, either do it or ask if you might. We want your days to be full and fulfilling.

Your usual duties – you should teach an average of three hours a day, in whatever classes you are assigned. You may find it useful to break up classes, as they are large, and take groups aside to work with, especially teaching English. Always clear this with the principal and teacher to see what is best.

In addition, you can work with the teachers in a short session after school, improving their spoken English, or, if you have experience as a teacher, suggesting good teaching approaches.

The children, orphans or boarders are there full time, so the evening or after school and on weekends are good times to have a story hour, English conversation practice, games,

The sisters often go into outlying villages or neighborhoods or meet with women’s empowerment groups – ask to go along; this is a great way to see how the people we serve actually live.

If you want to take a few days off and go on a trip, please do – see some of India. Always clear this with the superior or principal so they know you will be gone.

Flexibility is the key – you will see needs that we cannot anticipate, activities that you can organize, innovations you can make. Be alert and creative, meanwhile being culturally sensitive. Our ideas might not be appropriate, but do not let that hold you back from being innovative and creative during your HopeCorps tour.

PROPER ETIQUETTE

Bathroom etiquette: All houses have western toilets for visitors rather than keyholes (holes in the ground that you squat over), and will supply you with toilet paper. Bring your own roll when you travel. Also, it is usually ok to flush paper down the toilet, but you may want to ask in rural areas.

Buckets are provided for baths and a pitcher for pouring water on yourself. An electric heating wand can be used but CAUTION; you will receive a shock if you test the water temperature while it is on. Do not use the heating wand with plastic buckets. Ask for a metal bucket if one is not already in the bathroom). The wand works quickly so don't leave unattended for long. Most places will have outlets with switches, which work well for turning the wand on and off. NOTE: when in doubt, just ask the sisters how to use the bathing equipment. As the water runs off you onto the floor, it flows out a drain. Many houses supply a large squeegee to mop the floor with afterward (but you can also just let it air dry). Medimix is an excellent ayurvedic soap available locally that helps prevent skin conditions. You should wash your hands often and bathe regularly when dealing with children, but especially the orphans who live communally and contract skin diseases frequently.

Clothing: Women should cover your shoulders and collarbones. Skirts should be at least below the knees. Tank top straps are seen as risqué and should be covered at all times. Low cut shirts, even when paired with an undershirt are often inappropriate. Men or women should not wear shorts both for reasons of modesty and propriety.

A churida for men, saris and churidads (a loose pant-suit type outfit) are recommended for women, and the children will complement you frequently. You can buy Indian outfits for very cheap; just ask a sister or teacher to take you shopping. Indians take pride in their dress and appreciate westerners who try to acclimate. In mass, most women cover their heads with a scarf or section of their sari. Few people wear hats, though it's helpful for warding off heat.

Local customs: If someone invites you into their house it is customary for them to offer you something, chai, milk or a gift. You must take it. Even if they are poor it is an insult to deny them this pleasure. Anything boiled is safe. If it is a glass of water, you can kindly say no, telling them that you have a “Western stomach.”

Haggling: Some locals will try to overcharge, usually by about twice the regular price. Auto rickshaw drivers will most likely try to scam you by naming an exorbitant “fixed rate” price for the journey (though legally, in most areas, they are supposed to use the meter at all times). Haggling with them is expected, so start low and meet somewhere near the middle (NOTE: it’s always a good idea to ask a sister or a local about how much a fare should cost, so you know in advance). If you don’t want to go the fixed rate route, insist on the driver using the meter. If you do not know the route try to find out what an approx distance is in kilometers (ask the sisters or MapQuest it) and communicate this to them before, telling them if they take you directly there you will tip them (ten rupees should do the trick).

In stores, most goods are marked with a Maximum Retail Price or MRP. Always check the item for two things: an MRP and the manufacture date. For items on which there is no MRP, by all means feel free to haggle. Most people will not be insulted and actually enjoy it. It is part of the culture.

TEACHING

The sixteen-page booklet “Journey to Homes of Hope” that was provided is a good way to be prepared for the experience of teaching but offers no specific exercises. It would be good to have some prepared for each grade level, or at least an activity. A list of songs is helpful as well, for that is the easiest way to engage the youngest children, and a list of questions to ask children, to help them practice conversations. This is a good icebreaker for the first day. Request full sentence responses. Also, bring along CDs of simple songs, nursery rhymes, etc.

Grades are written in Roman numerals above the door of each classroom. Have several different exercises depending on age and level of development. If staying for an extended period it may be helpful to bring books on English grammar to supplement the curriculum, which is government mandated. Between classes, or at lunch, is the best opportunity to spend time with the children and allow them to ask you questions. Thumb wars, Simon say, and hangman are all big hits.

SAFETY

Women and men should not walk alone through empty or dangerous places at night. That being said, don't feel completely confined. Taking walks is one of the best ways to explore your area and meet the locals. Dress appropriately and don't lose your way. Feel free to ask the sisters to accompany you, and they will probably suggest an excursion to the bazaar or another sight.

When traveling on buses or train it is best to keep valuables on your person or under your seat. Guard your purse in busy places. On buses and trains, women should try to sit next to other women and in front of them. The front are of city buses are usually reserved for women, and trains commonly have a women-only car. At times men will try to touch your hair or shoulders, especially when you fall asleep on long bus rides, reaching through the seats. The sisters suggest carrying a pin in your pocket. Trains are safer and easier if you travel 2nd class AC. Just were aware of your surroundings, and listen to your intuition.

NOTE on interacting with strangers (especially if you are a woman and the stranger is a man): in general avoid it. Unlike many places in the US where strangers will nod their head or smile at each other while passing on the street, strike up a conversation in a public place, or even just make eyes contact – that is not the case in most of India. A women smiling – or even making eye contact – at a man she does not know is tantamount to flirting. The man may take this as a sexual advance (which is a big deal in a sexually conservative country like India.) Indian women will never return a strangers glare. We may disagree with it all, but it pays to play it safe. If you are foreign, you will likely get a lot of attention. Don’t be put off by this; it is generally harmless. By-and-large, India is safer than the US (e.g. much lower homicide rate, etc). Just don’t egg on male attention by returning it.

Take care of yourself. Eat well. Sleep well. Listen to your body. Don't overexert yourself, particularly in the beginning while you are acclimating. Feel comfortable telling the sisters you want to take a day or a few hours to rest or sightsee. You can determine your own level of involvement. They will understand. The sisters will make your life easier then you imagine.

Monday, June 18, 2012

WHAT DO I NEED TO TRAVEL TO INDIA?

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