FAQs

Can't find the answer to your question? We're always happy to hear from you. Contact a ISAC program advisor at info@indiastudyabroad.org

General Questions about ISAC

Why should I pay to volunteer or participate in ISAC programs?

ISAC is an independent social enterprise with no governmental funding or religious affiliations. Like most other internship/volunteering programs ISAC charges a fee that covers the cost of operating these programs. These operating costs include cost of placement, accommodation, meals, honorariums to academic directors/sector-specific resources, qualified program staff, marketing/outreach, donations to placement sites and other organizational overheads that facilitate a large number of students participation in ISAC programs.
Below is an excerpt from a book on international volunteering that helps to explain the necessity of this fee.

How to Live Your Dream of Volunteering Overseas
Authors Joseph Collins, Stefano DeZerega, and Zahara Heckscher. ©Penguin Putnam, Inc., 2002. Prospective volunteers are surprised to learn that many programs charge their volunteers a fee to participate. At first, this can seem ridiculous —Why should you pay money to work for free? Aren't you already forgoing income you could be making? Here are a few things to keep in mind while trying to understand why the vast majority of programs charge international volunteers a fee:

- The local organizations and projects with which you volunteer overseas have limited resources and are seldom able to subsidize your trip or cover the costs of hosting you. (These costs include housing, feeding and transporting you, among numerous other things.)

- Identifying appropriate host organizations overseas and working with them is time-consuming, takes resources, and requires an experienced and professional staff.

- The process of preparing, training, transporting, housing, feeding, and supervising volunteers is not cheap. Additional services such as health care, re-entry assistance, travel medical insurance, and more, all add to the expenses of a program.

- The costs of recruiting volunteers, producing literature, answering the phones, sending mailings, developing a website, and interviewing potential volunteers are significant.

How many people have participated in ISAC projects?

ISAC since its inception in 2006 has hosted nearly 1100 students for various programs.

How does ISAC ensure safety?

Volunteer safety is of paramount importance to us at ISAC. ISAC does its due diligence on all accounts including volunteer safety and security for all new projects before opening it to volunteers. This includes identifying reliable local emergency contacts and point of contact in case of emergency for each site. ISAC has well trained staff to deal with emergencies of any nature at any given point of time and are quick to reach out to volunteers in case of any turn of events. ISAC programs follow best practices prevalent internationally and followed by excellent organizations offering similar programs. For more information on our emergency guidelines, please write to info@indiastudyabroad.org.

What is the difference between a volunteer and an intern?

Formally, an internship requires the intern to have studied or be studying the subject in question. In practical terms, much depends on the educational establishment of the intern. Some universities and colleges will accept pretty much any kind of volunteering in a vaguely relevant field as an internship, and not require much more than a quick note confirming the dates of the volunteer’s participation.

Others require a more formal structure, a minimum number of hours worked, an expert as supervisor and reams of paperwork at the end of it all. If the internship requirements of your university are quite flexible, extend your search to volunteer programs as well – some may well be suitable as an internship. Start by understanding your university’s requirements for the internship, and make these clear to the volunteer program from the start, to ensure they will be able and willing to meet them.

Can I receive academic credit for my participation in an ISAC program?

It may be possible to get academic credit for your program.Only academic departments can offer credit, and policies differ greatly from one department to the next. Often your choice of program must relate directly to your major and will require you to complete a substantial research project or writing component as part of a special studies course. To know whether your major and choice of program match your academic needs, write to us at info@indiastudyabroad.org

Program Requirements

What's included in the program fees?

> The program fee includes the following services:

- Pre departure orientation and support
- Airport pickup on arrival
- Transportation from Mumbai to Program site (in case the program site is different from Mumbai)
- Cultural adjustment, health and safety orientation.
- Program orientation and overview by qualified program personnel (Program Director/Academic Director/Sr. Program Managers)
- Local cellular phone / sim card for incoming calls and emergency use on day of arrival
-Shared accommodation at ISAC guest houses. The accommodation at all ISAC program locations is secure, centrally located and basic but comfortable. Most ISAC guest houses have power backup, hot water, modern amenities, internet access, television, a well equipped kitchen, day staff for cooking and cleaning .
- Three meals a day: Indian vegetarian meals. ISAC does not serve meat at guest houses for health and hygiene reasons. Often curries or breakfast might include eggs. Vegan meals can also be arranged on request.
- Support during program activities and monitoring (Program activities are Monday to Friday. Weekends are free for students’ personal travel).
- Weekly reviews of the program with qualified program personnel (Program Director/Program Manager/Academic Director). This includes reviews of the participants learning, contribution to placement organization, facilities, logistics and program content.
- Help/support/certification in completing participant’s requirements for academic credit.
- 24 Hour emergency support (7 days a week).

The cost does NOT include:

- Any overnight accommodation in Mumbai if your flight arrives before program date.
- Daily local transportation. (Proper guidance will be provided to participants on how to use local transport systems.)
- Air ticket to India, visa fees and any travel insurance will be the responsibility of the student.
- Weekend and overnight excursions outside the program activities will have to be paid by the students directly.
- Expenses of personal nature like table drinks, fruits, juices, other snacks or personal preference meal items, mineral water, international telephone calls, or any other expenses which are not included in the above list, would be borne by the students.
- Airport Drop at the end of the program is not included in program cost.

What is ISAC's refund policy?

In the event of circumstances beyond our control, ISAC reserves the right to cancel any program at any time. ISAC also reserves the right to reject an individual at any time prior to departure, at its sole discretion. In the unlikely event that a program is canceled, or if a person is rejected the total amount paid to ISAC will be refunded.

If you cancel your program for any reason, you must notify ISAC in writing. If you cancel, you may apply the non-refundable deposit of USD 300 to another ISAC program scheduled within 12 months of the original arrival date, subject to space availability. If you cancel within 30 days or less of the scheduled arrival date in country, you will be charged 50% of the program fee and the balance will be refunded to you. No portion of the program fee is refundable after the program start date. Furthermore, no refunds will be made for unused portions of your program or because of your inability to participate according to the scheduled itinerary. Please note that any airfare penalties charged by any airline or travel agent are not ISAC responsibility.

How do I pay my deposit? Do you accept cheques?

We accept online payments through credit/debit cards only. To make payments, you must login to your account on our website and make relevant payments.

Do I have to speak the local language to go on the program?

ISAC programs do not require knowledge of the local language as English is widely spoken in India. We also believe that navigating through diverse cultures and languages is an integral part of experiential learning. While ISAC provides participants with a list of essential phrases in the local languages, most placement sites have coordinators who converse in English and students on programs as short as 3 weeks often understand the local language (some even begin conversing in them)!

Are ISAC projects open to high schoolers?

Although no prior experience or other training is required to participate in ISAC program, the participant must be preferably over 18 years of age, easygoing and flexible. The students should be able to adjust to inconveniences caused due to disturbances in communications, power and water supply in some remote areas of India.

Travel and Living in India

Do I need a passport or visa to go on the program?

You will need a valid passport for your travel to India. For updated information on Indian visa requirements and rules visit the following links:
For information and online visa applications: http://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/
For citizens of the United Kingdom: http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk/
For citizens of the USA :
http://india.travisa.com/TVSVisaInstructions.aspx?CountryID=IN&&PartnerID=TA&GLID=AUS
For citizens of Australia : http://www.vfs-in-au.net/
For Canadian citizens: http://in.vfsglobal.ca/

How will the weather be in India?

The climate in India is predominately influenced by the Himalayas and the Thar Desert which together drive the alternating monsoons which drive the weather changes in India.

India can basically be split up into 7 different climatic regions which play host to 4 different climates. As you move around India you will find a variety of weather conditions ranging from tropical wet to tropical dry and subtropical humid to montane.

Extending from 8 degrees north to 33 degrees north and with a wide variety of terrain it is understandable why such a variety of weather conditions prevail. India is home to the highest mountain range in the world- the Himalayas, so here you will find permanent snow fields that are frozen year in year out. As you move south and head toward the tropical coastlands you will find conditions that are fairly typical of a tropical climate. In the vast plains of the Ganges valley, summers can get unbearably hot and even in the winter months the conditions stay fairly warm.

As a whole, India’s climate is driven by the Asiatic Monsoon system which differs from any other weather system in the world in that the winds which determine the climate are ever changing from year to year, and there is no predictable weather pattern from year to year as the prevailing winds can change direction at any point in time.

JUNE to OCTOBER is when the south west monsoon comes through India. In different parts of the country the monsoon will come in at later periods, though on average it will hit in about June. During this time, in the mountains, very heavy rainfall is recorded.

A majority of ISAC’s programs are hosted around India’s diverse western region which include Maharashtra and Gujarat. Mumbai (formerly Bombay) is located in this region, and conditions here are fairly indicative of what weather prevails at sea level. The weather in Mumbai is tropical, and is home to two seasons- both of which are fairly enjoyable. The humid season in Mumbai is between March and October, and is characterized by humidity and temperatures over 30 °C. The average high during April, May and June is 32- 33 degrees and the minimum only falls to 26-27 degrees. Rainfall is at its highest during June and July, particularly in July.

The dry season in Mumbai, typically from November to February, sees moderate humidity and warm to cool weather. From January to February, cold northerly winds bring a mild chill through the area. Average minimums during this time are still a pleasant 12 degrees, maximums sit at about 29 degrees. Daily sunshine during this time is about 8 to 9 hours, which is a stark contrast from the 2 to 3 hours of sunlight during the cloudy months of July and August!

As we move away from Mumbai towards our other major program site in Malavli which is situated near the popular hill-station Lonavla there is a dip in temperatures and humidity levels. Weather in Malavli is mostly pleasant to chilly throughout the year. Rainfall can be heavy in the months of July and August with long burst of heavy rain that sometimes last for over 3-4 days.

ISAC’s other program area is around the desert state of Rajasthan, which is dry and, well, desert like. In almost all parts of this region rainfall is below 500mm annually and in some parts no more than 250mm of rain will fall in an entire year. In the hottest time of the year, from May to July, this region is in fact one of the most hot places in the whole world.

How will the food be while I'm on the program?

ISAC programs include 3 meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner). These meals are vegetarian, nutritious, non-spicy and cooked at our facilities by ISAC cooks. ISAC provides only vegetarian (mostly Indian) cuisine while on the program primarily for health and hygiene reasons; variable quality of meat and hot spices used for preparing curries can often lead to indigestion and sometimes serious gastrointestinal problems. There are a variety of excellent options for dining out close to most program sites where participants who need their fix of meat can enjoy a meal. Eggs are sometimes a part of the ISAC menu. Vegan meals and special dietary plans can be customized by ISAC staff provided the requests are sent to us at least 1 month prior to the participant’s arrival into India.

Is the tap water safe to drink?

Tap water may not be safe for drinking. However water purifiers have been installed at all ISAC guesthouses and this water is totally safe for consumption. ISAC recommends packaged water when dining out or while participants are travelling.

Will I need an electricity converter?

You might need universal plugs for your electronic gadgets.

What types of clothing should I bring?

As part of your pre-departure orientation, a sample suitcase list would be sent to all enrolled students. The dress code is conservative with minimal display of skin. Do not bring any tight fitting, short or see-through dresses. Spaghetti straps and shorts are often considered inappropriate at the program sites.

How should I bring my money?

Try to bring money in a variety of forms including: -

- Internationally accepted credit cards
- Travellers checks (be cautioned that exchanging these in rural areas can often be cumbersome and sometimes impossible) ATM Card
- Some cash in US dollars or Pounds that you can exchange into local currency
- Most preferable are credit cards and ATM cards as they provide you with maximum flexibility. You will find ATM machines at most locations and you can draw money from your account or get cash advances on your credit cards. Please bring all your relevant pin numbers with you.

Will I get access to internet and international calling phones?

Most ISAC guest houses have internet facilities in the form of wifi routers or modems. However, these services can be erratic, particularly in rural areas. Internet cafes are usually located in nearby locations and these can be utilized for a nominal cost. International dialling/messaging services are available on the local sim cards/cell phones provided to participants by ISAC. Since incoming calls on these local numbers are mostly free of cost we recommend that participants provide their contact numbers to friends and family overseas.

What vaccinations are required before I leave?

Before visiting India, you may need to get vaccinations and medications for vaccine-preventable diseases and other diseases you might be at risk for at your destination. Your doctor or health-care provider will determine what you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities.

To have the most benefit, see a health-care provider at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to allow time for your vaccines to take effect and to start taking medicine to prevent malaria, if you need it.

Even if you have less than 4 weeks before you leave, you should still see a health-care provider for needed vaccines, anti-malaria drugs and other medications and information about how to protect yourself from illness and injury while traveling.

If you have a medical condition, you should also share your travel plans with any doctors you are currently seeing for other medical reasons.

If your travel plans will take you to more than one country during a single trip, be sure to let your health-care provider know so that you can receive the appropriate vaccinations and information for all of your destinations. Long-term travelers, such as those who plan to work or study abroad, may also need additional vaccinations as required by their employer or school.

For latest health information while traveling to India visit:
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/india.htm

Medicines you may need:

- The prescription medicines you take every day. Make sure you have enough to last during your trip. Keep them in their original prescription bottles and always in your carry-on luggage. Please follow security guidelines if the medicines are liquids.
- Anti-malarial drugs, if traveling to a malaria-risk area in India and prescribed by your doctor. - Medicine for diarrhea, usually over-the-counter.

Note: Some drugs available by prescription in other countries are illegal in India. If your medication is not allowed in the country you will be visiting, ask your health-care provider to write a letter on office stationery stating the medication has been prescribed for you.