India - ICRISAT

How will I get from my hometown to my internship site?

The World Food Prize Foundation will arrange flights from your nearest hometown airport to Hyderabad, India. Upon arrival an ICRISAT driver will pick you up from the airport and drive you to campus. ICRISAT will arrange and pay for travel to field sites.

What is the weather usually like during the period June through August?

The weather in June will be hot. However, we also start getting rains in the same month, you should be ready for this. You can bring an umbrella and a light sweater or jacket.

Describe the range of attire required during the internship:

Dress code inside the campus and during meetings is casual. Jeans are allowed with non-revealing tops. Shorts and flip flops are not allowed during office hours. 

Casual, light cotton pants, jeans and tops, dresses etc. India is generally more conservative and it is recommended to wear long pants/skirts/dresses and non-revealing tops. 

Previous interns noted to bring extra t-shirts because you sweat through them quickly.
 

Will there be a need for more formal clothing?

Yes, there may be more formal or professional meetings to attend, so it is suggested that you bring one or two formal outfits, such as a dress or light suit. Additionally, previous interns have had the opportunity to buy traditional clothing, such as a sari, that would be considered formal attire. 

What clothing is culturally accepted/common inside and outside the research station for foreigners?

Outside the ICRISAT campus, dress code can be casual (even jeans are allowed). The kurta and salwar kameez with dupatta (Indian dress) are also recommended and are easy to use.  While in the village/rural areas for field work, the Indian dress would be ideal as it makes you part of the village and also protects your body from exposure to sun.

General description of accommodations:

Interns stay in an apartment-style dormitory on the ICRISAT campus that they share if there is another Borlaug-Ruan Intern on campus. If the intern travels to a field station, they may stay in a hotel or guest house depending on the location.

The dormitory is very close to offices and residences of staff. Dorm staff, which are mostly men, is available 24/7. They are generally courteous and most of them having basic knowledge of English. It is suggested that foreigners should speak slowly.

Individual or common bathrooms?

There is an independent bathroom in your room.

Laundry facilities?

There are laundry facilities on site. ICRISAT has a system where it offers laundry bags and the house keepers retrieve them once full each time they come to clean your room.

Are towels and bedding provided?

Yes. Towels and bedding are provided and changed each time the house keepers enter the room. Previous interns recommend bringing a larger personal towel and your own pillowcase for comfort, if desired.

Will I need an electrical adapter for my small appliances?

Yes, you will need an adapter and it is recommended that you bring Types C, M and D. If you plan to bring a blow dryer or other small appliances, you may also need a voltage converter.

Where are meals taken? 

There is a canteen on campus where you will take your meals. There is also a refrigerator in your room that can be used for your liking. Your meals are paid for in advance by the World Food Prize Foundation and ICRISAT will provide a meal card to use the canteen. Upon arrival, make sure you receive the meal card from Dr. Padmaja. 

Previous interns also noted that there is a convenience store open behind the pool where you can get snacks, supplies for your room (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.) and other items if needed.

Will there be other high school or college students living and working there this summer?

Yes. There may be other non-residential college interns working at ICRISAT over the summer as well as postgraduate students living and working on campus. You are welcome and encouraged to interact with them.

Is it advisable for me to bring a laptop computer with me? 

Yes, it is recommended that interns bring their own laptop or tablet.

Will I have access to a work computer?

This is quite difficult so please bring your own laptop, if possible.

Will I have internet and cell phone service?

You will have internet access throughout the campus. It is recommended that you buy a local SIM card to have cell phone service outside of campus. You may buy a SIM card at the airport, use an eSIM app such as Airalo or Holafly or ask your supervisor for assistance in obtaining a SIM.

Will I receive an orientation to local customs, where I should and should not go, wise safety practice for the area, etc.?  Would such guidance/mentoring throughout the summer come from a person other than my direct project supervisor?  If so, who is the person and how do I contact her/him?

Yes. Interns will be guided properly by the Learning System Unit (LSU) team, as well as their scientist supervisor regarding the local customs. The LSU Coordinator is available to all interns except when Coordinator is on official tour. However, there is always someone at the Learning Systems Unit (LSU) to assist interns.

Describe a typical work week.

ICRISAT runs on a normal five day work week (Monday-Friday), 8:00 - 4:30 PM. Staff coming from the city will reach the office by 8:15 AM. There are tea/coffee breaks in the morning and afternoon and also lunch break. We strongly encourage you to participate in these breaks with your colleagues.

What churches are available in the area of the research center?

There is a chapel inside the campus that is open on Sundays and sometimes mass is held, which is pre-announced a few days before.

How can I access currency?  (Is there a bank near the center?)

The ICRISAT campus has a bank open weekdays 8:30 - 4:00 and an ATM near the canteen. Many interns exchange cash before arrival in India, however you may get a better exchange rate using the bank and ATM on campus. Remember to alert your bank of international travel so that you do not run into any issues.

In case of a medical need or emergency, is there a clinic or medical facility near the place I will be working?

There is a doctor's office on campus for illness or other emergencies that is free of charge for interns. It is advised that interns bring any over-the-counter medicine (ibuprofen, acetaminophen, antacids etc) that they anticipate needing during their internship.

Will I have a workspace or desk where I can work or study?

A workspace is provided in Dr Padmaja’s or LSU office.