S.M. Sehgal Foundation
The S.M. Sehgal Foundation (formerly known as IRRAD) in Gurgaon, India, has hosted interns since 2011.
Established in 1999, the S.M. Sehgal Foundation strives to reduce poverty in rural areas through education, better health, improved career skills, and supportive governance.
The Foundation carries out research and development in capacity building, natural resources management, rural research, policy and governance.
Interns at the S.M. Sehgal Foundation work alongside renowned international researchers and experts - like Jane Schukoske - in the fields and villages of Gurgaon.
The students also have the opportunity to to travel around India with their host families and colleagues to see the Kingdom of Dreams theatre, Damdama lake, Sheetali Devi Temple, Leisure Valley Park, the Aravali Mountains, and the Sultanpur National Park.
Travel Information for India
Suggested Travel Link: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/India.html
Visa required: Tourist Visa Required
Passport: Required
Travelers Heath & Vaccinations: Visit the CDC website at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list
Embassies & Consulates Contact:
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U.S. Embassy New Delhi - Shantipath, Chanakyapuri New Delhi - 110021 India
Telephone:+(91)(11) 2419-8000
Emergencies:+(91)(11) 2419-8000
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U.S. Consulate General Chennai (Madras) - 220 Anna Salai at Gemini circle Chennai, India 600006
Telephone: +(91)(44) 2857-4000
Emergencies:(0) 44-2857-4000 Ask for American Citizen Services
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U.S. Consulate General Hyderabad - Paigah Palace 1-8-323, Chiran Fort Lane Begumpet, Secunderabad 500 003 Hyderabad, India
Telephone: +(91)(40) 4033-8300
Emergencies: 4033-8300 Ask for American citizen Services
Geography: Refer back to "International Internship Sites"
Cellular apps (highly suggested to download prior to departure): US Embassy. Airlines the intern will be traveling through. Whatsapp
Images licensed by CC-BY-SA and GFDL (courtesy: )
COMMON QUESTIONS SUMMER INTERNS ASKED S.M. SEHGAL FOUNDATION |
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Who will pick me up at the airport? Where exactly should I meet this person? Who would I contact and at what phone number if my flight is behind schedule and extremely late in arriving? A staff driver of S M Sehgal Foundation will meet you at the exit gate of the airport. He will be holding an S M Sehgal Foundation placard with your name. The driver’s details will be sent to you a few days before you leave for India. What is the weather usually like during the period June through August? You can expect temperatures ranging anywhere from 38 – 45 degrees Celsius (100 – 113 degrees Fahrenheit). It usually rains by the end of July and then it will be humid as well. Drinking a lot of fluids is essential. Please carry a bottle of water with you at all times. Sehgal Foundation has a RO water filter for drinking water. Describe the range of attire required during the internship: Sehgal Foundation’s dress code is business casuals, both Indian and Western clothes are worn. Conservative attire is required for village visits. Girls/women must dress in traditional Indian attire (covering the body & legs completely and at least half the arms with a long scarf/dupatta/stole). Men can wear western clothes but shorts are discouraged. Indian Attire can be bought when you get here. Will there be a need for more formal clothing? No business casual is acceptable. What clothing is culturally accepted/common inside and outside the research station for foreigners? In the city it is acceptable to wear Western and Indian attire however, we discourage girls/ women from wearing short skirts or tops with a deep neckline. Dorm-style housing? Home-hosing with a family? You will be living on Sehgal Foundation’s campus and will be accommodated in a “flat-let” (a single room with a private, attached bathroom). Individual or common bathrooms? individual Laundry facilities? A washing machine is available for self use. Are towels and bedding provided? Yes Will I need an electrical adapter for my small appliances? India uses 240 volts power supply as compared to 110 volts used in most western countries. Generally all notebooks and cell phone adaptors have 100 – 240 Volts power supply. If one is carrying an appliance such as a hair dryer, it will require a “step down” adapter, which can be purchased at Radio Shack. Please make sure to check with the seller on the specification of the appliance and the step down device. Where are meals taken? Simple vegetarian Indian meals are served in the cafeteria (on Sehgal Foundation campus); timings of the meals are mentioned in the Flat-let Policy Will there be other high school or college students living and working there this summer? Yes. Is it advisable for me to bring a laptop computer with me? Yes, you should bring a laptop with you. Will I have access to a work computer? No Will I have Internet access at work? And in my living quarters? Yes, the office and the flat-lets are equipped with wireless internet. Our network administrator will give you access upon arrival. 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, you will receive an orientation on your first day in office. You will learn about Sehgal Foundation and its work and, a session will also be dedicated to discussing local customs, safe practices, etc. Is the workweek Monday through Friday? The typical workday consists of how many hours? A typical work week is Monday through to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. We take a half- hour break for lunch at 1:00 p.m. What churches are available in the area of the research center? There are many churches in Gurugram (Gurgaon). The following link that lists some churches: http://churchfinder.wordpress.com/2006/07/17/gurgaon/ How can I access currency? (Is there a bank near the center?) A list of ATMs and places for currency exchange are mentioned in Sehgal Foundation’s Handbook Will I have a workspace or desk where I can work or study? Yes, you will have a workspace in office and a study table within your flat-let as well. |
Student Research Projects
Evaluating Challenges Farmers Face Implementing Modern Irrigation Practices (2019)
Mewat: Understanding Climate Change and the Use of Salt Tolerant Crops (2019)
Identifying Factors Promoting the Use of Purification Technology (2018)
Comparative Study of Micro Irrigation: Present Scenario, Adoption, and Future in Mewat (2017)
Evaluating the Effect of the Krishi Sakhi Model of Agricultural Extension on the Alwar Region of Rajasthan, India (2016)
Using Video Training to Bridge the Gender Gap in Agriculture (2015)
Analyzing the Pro-Women Approach of IRRAD (2013)
Studying Community Radio and its Effects on Development in Mewat, Haryana (2012)
Civil Engineering at the Grassroots: Management of Water in Mewat Villages (2011)