India - S.M. Sehgal Foundation

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.