About the Organization

This program is offered through a partnership with the India Study Abroad Center, which provides on-site logistical assistance, making it a more comfortable entry to India for students who are not familiar with the country. ISAC monitors the program closely to ensure that students work in their area of interest and expertise and are able to contribute to the local issues as much as possible. The grassroots work is done in various villages in Maharashtra state (near Mumbai), including the towns of Pen, Lonavala, Kamshet, Karla and other nearby villages. Sample organizations include: Children's Future India (CFI) in Pen and Pune, Samparc, Sandhna Village and Balgram Malvali. These organizations are community based institutions working on the grassroots level for community development and provision of health and education services. Students are given a general orientation to all aspects of an organization's work and are placed within a department of their choice.

Job Description

A variety of internship projects are available depending on your interests and the local organizations needs. Areas of work include:

1. Rural Health Rotations: Students can rotate on mobile health vans or work in local government, charitable hospitals and small private clinics in the area. The program offers an excellent overview of the Indian rural health care system. Day trips to a nearby leprosy hospital can also be organized for those interested in infectious disease and also to see cataract surgeries. During Dec-Jan months students can get involved in more hands-on work by conducting health checkups for almost 5000 underserved children in the area.
2. HIV/ AIDS Intervention: The HIV/AIDS interventions are targeted towards migrant workers, fishermen, truck drivers, and youth in colleges and high school. Students can work in this department and also help out with documentation, putting together training materials for social workers etc.
3. Teach Rural Children: Teach English and Math to the children in village schools. Work with the NGO staff to organize play and stimulation activities like arts, crafts, sports etc. There is a huge need for teaching volunteers in the area. Schools in villages and orphanages are constantly in need of volunteers to teach English and also help with Math, sports and art activities with the children.
4. Program Development and Evaluation: For those interested in getting work experience on the program management side can work with the staff on grant proposals, program monitoring and evaluation strategies and strategic planning and program development in the office.

Projects that past volunteers have been involved in include:

Health Care:

• Work in the government hospital in Pen that provides health care services to poor patients
• Work with the mobile health clinic run by the NGO. This van travels to remote villages where there are no other health care facilities and provides care to rural populations.
• Work in health camps organized in the villages
• HIV/AIDS prevention /education

Education:

• Teach in a tribal school
• Teach and interact with children in a school for mentally challenged kids
• Work on the child sponsorship project, visiting different villages and talking to parents and children accompanied by a local social worker
• Teach English in rural schools

Community Development:

• Work on micro-credit programs
• Women’s self help groups in the area
• Community and Village development activities

There are also opportunities to participate in various social events as like wedding ceremonies, religious functions and dinners with their neighbors and work colleagues

# of Positions per term

8

Start Dates

any quarter

Duration of Internship

10 weeks to 6 months

Academic Background

Those studying international development, women’s studies, public health, education, anthropology and other majors are a good fit for this program. They must be interested in working and living in a developing country. Students will be placed in their area of interest. There are possibilities for pre-medical, nursing, dental and other health science students.

Skills/Experience

Must be outgoing, eager to learn, and flexible. Prior international travel helpful.

Language Ability

English required, willingness to learn some Marathi or Hindi helpful

Other Requirements

Total costs vary depending on how long you plan to be abroad, where you will be living, your personal spending habits, and current exchange rates. The following estimates will give you a ballpark figure for this internship. Get help with the math from our handy Cost Calculator.

IE₃ Program Fee

The program fee* for the first term of any internship is $2950 - $3150. You do not pay tuition in addition to the program fee. Visit your University's IE₃ page for details, costs for additional terms, and campus administrative fees.

*The program fee noted above reflects the anticipated fee increase that will go into effect for the Fall 2010 term and will apply to all terms thereafter.

Estimated One-Time Expenses

Expense Type	Price
Host Site Fees	$2050-$2350*
International Travel	$1400 - $2000
Visa Fees	$100
Recommended Immunizations	$200-$400

*See Additional Cost Information below.

Estimated Monthly Expenses

Expense Type	Price/month
Housing	included in ISAC fee
Food	$60 (see below for details)
Local Transportation	$30
Recreation	$50-$150
Personal Expenses	$30-$75

Compensation

None

Additional Expense Information

*The host site program fee is paid to ISAC by IE₃ on your behalf, then billed to you with the regular IE₃ program bill. The ISAC fee includes local arrangements, housing, most meals, use of a cell phone, transportation from the Mumbai airport and ongoing support by a local coordinator. The fee depends on the length of the internship:

• 10 weeks: $2050
• 12 weeks: $2350
• 6 months $4150

other lengths are possible - ask the IE₃ regional director for more information if you are considering a different length. These fees represent a discount of the regular ISAC fees.

The program is spread across several rural locations outside the city of Mumbai. Locations include Pen, Lonavala, Kamshet, Malvali and Karla. All these are located between Mumbai and Pune which are two major metropolitan areas. The settings are idyllic with hills, valleys, historic sites and popular trekking routes. Most of these areas are conveniently located and well connected with Mumbai, Pune and Goa.

Learn more on India Study Abroad Center's website at http://indiastudyabroad.org/