India

Teaching, Care Work, Health, Social Work & Community Development

  Destination Profile India
  Capital: New Delhi
  Surface Area: 3,287 thousand sq km
  Population: 1,203.3 million (2009)
  Official Language: Hindi, English
  Exchange Rate: A$1 = 40.3307 Rupees (Aug 2009)


Placement Information
Placements are available in a rural area three hours from Mumbai. The region has numerous villages, 30% of which are tribal. This area is subject to monsoon rains in May/June so it can be very lush and green with fantastic waterfalls. All students are strongly encouraged to conduct research and write a report on a chosen area of interest whilst in India. Students for all placements are required to submit a resume, and will then be offered a place on the program on the basis of their application. In India, placements may involve work in the following fields:

Teaching
There are lots of different options if you wish to teach in India. Most will teach English, Maths, handicrafts and sports to government school children. The children are tribal and rural with no educational family background. If you have skills and experience in this area you may get involved with developing teaching aids and refreshment programs for teachers.

Care Work:
If you are interested in care work you can choose between teaching and care work in a school for the physically handicapped or care work in a local orphanage. The days are rarely structured and so students need to be flexible and proactive to manage their own placement.

Health, Physiotherapy, OT, Speech Therapy, Dentistry
Students choosing one of these options need to be studying a health related discipline. Nursing, medical, health science or dentistry students may shadow staff during procedures at the chosen hospital or organisation. This may include working in different departments and where possible we can match interests and experience. Indian policy stipulates that students have observer status only. Students are not allowed to perform procedures on patients and students will be supervised at all times by local staff. An elective placement in India offers invaluable clinical experience and insight into nursing practice in a tropical, resource-poor setting. To profit from this experience, nursing students must be flexible, self-sufficient and ableto direct their own learning. Students may also have the opportunity to conduct a health awareness camp for adolescents, work on health check-up camps, dental check-ups for children and adults or family planning
programs.

Social Work, Community Development
The placement is focused on social and international development and provides students with a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience within India’s civil society. Whilst on placement you will be placed in a local or national non-governmental organisation and conduct a research project according to your skills and interests whist learning the daily workings of a development organisation both in the office and out in the field. The placement is tailored to suit your skills, experience and interest and are available in a number of fields including:

• Sustainable Agricultural Development
• Leprosy Hospital
• Women's Hospital
• Women's Groups/Skill Centres for Women
• Special Needs School
• Working with the Visually Impaired/Blind
• Mother Teresa’s Home
• Animal Rescue & Care
• Working in Slums (Teaching, Women's Groups, Health/Hygiene Campaigns)
• Old Age Homes
• Writing/Research - for NGOs

Accommodation
Students will live in a share house with other members of the program. The houses are clean and comfortable, but can be basic. Staff live in the house to provide meals and secure environment.

Language Requirements
Business in India is conducted in English. However when on practical fieldwork trips in the rural areas, a basic knowledge of Hindi will be useful. Students will be able to learn the basics during the first month.

Free Time Suggestions
Students will be placed in the Maharashtra region a few hours from Mumbai. Mumbai is an eclectic and busy city that has ample things for students to do on the weekend. Visit temples, museums and colourful markets and immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of India’s largest city. Students may also travel to Goa, an historical backpackers’ hub on southwest coast to spend well-deserved R&R on the beach.