Language
Hindi is the official local language in Delhi, however English is
also widely spoken. Other languages include Punjabi, Urdu and Haryanavi.
Accommodations
You will stay with a local Indian family who will provide you with
your own room, most meals, include you in family activities, and
generally help you adjust to and learn about their culture and country.
Our families can host more than one volunteer at a time, so you
can stay in the same house with your friend(s) or partner. You may
also need to share a room with another volunteer if you are traveling
alone.
Meals
Meals usually will be vegetarian and will be freshly cooked 2/3
times a day depending on your program. A typical Indian meal consists
of rice, roti (bread), dal (lentils), vegetables and salad. Meat
is seldom cooked, however you can always order some if you wish
to eat.
Communications
We strongly suggest that you have a mobile phone while in India.
You can bring an "unlocked" GSM phone from home, or buy
a mobile phone at one of the numerous market areas in Delhi (phones
start at 50 USD). For the SIM card, we recommend that you buy the
SIM card at the airport upon arrival, due to new telecommunication
laws (SIM cards are 15 USD). For Internet access, there are shops
about 10-minutes away from your host families. Your host family
will also have a phone that you can use for emergencies and local
calls.
Transportation
Our local Delhi Coordinator will pick you up at the airport and
accompany you to your host family. It is best to arrange a flight
that arrives during the day. However if you arrive late at night,
we will take you to a hotel (cost is included in your program fee).
On a daily basis in Delhi, volunteers usually travel by "auto
rickshaw" by themselves (1.5 USD per 10km). Our local coordinator
will show you how to do that for the first day. At the end of your
program, your Coordinator will accompany you to the airport.
Health & Safety
Delhi is safe in terms of personal safety as well as health, especially
compared to other large Indian cities. The biggest problem faced
by volunteers is usually an occasional upset stomach as their bodies
adjust to the food and water and warmer climate. Only drink bottled
water, which costs $0.30 (12 Rupees). There is also the risk of
malaria, so check with your travel doctor to see if malaria medication
might be appropriate. There are medical clinics and large hospitals
in Delhi that can handle basic and serious medical problems.
Climate/Weather
The climate of Delhi is very hot and mostly dry. High temperatures
range from 90 F in April to 120 F in June. There is a brief wet
monsoon season in July/August. Click here
for the current forecast.
Sightseeing & Activities
There are many sightseeing and cultural events to see in and around
the Delhi area as well as in the Northern and Western regions of
the city. Some of the highlights include the Qutab Minar, Red Fort,
Himayuns Tomb, and Lotus Temple. You can also to go visit the Agra
Taj Mahal on weekends.
