Q.1. Do the volunteers need any qualification?
A. No,but they need soft heart for children,adaptibility to different cultures and societies and really motivated mind to something.

Q.2. Do the volunteers have to speak English fluently?
A. No, but the language spoken among the volunteers and staffs is English.So volunteers are expected to speak basic english[ few] at least.

Q.3. Whether any Volunteer can work in different project at a time or can choose their own project?
A.All Volunteers can choose their project at the time of Application but organization will only decide about their place of work soon after their arrival and after a face to face meeting with the volunteer.No Volunteers are allowed to work in two different projects at the same time.All volunteers are requested to work in their own project for their whole term unless they have the permission from the Organization Head.

Q.4. How much does a volunteer need to join any program?
A. Living cost + flight cost+ Vaccination cost [ asked the indian embassy at your place]+ Personal cost.

Q.5. Are there any special things to bring?
A. No. but if any volunteer like to gift anything to any poor kid that will be welcomed. In kolkata volunteer will get everything of their daily requirements.

Q.6. Are there any hospital in kolkata?
A. Yes. There are many good hospitals in kolkata,some best hositals are in south and center kolkata.

Q.7. Are Internet and Phone available?
A. Yes.There are many phone booths and Internet cafes .Internet: Rs.10-15/hour.

Q.8. What Language is spoken in kolkata?
A. Native language is Bengali and Hindi but many people know english,Happy home slum and street children speaks Bengali so it is easy for the volunteers to learn Local Language.

Q.9. Does SMILE relates to any kind of political or religious activities?
A. No.

Q.10. What kind of surroundings is the SMILE Office located ?
A. SMILE Head Office is located in madhyamgram ,extreme north side of kolkata(20 km away from center of kolkata).It is 6 k.m away from the kolkata Air Port and 1-2 k.m away from the nearest bus and Rail station.It is a very calm and peaceful place though the market is very much alive with many people.

Q.11. How the Living cost spent?
A. Living cost cover volunteers' Food,Accommodation,drinking water.Total amount received will directly goes to the host families and guest houses as your living cost.SMILE does not take any money out of the volunteer's living cost.Your living cost is non refundable and non transferable in case of your early leave from the project due to any of your personal reason or sickness.

Q.12. Is there any dress restrictions?  

A. Yes. All volunteers are requested not to ware any sleeveless shirts,shorts,bikinies outside of their own room.

Q.13. Can we smoke or drink alcohole?

A. No. It is also requested to every incoming volunteer not to  smoke or drink alcohole in SMILE project areas or accommodations.

Q.14.Do we need to bring sleeping bag & mosquito net?

A. If you can bring these things would be great. 

Q.15. How much the living cost ?

A. The approximate living cost in host families /guest houses would be Euro 100/week (min: 2 weeks ,max:3 weeks)  and Euro 80/week for 4 weeks and longer term. These living cost are for 3 times local food and shared accommodation. If you wish to take part in any tour programme or in our special programmes for groups with weekends tour package then your living cost would varies with the type of the programmes.Please contact our office for details.

Q.16. What types of food and accommodation we get during our term with SMILE?

A. Please get ready for a  basic type of living standered.You will get 3 times local food and shared accommodation with other volunteers(2-4 person in a room,male & female live at separate rooms unless they are legally married husband and wife). Organization can organize better living standered on special request against an extra charges according to the living standered offered. Please contact our office for more details. 

Q.17. Can I stay outside and arrange my own living arrangement ?

A. Sorry, we do not allow it.

Q.18. Can you arrange better living standered for senior group?

A. Yes. we can arrange it against extra cost.

Q.19. Do you have any programme for my whole family?

A. Obcourse , we do. Please contact our office for more details.

Q.20. What about my laundry and other types washing/cleaning?

A.  You are requested to use the nearby laundries for your personal use. 

Q.21. Can you tell me something about toilet and water supplies?

A. In our accommodations there are normally 3 types of water supplies (ie: mineral water for drinking; 24 hrs. water supply for shower/toilet and a separate water supply for washing dishes).You can have both indian as well as western toilet set up. please bring toilet paper for your use.

Q.22. Do you have any tips for our and our valuables' safety?

A. Please follow these points while you are in India....

i) Never make any quick friendship or take any food/drinks from strangers.

ii) Never show your valuables like money,passport and other things in public.

iii) Always lock your own luggage.

iv) Follow the instructions given by your project manager.

v) Take maleria tablets as per your doctor's instructions.

vi) Follow the organization's rules and regulations closely.

vii) Drink lots of water.

vii) Use sun protective cream and sun glasses while you going outside during summer season.

viii) Use mosquito repellent with max. deet.

ix) Bring ATM cards (visa,master etc.) for your personal use.Do not bring cash money other than your living cost which you need to pay by cash to our representative soon after you arrive.

x) You should have your own valid travel and medical insurances with you.