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Q.1. How much does this trip to India cost?
A. SMILE is the only organization who do not charge any Admin / Registration fees from any incoming international volunteer, so as a international volunteer you just required to cover only your food and accommodation in the host family/guest houses/hotel.There are many experienced local service providers who helped us to organize the living arrangement for our incoming volunteers in different guest houses and host families as per available on their arrival.You can enjoy this volunteer trip as the most affordable international volunteer trip of its kind. If you have researched other volunteer organizations, you might have found that SMILE programs are typically more than 100% benifited than other leading volunteer organizations. We wish everyone can afford volunteering and be the part of our proud volunteer team.
Q.2. Are the trips safe?
A. Joining SMILE is just like coming to your family in India! Soon you arrive you will be placed to your accommodation where you just required to follow the safety and security rules to get a homely environment ! As we work very closely with the community and local culture so you are requested to follow and respect the culture and tradition of the communities and host families. We make sure all of our volunteers get a comprehensive safety introduction upon arrival by the member of SMILE. We also have established a safety environment to assure the same feelings of safety and security, as you would have at your home. We strongly believe in the concept that when at home, people are surrounded by friends and family members who are willing to assist them at a moments notice. So be the part of SMILE family.
Q.3. Who can take part in our programmes?
A. Anyone who are....
*Travellers who want to contribute their time to the poor communities
*Students on summer, winter, spring or gap year vacations
*Graduates and post graduates seeking experience in the field of international development
*Professionals on career breaks, on leave from their professions
*Retirees seeking to do try something different
*Groups and families
*Individuals looking for a break
*University,College & High School groups
Q.4. How far ahead should I sign up?
A. As soon as you decide your plan. We have limited numbers of seats so be quick to book your place with us.
Q.5. How do I apply?
A. It is very easy. Just logon to our home page and contact us with your queries. Soon you got answers, go ahead with the online application form to book your seat ! We will confirm your placement in 1-2 days with all the required info. Now you just required to send us your arrival flight details and that's it!! You need not require to give any advance payment for your booking !! Just be sure while applying and let us inform if there is any change in your plan. We respect your decisions.
Q.6. How much money do I need to bring?
A. It depends on how much you want to dine out, any extra tours you would like to take and the amount of purchases you make. These are all things you will want to consider when deciding how much money you should bring with you. Most importantly, you should carry your money with you in a safe manner ,so our advise would be just bring your ATM card(master/visa) and withdraw from the near by ATM machines when you need it.
Q.7. How many people will be in my program?
A. The number of volunteers varies throughout the year. Please keep in mind that regardless of how many volunteers are in your project, there will always be local members to answer your questions and help you in any emergency situations. Please remember that we do not disclose our volunteers' contact details without their written permission. So we may not share any contact details of our past or present volunteers.
Q.8. What are the program requirements?
A. We simply ask that volunteers are open-minded, flexible, and respectful of cultures and traditions, determined and motivated. Any special qualifications you may have are always useful.
Q.9. Can I travel with a friend / friends?
A. You may certainly seek placement with a friend/ friends. Please indicate in your application, and we will do our best to place you in the same accommodation and/or project. Please keep in mind that this is subject to availability.
Q.10. Where can I get a background check?
A. A criminal background check is required. We recommend using American Database. The background check that is required is called the 'Instant Criminal Search'. Please make sure that you e-mail a scanned copy of your search certificate. We will not accept criminal background searches that are simply a part of the body of your e-mail.
Q.11. Do I have to get any vaccinations?
A. This is an important point. Please contact with your local physician. For more information visit the Centre for Disease Control Website" to research the most up-to-date information on recommended vaccinations. Please keep in mind that some vaccinations can take more than 4 weeks to take effect, so schedule an appointment with your physician at least 4 weeks prior to your departure date.
Q.12. What is culture shock and how do I deal with it?
A. Culture shock is a state of mind that affects people who travel to a different country for the first time. It can result in many symptoms, both physical and mental. This homesickness can result in a negative volunteer abroad experience. Although sadness and loss are natural when living in a new place far from home, you can take steps to avoid culture shock. One of the easiest ways to avoid culture shock is to learn as much as possible about your target country before applying to volunteer there. Some helpful sites like lonely planet site or US state department's website can give you some idea about the country where you heading. The realities of the lives of the street and poor people in India when compared to conditions in the Western world can make you sad and bring cultural shock in you. Our request you to come with a flexible mind and help us to bring smiles.
Q.13. What should I pack?
A. You can follow traditional packing lists, but here are several items that would be particularly helpful for this volunteer experience:
1. A bed sheet
2. Malaria medication
3. Flashlight
4. Umbrella
5. mosquito repellent with DEET
6. Sunscreen
7. Alarm clock OR watch with alarm clock
8. Journal
9. Sleeping bag
10. Any games or craft items like Origami would be great for the kids and photos of your family and friends!
Clothing: -fibrous (ex: linen or cotton or anything that is COOL and dries fast in natural sun) for women, bring conservative clothing that covers the shoulders (ex: shirts with capped sleeves) NO shorts, bikinis, sleeveless clothes outside your own bed room.
1 sandal
2 head covering (bandanas, hat)
3 towels that dries FAST.
Luggage that is easy to carry. We recommend a hiking backpack over other types.
Q.14. 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.15. 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. Though there are many local members/volunteers who can not speak English at all. We believe that language never can stop doing welfare activities. Let’s join us to help.
Q.16. 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 any special permission from the project manager.
Q.17. 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.18. 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 city volunteer will get everything of their daily requirements.
Q.19. Are there any hospital around?
A. Yes. There are many good hospitals in city centre; some best hospitals are in south and centre of the city as well.
Q.20. Are Internet and Phone available?
A. Yes. There are many phone booths and Internet cafes .Internet: Rs.10-15/hour.
Q.21. 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.22. Does SMILE relates to any kind of political or religious activities?
A. No. It is a non religious and non political voluntary service organization.
Q.23. what kind of surroundings is the SMILE Office located?
A. SMILE Head Office is located in Madhya gram, extreme north side of kolkata(20 km away from centre 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.24. Is there any dress restrictions?
A. Yes. All volunteers are requested not to ware any sleeveless shirts,shorts,bikinies outside of their own bed room and respect the local culture and tradition.
Q.25. Can we smoke or drink alcohol?
A. No. It is also requested to every incoming volunteer not to smoke or drink alcohol in any of our project areas or accommodations.
Q.26.Do we need to bring sleeping bag & mosquito net?
A. If you can bring these things would be great.
Q.27. Do you have any programme for my whole family?
A. Obcourse , we do have many programmes only for the families. Please contact our office for more details.
Q.28. What about my laundry and other types washing/cleaning?
A. You are requested to use the nearby outside laundries for your personal use.
Q.29. Can you tell me something about toilet and water supplies?
A. In our accommodations there are normally 3 types of water supplies i.e.: mineral water for drinking (only in the host families); 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.30. 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) 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.
xi) Please cooperate with the host families and guest house members. Follow the check in and check out time closely.
xii) Please do not get involved with any kind of illegal activities. Organization will terminate your participation soon after you found involved in any doubtful activities.
xiii) Please follow the guidelines and instructions given during the orientation meeting.
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