"India   is,   the   cradle   of   the   human   race,   the  birthplace   of   human   speech,   the   mother   of  history,   the   grandmother   of   legend,   and   the  great   grand   mother   of   tradi7on.   Our   most  valuable   and  most   instruc7ve  materials   in   the  history  of  man  are  treasured  up  in  India  only.“  

 MARK  TWAIN  

Welcome to India!

CONTENTS  •  Global  Community  Development  Programme  •  Discovering  India  •  Breaking  Barriers  •  Customer  Experience  Management  •  Culture  Shock  •  Contacts    

Register with us

•  If  you  are  a  GCDP  EP  who  has  been  matched  to  India,  fill  out  this  form:  

•  hEp://discover.aiesec.in/register/igcdp-­‐register/  

What is GCDP?

•  We aim at providing social impact opportunities that build young leaders who have the right set of skills, knowledge and attitude to make a difference to the society.

•  Development of entrepreneurial and responsible leadership by creating direct positive impact through international volunteer experience.

What have the EPs got to say?

What have the EPs got to say?

What have the EPs got to say?

Visit the Taj Mahal - The Epitome of Love

•  When  lisJng  the  things  one  must  do  in  India,  you  can’t  leave  Taj  Mahal  out.  Built  in  the  17th  century,  this  white  marble  monument  aEracts  thousands  of  tourists  from  all  over  the  world.  It  is  the  epitome  of  love  as  the  world  knows  it.  While  a  visit  to  Taj  Mahal  at  any  Jme  of  the  day  is  exciJng,  consider  visiJng  it  during  night,  preferably  on  a  full  moon  night.  The  charges  are  a  liEle  higher  for  night  visits,  but  it  is  worth  the  experience.  

Corbett National Park – A rendezvous with the wild side

A  rendezvous  with  the  wild  side  of  nature  is  always  an  exciJng  experience.  CorbeE  NaJonal  Park  can  definitely  give  a  thrilling  rendezvous  with  the  

wilderness  of  India.  It  is  one  of  the  oldest  naJonal  parks  of  the  country,  and  certainly  one  of  the  most  popular.  Embark  on  a  wildlife  safari  here,  either  in  a  jeep  or  on  an  elephant.  Wildlife  safari  packages  range  from  short  3  day  tours  to  extensive  11  day  tours.  You  can  spot  several  wild  animals  here  including  

Jgers,  leopards,  and  so  much  more.  

Feel the Pulse of the Nation with a ride on the Mumbai Local Train

For  a  feel  of  the  pulse  of  the  naJon,  take  a  ride  in  the  Mumbai  local  train.  And  if  you  are  brave-­‐hearted  enough,  consider  taking  a  ride  in  the  Mumbai  local  train  during  the  peak  rush  hours.  You  get  to  hear  all  kinds  of  discussions  while  in  the  Mumbai  locals-­‐  from  poliJcs  to  economy  and  sports-­‐  people  share  their  opinion  about  everything.  But  the  biggest  wonder  of  the  journey  is  how  the  people  

survive  the  journey,  clinging  on  to  the  barest  of  metal  pieces  they  can  get  their  hands  on.  Don’t  worry  about  geVng  in  or  geVng  out-­‐  the  crowd  will  help  you  

with  that  ;)  

Go Goa! Goa  is  one  of  the  most  visited  tourist  desJnaJons  in  the  world.  Known  for  its  

sprawling  beaches,  the  state  is  blessed  with  many  beaches  that  serve  as  a  holiday  picnic  spot  for  adventures,  honeymooners  and  general  tourists  alike.  Bright  lights  and  people  masqueraded  as  Santa  signify  the  coming  of  the  Christmas  party  and  New  Year.  Take  a  tour  of  the  old  churches  in  Goa,  which  give  a  peek  into  the  rich  cultural  past  of  the  land,  The  churches  date  back  to  the  Jme  when  Portuguese  ruled  the  land.  Some  of  them  have  an  interesJng  story  behind  them,  while  others  have  beauJful  

architecture  to  be  marveled  at.  Some  of  the  must  visits  one  when  in  Goa  are  Basilica  of  Bom  Jesus,  Mary  Immaculate  ConcepJon  and  Se  Cathedral.  

 Relax in a House Boat in Kerala - You will Love It

Houseboats  in  Dal  Lake,  Srinagar  are  a  mesmerizing  experience.  The  ones  in  Kerala  are  not  too  far  behind  either.  While  a  house  boat  in  Kerala  may  lack  in  luxurious  decor,  it  more  than  makes  up  for  it  with  the  serenity  that  surrounds  it.  Staying  amidst  dense  foliage,  with  the  most  personalized  service  is  exactly  

the  kind  of  break  you  need  from  the  stressed  rouJnes  of  today.  

   Play Cricket on the Street - Make your own rules

Cricket  is  to  India  like  what  football  is  to  Brazil.  People  do  not  need  parks  or  stadiums  to  play  a  game  of  cricket.  All  they  need  is  an  empty  street  corner  

and  it  is  game  on.  Play  a  game  of  street  cricket  in  India,  with  its  peculiar  rules  and  dollops  of  excitement.  Watch  out-­‐  one-­‐Jp(bounce)-­‐one-­‐hand  is  out!  

There’s so much more to do! .  

   •  Check  out:  101  Things  to  Do  in  India!  hEp://discover.aiesec.in/about-­‐india/things-­‐to-­‐do-­‐in-­‐india/  

 

Important information

•  Calculate  and  compare  the    difference  of  the  cost  of  living  from  your  home  LC  to  your  host  LC  check  out  www.numbeo.com  

•  A  list  of  general  emergency  helpline  numbers  across  the  country:  Click  here  

•  To  know  the  weather  and  Jme  in  any  city  hEp://www.Jmeanddate.com/  

Changing Perspectives •  This is an excerpt from a Pre Arrival

Survival Guide written by an EP from AIESEC UK with contributions from EPs around India

•  Pessimistic view – designed to give a worst case scenario, all possible worse eventualities, this doesn’t mean it will be like this!

Accommodation    To  give  you  a  picture  of  the  different  types  across  the  country  or  even  city!  Trying  to  write  this  document  we  found  ourselves  struggling  to  provide  a  comprehensive  representaJon  of  accommodaJon  as  it  varies  tremendously  from  region  to  region,  LC  (local  commiEee)  to  LC,  project  to  project!  There  is  no  “one  size  fits  all”  guide  for  accommodaJon  in  India  and  therefore  the  responsibility  of  clearly  knowing  what  you  are  to  be  expecJng  upon  arrival  should  be  of  your  utmost  priority.  Even  if  it  is  outlined  on  your  TN  form,  it  is  strongly  advisable  that  you  contact  your  respecJve  TN  manager,  EP  buddy  or  training  partner  and  get  a  complete  set  of  informaJon  given  to  you  prior  to  your  arrival.  We  personally  feel  that  the  more  clarity  you  have  about  your  housing  situaJon,  then  the  beEer  prepared  you  will  be  to  deal  with  all  of  the  other  factors  involved  with  living  and  working  in  a  new  country!  

Accommodation Checklist  Make  sure  you  are  checking  the  following  with  your  TN  Manager  regarding  accommodaJon:  

ü EPs  per  room  ü Kitchen  FaciliJes  ü Internet  facility  ü Washing  FaciliJes  ü Sleeping  space  ü Distance  of  accommodaJon  from  area  of  work  

KNOW Your Project  Having  a  few  key  things  in  place  before  you  leave  is  essenJal,  the  main  one  being  research  into  the  project  or  field  of  study!  Although  many  of  you  may  feel  that  because  you  study  the  subject  you  may  be  working  in,  do  you  know  the  local  realiJes  that  may  face  the  organisaJon,  or  even  what  the  culture  of  the  business  may  be?        As  menJoned  before,  another  key  point  you  should  try  to  ascertain  from  your  TN  manager  is  the  distance  to  work  from  your  accommodaEon.  You  should  try  and  prepare  yourself  so  you  have  a  beEer  idea  of  what  you  will  have  to  travel  every  day.  In  addiJon  you  may  need  to  budget  for  this.          The  start  and  end  date  of  your  project  are  also  very  important  topics.  According  to  the  AIESEC  GCDP  Delivery  Model,  the  first  week  of  your  project  with  mostly  include  seGling  into  the  local  and  naEonal  culture,  geIng  accustomed  to  the  food  and  find  your  bearings  in  the  new  environment.  

 

 

KNOW Your Project  Bear  the  following  points  in  mind,  and  be  sure  to  clear  them  with  your  TN  Manager:  

 ü  InformaJon  and  background  about  the  organizaJon  you  are  going  to  work  

with.  This  will  enable  you  to  research  about  the  issue  you  are  going  to  be  working  on.  

ü  Distance  of  work  from  accommodaJon  ü  Start  and  end  date  of  the  project,  including  the  incubaJon  period.  ü  About  other  EPs  you  are  going  to  work  with  (Be  excited!)  ü  Measurable  results  and  expected  outcome  from  your  working  in  the  project  ü  When  during,  before  or  ader  the  project  can  you  take  Jme  off  to  explore  the  

country  ü  Is  any  addiJonal  preparaJon  required,  such  as  carrying  a  laptop  etc.  

 

 

Arrival into India ü  Clear  who  will  be  meeJng  you  ,where,  at  what  Jme,  have  their  numbers,  

EB  contact  list.  AccommodaJon  details  –address,  direcJons,  just  in  case  there  is  an  emergency  and  you  need  to  get  to  the  hotel,  EP  flat.    

   ü  Keep  your  Dollars  handy,  you  can  convert  a  porJon  of  them  upon  arrival.  

Ask  AIESECers  about  currency  exchange  centers  in  the  city  that  might  give  you  beEer  value  for  your  money,  ader  you  have  seEled  in.  

ü  Confirm  the  idenEty  of  the  TN  manager  upon  pick  up,  and  if  this  has  been  outsourced  to  a  taxi  firm,  make  sure  you  have  their  number  and  name,  and  then  ring  the  TN  manager  and  confirm  your  pick  up  

     

 

 

 

Arrival into India  Make  sure  you  are  clear  with  the  following  details  before  you  arrive  into  India,  if  not  contact  your  TN  manager  for  the  same:  

 ü  Contact  details  of  the  person  who  is  going  to  pick  you  up  ü  If  you  are  travelling  between  ciJes  (Example:  Your  flight  lands  at  Mumbai  and  you  

have  to  go  to  Surat)  please  make  sure  that  there  is  a  reservaJon  for  you  in  the  next  flight,  or  train,  or  cab  for  the  journey  onward.  

ü  Tatkal  Tickets  (Emergency  ReservaJon)  for  trains  are  available  for  booking  only  1  day  before  the  train  journey  and  get  sold  out  preEy  quickly.  If  your  host  LC  is  doing  the  booking  for  you,  make  sure  you  receive  the  Jcket  in  your  email  AND  the  SMS  on  your  mobile  phone.  

ü  Confirming  with  the  TN  manager  about  a  back  up  plan  to  reach  the  accommodaJon,  in  case  your  pick-­‐up  does  not  turn  up  (It’s  beEer  to  be  safe  than  sorry!)  

   

     

 

 

Food  “Regional  differences  can  lead  to  extremely  different  food  being  served  across  India,  with  most  ci7es  being  lucky  enough  to  contain  a  lot  of  the  different  types!  

   

   Whether it be rice based, chapati accompanied, or naan complemented, most meals will cost very little but pack a lot of carbohydrates! But what about the stories that say all Indian food is spicy and that Westerners just can’t manage it! To that I say rubbish! I would say that I have a moderately strong stomach but I can manage curries which the locals would call relatively hot, with the help of some sweet Lassi to cool the burn of course!

It is true that most of their food is “spicy” but how that term is used in most locations in the world is different to India! Here everything is spiced, whether it be simple breakfast porridge or a little cup of chai (tea as we would call it). I feel it should be said that it would be wise for every person to carry some immodium or equivalent, despite how “strong” your stomach may be! Our bodies are often just not used to breaking down such spices and flavourings and even though you may feel that your mouth can handle the heat, it doesn’t mean that your stomach can!”

-­‐An  EP  from  United  Kingdom  

     

     

 

 

Clothing ü   Discern  –  dress  appropriately  depending  on  the  situaJon  –  Indian  culture.  

Check  with  local  realiJes  as  it  can  vary  dramaJcally  across  India  –  very  important  for  females  more  than  males  –  temples,  in  the  evening  in  ciJes  or  just  day-­‐to-­‐day  in  rural  areas.  

ü  Clothes  tend  to  be  very  cheap,  and  good  quality.  Arrive  light  and  depart  packed.  

ü  How  to  wash  clothing  -­‐  bring  “travel  wash”  ü  Carry  winter  wear  to  ward  off  the  cold.  It  tends  to  get  very  cold  in  the  north,  

becoming  warmer  as  you  go  south.  ü  India  tends  to  be  conservaJve  about  clothing,  dress  appropriately  but  

comfortably  J  ü  Check  the  local  weather  online:  here  

     

 

 

 

Health ü  Be  sure  to  take  appropriate  vaccinaJons  before  arrival,  you  probably  don’t  

want  to  spend  your  internship  lying  in  bed.  ü  Malaria  pills  are  available  cheaply  locally  and  can  be  purchased  with  ease.  ü  Clear  out  stagnant  water  in  your  trainee  flat  to  avoid  building  up  of  

mosquitoes  ü  Purchase  local  mosquito  repellants,  which  tend  to  be  effecJve.  ü  Avoid  eaJng  regularly  from  roadside  stalls,  ask  AIESECers  about  

recommendaJons.  ü  Keep  the  details  of  a  physician,  hospital  and  other  ameniJes  handy.  It’s  

beEer  to  be  safe  than  sorry.  ü  Keep  immodium  with  you  J      

 

 

Helping you through your own feedback

•  AIESEC as an organization wants to be better every day and provide the best services possible to the customers.

•  For that sake AIESEC International has partnered with

Customer Gauge, a customer feedback firm that gives data on Net Promoter Score. NPS is a customer loyalty metric that is based on direct questions. It measures the loyalty that exists between a Provider (AIESEC in this case) and a consumer (the exchange participant in this case) based on the quality of the services given by the provider.

   What you need to do?

You will receive an email with a survey 3 times during your entire cycle of engagement with

AIESEC. You will receive the first survey as soon as you are matched, the second survey when you are

in the other country on exchange and the third survey when you come back from the internship.

The email will look something like this: <next page>

You can give the ratings as per your experience. Broadly: 0-6 means Poor 7-8 is Average 9 is Good 10 is Excellent

 

How is this survey useful for both the parties?

•  The Exchange participant can keep on giving constant feedback through the survey forms and we can improve our services/ ask the host local committees in other countries to do the same.

•  You can open a case through this survey and keep the hosting local committees accountable in case they are not fulfilling any of the promises they made.

•  Give us more insights in the quality of services of the AIESEC local chapters all around the world.

Culture Shock  It  is  the  feeling  of  disorientaEon  experienced  by  someone  when  they  are    suddenly  subjected  to  an  unfamiliar  culture,  way  of  life,  or  set  of  aItudes.  

   During  your  internship  you  may  experience  culture  shock.  This  feeling  can  come  due  to  different  reasons  related  unfamiliar  environment.  However,  you  need  to  take  the  iniJaJve  to  adjust  in  the  environment  and  find  soluJons  to  your  challenges.  By  doing  this  you  undergo,  the  phase  of  experienEal  entrepreneurial  development.  Through  is  phase  you  will  learn  and  develop  skills  that  make  your  mindset  entrepreneurial  .Hence,  you  will  become  capable  to  work  effecJvely  in  any  situaJon  and  take  newer  iniJaJves.  

     

Culture  Shock  “When  going  through  a  culture  shock  –  keep  going.”        

Culture Shock      

 You  can  go  to  our  online  plaiorm  to  know  about  stories  of  culture  shock  and  share  your  story.It’s  really  simple  to  join,  share  stories  and  search  for  trip  inspiraJon.    You  can  explore  the  world  by  country  or  by  experience:  whether  you’re  wondering  what  you  can  do  in  China  or  curious  about  what  life  is  like  in  Cambodia.    If  you  are  a  traveler,  make  your  trip  last  long  and  share  your  stories.    If  you’re  looking  for  inspiraJon,  discover  the  world  at  your  fingerJps.  Visit  culture-­‐shock.me  today!  

   

 culture-­‐shock.me            

AIESEC India Contacts      

Anup Mohan Director

Incoming Global Community Development Program AIESEC India

anup.mohan@aiesec.net  

Mariana Mihai National Support Team

Exchange Participant Communication Email - mihaimarianapetria@gmail.com

 GOOD LUCK FOR THE INDIAN TIMES AHEAD J