Practical Information for Rotary Ambassadorial Scholars to India - latest version
Practical Information for Rotary Ambassadorial Scholars to India

I. General pre-departure information

A. Contacting your academic institution
The best advice for contacting your host institution is to start early, be persistent, and don't give up! Find out as much as you can about the institution on the internet, then start making personal contacts. E-mails may work, but phone calls can be more effective if you are able to identify a working phone number.
**If a phone number you have is not working, try adding an extra 2 before the last seven digits (the phone number system has recently changed).

B. Gaining admission
Having a connection with either a student or a faculty member at your university is helpful in getting the ball rolling and making sure that your application doesn't end up collecting dust on somebody's desk. In general academic institutions in India are interested in foreigners, but depending where you go there may not be an established system for reviewing qualifications. When marketing yourself be sure to explain very clearly what your prior education has involved. The educational structure in India is based on the British model, which means that grades and degrees earned in the U.S. don't necessarily have a direct equivalent here. The more information you can give and the more you can rely on a local advocate, the more chance you have of a timely response from the university.

C. Government clearance for research scholars
If you're applying to study at a government institution or are interested in doing research, make sure to find out what types of official clearance your plans will require. Acquiring clearance can be a very lengthy process, so start early and be persistent. The American Institute of Indian Studies is a credible agency that can help you to apply. If you apply independently you may end up waiting indefinitely for a response.

D. Obtaining a visa - student/ research/ endorsement of university
All students and researchers in India require a visa. Guidelines for Visa applicants can be found at the Indian Embassy web site.

To avoid unnecessary delays and complications in your application processing, make sure to collect all the required documents before contacting the consulate that has jurisdiction over your state. Check that the dates specified on all of your documents agree.

The validity of a student/research visa issued by the consulate starts on the date of issue and lasts for a maximum of one year. This can be slightly impractical as a copy of the visa must be submitted to the Rotary Foundation 2 months prior to departure. If you plan on staying longer than 10 months, discuss the issue with your scholarship coordinator to extend the deadline for visa submission to Rotary. Extending the student visa once you are in India may be possible with approval of your institution (please see the section on foreign registration). When you are issued the visa, double-check that your endorsing institution is specified on the document and make sure the dates are correct. Make copies of the visa for yourself and for Rotary.

E. Arranging an airline ticket
Rotary offers several options in making travel arrangements for your trip. Depending on your intended length of stay, visa timing, and financial situation, any of the options may be best for you. Read more about the choices on the ambassadorial scholar travel website. Using RITS,(Rotary's travel agency) to book your travel offers the advantage of being able to change travel dates easily and usually free of charge. However, you must have a visa before your flight can be confirmed. Remember that your ambassadorial scholarship will cover only one return trip. In general, air travel within India is not covered. Exceptions may be made in special circumstances such as travel to and from a language institution.

If staying in India for over one year, you will have to buy a one-way ticket because round-trip tickets are generally only valid for one year. Once in India, you must buy a ticket home. Contact your TRF scholarship coordinator to see how much you will be reimbursed for your ticket home BEFORE you buy the ticket.

F. Utilizing your Rotary connections

1. Your TRF scholarship coordinator and you
One TRF scholarship coordinator at the central office in Evanston is responsible for all ambassadorial scholars going India. Scholarship coordinators are excellent resources--be sure to use them! The better communication you have, the easier it will be to make arrangements for your stay.

2. Contacting current scholars
If you have not received it already, ask your scholarship coordinator for contact information for past, current, and outbound scholars to India. While this web site should answer many of your questions, others are bound to come up. It does not make sense for every person to reinvent the wheel.

G. Language study

Though English is widely spoken in many parts of India, communicating in the local language is useful, often necessary and always greatly appreciated. Depending where in India you are going, Hindi may be sufficient (generally in the northern states and as far south as Maharashtra). Hindi language training is available at
The Landour Language School in Mussoorie, a hill station about 300 km northeast of Delhi. Many current and past Rotary scholars to India have participated in this program which offers solid training and is flexible in terms of duration and intensity. Mussoorie is also a gorgeous place to live for a few weeks while you get the basics of Hindi. For more information, contact Mr. Chitranjan Datt, the school principal, at lls@nde.vsnl.net.in. (He will respond, but don't hold your breath.)

For southern Indian languages (Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, and Malyalam) organized training is slightly more difficult to find. Another option is private tutoring; this will be easiest to arrange after you arrive in India. Before coming ask your contacts for their opinion on which language(s) will be most useful for you.

H. Registering with your Embassy/Consulate

It is probably not required to tell your government where you are living while abroad, but it is not a bad idea in case an emergency arises. To register, visit your countries’ Embassy or Consulate web page. For Americans go to https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/. Once registered, you will receive email updates every so often that include important security information that may help you decide where to travel during you free time abroad.


II. The specifics

A. Books to read/bring

If you are interested in background reading about Indian customs and culture, consider borrowing Culture Shock! India (by Gitanjali Kolonad) from the library. Reading up on Indian mythology and Hinduism will earn you brownie points with the locals, especially if you can identify deities when you visit temples! A travel guidebook (Lets Go, Lonely Planet or the Rough Guide to name a few) is very useful; these are available for purchase in India as well.

B. Gift suggestions

Bringing a variety of gifts representing the United States or your hometown will come in handy to give to Rotarians, hosts, and friends. Remember that it is the thought that counts - avoid buying anything elaborate, expensive, or heavy! Some ideas: keychains, magnets, dream catchers, Native American jewelry, T-shirts, etc.
*Note: Postcards of your hometown are nice to show and also make great thank-you cards!

C. Packing wisely--what you will and will not find in India
1. Toiletries
If you look hard enough you can find nearly everything you need. Go light on the toiletries since you will need to buy refills anyway. You might as well start using Indian products from the beginning! Items that are relatively more difficult to find (but still available, at least in bigger cities) include hair conditioner, dental floss, and (soft) kleenex. A few good pairs of foam ear plugs are to have along for noisy overnight train rides or street-side hotel rooms.
*Note for women: Indian women generally do not use tampons. If you are choosy about brand or type, consider bringing a generous supply from home.

2. Clothes
Men in India wear mainly western clothing; women tend to dress more traditionally. In general clothes can be tailored at very reasonable prices, so try to avoid overpacking. The dress code will vary based on place and local custom; especially for women, buying clothes upon arrival is advisable (just make sure to ask around about the appropriate price to pay). A few pairs of pants and western shirts should suffice.
*Note for women: Exposing the legs is not acceptable; make sure that all your pants and skirts are full length.

D. Vaccinations

The best guide to vaccinations is the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Depending on where you guy and for how long you will be staying, different vaccinations may be necessary. In general the vaccinations will be much cheaper in India; however you can also get them at any travel clinic in the U.S and some vaccinations (such as Hepatitus) must be given well in advance. If you choose to get your vaccinations in India, be sure to ask for trustworthy advice about reliable clinics.

E. Medicines

1. Antimalarials

Malaria is endemic to many parts of India, though its prevalence has declined during the last decades. The CDC recommends that travelers to India take antimalarial medication as a prophylactic measure. There are several options available; the most common being mefloquine (Lariam) and doxycycline. Both have advantages and disadvantages that you can read about on the internet. Using mosquito repellent and sleeping under a mosquito net will also help to protect you. From a practical perspective mosquito bites are impossible to avoid though, so it's better to get used to the bites than to stress out each time you wake up with multiple bites.

2. Packing your Pharmacy
Pharmaceuticals are very easily accessible in India; prescriptions are not required and medical shops are widespread. Because the drugs are not centrally regulated, however, quality is somewhat of a concern. As a general suggestion it is good to bring the basics from home and to buy anything else you need as the need arises. A list of basic supplies: Pepto-Bismol, Immodium (anti-diarrheal), Dramamine (anti-nausea), anti-bacterial ointment, tylenol/ibuprofen/ aspirin.

To be extra careful, if you'll be traveling to rural areas in India, you may want to ask your doctor for a prescription for syringes; in case you need an emergency injection, you'll know the equipment is sterile. Another extra precaution is to carry an emergency supply of a broad spectrum antibiotic like Ciprofloxacin (prescription only in the U.S.). Again, don't worry too much about these items as reliable antibiotics and sterile syringes are readily available pharmacies (chemists) in large cities across India.


*For women: If you are taking doxycycline as an anti-malarial and are susceptible to yeast infections, consider bringing some Diflucan (single pill treatment, prescription only in US).

3. Medical Facilities Available

India has some of the world's best-educated doctors and most technologically advanced medical facilities; you just need to find them! In general private health care facilities are sanitary and reliable; public facilities are best avoided. Besides clinics and hospitals there are also many roadside practitioners who can claim any qualification of their choosing. Unless you have a very reliable recommendation, it's best to skip these too. Ask your local Rotarians or other reliable sources about which facilities are most reputable. Much of medical care in India involves self- treatment; if you know what you have (or have a friend/Rotarian who's a doctor and can help you), you may be able to buy medications directly instead of seeing a doctor.

F. Befriending the local microbes

1. Water and food safety
As you're aware, food- and waterborne infections are much more common in India than in the U.S. To keep your stomach happy, avoid drinking water that is not filtered, boiled, or reliably bottled (careful of unsealed bottles that are refilled with tap water). In a public place, you can take extra pre-caution by drinking directly out of the bottle instead of using a cup. In restaurants any freshly cooked food (make sure it is still hot) is generally safe; avoid raw salads and fruit with an edible peel. Street food is more risky; at least in the beginning, it's best to avoid. During monsoon season fungus grows more readily on foods such as curd and other dairy products that are left in the open air before being sold. With time you'll develop a better eye for what's sanitary and what's not; but no matter how cautious you are, diarrhea is bound to hit sooner or later.

2. When diarrhea strikes
When it happens, drink plenty of fluids! You may want to use a commercial oral rehydration solution (ORS/ORT) to replenish your electrolytes; these are commercially available both in the U.S. and in India. Take anti-diarrheal medications as per the package instructions. If the situation doesn't improve within 2-3 days, go to a clinic to give a stool sample. You should get results the same or following day; once you know whether the problem is bacterial, viral, or amoebal it can be treated accordingly. If you're uncomfortable with the stool sample, you can try self-medicating with a broad-spectrum antibiotic/antiamoebal first.

AFTER ARRIVAL

III. IMPORTANT – You MUST REGISTER with the FRO soon after arriving in India
A. The FRO (Foreigners Registration Office)
If your Visa is valid for more than 180 days, you MUST REGISTER with the FRO within 14 days upon arrival in India(examine your visa to ensure this grace period has not changed). If you are a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar, your Visa should be valid for over 180 days so this DOES apply to you. Before going to the FRO, collect all the required documents listed below, get a Rotarian to go with you, take a deep breath, and hold it.

B. How to register
Registering will mean going down to the FRO with: a copy of your acceptance letter at the institute where you are studying, several passport-sized photographs, the original and a copy of your passport, a copy of a proof of residence (international hostel rent receipt, flat rental agreement, whatever), copy of your debit/bank card, and a bonafide letter from your university. A bonafide letter is a letter in which your department or the International Students Center certifies that you are indeed a student at the university, and you will be studying for the year.
If all your ducks are in line, they should be able to give you your registration paper within a few days. But don't hold your breath.

Pune-specific info (probably applies to other cities, but may vary):
FRO in Pune - located at the Pune police station in Camp.
C. Complications
Registering CAN be a very simple process if you have all of your paperwork and are assisted by a local Rotarian. If you go in alone, even with all the paperwork, you might want to bring some aspirin too.
1. What is the cost?
The process should be free though they may try to charge you if you need it done quickly. In any case, you should NOT have to pay so DO NOT ask how much it is supposed to cost. If you are asked to pay, insist on a receipt. Tell the person that you must have receipts of all expenses for your scholarship -this, by the way, is a good piece of adivce for any situation where you think you are being asked to pay a bribe.

2. Registering in a city other than the one your eventual city of residence.
It will save a lot of hassle to register in the city where you will be living unless you follow the proper procedures, so if this section applies to you, READ CAREFULLY. If you plan on going directly to a language school upon arrival in India, you may have to register in the closest major city to your language school. It might be worth considering first going to the city in which you will be living, dropping off some things, registering with the FRO, ensuring all is well with your enrollment, checking in with your Host Counselor, THEN heading off for language training by train or plane. This will cost extra, but could potentially save you from a major headache later on. If you do decide to register initially in a city other than the one where you'll be staying, make sure to get an endorsement from the FRO where you registered before leaving!

D. Other required visits to the FRO (Exit Stamp, and Visa Renewal)
1. FRO Exit stamp
If you decide to leave the country, it is technically required that you go to the FRO beforehand and fill out some paperwork letting them know that you will be leaving and returning. They will stamp your FRO registration form, effectively signing you out of India. When you return, you must go back to the FRO and get them to sign you back in. It is possible to cross overland into Nepal without this FRO exit stamp. However, without the stamp, the India immigration official may ask for a bribe to let you cross into Nepal. When I made this crossing, I was docked 100 rupees for not having the original FRO Registration forms - I always carried a copy.
2. Visa Extension
Getting a visa extension in India is not very difficult if your institution is cooperative. All it takes are the usual documents (proof of residence, bank account, original FRO registration form, original and copy of visa and passport, and a few passport photos). The KEY here is getting a Bonafide letter from your institute that explains that you will need an extension to compete your studies. If you plan on traveling after the study period, make sure you get your university to add on a few extra weeks or months so you have some leeway to tour. So stay on good terms with the people in your institutes Admissions Department or International Students Center.

IV. Communication
A. Phone
1. Public
Making phone calls in India is very easy. There are many, many small, yellow-painted shops that advertise "STD/ISD/PCO." A PCO is a local call. An STD call is a call to another city in India. An ISD call is an international call. Quiet booths are usually provided and a meter shows you the fee as you talk.

2. Mobile
It is very convenient to use a mobile phone - a nice, new one costs around 100USD. Make sure you get a manufacturers warranty. If you decide not to take the warranty, the price of the phone is quite a bit less. Mobile phones from the USA probably don't work here unless they are tri-band, but European phones very well may. Once you have the phone, you need a SIM card - 250 or 300 rupees. Then you can go with a pre-paid, re-charge type system, or a month to month (post-paid) contract. Keep in mind which service provider will allow for the cheapest international text messages if this is something you will be doing often. Also, ask around and see which service provider offers the best coverage for your city of residence before buying your SIM card.

The Mobile Service providers frequently change their rate plans, so shop around to see who will give you the cheapest deals.

3. Calling India and calling home

TO INDIA: from the USA, dial 011 (the prefix for all international calls from USA), then 91 (country code for India) then the City code (20 for Pune) then the number. An average international call to Pune looks like this: 011-91-20-569-0112

IMPORTANT NOTE: many city codes in India begin with a zero. If you are having problems dialing an India number, try dropping the initial zero. Example: Pune's code is 020, but when calling Pune from overseas or even locally, the initial zero is dropped.
Also, in 2003/2004, many cities if not all added a "2" before the phone number and after the city code. So, a number in Pune that was 20-569-0123 is now, 202-569-0123.
This was done by certain providers only, so while widespread, the addition of the "2" is not universal. Are you getting this? If you are slightly or completely confused, please remeber, this is just a small taste of what's to come. ;)

Calling cards are the cheapest way to call India other than using internet-based voice chat. The following are a selection of calling cards available in the USA for calling India:
1. The "Uni World" calling card offers decent rates of around 8 cents/minute from
the USA. Connection quality is variable. Uni World customer service =
1-800-628-7935
2. Bigzoo is an internet phone service that
offers decent rates to India ranging from 8-15 cents per minute depending
where you call and whether you're calling a fixed line or a mobile phone.
Bigzoo is easy to recharge via the internet so you don't have to worry about
buying calling cards.

From INDIA: Dial the country code (001 for the USA or Canada), + phone number.
This can be done from any ISD booth - though rates to the USA are a consistent 22 rupees or so (about 50 American cents) so it is a bit expensive.
Internet phones are available in big cites (see the section on Internet phones for more information).
Rates to the USA are contintually dropping so ask around for the latest schemes.

B. Post
1. Letters and Packages to and from India
The mailing of letters, postcards and packages can be done at any Indian Post Office. At one window, the item is weighed and the proper amount of stamps are purchased (make sure to mention to them if you want Registered mail). The glue is supplied at a counter, you affix the stamps, and take them to another window where the stamps are stamped with a seal and the date by a second post office worker (make sure you see them stamped as this ensures that no one will remove your stamps and reuse them). If Registered mail has been purchased at the first counter, then this second person will create and provide receipts. At another window, a Speed Post option is also available (see below).

-To India:
Packages from the USA can take several months, may be thoroughly searched, and may or may not arrive intact. Try not to send anything too valuable but if you must, consider using a courier. Letters from the USA to India seem to take less than 10 days and often come in around 7 or 8 days if going to a major city in India.

-From India:
Generally, packages sent from India will take a month or two to reach their destination. Packages should be well sealed and sent via registered mail. There is also a Speed Post option which costs quite a bit more and may not really be that much faster for letters, but may be worth it for packages. If sending only books, the rate is cheaper (book post fare) and the parcel should be sealed so as to provide a transparent window around the circumference of the parcel so the post officials may verify it is indeed only books. Letters sent from India will take around 10-15 days to reach the USA if sent from a major city. Letters might as well be registered since it is not very costly. Postcards will arrive faster if you mail them inside addressed envelopes.

2. Courier
Domestic and international courier services are widely available in all major cities. Sending documents within India by courier is relatively cheap and easy. It's worth your while to ask the locals first and select a dependable service. International couriers such as FedEx, DHL, and Blue Dart are trustworthy and will deliver packages within 3-4 business days, though the price may make your wallet a bit lighter....

C. Computer facilities

1. Should you bring a laptop computer?
First of all, just in case you have the crazy idea, do not even consider bringing a desktop computer. Bringing a laptop depends on your needs and your technical know-how to repair any glitches that may arise. Internet cafes are widely available in the major cities. Generally the charge for the use of a computer is from 10 to 40 rupees per hour. In large cities, 15 or 20 rupees per hour is the most common price to pay. You can always use a computer in one of these cafe's, then save your work to a CD or disk, or upload it to your email account. Your department and institution may provide computer facilities so it is a good idea to check there before deciding to bring a computer with you. Renting a computer is also an option. If you are really attached to your laptop, it is not a bad thing to have here. You can upload your digital photos, burn cd's, type email updates and do school work or research on it.

b. Email
Email is widely available in major cities and tourist traps. Charges are listed above (charges for the computer are the same whether or not you are using the internet). Connections range from painfully slow and expensive in remote, touristy, hill stations like Mussoorie to quick and cheap in places like Delhi, Pune and Mumbai.

2. Voice chat and webcams
Many internet cafes have headsets so you can chat with people back home on ICQ, AOL or Yahoo Instant Messenger. This is the cheapest way to speak to people back home as it costs only the hourly rate of the internet use (10-40 rupees). Webcams may be available as well at no extra charge.

3. Internet phones
In larger cities, Internet phones are becoming more and more available. Rates vary greatly depending on where you call, but at least the connection to the USA and UK tends to be very good.

Pune specific info:
There are many nice, air-conditioned internet phone booths that run around 6 rupees a minute (12 cents) to the USA and offer a pretty good connection. IWAY/SIFY is a nationwide internet cafe chain that offers cheap internet calls to many countries.

Hyderabad specific info:
In Hyderabad internet international phone facilities are available in many parts of the city. Most advertise their prices conspicuously; calling to the United States ranges from 2.5-5 Rs per minute.

4. Digital cameras and CD burning

Many internet cafes can burn a CD for you. It is best to search for a cafe that has windows 2000 or better so that your camera is automatically detected when you connect to the USB port. If the computers only have Win98 or lower, you will probably have to have the software that came with your camera. In any case, bring this software along to ensure you can connect and upload your pictures.

Pune specific info:
In Pune there is a chain of photo shops called Fotofast. Fotofast has a card reader so you can insert your Flash memory or Compact Fash card (if compatible) and choose which digitial photos you want prints of. If you do not want prints, they can also burn a CD for you.

Hyderabad specific info:
Though many photo shops are available in Hyderabad, it is difficult to find one that can reliably handle your digital media. If you want to avoid losing your pictures, bring a USB card-reader with you (these are not costly in the United States but are not on the market yet in India). Make a back-up of your photos before taking them to the photo shop for printing.


V. Cultural Indiosyncracies

A. Toilets- an intimate relation with your left hand
Be prepared for a new familiarity with your left hand; together with a mug of water it will become your toilet paper substitute! An environmentally friendly and always available resource, the left hand in India is reserved for this task. Most toilets are Turkish-style, two footholds with a urinal-like pit in between. On one side you will find a small tap directed towards a mug. When you’ve heeded nature’s call, fill the mug and let your left hand at it. P.S. If you are really uncomfortable with this method, good old TP is available for purchase in many shops. Ask for tissue paper.

B. Greetings and etiquette

1. Handshake vs. hug
How to greet depends on gender, age, and situation. Generally putting the hands together (in a prayer like posture) and saying “namaste” is acceptable. Men, especially in business situations, will shake hands with each other. Hugging is uncommon - if it happens, it is only between close friends of younger age groups.

2. Respect
Displaying respect is an important part of Indian culture. While an appropriate greeting is acceptable in most cases, an ultimate form of respect is touching of a person’s feet. Most commonly you will see this practice used to honor religious gurus and respected elderly people. If you look Caucasian you may be faced with parents urging their young children to touch your feet; it is appropriate to object if you can catch the scheme in time.

3. Thanks and Sorry
Neither thanking nor apologizing are common in Indian culture. To the contrary, these practices are thought to create distance between friends. Instead of thanking directly, it is advisable to express appreciation or enjoyment. After having a nice meal at a Rotarian’s house, it would be more appropriate to say “I had a nice time” or “It was a very nice meal” instead of directly giving thanks. Apologizing is often not necessary unless the situation is particularly grave. While most people will bump into you without any remorse, some may touch you again and kiss their fingers, especially if you happen to bump their feet.

C. The male-female story

1. Roles
Gender roles vary by location, caste and family. To a large extent the roles of men and women in social interactions are more clearly delineated than in Western culture. The male is seen as a protector, mediator, decision-maker and breadwinner. A woman is perceived as vulnerable and her modesty is closely guarded. In traditional Indian society, a woman's worth is largely measured by her ability to have children (preferably male) and to manage the household. Although there are certainly trends of change in the younger generation, you will still find many girls who depend on their brothers (literal or figurative) to solve their problems. Traditionally, aside from brother-sister type relationships there is little physical contact between members of the opposite genders. Nowadays, especially in urban environments, dating and flirtation are becoming more common but the rules are still much stricter than what we are accustomed to in the West.

2. PDA
As a rule of thumb, do not do it. Even married couples will not hold hands, hug, or kiss in public. On the other hand, affection is commonly seen between men. Handholding, walking arm-in-arm, and even putting hands in each other’s pockets are common displays of friendship.

3. Reputation
With a population of over 1 billion and strongly connected extended families, India has the people-infrastructure for word-of-mouth to travel quickly. A thousand eyes will always be watching, so it's best to think twice about your actions (especially as far as male/female contact goes). Reputation is highly regarded and can easily be put at stake – all the more reason to be conscious of your actions and attire.

D. Standing out and blending in
As a foreigner, you will attract attention almost everywhere you go. Be prepared for unbroken stares, as they are not considered rude. If you visit tourist attractions or pilgrimage sites popular amongst the natives, expect to be asked to pose for pictures (taken either with their camera or with yours). Once you have had enough of the novelty of being a celebrity, it is fine to politely refuse these offers. Wearing Indian and/or modest dress may help to minimize unwanted attention, but unless you are lucky enough to have Indian features and coloring, you will most likely have to take it in stride.
*Note for women: In heavy crowds, such as you will find during major festivals, in busy markets or on crowded trains and buses, men may touch you inappropriately. Being with a male will minimize this; otherwise hitting the hand that touches or giving a nasty look will usually do the trick. If it really makes you uncomfortable, it is best to avoid these types of crowds. In India, this type of sexual harassment is called "Eve-teasing." Eve Teasing is probably most common in Delhi, prevalent to a lesser extent in Mumbai, and less common in slightly smaller cities like Pune and Bangalore.

F. Food and eating

1. Right hand
Given the function of the left hand, it is quite logical that only the right hand should be used for eating. During mealtime keep your left hand in your lap or under the table; use your right hand to scoop up food with a chapatti (tortilla-like flat bread) or rice. In general, it is a good rule of thumb to use your right hand when offering or accepting anything (i.e. food, money, temple offerings).

2. Veg and non-veg
Food options in India can be categorized as veg or non-veg (meat). Religious restrictions often govern which food a person will take (sometimes varying even by day of week). Most restaurants will be labeled from the outside to tell you whether veg, pure veg (no eggs), or non- veg food is available. In simple restaurants where only meals are served, your choices will literally be veg or non-veg meal; the difference is in the content of the curry.
The Hindu majority in India - around 80% of the population - is largely vegetarian. Jains are usually pure-veg. Sikhs are often non-veg. Muslims and Christians tend to take non-veg food although Muslims avoid pork. Cattle are holy animals for Hindus, and are thus rarely consumed in India except by the minority religions. Hindus generally avoid pork, as pigs are perceived as unclean. Chicken, mutton and fish are relatively common foods.

3. Eating as a guest in a private home

a. Don’t wait
When you are served your food, start digging in (with your right hand!) Don’t expect to eat together with your hostess; in most families, women will serve the men and guests. Wives often wait for their husbands to finish before starting their meal.
It is important to know that in most Indian homes, the guest is treated as royalty. As a guest, you are not permitted to lift a finger.

b. Saying no
It’s often difficult to refuse food in an Indian home. Unbelievable portions of food may be forced upon you so you must be firm when you a really have had enough. Despite your protests and insistence that you are completely full, more food will be piled on your plate. Covering your plate with your hands to obstruct access as the hostess tries to fill it may be effective; otherwise leave some food on your plate to indicate that you really can’t take any more. In time, you will learn the rules of the game that hosts and guests play with each other.

VI. Transportation

A. Arrival
Your arrival in India, and transportation to your institution should be coordinated with your Rotary host counselor. If you do not have an appointed host counselor at the time of departure, try to book some train tickets in advance (if not done in advance, see the Railway Tips section below for information on the Tourist and Emergency Quotas). It might be worth it to hire a taxi if you have lots of baggage. However, you really should be able to get a Rotarian to meet you at the airport and take care of you.

1. Local travel

a. Bus
In bigger cities, the bus system may be the cheapest and best means of transportation. It will take some time to figure out which buses go where; there’s usually no route map available and the buses themselves could be labeled only in Hindi or the local language. People waiting for buses can be great resources, though it’s best to ask at least two (Indians don’t like to admit if they don’t know an answer.) Once you’re on the bus, a ticket collector (TC) will may snap his fingers in your face; this means you should tell him where you are going and he will tell you the price of the ticket. In some cities buses have separate entrances for men and women. Buses are usually crowded and don’t stop for long if they come to a full stop at all, so be prepared and move towards an exit before your stop.

b. Auto and cycle rickshaws
Rickshaws can be an efficient means of getting around town. Unless there’s a working meter, be sure to negotiate the price before you get in. Never accept the first offer; it will always be high because the driver expects to bargain, and will be especially inflated because you’re a foreigner and don’t know better. If the meter is working it’s best to know the general route to avoid being taken for a ride around the city on the way. If you find a good and honest rickshaw-walla, it’s acceptable and often appreciated to request a future pick-up. You can also ask a driver to wait if you think you may have difficulty finding a rickshaw back. Waiting price is usually reasonable, but if it’s not written on the rickshaw you should ask in advance what it will be. Six-seater autorickshaws run in some cities on fixed routes with much cheaper prices. If a six-seater auto rickshaw is available and it is going the direction you want to go, take it and avoid the sheer hassle that only three-seater autorickshaw wallas know how to provide.

c. Scooters (Kinetics)
**While zipping around on a two-wheeler can be great fun, statistically and realistically it is quite dangerous. Buy and always wear a good helmet; gloves aren’t a bad idea either. It may seem like the mass of moving vehicles flows along without incident, but when you ask anyone about 2-wheeler accidents, you will discover that nearly everyone has been in some sort of fender-bender. Don’t pass buses on the left side. Get used to driving on the left side before you hit the road - perhaps through practice on a bicycle for a few weeks. If you are a timid driver, stick to public transportation.

Scooters are a quick and very convenient way to get around. Prices look something like this:
(these prices are for Pune, Maharashtra, from 2003)
Second hand scooter from 8,000-20,000 /Rs-
New scooter - around 40,000 /Rs-
Rental: around 1000 /Rs - per month.

Generally, you get what you pay for so if you pay 8,000 for a scooter, be prepared to invest for some needed repairs.

d. Motorcycles
Motorcycles are a great way to get around in many cities. Traffic can be very intimidating, but with practice and some guts, you can really enhance your experience. Prices are:
(these prices are for Pune, Maharashtra)
Second hand motorcycle - 20-30,000 /Rs-.
New motorcycle - 40-80,000 /Rs-

e. Bicycle
A bicycle is also a very viable transportation option. Many of the locals do this, and it is a good way to get around campus, to go to close-by markets or just to cruise around town on occasion.

2. Intercity travel
As a general overview, travel in India is made possible through the extensive railway network, a plethora of public and private buses, and readily available intra- national flights. Aside from several express trains, train travel can be slow and tickets hard to come by at the last minute, but if you’re in a sleeper very comfortable. For shorter distances (12 hours or less), long-distance buses are more frequent and can also be comfortable, depending on your height as well as on the price you are willing to pay. For flights you can get a 25% youth discount if you’re under 30, though that’s still based on a foreigner’s rate. Tourist offices are few and far between and usually driven by private business interest, so a Lonely Planet or other tour book is your best guide. As a word of advice, don’t try to pack too many destinations into a short time; transportation is often behind schedule and not everything will run as smoothly as planned. With that said, India has many sites worth seeing - use the opportunities to explore!

a. Trains
Trains of all quality and class seem to connect most places in India. 3AC means 3- tier, with air conditioning. This class is the best mix of quality and cost for travel at times when AC is appreciated. A bit more comfortable and maybe 50% more expensive is 2AC - two-tier AC. When it is not too hot, AC cars are not really necessary, though the extra expense will buy you a less-crowded compartment. Regular, 3-tier, sleeper class cars are cheap, do not have AC, and do not provide the sheets, blankets and pillows that AC cars provide. Many travelers agree that sleeper class cars are adequate when it is not too hot. In most cases, and especially in the high travel seasons - May to July (which is summer vacation time), and November to December (Diwali vacation time) it is a good idea to book at least several weeks, if not a month ahead of time. Internet booking and all other railway information is available at www.indianrail.gov.in.

Railway Riding Tips:
1. Bring a chain and lock your bag - chains and locks are readily available in India (at major railway stations and small shops).


2. If no tickets are available, check to see if the train you want to take has a Tourist quota. If you absolutely must be on a particular train, go to the reservations office at the station two hours before the train departs and request an Emergency quota ticket.

3. In front of many major train station are pre-paid taxi stands for auto rickshaws and regular taxis. Ignore all offers by drivers and look for the pre-paid stand. If there is not pre-paid stand, choose a driver who is sitting passively in his vehicle or otherwise not pursuing you. From experience, these are the most honest and trustworthy drivers. Older men are better than young, aggressive boys. The bothersome drivers will swarm you until you have finally agreed on a price and climbed into the vehicle you have chosen. Don’t become stressed and don’t sit in a vehicle until the price has been negotiated. You are in charge and can go to the streets in search of a different driver if the ones near to the station are becoming too bothersome.

b. Intercity buses.
Intercity buses can be a convenient and comfortable way to travel, especially if you haven't made a reservation in advance (and if you're not an especially tall person!). Intercity buses come in government and privately owned varieties. In general, private buses are slightly to significantly more expensive...but remember that you get what you pay for. Government buses may be regular, express, or 'luxury'; you can ask at the bus station about journey times and durations (don't expect to arrive exactly on time though). Some government buses will take reservations, others are first come, best seat. The seats may be uncomfortable, but at least you can be confident that the buses will run no matter what the conditions. Shorter distance private buses have a tendency to make a lot of stops to pick up extra passengers, which may slow down the travel. I f you're planning to take an overnight bus, you can choose amongst varying levels of comfort as well. The Volvo A/C semi-sleeper (nice pushback seat) buses run by private companies are generally very comfortable and charge between 500-600 Rs for a night on the bus. You can buy tickets for these at any local travel agencies. Hi-tec buses are one level lower; they usually have less room to push back the seats and are not air-conditioned...but if your journey is at night this type of bus may well be sufficient for approximately 250-350 Rs. On express routes between major cities, sleeper buses may also be available.

In buses watch your bags, be aware, and try to avoid crowded buses if you are carrying lots of luggage. You'll often be asked to put your luggage by the stick shift next to the driver. Don't fret, it's actually a very safe place to keep it! The driver will keep his eye on it until you get off the bus. Sleep in the middle of the bus if possible. The seats at the back are much more bumpy.

c. Air travel
Air travel within India is quite a bit more expensive than rail travel, but it is an exceedingly easy, very comfortable option if you in a rush, have no other option or are just plain lazy and do not want to deal with the crowded Indian Railway stations. Tickets can usually be purchased at the airport, hours before flying if necessary. Reservations made in advance are cheaper and safer as they ensure seat availability. Three major companies offer air travel between major cities in India: Air India, Sahara Airlines and Jet Airways. Air India is the cheapest, and offers package deals for multiple flights within set periods of time if you have friends or relatives coming to visit. Sahara and Jet Airways offer the best service and have really great vegetarian meals as far as airline food is concerned.

VII. Money matters

A. Bringing money from home
Travelers’ checks can be cashed at branches of the State Bank of India, though you should expect to spend a few hours in the process (avoid starting too early in the morning; the bank won’t open until 10:00 am and likely won’t have the daily exchange rate until closer to noon). Alternatively, you can cash travelers checks in some travel agencies with less hassle and a comparable rate. Directly at the airport is another quick and accessible option for encashment. Always ask for some money in smaller change; big bills (especially 500/Rs notes) are hard to break. Be sure to hold on to your encashment receipt- this will come in handy if you want to buy a tourist quota ticket for train travel. ATMs can be found in bigger cities and tourist places. Check that your ATM card can be used internationally (if it has the Cirrus, Visa or Star logo you are in good shape) before leaving the States. Credit cards will only be accepted in large department stores, nice restaurants, and hotels.

B. Opening a Bank account in India
As a Rotary scholar, you will have to open a bank account with an Indian bank. You will need proof of admission from your Univeristy/ Institution of study, a copy of your Resident registration with the police (you get this at the FRO), and possibly an ‘introducer’ (someone with an existing account in the same bank). You will probably need a few passport- sized photos as these are required for everything in India. If you don't have any passport photos, it should be relatively easy to get some taken. All the same, bring a dozen or so from home to hold you over until you have taken more.

B. Tipping
In general tipping for services is neither expected nor necessary. A few exceptions are waiters in nice restaurants, bellboys in fancy hotels, and desired or undesired guides in tourist spots. When you visit a temple, you are expected to place a coin on the tray before accepting tikka (the mark on the forehead) and holy water.

C. Bakshish
Though it supports the widespread corruption, a small bakshish, or bribe, may get you a long way. There are times when bakshish is almost expected; officers would rather pocket a little money themselves than waste their time going through the correct procedure. The choice is a moral one that you will have to make.

D. White skin tax
Before long you will get used to prices artificially inflated in your honor. Unless you are familiar with what the normal price should be, your best bet is to let a local do the talking for you. You should also never buy an expensive item without having compared prices in other shops.

E. Bargaining
Bargaining seems to be one of the ancient arts of India. Aside from packaged commodities which are labeled with an MRP (maximum retail price) you will have to bargain for nearly everything you buy where gifts are concerned. Ask around about normal prices and/or appropriate bargaining technique before making any big purchases. In some places, starting at 50% of the quoted price is acceptable. Walking out of a store because a price is too high is a good way to get a more fair deal; if you are not called back the price you were willing to pay is probably not profitable enough for the shopkeeper. Do not let the “fixed price” sign stop you from bargaining! (On the other hand, larger and/or more westernized stores do have regular price tags.)

VIII. Accommodation

As far as accommodation goes, it is probably best not to make generalizations. This section will include city/institution specific information about accommodation

A. Flats
Shared/private flat
In Pune, there are plenty of places to rent and the cost ranges from 50USD or less to several 100USD per month. The upper end apartments/ flats can be very plush. It is common to use an agent to help find a flat. Agents will generally charge one to two months rent for their services and can be found easily by asking around. Many landlords want a deposit of 10-30,000 Rupees as well. Be sure to pay your landlord directly, not via the agent.

B. Hostels

1. University dorms
- anyone have something to add here?
2. International hostels
It's probably best not to make generalizations about International Hostels.
Pune University Specific info:
For the University of Pune, there are separate hostels for International men and women. The hostels are OK and the rules aren’t too restrictive for men, though Western women may find the rules unfair and unequally applied. The biggest downer is no one of the opposite sex is allowed in your room, so entertaining mixed company is done in the lobby, or outside. The curfew is midnight for men, 10:30 for women and this tends to be more flexible for the men than the women. Guests (of the same sex) are allowed to remain in the hostels until 9pm. The upshot of staying in the hostel is you befriend really interesting people from all over the world, and you always have someone to talk to and learn from. Accomodation can certainly be better if you go live alone in an appartment/flat, but as an Ambassador you may find you will do your best work in the hostel-type setting.

C. Paying guesthouses (PG)
This means renting a room or flat in a family’s home or staying in a large building full of rented rooms and run by a manager or family who lives in one of the rooms. PGs range in cost, quality and degree of privacy. Many Indians students choose this option, as the rooms can be much better than the hostel accommodation and, if shared with a few friends, can be quite cheap. Drawbacks include early curfews, sometimes a lack of cooking facilities and the prohibition of either visitors of the opposite sex or visitors at all. This option is probably not the best option for an international student interested in staying out late or entertaining guests.

D. Hotels

Hotels in India are ubiquitous and can vary in price from less than 100 Rs per night to several thousand, depending on location and amenities. In most places, you can find a decent double room for 300-600 and booking in advance is only necessary if you plan on coming at a very busy time. Like most other prices in India, room rates are negotiable--don't forget this opportunity to practice your bargaining skills! You may want to ask about hours and/or availability of hot water. Keep in mind that Bombay is particularly expensive. The above rates are more applicable to smaller cites.

IX. Interaction with Rotary in India

A. Host counselor

Based on the experience of the current Rotary Ambassadorial Scholars, interaction with host counselors can vary widely and depends on the interest of both the counselor and the student. Don't despair if you have difficulty establishing contact with your host counselor before arrival; like with university contacts, people in India tend to be much more receptive in person than over the phone or through e-mail. When you arrive your counselor will most likely greet you with a warm welcome. The actual duties assigned to the host counselor are minimal; many will go above and beyond the call of duty and treat the student as a family member while others will only complete their responsibilities. If the host counselor assigned to you is less active than you had expected, remember that you are welcome to befriend and "adopt" any other Rotarian from your district!

B. Host district

Though Rotary will assign you a particular host club (the club to which your sponsor counselor belongs), you are actually associated with the entire district. Attending annual district-wide events (induction ceremonies, district conferences, etc) is a good way to meet the members of area clubs, find out about their activities, and offer to present at individual club meetings.

C. Speaking at local clubs

1. How to prepare
When asked to present, make sure to inquire about the interest of the club. If some members of the club have already heard you speak (perhaps at a district conference), they may ask you to present on a different topic. Some of the common requests include: your course of study or project work, your home environment, your impressions of India, cultural differences you have noticed, or difference in academic systems. Some clubs, especially those meeting in the city, may have access to LCD, overhead, or slide projectors. If it's available, try to use it---visuals can be very effective in increasing your audience's attention span! Rehearse your presentation in advance and be prepared to answer questions.

2. What to expect
If you always expect a receptive audience you may be disappointed; do your best to be both informative and entertaining and appreciate any positive feedback you get. Use emotion and humor to keep the presentation captivating, and make eye contact with the people who aren't sleeping :)

3. How to impress

If you can, use some local language (at least to greet and thank) and if you're a woman, wear local dress. Speaking about how wonderful India is and about it's future potential as a world superpower is always appreciated! Seriously, make references to experiences, events, or places you have particularly enjoyed during your stay in India. If you want to earn brownie points, learn the words to the national anthem and join in the singing (if you can't master the words, mouthing "watermelon" over and over again seems to fool them). DON'T put your hands in your pocket during the anthem; correct posture is with your feet together and fists clenched at your sides.

D. Getting involved--be proactive!

Besides attending club meetings, getting involved with Rotary activities in India requires a lot of initiative on the part of the scholar. Local community service opportunities are more limited in India than in the U.S. but they do exist if you pursue them through Interact clubs. Another good strategy is to latch on to a dynamic and socially active Rotarian who can keep you up-to-date on any area projects.

X. Returning home - Payback time
A. Speaking about your trip

Now that you have had an experience (for better or worse) that people only dream of, it is your job to share what you have done and what you have learned with the folks back home. Rotary requires that you make yourself available to speak about your experiences for one year after returning home. In reality, you probably won't HAVE to do much other than speak at a few local clubs. But you SHOULD actively line up speaking engagements with clubs in your area or with any other group that might be interested in hearing about your experience.
1. Where you might speak
a. Rotary clubs, District Conference, Rotary District Assembly and Foundation workshops.
b. At home to groups of family, friends and others who are interested in learning more about India.
c. At your previous place of employment, your university or highschool
d. Any other local group who gets wind of what you are doing and expresses interest.

2. Why you should speak
You have just been sent by Rotarians on an all-expense paid tour of an amazing country for an experience you will never forget. The people that sent you likely don't know much about India. You have an obligation and an opportunity to present India to these folks. You will undoubtedly get asked many questions that give you the opportunity to dispell cultural and religous stereotypes. Speaking to Rotary clubs and other groups once back home is a perfect way to contribute toward The Rotary Foundation's goals of increasing world peace and understanding. Positive feedback to those who sent you also helps ensure that Rotarians will continue to support this incredible scholarship. It's also great public speaking experience. And let's not forget the free lunches... :)

Conclusion
This is about all we've got so far. It is unlikely that more will be added unless new scholars pick up the torch and carry on. Daphna and I served as Ambassadorial Scholars in India in 2003-2004. Daphna lived in Hyderabad and I in Pune. We put this together while in India and finished it up shortly after returning in the summer of 2004. We hope you have found this useful and that the tips from our experiences have helped to smoothen some of the bumps you might face in India. It truly is an amazing place. If any of you would like to contribute to this site, please do contact either Daphna or myself. Thanks again and best of luck!

Daphna Dror
daphnadror@hotmail.com

Colin Holmes
findcolin@gmail.com
- posted by rotary @ 10:20 PM