Kristy's Blog

I never really wrote final notes on India, but a new volunteer wanted my input before she left for her volunteer experience:

I enjoyed myself very much in India. It was a life-changing event for me. I have to say that at first I was not happy at all, as I had not expected to do all English language teaching – I had had no experience with children. But I grew to love teaching them and interacting with them. Also, I hadn’t realized that they really expected 40 hours of work a week. I thought it would be a looser schedule, but Stephan wanted all those hours.

Despite the schedule, things pretty much go on India time. Be prepared for many last-minute changes. Stephan had to do last minute re-arrangements all the time. Stephan was also an amazing host, giving 200% to making sure you have everything you need. If you want to travel, he arranges everything. If you want to go to town, he calls the taxi. If you want a special food, you got it. By the way, the food was awesome.

Other notes about my trip:
1. Mosquitos were terrible and it was hot, but you will not be there during the hot or mosquito ridden times. (I was there in Late Feb)
2. You’re in Chennai suburbia, and there won’t be any beggars about, or not too much.
3. I didn’t see anyone starving, as a matter of fact there is an obesity problem.
4. The garbage is overwhelming and amazing. If you walk on any of the streets, it is pretty much everywhere and you might be forced to walk on it.
5. The air pollution is quite terrible.
6. The kids English is pretty good at the schools, but not so good at SEAMS.
7. What worked for me as far as teaching English at the schools was to play games with them. They love hangman and they also loved flashcards with pictures on them. I might load up on those before you go.

Last but not least – CLOTHES:
1. Stephan will insist that you not wear any shorts or skirts that are above the knee nor any top that reveals any cleavage. Indian women are very modest. It’s kind of silly, since women wearing saris have their whole middle section exposed, but that’s the rule.
2. I suggest loose light cotton pants and a cotton blouse. It will be cooler this time of year for you than it was for me but in the sun you will DIE in denim or anything polyester. The humidity is very high, Chennai is on the coast.
3. You can get clothes made there for cheap – the salwar kameez is comfortable and quite beautiful and COOL. Sheeba (Stephan’s wife) will make arrangements for you.
4. I went to downtown Chennai to the street markets to shop and bought some wonderful Indian style cotton pants that I LOVE. I wear them here in the states and get compliments all the time from men and women of all ages. I wish I had bought 50 pairs. You can also buy blouses, but Indian women are tiny and you’ll wind up buying XL shirts.
5. I really only took a few items of clothes and bought the rest of my wardrobe there. You can get the houseman Barnabas, to wash clothes for you for a small fee.