Local currency is Indian Rupee. You can check value of your local currency in rupees online.

Local time is + 5:30 GMT

Hindi and Rajasthani are spoken by local population. Still, English is a very spread language, especially in cities, and is often used as a reference in the business world. Intermediate level of English is then sufficient to interact with locals.

Hinduism is the main religion of the region. Other religions are however present in Jaipur and are mainly present in specific areas: Christianity (in C-Scheme), Islam (in the Pink City) and Sikhism (in Raja Park).

Rajasthan is the 8th state of Indian in term of population with nearly 70 millions inhabitants (more than the total population of France). Jaipur and its 4 million inhabitants is the capital of Rajasthan. Its population is still far from big Indian megalopolis as Mumbai (20 millions inhabitants), Delhi (18 millions inhabitants), or Bangalore (9 millions inhabitants).

Cultural specificities regarding acceptance of inequality and influence of former castes system combined with a developing and unstructured economy sadly led to huge differences between richest and poorest categories. You will then during your stay face striking contrast between huge Americanised malls, luxurious hotels on the one hand and very poor slums and people living in the street in very precarious conditions. All these extremes being sometime geographically very close to each others, making the wealth repartition gap even more striking. Still, even if you will for sure see extreme poverty during your stay, your environment, due to living costs, your placement in central Jaipur and the local people you will be in touch with during your stay, will be close to the one of rich local inhabitants.

Local food is mainly composed from Chapati and Roti (kind of flour pancakes), spicy sauces, pulses, vegetables, milk and sweets. Several local meals however include either Chicken or Mutton. Beef is not consumed due to religious believes. Still you will have many opportunities to eat different types of food (continental, Chinese, south Indian food) as Jaipur possesses a huge range of restaurants including worldwide known fast-food brands. All expatriates favourite restaurant are listed in the local guide.

The two mains north Indian specialities are Thalis for food and Lassi for drink. Thali is a nutritious and very affordable mix of sweet and salted dishes served with flat bread (chapatti or naan). Lassi is a creamy drink mainly composed from buffalo milk and sugar available in different flavours (banana, coconut, mango, etc…).

Agra and its Taj Mahal, Jaipur, Pushkar, Jodphur and Udaipur are advised for a stay in Rajasthan. Other cities as Bikaner and Jaisalmer are some other famous touristic destinations of the region. In the North of Rajasthan are cities like Rishikesh and Dharamsala which are perfect for a relaxing stay (but also for outside sport activities like trekking, rafting, etc...) near Himalaya.

Representing 90% of annual rainfall, monsoon period usually begins in July and reaches its pick at the end of the month. Rain frequency and intensity then slowly decreases until September. Torrential rains sometimes cause traffic cuts and is however synonymous with pleasant drop in temperature.

Summer Average is 40.6°C for maximum temperatures and 25.8°C for minimum. Highest temperature pick is for Mai-June and lowest temperature pick is in December – January. Winter Average is 22.0°C for maximum temperatures and 8.3°C for minimum.

You do not need to carry big quantities of clothes especially in summer when temperatures are high. In addition, local clothes are very affordable. Swimsuit and towels are advised (some accommodations do not furnish personal towels). Electric devices adaptor is not needed if you are from US or Europe. If you are from another country and your Electric devices standards do not fit US or European standard, you will then need an adaptor. Do not forget a first aid kit with sun cream and medicine in case of stomach issues.

Cash in your local currency is easy to change either at Delhi’s airport or in several structures in Jaipur. Withdrawing local notes will not be an issue as international banks are implanted and ATMs are quite easy to find across the city. In case of problem with your bank, parents or relatives can transfer you money via Western Union. Opening a local account is not advised, especially for short stays.

Regarding the size of Jaipur, nightlife infrastructures can be judged as poor with few nightclubs and bars. These kinds of structures are however developing these years and you will for sure have many opportunities to go out during your stay (private parties, special events, festivals, clubs, etc…). List of local Bars and Clubs will be provided to you via the local guide as well.

You will frequently use 3 wheelers called Auto-Rickshaw (or Tuk-Tuk) for your daily routes. The advantage of this vehicle is on the one hand that you can find them in each main street and on the other hand the cheap cost of transportation. For very short transport, you can use cycle rickshaw which are even cheaper but are quite slow. Another solution is to book taxis for transportation superior to 20 minutes. Metro is also operational but under development.

Yes. Regarding gym, quality and registration fees can vary a lot from one to another. Best Gyms and Swimming pool will be present in city guide. International franchises like Gold Gym are present in Jaipur.

You can either watch Hollywood blockbuster broadcasted in big malls’ cinemas or watch the last bollywood production for a deep change of scenery. With 1200 annual productions, the Indian movie industry is, despite its singularity, the second largest in the world. The Bollywood movies (contraction of Bombay and Hollywood) are 3 hours mixtures of genres, combining entertainment, action, humour and musical.

It will not be rare to see herds of cattle in the heart of the city and wild monkeys in some areas during your stay. Cows and monkeys are indeed totally rooted in the urban landscape. Their sacred aspect conferred by the Hindu religious beliefs makes them revered and protected animals.

It is strongly not advised to drive (car, motorbike, scooter, etc…) in India. Way of driving is very specific in India and risky for a foreigner. But the most important point is that travel insurances protect you against damage done on yourself but do not cover damages done to the vehicle or to a third party.

Stomach issues are frequent among foreign people who stay in India. They occur especially within the first two weeks due to changes in food, water and climate, going from small stomach-ache to diarrhea. A particular attention is also to be paid on sun exposure and warm temperatures that can generate dehydration. Being in an urban and quite developed environment, other types of diseases are rare. Potential diseases and means of protection are detailed in Preparation Section.

Local Health Infrastructures are in general very close to the standards you will find in your home country. Jaipur’s hospitals and clinics are known for their quality and a big number of local surgeons and doctors conducted their studies abroad (often in US and UK). In case you will require a stay in a local structure be still careful to choose private clinics that are much more equipped and reliable than public hospitals.

This Topic needs to be discussed with your treating doctor or a specialised doctor as no vaccination or treatment against malaria has been declared mandatory by local health authorities. Risks and means of protection are also are detailed in Preparation Section.

We have chosen to implement our programs in Jaipur and Rajasthan for several reasons, including the cultural environment, varieties of associative structures, developing industries… But the main reason behind this choice was to insure to our candidates the safest atmosphere for their project. Millions of visitors come every year to Rajasthan, the most touristic area of India. In addition, contrary to big megalopolis like Delhi or Mumbai, tourism industry plays a crucial role and authorities as local population pay attention to prevent any security risk for visitors to maintain there standards. Rajasthan is moreover known as the most preserved traditional and peaceful area of India. Of course, like in any place in the world, basic security and precaution standards need to be strictly respected in order to avoid conflict or unsecure situation.

Avoid any “provocative” dress code, especially mini-short and low-cut. Anything that does not show too much skin is appropriate (normal short, t-shirt, docker, flip flaps…). Try to cover your shoulders and your legs if you are visiting any religious place. Due to their culture, Indian can be quite “shocked” by “provocative” clothes. The other reason not to wear any mini-short and low-cut is to protect yourself against insisting and uncomfortable stares. Wearing regular or local clothes is a good way to feel integrated.

Fixed expenses vary according to the country you belong to and your preferences regarding vaccination and insurances. Following elements are to take into consideration as estimation for the budget of your trip:

- Flight to Jaipur (round trip):

• From European capitals : 600€ to 650€
• From London: 600£ to 650£
• From Los Angeles, New York: 800$ to 900$
• From Brazil: 8900 BRL

- Visa Fees: 120 to 200 €/£/$

- Insurance: 30 to 40 €/£/$ per month

- Package Fees: 445€ / 390£ / 499$

- Vaccines: usually not mandatory (except if you reside in some developping countries) but to check with your doctor or specific clinic

Low cost of life will be one of the most enjoyable aspects of your stay in India. Prices, especially regarding rent, food and transportation are way lower than in any western country. Regarding accommodations, we usually place our candidates is comfortable and A/C equipped accommodations in secured residential areas of Jaipur. Rent for a single room is generally around 12,000 INR and 7,000 INR for a shared room (according to availabilities) per person. Electricity charges can vary from 1,000 INR to 6,000 INR (for an intensive use of A/C in summer) for a room. Food price is very low and restaurants are quite affordable.

Feel free to use the following Indexes to have precise estimation of cost of living in Jaipur: Expatistan et Numbeo

Internships in NGOs are unpaid.

Marketing and Business Development Internships can include remuneration (usually between 3,000 INR and 5,000 INR) according to intern’s profile (Level of English, Experience in the Sector, Diplomas, etc...)

GOVERNMENTAL GRANTS

- Audience: all students, regardless of income or profile. Allocation is however effected case-by-case with priority given to students in financial needs.

- Organizations to contact: This financial aid is granted by local authorities: the regions (regional council), the departments (General Council), the cities (contact local youth information institution of your place of residence).

You can also directly check available solutions with the school department managing international internships.

- Grant type: partial coverage of travel or accommodation expenses

- Amount: variable according to countries and regions

SOLIDARITY GRANTS

- Audience: scholarship student who perform internship in the framework of their course of study in higher education institutions within the contracting procedure with the Ministry of Higher Education.

- Agency Contact: National Institution managing Universities’ grants in your countries.

- Nature: additional grant based on social criteria.

- Amount: variable according to countries and regions.

Feel free to contact the international relations department of your school to discuss legal matter regarding scholarships and grants to finance your stay abroad.

Crowdfunding is an increasing phenomenon. Some platforms connect social entrepreneurs in various sectors looking for developing their project and potential investors, business angels and founders (individuals or professionals). Because it is a recent phenomenon and because of increasing number of such crowdfunding platforms, it is advised to research for new platforms on Internet.
Here are 3 websites that could potentially help you finance your travel plans as part of a humanitarian project: Kisskissbankbank.com, Ulule.com, Fondatio.com.

In order not to offend the cultural sensitivity of locals and to avoid steady gazes it is preferable to avoid over-indented outfits and T-shirts with obscene or provocative visual or text. Any other style of dress is tolerated.

Regarding professional dress code: jeans or pants, shoes, shirt or polo will do for boys. For girls the style is flexible as long as it remains professional and not too casual. You have the opportunity to directly clarify dress-code expectations with your Internship manager.

Most frequent accommodation types are either flats shared with roommates or guest houses with common rooms shared with other expatriates and generally an Indian family. These solutions are the friendliest and secured ones and are as close as possible to European standard. They generally include the following services:

• Wifi
• Individual or Shared Room
• Bathroom attached to the Room
• Comon kitchen and dinning Area
• Laundry service
• Cleaning service

Budget

Monthly rent varies from 7,000 INR to 9,000 INR for shared room and 12,000 INR to 15,500 INR for single room according to location, size of the room and quality of infrastructure. Electricity charges are usually around 1,500 INR without electricity use. In the summer you need to consider extra fees related to the A/C use. For a normal use of A/C (3 hours per day) the bill is around 3,500 INR. For an intensive use the bill will be higher than 6,000 INR. Food price is very low and restaurants are quite affordable.

* Room types and categories that we can propose depend on availability
* Mentioned rents do not include electricity fees.

Fixed expenses vary according to the country you belong to and your preferences regarding vaccination and insurances. Following elements are to take into consideration as estimation for the budget of your trip:

- Flight to Chiang Mai (round trip):

• From European capitals : 600€ to 650€
• From London: 600£ to 650£
• From Los Angeles, New York: 800$ to 900$
• From Brazil: 8900 BRL

- Visa Fees: 120 to 200 €/£/$

- Insurance: 30 to 40 €/£/$ per month

- Package Fees: 445€ / 390£ / 499$

- Vaccines: usually not mandatory (except if you reside in some developping countries) but to check with your doctor or specific clinic

Low cost of living represents one of the enjoyable aspects of a stay in Thailand. Living in Chiang Mai usually represents half of the expenses of living in most of westerners cities.

Monthly rent varies from 4,000 Baht to 10,000 Baht based on the type of room, location, size of the room and quality of infrastructure. Electricity charges are usually around 1,000 Baht without electricity use. In the summer you need to consider extra fees related to the A/C use. For a normal use of A/C (3 hours per day) the bill is around 2,000 baht. For an intensive use the bill will be higher than 3,000 Baht.

Eating in restaurant is cheap, as well as most of the other expenditures (transportation, leisure…) related to the stay.

The Visa type that allow students to perform Internship up to 3 months unfortunately does not allow local companies to provide remuneration to the interns.

GOVERNMENTAL GRANTS

- Audience: all students, regardless of income or profile. Allocation is however effected case-by-case with priority given to students in financial needs.

- Organizations to contact: This financial aid is granted by local authorities: the regions (regional council), the departments (General Council), the cities (contact local youth information institution of your place of residence).

You can also directly check available solutions with the school department managing international internships.

- Grant type: partial coverage of travel or accommodation expenses

- Amount: variable according to countries and regions

SOLIDARITY GRANTS

- Audience: scholarship student who perform internship in the framework of their course of study in higher education institutions within the contracting procedure with the Ministry of Higher Education.

- Agency Contact: National Institution managing Universities’ grants in your countries.

- Nature: additional grant based on social criteria.

- Amount: variable according to countries and regions.

Feel free to contact the international relations department of your school to discuss legal matter regarding scholarships and grants to finance your stay abroad.

In order not to offend the cultural sensitivity of locals and to avoid steady gazes it is preferable to avoid over-indented outfits and T-shirts with obscene or provocative visual or text. Any other style of dress is tolerated.

Regarding professional dress code: jeans or pants, shoes, shirt or polo will do for boys. For girls the style is flexible as long as it remains professional and not too casual. You have the opportunity to directly clarify dress-code expectations with your Internship manager.

The “humid season” starts in June and ends in October while the rest of the year is considered as the “hot season”.

The rainfall pick occurs in August and September. Rainfalls usually last for couple of hours during this period but they are not as intense as in other region of the country or of other South-Asian countries.

Chiang Mai has a cooler climate than the central plains of Thailand and Bangkok. In April and Mai, temperatures can sometimes reach 40°C. From June to September temperatures usually vary between 22°C and 34°C.

Yes. Cash in your local currency is easy to change locally. Withdrawing local notes will not be an issue as international banks are implanted and ATMs are quite easy to find across the city. In case of problem with your bank, parents or relatives can transfer you money via Western Union. Opening a local account is not advised, especially for short stays.

Yes, you will feel safe in Chiang Mai. As with our activities in Jaipur, we consider security and general atmosphere as n°1 criteria for the selection of a destination.People in Chiang Mai are usually very calm and not aggressive. Cases of violence, theft or aggression are unusual. One of the main dangers comes from road traffic density and crossing roads as rules are not often respected. Driving is also risky for the same reason.

You need to subscribe to a specific travelling insurance to be financially covered in case of hospitalisation, repatriation, etc… Make sure you are up-to-date with your usual vaccinations. No vaccination is mandatory for this region of the world if you are from western countries but highly encourage you to meet your doctor before leaving.Avoid consumption of raw or undercooked food products, be careful of spicy food if you are not used to it and drink only purified or encapsulated water. A particular attention is also to be paid on sun exposure and warm temperatures that can generate dehydration. Being in an urban and quite developed environment, other types of diseases are rare. Potential diseases and means of protection are detailed in Preparation phase.

Malaria is rare in urban areas. It is however advised to take repulsive along to avoid disturbance at night during the raining period. This Topic needs to be discussed with your treating doctor or a specialized doctor as no vaccination or treatment against malaria has been declared mandatory by local health authorities.

In case you will require a stay in a local structure be still careful to choose private clinics that are much more equipped and efficient than public hospitals. Private Hospitals are in general very close to the standards you will find in your home country. Individual Doctors as we know in western countries do not exist that much in Thailand. Locals go to the hospital for the slightest injury or illness.

Chiang Mai is known for its numerous tourist activities. Historic center and its temples is one of the main attractions of the city. Zoo (and night zoo), elephant rides, trekking and rafting and also among the most popular activities for expatriates and visitors. There are also many markets in Chiang Mai such as craft markets, fruits markets, etc… Last but not least, festivals are also to experiment. They occur almost monthly and are unique experiences (flower festival, floating candles festival, water festival, etc…)..

A Booklet with local attractions (monuments, theme parks and religious places) as well as touristic destinations in the region and a map of the City will be provided in the Welcome Pack at your arrival.

It is easy to find bars and clubs in Chiang Mai. Variety of structures is high (rooftops, pubs, live music, etc…). Nightlife is rich and Chiang Mai is one of the most active and attractive city of Thailand regarding this aspect.

There is almost no public transportation in Chiang Mai. There 2 main popular solutions are Sorng·taa (collective taxis), Tuk-tuk (individual 3 wheeler taxis):

For Sorng·taa you need to ask them if they go in the desired direction. If yes they will get you in and they can frequently stop to take other passengers. This is the most affordable solution. Tuk-tuk is a bit more expensive than collective taxis. You will also find them almost anywhere. You can also book regular taxis.

Northern Thailand offers a rather sweet and less spicy cuisine than in the south of the country. Glutinous rice is ubiquitous in most recipes but noodles are also popular. Local food is influence by Chinese receipts and Pork and various vegetables are present in most of traditional meals. The most famous dish of Northern Thailand is probably Khao Soïe. This is a soup mixing cooked noodles and crispy fried noodles, dipped in curry and coconut milk.

Yes. Chiang Mai is modern regarding such infrastructures and you want have problem finding quality Fitness center near your accommodation. Regarding gym, quality and registration fees can vary a lot from one to another. Best Gyms and Swimming pool will be present in city guide. Regarding swimming pools you can also access them easily. They usually belong to hotels but you can still access them if you pay some fees.

Yes. As with gyms and similar infrastructures, Chiang Mai is a modern city and you won’t have any trouble finding malls and cinemas.