Transcript
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BACKPACKING

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The summer of your life is about to begin. This package will get you stoked and fill you in on everything you need to know about OG and your region.

CONTENTS

3 OUR APPROACH

4 A LETTER FROM YOUR PROGRAM LEADERS

5 PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

6 INDIA COUNTRY PROFILE

7 GETTING IN & OUT OF INDIA

8 TRAVEL HEALTH & MEDICINE

9 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

10 WHAT TO PACK

12 MONEY MATTERS

13 CULTURAL DO’S AND DO NOT’S

14 HINDI FOR DUMMIES

15 WHO WE’RE WORKING WITH

16 KNOWING STUFF MAKES YOU SMARTER

17 FINAL CHECKLIST

WE’re sparking a

movement of

globally active &

socially coNScious

BACKPACKTIVISTS.

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OUR APPROACH

Operation Groundswell is a collaborative organization. It’s in our DNA. Which is why over the past couple years, we’ve sat down with over fifty people close to OG to ask them which values best represent the organization. Together we built what is now called the Backpacktivist Manifesto: a working document that we will use to inform everything we do, both abroad and right here in our home communities.

Here are the values that every backpacktivist should strive for:

» Prepared to change: the most important quality in a backpacktivist is the ability to reflect and adapt.

» Full life livin’: squeeze the sweet nectar out of

every opportunity the world throws at us!

» Conscientious: adhering to local traditions and customs allows us to understand the value of cultures different from our own.

» Respect: make an effort to understand all people...even the ones we don’t get along with.

» Humility: a backpacktivist may look silly searching for words in a new language, but the very attempt connects us to locals on a whole different level.

» Solidarity: a backpacktivist stands in solidarity with all peoples, regardless of race, gender, or class.

» Group-focused: leverage the power of a group to develop a deeper understanding of the world around us and ourselves.

» » Thirst for learning: the road is the best classroom

and a backpacktivist is searching for truth.

» Leadership: we are training the next generation of positive and diverse leaders.

Backpacking with a purpose is about being conscious and critical of our impact on the communities that we travel to.

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Zoe

They say what you believe in floats towards you or finds you...through you.

And with that, we are thrilled that this program and you have found each other.

So....are you prepared to have the best, most life-changing summer of your life? Are you all set to experience the land called India, one of the most diverse, vibrant, and incredible countries in the world (or rather, a continent in itself!)

We are so excited to be leading and facilitating this unforgettable program. Together, we will be experiencing the myriad of exotic sights, sounds, smells, and tastes that India has to offer - ranging from the streets in the chaotic capital of Delhi to the beautiful, exotic magical mountains in the northern region of Ladakh; from the rush and the chaos to the deepest levels of tranquilities possible.

As one of the oldest, most tempting backpacker destinations in the world, India is an engaging, challenging, and inspiring country whose raw beauty and intensity will stay with you for years to come. You’ll fall in love with the food, mountain views, people, smells, temples, and energy of India. Even crossing the street is an endeavor in itself. On top of all this, our community-requested volunteer projects will give us even greater insight into the reality of life in the sub-continent.

We will see amazing places, be introduced to interesting people, and have the opportunity to explore ideas of community mobilization. We will meet people from all walks of life with a wealth of knowledge and a vibrant

drive for global betterment. Our own little group will also be an awesome family of love and learning to keep us going along the way. An open mind (and heart) along with a little patience and perseverance are high priorities on the packing list!

As leaders of this program, we are not here to create the experience for you, but to facilitate the process of understanding a culture and country that has existed for thousands of years, to encourage each other to be mindful guests, and to work in solidarity with our friends and partners on the ground. As your program leaders, we know the organizations we will be working with and where some of the coolest local spots to explore are. Just like you, we too are lifelong learners and explorers; we are in this together! The bus will inevitably break down and we may be tested by the notorious “Delhi Belly”. Some plans may change, as nothing is written in stone. But the best part is that we are in this together and we’ll learn, laugh, and struggle together as these adventures unfold one step at a time.

In the weeks you spend in India, you likely won’t be “changing the world,” but you’ll most certainly be changed by it. OG’s mission is to plant seeds of inspiration in each of you to become conscious global citizens of this stunning world. And we will have a heck of a lot of fun while we’re at it!

In the meantime, make sure you go through this program package carefully and get excited for an adventure like no other!

With love,

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>>Natalie & Walker

A LETTER FROM YOUR PROGRAM LEADERS

NAMASTE!

THE SUMMER OF YOUR LIFE IS ABOUT TO BEGIN. HERE’S EVERYTHING THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.

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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

DELHI ORIENTATIONWe arrive jet-lagged and excited to India’s bustling capital to prepare for the weeks ahead. We will get to know this chaotic city with an introduction to Indian culture and, most importantly, each other. We will navigate the busy streets, interact with local vendors, practice our bartering skills, and sample the delicious local cuisine!

DHARAMSALA AND MCLEODGANJ HIMALCHI CULTURE From Delhi we will be stepping into the land of momos and mantras! We’ll be working and learning from Students for a Free Tibet who advocate for increased rights for Tibetan people through social action and community projects that are based in non-violence. We’ll get a picture of life inside and outside of Tibet, the local Himalayan culture (Himachali), and why this tiny town has a year-round deluge of visitors from every corner of the globe.

Spiti EXPLORING TIBETAN LIFEOver the mighty Rohtang Pass, nestled in the cold desert mountains, we’ll immerse ourselves in a landscape and culture identical to Tibet’s – that is until Tibet lost its independence in 1949. We will work with NGOs in Spiti to create sustainable livelihoods through conservation, cultural preservation, and sustainable tourism initiatives that will support the local Mahayana Buddhist communities. We’ll likely be hiking between villages and homestays, as well as visiting the famous Ki monastery.

RISHIKESH DISORIENTIONArguably the world capital of yoga, Rishikesh not only hosts yoga and meditation centres but also has great opportunities for rafting and hiking. It is the perfect place to debrief and end our experience together. We’ll relive memories of the program, discuss how to stay connected, and collaborate on projects in the future.

YOUR PROGRAM ON A GOOGLE MAP

Here is the itinerary for the six weeks that we will be together! In the age of Google, we decided that an interactive map is the only way to roll. Feel free to play around with it, make it your browser’s homepage, and share it with your friends and family. Soon enough we’ll be on the ground doing that route for real.

Simply plug this link in your browser: http://bit.ly/1Qgga3A

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6 INCREDIBLE WEEKS. 1 PAGE.

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INDIA COUNTRY PROFILE

Capital: New Delhi

Population: 1.25 billion

Major languages: Hindi, English, Urdu

Major religion: Hindu, Buddhism, Islam

Life expectancy: 64 years (men), 68 years (women)

Monetary unit: Indian Rupees

Time Zone: UTC +5:30

Northwest India will amaze, surprise, and intimidate at any and every turn. With its in-your-face diversity, snow-dusted mountains, tranquil temples, feisty festivals, lantern-lit villages, and software-supreme cities, it’s hardly surprising that this country has been dubbed the world’s most multidimensional. Love it, loathe it, or see-saw between the two, India promises to jostle your entire being, and no matter what, it’s a place you’ll never forget.

Home to more than one billion people, the subcontinent bristles with an eclectic melange of ethnic groups to create an intoxicating cultural cocktail. India has many sacrosanct sites and stirring philosophical epics. History buffs will encounter grand vestiges of the British Raj peering over ancient spice bazaars and crumbling fortresses. Lovers of the great outdoors

can hike along the foothills of the Himalayas or take a dip in one of the many cool clean lakes and rivers...

And there’s the food! A plate of curry with chapatti and a cup of chai tea is a meal you will learn to love, and miss passionately once you’ve returned home.

With one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, India has certainly made giant strides over the past decade. Despite averaging an annual growth rate of around 9% in recent years, vast sections of the country’s billion-plus population have seen little benefit from the economic boom. Indeed, the government’s ongoing challenge is to spread both the burden and bounty of India’s fiscal prosperity. Not an easy task given that the gap between the haves and the have-nots is far from shrinking, and poverty is set to spiral upwards if India’s population rate continues to gallop beyond that of its economic growth.

Indian official estimates of the extent of poverty have been subject to debate. According to UNICEF statistics, 32.7% of the population, as of 2011, lived on less than below the new international poverty line of $1.25 per day.

The stark contrasts of people and places will surely fascinate, if not shock you. You’ll likely leave India wondering how and why a country like this exists, and that question will bring you back, again and again.

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INDIA IS NOT THE COUNTRY THAT YOU MIGHT EXPECT. HERE ARE THE DETAILS.

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GETTING IN & OUT OF INDIA

PASSPORTSYou will need a valid passport with an expiry date of no less than 6 months after your date of departure from your home country, If you have not done so already, you should immediately begin the process of acquiring/renewing your passport.

For Canadian citizens applying for a passport, visit:www.ppt.gc.caFor U.S. citizens applying for a passport, visit:www.state.gov

For all others, please check with your government’s travel agency to clarify requirements.

VISASYou are responsible for having all the proper visa requirements and though your program fee does not cover visa costs, your program leaders are here to answer any questions if a pre-trip application is necessary.

Getting an Indian tourist visa means visiting one of our recommended third-party visa services or mailing your passport with your application. Start this process as soon as possible – at least six weeks before the start date of your program. Canadians should use BLS International and can find application information here. Americans should use Cox & Kings Global Services and can find application information here. Be cautious of other third-party visa services because they may be scams, and please check with us if you are unsure. For all other countries, we advise that you confirm your visa requirements directly with your embassy as soon as possible to give yourself sufficient time to apply for a visa, if necessary.

WHERE WILL WE BE SLEEPING?As the bible of backpacking goes, we’ll be sleeping in every kind of place imaginable. In Delhi, we will be staying in a comfortable hotel that is similar to anything basic you’d find in North America. As we move on, it will be more of an adventure! We’ll be sleeping in guesthouses/hostels, buses, temples (tempos - you’ll learn about these) and ashrams. Wherever we are, accommodations will be comfortable and we will make it our home in no time.

FLIGHT INFORMATION

With years of experimenting on how to arrange flights, Operation Groundswell has found that participants often find cheaper flights by booking on their own. What we want to stress is that you must arrive into Delhi, India on May 20, 2016 between 8am and 4pm. The official end date of the program—a.k.a. the date we will drop you off at the airport to go home - is 12pm on June 28, 2016.

We suggest checking Kayak, Orbitz, Cheapoair, Google Flights and other flight sites to get the cheapest rate.

If you are an American student, we have a partnership with StudentUniverse to offer you some of the most affordable airfare options. Click here to look for flights.

If you are Canadian and you would rather the personal touch of a travel agent, you can get in touch with Alan Borenstein at Flight Centre. He is a past program leader and currently books all our program leader’s flights. You can reach him toll-free at 1-877-815-4906 or send him an email at [email protected].

NOTE: If you arrive before the program begins, you will not be under the auspices of Operation Groundswell. We cannot guarantee that anyone will meet you at the airport or arrange your  accommodations. You will be entirely responsible for yourself until the first day of the program. Check all flights with your program leaders before you book them!

**IMPORTANT**You will receive an email (if you haven’t already) with a link to fill out your flight information. It is imperative that you fill this out so that we can arrange pickups on the first day of the program.

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SLEEPING. EATING. GETTING AROUND. SPEAKING. PLAYING. WE LIVE LIKE THE LOCALS FOR THE MOST REAL EXPERIENCES.

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TRAVEL HEALTH & MEDICINE

STAYING HEALTHY ON THE GROUND

Staying healthy on your program is one of the most important aspects of enjoying an Operation Groundswell experience. With the proper preparation beforehand and careful attention on the program, you can minimize most health risks while still having a great time. Operation Groundswell expects you to meet with a travel doctor or your GP (if he or she is comfortable advising), before leaving your country of origin. You must be up-to-date with all necessary vaccinations and equipped with any necessary medications for travel in India. We advise you to bring a copy of your itinerary to your appointment or send it to your doctor beforehand. While we provide a lot of recommended information here, the travel doctor will know what you absolutely need at the time of departure according to which region(s) you’re traveling to.

Operation Groundswell requires your doctor’s signature on a personal medical history form stating that you are both physically and mentally cleared for participation in the program. Operation Groundswell does not discriminate against physical or mental conditions or disability. We simply want to make sure that you are fully aware of the risks and challenges of the program, that we are aware of any previous medical conditions, and that we have the capacity to support you while you’re abroad! This form will be sent to you shortly after your deposit has been paid.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Operation Groundswell requires you to purchase travel health insurance for the duration of your time abroad. It’s important to make sure you find the insurance plan that suits your needs.

At the minimum, participants generally get basic medical insurance to cover themselves for any medical emergencies that occur while they’re abroad. We recommend shopping around on sites like squaremouth.com, which will list a variety of options and compare their coverage. The cost will depend on the extras you get on top of medical (covering lost or stolen baggage, electronics, etc.)

If Operation Groundswell must cancel a program due to low numbers, we will be happy to relocate you to another program. If you would rather cancel than relocate, OG will reimburse your full program fee but is not responsible for refunding any flight cost or other costs associated with the program. You decide if you’d like to insure your flight, buy a flexible ticket, or buy separate flight insurance through your airline.

KEEPING US IN THE LOOP

Two weeks after paying your deposit, you will receive an email with:

» A copy of the personal medical history form that your doctor must sign

» A personal link where you can upload the signed copy

**We require this form at the latest a month before your program starts.

A month before your program starts, you will receive an email with a link for you to provide your:

» Emergency contact » Travel insurance » Flight information

The links you will be sent are live forms, so you can fill out a portion of the information when you have it and continue filling it out once you’ve booked your flights closer to the program date.

**IMPORTANT**The above information is required for participation in every OG program.

REGIONALLY RELEVANT MEDICINE

Hepatitis A & BRecommended for all travelers.

TyphoidRecommended for all travelers.

Yellow feverRequired for travelers arriving from a yellow-fever-infected area in Africa or the Americas.

RabiesRecommended only for travelers who will be at high risk for animal bites or who will be coming into contact with bats.

Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1956, if not previously given.

Tetanus-diphtheriaRevaccination recommended every 10 years.

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HEALTH & SAFETY AREOUR TOP PRIORITY.

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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

STAYING SAFE ON THE GROUNDAs a well-established and experienced volunteer-abroad organization, Operation Groundswell takes active precautions to keep you safe and secure while overseas on your program. We take travel safety very seriously. Each section of your program undergoes a standardized risk assessment. Your program leaders do a dry run of your program before you arrive to confirm the nearest medical facilities and potential risks. At least one program leader on each program has taken a Wilderness First Aid course and is fully certified by Wilderness Medical Associates. Our program leaders are proficient in local languages (where it is necessary) and have met and discussed safety concerns with our local partners.

Each program checks in daily with our Toronto headquarters to relay important information and ensure the health and safety of participants. Our Programs Director reads regional travel warnings daily and is available 24/7 to deal with emergencies on the ground.

With that in mind, it is important to remember that every OG program prides itself on taking you directly into the experience of living in that region. Pick pocketing, purse snatching, and various types of scams are the most common forms of crime confronting visitors. Those who limit their display of jewelry and handle their cash discreetly reduce their vulnerability to crime. Participants are advised to carry limited amounts of cash for this reason.

It is also common for Western visitors to be bothered with personal questions. While this can be a great way to enter into a conversation, sometimes the wrong response can lead to harassment. Likewise, locals are often very interested in white skin and light hair to the point where they may want to touch yours. We’ll always be in a large group, or smaller groups, so this should not be a concern. Take cues from your program leaders. Always communicate where you are going and generally be aware of where you are.

India is generally very safe but conditions on the ground can change quickly, which is why our programs are flexible. We will adjust our course to stay safe at all times. Always communicate where you are going to your program leaders and fellow participants. India can be just as safe as any place in Canada or the United States. It is just about being vigilant and aware of what is going on around you.

OG and its local partners are familiar with these risks and will take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety and security of its participants. This includes maintaining an

effective flow of information and using the knowledge of our wonderful partners, local contacts, and officials. Equally, OG program leaders will project an inclusive, respectful, and non-partisan image. They will be running through the entire program prior to your arrival to ensure that everything is safe and secure. Nevertheless, program logistics will remain under review and the itinerary flexible to unforeseen developments. To learn more about our safety protocols, visit http://operationgroundswell.com/programs/safety/.

**IMPORTANT**There are also a variety of safety precautions that we require you to undertake prior to and immediately upon arrival in India.

First, team members should read government travel advisories for for India, available here and here.

NOTE: Keep in mind that government advisories provide a countrywide assessment of risks and we will provide more region-specific information in the pre-program meetings that each team will have with their program leaders in April.

Second, all Canadian participants are required to register with Consular Services Canada as a “Canadian Traveling Abroad.” This will allow the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade to contact us in case of an emergency.

Please make the required registration for your trip at http://travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration.

Those traveling with a U.S. passport should register at https://step.state.gov/step/.

For all other nationalities, please find your country’s consular services to see if there is an option to register as a traveler abroad.

STAYING IN TOUCHInternet will be available periodically for you to email home. Telephone access will be limited. Buying a local cell phone can be a more cost effective way of keeping in touch. Your team will be blogging throughout the program so pass on the link to family and friends: www.operationgroundswell.com/blog/. Additionally, both your program leaders have locally serviced cell phones for emergency use. They will be in regular contact throughout the summer with OG’s Programs Director. In case of emergency, please ask your family or next of kin to call OG’s main line at 1-888-422-0164. From there, they will be connected directly to one of our on-call Summer Coordinators.

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HEALTH & SAFETY AREOUR TOP PRIORITY.

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Remember: The rule of thumb is always to pack as lightly as possible!

WHAT TO PACK

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

» Passport (valid beyond 6 months from the start date of the program)

» Extra passport photos (if you have them) » Copies of passport/tickets/credit cards (you want

extras in case you lose a document) » Customer service numbers for credit cards/

insurance » Proof of vaccinations » Student card and International Student

Identification Card - we’ve booked treks on student prices so you need your ISIC card to prove your student status! They are available at many travel agencies, just let us know if you’re having trouble.)

BACKPACK & DAYPACK

Because we’re not wheelie-baggers, we’re backpackers! We recommend going to an outdoor adventure store and getting a pack fitted to you. Most people should only need a 45-65L pack. Try a bunch on and compare prices to find one that is right. You could also borrow from a friend!

It is also important to bring a daypack for short trips and daily use. Also, you’ll probably want to have room in your bag so you can pick things up along the way like weavings, coffee, or books.

>>

PACK YOUR BAG THEN REMOVE HALF OF IT AS YOU PROBABLY WON’T NEED MOST OF IT.

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PACKING LIST CONTINUED

OTHER ESSENTIAL ITEMS » Sleeping bag (try to find one that is as warm but

small as possible; compressor straps come in handy too)

» 1 bath towel (quick-dry adventure towels are the lightest)

» Flashlight (headlamps are popular and recommended)

» Min. 1L reusable water bottle » Medication/EpiPen, if you need it

GENERAL CLOTHING » 5-7 pairs of underwear » 3-4 pairs of socks (warm ones if possible, as it

gets cold at night) » 2-3 pairs of shorts (please keep them knee length

to avoid unwanted attention and mosquito bites where the sun don’t shine!)

» 3-4 t-shirts/tank-tops (revealing clothing isn’t your best bet, but we also know that it get hot during the day. Just try to keep a balance)

» A sarong for women is recommended, which can be bought in India. It can be used as a shawl or a dress in situations where too much skin is showing.

» 1 pair of nice pants (or long skirt) and a nice shirt/polo for when we meet community leaders/important folk or visit temples

» 1 light fleece or longer sleeve shirt as it can get cold at night

» 1 lightweight thermal shirt and a pair of long-johns » 1 waterproof jacket (a shell that you can layer a

sweater underneath is probably the best!) » A hat and glasses to protect you from the sun

(MANDATORY for hikes) » A bathing suit » We will need heavier sweaters when we reach

higher altitudes, but buying one in a location where it’s needed is recommended.

» OPTIONAL: Other warm gear like small mittens or gloves and a warm hat. BUT we know you will want to hook yourself up with some authentic gear so you might want to wait to buy it in India!

Remember, we are working on community projects, practicing yoga, navigating the streets of Delhi, hiking ...and depending on your ITT plans, you could be in the desert or the mountains! In places like Delhi, it will be very warm in the day but in the mountains, it will cool down at night. Layering is important. You want to aim to find clothing that is comfortable & breathable! Find clothes that you feel good in and that you are not afraid to get dirty (as you might wear the same shirt for a week without washing it). Don’t be afraid of being smelly, you won’t be alone. It’s better to pack light, as your pack will inevitably fill up with local goods!

SHOESIf you buy new shoes, break them in before the program. » 1 pair of good hiking boots/walking shoes, as we

will be doing A LOT of walking » 1 pair of sandals (or even just flip flops) come in

handy for Delhi and warmer places » OPTIONAL: 1 pair of casual walking shoes

PERSONAL HYGIENE & TOILETRIES » Regular hygiene items like soap, shampoo,

deodorant, shaving cream, etc. (Note: these are all readily available in smaller quantities and at a cheaper price if you would rather buy them in country. Another good option is bringing small quantities to begin with and refilling once in-country)

» Vitamins, painkillers, cold medicines, etc. » Toothbrush and toothpaste » 1 extra pair of prescription glasses or contacts/

contact solution (if required) » Tampons and pads (it is always a good idea to

bring more than enough tampons though you can buy this in-country)

» Bug spray and after bite » Band-aids » Sunscreen and lip balm » Immodium/Pepto Bismol (you will want this!) » One round of prescription medicine (i.e. diarrhoea

meds – ask your doctor) » If you have asthma and you need a puffer, bring

it even if you rarely use it. Same goes for allergies and EpiPens

» Any prescriptions that you need (be mindful that refrigeration is not always possible – so ask your program leaders)

NOTE: All program leaders are equipped with First Aid Kits, so though it is useful to have basics like Advil or Tylenol, you don’t need to pack a pharmacy. There will be a medical form sent out closer to the program start time so you can outline and specific mental or physical health problems.

OTHER NICE-TO-HAVE ITEMS » Journal & Pen » iPod/MP3 player if you have one » Camera » Ear plugs or eye mask if you’re a light sleeper » No need for a computer, iPhone, iPad, or anything

similar as we will have access to a computer when we have access to the internet!

» You can bring books, but remember these are heavy. You can exchange with your fellow travellers.

» A photo of your family or friends back home to show to new friend in the communities we visit, or anything else that you can’t live without.

» If you’re a picky eater, need comfort food, or are particular about your nutrition: Peanut Butter, Nutella, Fruit-to-go’s, Protein Bars.

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MONEY MATTERS

IT’S EASY TO GET AROUND RELATIVELY INEXPENSIVELY ON AN OG PROGRAM. WHAT YOU SPEND IS REALLY UP TO YOU.

The program fee covers the costs of accommodations, three meals a day, transport, and excursions. It does NOT cover any personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, or whatever you choose to do for your Independent Travel Time. For these cases, you will want to bring some spending money.

We recommend that you bring $50-$100 USD (don’t carry too much cash). You can conveniently change your cash into regional currency an in-country currency exchange.

MONEY TIPS

» Leave any traveler’s cheques and Canadian money at home. They are problematic to cash or exchange.

» Debit cards work (most of the time) in India. ATM/ABMs are widespread and can dispense up to $200 USD equivalent. There is a transaction charge of approx. $5.00 USD, but they are the most convenient and safest option. It is advisable to communicate with your bank before departure to determine their level of accessibility.

» Visa is the most widely accepted credit card. Do your best to have a chip card that is PIN ENABLED to have it work in ATMs. Make sure that the PLUS sign is on the back of your card so that it works in international ATM locations.

» Call your bank and inform them of your travel plans so they don’t place a hold on your account when they see money being withdrawn in a foreign country (you do NOT want this to happen!)

» There will be a safety talk before the program, but money in large amounts, Interac/credit cards, etc. will NOT be carried in any one location and we recommend using money belts/discreet wallets.

CHANCES ARE SOMETHING IN ONE OF INDIA’S BUSY LOCAL MARKETS WILL CATCH YOUR EYE.

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DO...

» The most common form of showing respect and greeting is “Namaste”, spoken with a slight bow and hands pressed together, palms touching and fingers pointing upwards. Handshakes are fine, but be selective about hugging.

» Ask permission before taking someone’s photograph. If you’re allowed, most people would love to see the photo after!

» Spitting and urinating in public is prevalent and accepted practice. You may have to follow the custom in an emergency – i.e. when there is no toilet or if the toilet is utterly unusable. Carry toilet paper with you.

» Food should only be touched with the right hand. Cutlery is usually available, but if you want to go authentic, eat with your bare hand.

» Girls: Dress modestly to avoid unnecessary attention. Shoulders must be covered when entering religious sites. Groping is common in some areas. We will do our utmost to avoid this, but do not tolerate it if you see where it is coming from.

» Guys: Avoid walking around without a shirt. » Attempt to speak the local language whenever

you can. It will come handy in a situation when no one speaks English. Locals may enjoy teaching you a word or two and appreciate you making efforts to learn their language.

DO NOT...

» Do not to give money to street kids. Give food (not packed) if you must. Avoid giving money or attention to any beggars in tourist areas. You can become surrounded and put yourself at risk. Giving money isn’t inherently bad, but it doesn’t solve the root problems of poverty..

» Do not point your feet towards a person or towards the direction of sacred items like a statue, picture of a guru, etc. If your feet accidentally touch someone, do apologize. Remove your shoes when entering a temple.

» Do not to touch people on the head, even a child’s head.

» Try not to talk about issues like Hindu/Muslim conflicts, the partition, racial issues, etc. These are highly charged and emotional topics.

» Avoid any kind of kissing. Public displays of affection are acceptable in certain places, as long as they are not sexual in nature.

» Be aware that running, dancing, or joking around is not acceptable inside temples, monasteries, and sacred sites.

» Some Hindu temples don’t allow photographs or don’t allow non-Hindus to enter certain parts. Be conscious of signs saying so.

CULTURAL DO’S AND DO NOT’S

Be a cultural chameleon, and do what you can to try and show as much courtesy and interest in the local culture as possible. Do as the locals do and try to follow these basic rules while in India! Being aware and sensitive to your surroundings is the first step towards being a traveler and not a tourist!

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THE BEST WAY TO FIT IN IS TO DO AS THE LOCALS DO.

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HINDI FOR DUMMIES

Hello:Namaste or Pranaam

Good Morning: Shubha Prabhat

What’s up?: Kaise hain?

I’m ok/it’s ok: Tik hain

Please:Kripaya

Thank you: Dhanyabaad or Shukriya

Sorry (forgive me): Maf Kijiyega

Very good: Bahut Accha

Yes/No: Ha/Nahi

Stop: Ruko

How much?: Katna/Paisa?

Nice to meet you: Apse Mikar Kushi Hui

Water: Pani Alcohol: Sharab

India is very beautiful: India bahut sundar hai

I am Canadian:Mai Canadian Hu’ - or Mai Canadian Se (I am from Canada)

No, I will not marry you: Nahi, mai turn se shadi nahi karsakta

Leave me alone: Muje ekela chodiye

NOTE: Nodding, head movements, eye glances are used for common expressions like yes, no, maybe, ok, here, there, directions, etc.

LIVING IN THE LANGUAGE.

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WHO WE’RE WORKING WITH

At Operation Groundswell, we forge partnerships with local NGOs and charities to work with them on community-requested projects. This means that the communities we work with decide what kind of partnership they are looking for, how we as volunteers can be best put to use, and how our community contribution can most effectively help them achieve their goals. It also means we don’t always know in advance what will be needed in our partner communities or how we can best serve. Seasonal weather patterns, a changing political climate, and organizational needs may change so get ready to adapt like a true backpacktivist!

Though we spend solid days on the ground getting our hands dirty and volunteering, a larger chunk of our time is spent learning from our partners to better understand the underlying issues and challenges that they face. We’re not going to “save India” in our six weeks abroad, but we will be making deep connections with and learning immensely from the real change makers on the ground!

STUDENTS FOR A FREE TIBETwww.studentsforafreetibet.org

Students for a Free Tibet is an organization that advocates for increased rights and freedom for Tibetan people through social action. Their community projects are based on a non-violence and empowerment approach. This wonderful organization works with an international network of students and non-students in 35 different countries. Students for a Free Tibet takes a unique approach in recognizing the power that young people and students hold and the critical role they can play in enacting social change. This year we will be working with them on workshops and other outreach initiatives.

ECOSPHEREwww.spitiecosphere.com

Ecosphere works toward creating sustainable livelihoods through conservation and cultural preservation in the Himalayas. Ecosphere is a social enterprise that aims to find the link between economic empowerment, conservation, and development. The organization has a wide range of social projects and initiatives including eco-travel and vocational work in handicrafts. Ecosphere responds to the demands and the needs of communities in the Spiti Valley and surrounding regions. As one of OG’s newest partners, we will be looking at different options of physical building projects that the community may need assistance with. We will give you updates within the next few months.

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WE RESPOND TO THE NEEDS OF OUR LOCAL PARTNERS

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KNOWING STUFF MAKES YOU SMARTER

RESOURCES BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

This section is meant to provide further information on the region that simply can’t be covered in this program package. These are extra resources that’ll help you learn more about the places that you will be travelling to and the relevant issues in these places. This will help paint a cultural picture even before your plane takes off!

BOOKS

Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherin Boo

A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry

Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie

The Beautiful and the Damned: A Portrait of the New India by Siddhartha Deb

A Place Within: Rediscovering India by M.G. Vassanji

Siddhartha by Herman Hesse

White Tiger: A Novel by Aravind Adiga

The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy

Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri

India Calling: An Intimate Portrait of a Nation’s Remaking by Anand Giridharadas

FILMS

Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

The Best, Most Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)

Darjeeling Limited (2007)

YOUTUBE CLIPS

Masaladosa - Ganpati www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ru-5rBE5Cyo

Tabla and Tanpur www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tyb1ykLktE

Anoushka Shankar - Mahadeva www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WriBVGuxQI

Pt Shivkumar Sharma & Rahul Sharma - Santoor Duet www.youtube.com/watch?v=VldKoqgDvoI

Hariprasad Chaurasia & Cowww.youtube.com/watch?v=qqVUgjO5Qqw

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TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO OPEN YOUR MIND AND SOAK UP EVERYTHING YOU CAN.

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FINAL CHECKLIST

Almost there! Let’s make sure you’ve got everything you need checked off!

¨ Make sure you have a valid passport! You must have a passport valid 6 months after your date of departure from your home country.

¨ Make an appointment with your travel doctor ASAP and make sure you’re up to date with your vaccinations.

¨ Fill out your medical history form form with your doctor’s signature and upload it (link sent via email; contact us if you do not receive it by the month leading up to your program).

¨ Book your flight! You are responsible for booking your own flight but once you’ve found it, check the exact details with your program leader before booking.

¨ Get travel insurance.

¨ Pay your final installment.

¨ Fill out the emergency contact, travel insurance and flight form (link will be sent via email; contact us if you do not receive it by the month leading up to your program).

¨ Meet your team in our pre-program meetings!

¨ Sign our online waiver (to be sent via e-mail).

¨ GET EXCITED!!!

Final checklist for the adventure of a lifetime.

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GET READY

SUMMER.

BACKPACK

PURPOSE

ALL OF THE PHOTOS IN THIS BOOK ARE

MEMOrIES CAPTURED BY OG ALUMNI

WITH A

THIS

TO