Young Professionals Initiative FAQs
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS | APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS | PROGRAM DETAILS | YOUNG PROFESSIONALS AND THE INDICORPS FELLOWSHIP
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Do I need to be of Indian origin to apply for the Indicorps Young Professionals Initiative Program?
Yes, The Indicorps Young Professionals Initiative is designed to help reconnect young Indian professionals to India through service.
Do I need a special visa?
Since the program is less than 6 months and unpaid, a tourist visa should suffice. However, for individuals interested in staying longer than 6 months should look into the Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card. For more information, please visit the Indian Embassy website of your country.
What are the qualifications for being part of the YPI Program with Indicorps?
Indicorps seeks creative, energetic people, who are open-minded, and committed to adding value and pushing their own limits. You must be willing to check your ego at the door and assist the community in finding its own solutions. As part of the program, you must have a minimum of 3 years of work experience for the relevant project. Please see the project descriptions page.
Is there a language requirement?
Please see the project descriptions page for specific language requirements.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
How many references do I need to submit?
Two professional references are required. Reference letters should be written by someone who can speak to your interests, work-style, abilities and skills. Ideally, a supervisor, mentor, or a peer with an organization you have been affiliated can write on your behalf. We presume your family and friends think you are great, so a letter from them will be redundant!
Is there a minimum or maximum word requirement for application questions?
The personal statement has a 500 word limit, and the short answers have a 250 word limit per question.
PROGRAM DETAILS
When does the program begin and how long does it last?
The program begins on July 1, 2009 with a mandatory one-week long orientation in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The length of the program is 5 months and will end December 1, 2009.
Will I have the opportunity to make field visits and visit other organizations?
Not really. The YPI program requires that you immerse in the communities related to your projects. Because of the immersion component, you will not have time to make field visits and see other organizations. You should plan such visits before or after your YPI term.
Do I need to attend orientation?
Yes. Attendance at Orientation is mandatory and intense. Please arrive in Ahmedabad by no later than 8 am on July 1, 2009. You are required to attend the orientation program in its entirety. Indicorps will arrange for transportation and housing arrangements during the YPI residential orientation program.
Where will I be based?
All Indicorps projects will be based in Ahmedabad. However, depending on your project, there may be field visits and village stays outside of Ahmedabad (mostly in other parts of Gujarat) to understand the community.
Where will I live?
Indicorps will provide housing for the one-week residential orientation program. After orientation, you will be responsible for your own housing and food. If you do not have family or friends in Ahmedabad with whom you can stay, the Indicorps team will be happy to assist you in finding affordable housing. Shared housing should cost approximately Rs. 3000-5000 per month for a modest place. Please be cognizant of gender norms in Gujarat as you contemplate housing options.
Do I have the option of staying with relatives or friends?
Yes. You are encouraged to find your own housing arrangements with relatives or friends.
What is my work schedule? Will I be allowed to take vacations?
Participation in the YPI program will be time intensive. India follows a 6-day work week. You should expect long days of meetings, research, and community interaction for the duration of the YPI program. On days where you have no scheduled meetings or deadlines, you should find ways to immerse and learn more about the communities that may relate (however tangentially) to your project(s).
While you will have the opportunity to participate in Navratri, Eid, and some of the other colorful festivals in Gujarat, there are no scheduled holidays. YPI participants will be granted leave for health reasons or in exceptional circumstances on a case-by-case basis.
What are the financial arrangements?
The projects are unpaid. Indicorps will cover program costs (including orientation, workshops, and support). YPI participants will be required to provide for their own travel to and from India, housing, food, as well as any other incidental expenses. Financial aid may be available in exceptional circumstances.
What about educational loans?
The principal balance on all US federally-issued loans, William Ford loans, direct Stafford/Ford loans, direct unsubsidized Stafford/Ford loans, direct PLUS loans, and direct consolidated loans can often be deferred. Many loans in other countries also have deferment options. Depending on the type of loan, interest payments may also be deferred. Please consult the lender directly to determine specifics for loan deferment. Generally, most educational loans have deferment options for low-income or voluntary work; Indicorps can provide documentation regarding income and your volunteer status.
What happens if I get sick?
YPI participants are liable for their own health and healthcare for the duration of their volunteer commitment in India. You should identify a reliable doctor during your first week in Ahmedabad. Also, Indicorps encourages YPI participants to consult their family doctor before embarking on this journey regarding immunization shots, malaria pills, etc.
What about health insurance?
Indicorps requires proof of international health and medical insurance that will cover major capital expenses and repatriation to your country of residence in case of major illness during the 5-month YPI commitment.
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS AND THE INDICORPS FELLOWSHIP
Will I have an opportunity to interact with Indicorps fellows who are currently in the field?
Yes. Indicorps sponsors periodic workshops for Indicorps fellows to re-energize, continue learning, and share best practices. You will have an opportunity to interact with the Aug08 Indicorps fellows at their closeout workshop (July 2009). Additionally, depending on the timeline of your tasks, and the suitability of your attendance, YPI members may be able to participate in relevant parts of the Aug09 Fellowship Orientation (which begins August 15, 2009).
Can I apply for an Indicorps fellowship if I have served as a participant in the YPI program previously?
Yes, YPI participants are encouraged to apply for the Indicorps fellowship or other long term commitments with Indicorps. Successful completion of the YPI project may positively impact your fellowship application.
How can I learn more about Ahmedabad before arrival? Is it safe?
The Indicorps office is located in Navrangpura, a lively section of the city, on Ashram Road in between the Government Income Tax offices and the Times of India Building. The Indicorps office is in easy walking distance to local bookstores, food vendors, grocery and vegetable sellers. For more information about Ahmedabad, please visit the Gujarat Tourism Board website (www.gujaratindia.com/).
Will I need to bring a laptop? What about a cell phone?
We strongly recommend that you bring your own laptop. Cell phones can be obtained in India fairly easily. The Indicorps team can provide the necessary paperwork to help you obtain a SIM card and handset. Should you already have a cell phone that can function with a SIM card, it would be beneficial to bring it.
