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1. Please contact Caroline at Kerala Link before applying to check availability. Then download the application form and complete as thoroughly as possible. Please note that the application procedure, planning and visa arrangements could take many months so you will need to start the procedure well in advance (we suggest 3 months) of your preferred departure date.
2. Please email the form to caroline at Kerala Link along with a recent photo of yourself.
3. You will receive acknowledgment of your application.
4. We will contact your referees to obtain references then provide the staff at your placement with all your details.
5. We will let you know if we can accept you into a placement.
6. Your details will then be transferred to our representative in Kerala who will send you further details of your placement and details of the in-country orientation training.
7. We will send you pre-departure training materials.
8. Flights. You need to arrange your own flight. There are international airports at Trivandrum and Kochi (preferred) from where the Kerala Link representative will meet you and take you by car to your placement (approximately 3 hours). Alternatively, if you are arriving at one of India's other gateways, given plenty of advance notice, we might be able to arrange your train ticket to your placement.
9. Insurance. You need to arrange your own insurance. Most insurance policies cover voluntary work but please check very carefully. It is up to you to arrange appropriate cover for the entire time you are abroad.
10. Visas. You will require a visa for India. Previously, all volunteers have travelled on a tourist visa. Please note that tourist visas are available for 6 months only (non extendable) and are valid from the date of issue, not of entry into India. Please also note that visa requirements do vary from time to time and we cannot be held responsible for any changes which subsequently affect your travel plans. With the registration of Kerala Link as a new trust in India, we are hoping to formalise work visas for our volunteers in future. Please check back to this page for the latest information regarding visas.
11. Health. Please check with your GP or travel clinic for up to date information about vaccinations. Malaria is not a problem in Kerala itself but if you intend travelling to other areas you may need to take malarial prophylactics, which are readily available locally. There are other mosquito-bourne viral diseases, such as Dengue and Chikungunya in some areas, but you would be extremely unlucky to get something like this. It is advisable to take all precautions against mosquito bites, such as using repellents.
12. Fees. All fees are now payable in Rupees on arrival in Kerala. Please arrange to bring with you sufficient funds which you will be able to change into Rupees to pay your fees to our local representative as soon as you arrive.
13. Please remember that if you choose to take up a placement with Kerala Link, we cannot allow for every eventuality. All information and advice is given in good faith but we cannot accept any responsibility if you find things are not quite as you expected. Tolerance, adaptability and a smile should see you through most situations!
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