We have been telling you about what all to do in India. Our blogs have guided you to things to do while volunteering in India, in Palampur, New Delhi or South India; however, none talk about what ‘not’ to do. Here is a quick list that’ll help you sail through your volunteering trip to India without much hassle.
1) Forget to Bring Some Form of Medication and Not Drink Plenty of Water
Although not solely related to India, a lot of times, traveling abroad is accompanied with traveler’s diarrhea. As a precaution, it is advisable to bring some specific antibiotics like Imodium and Pepto-Bismol. Another medical risk while travelling abroad is the stomach bug also known as gastroenteritis, common in emergent economies. Make sure that you eat at the right place and always carry bottled mineral water with you. Clean water will keep you hydrated and healthy.
2) Visit Public Places under Alcohol Influence
Drinking in government approved bars and restaurants is fine but roaming around or shopping while you’re drunk should be strictly avoided as it is considered disrespectful and may invite unwanted attention from mischief mongers.
3) Disrespect Local Culture
When volunteering abroad it is important to be aware of any sensitivities of the place where you are going to visit beforehand, and India is no exception. Some rules which you should abide by when volunteering in India include removing your shoes when entering a household or a religious building like a temple, eating food and passing objects to people with your right hand as your left is considered your toilet hand, and avoid pointing at people or sacred objects with your foot as feet are viewed as unclean.
4) Wear Revealing Clothing
India is a moderately conservative country, and although it is slowly being influenced by Western standards of dressing, the majority of places will respect you much more if you are wearing decent casuals, this is especially true to more rural parts of India. It is suggested that both women and men should avoid wearing clothes that are revealing, and when entering a temple it is advised that legs, shoulders, and even head should be covered for modesty.
5) Forget to Bring Your Earplugs
India’s streets can get to be very loud at times, and particularly if you are volunteering during the festive period. A widely celebrated festival, Diwali is a time when a lot of fireworks and music is played and it can be unbelievably loud and last for almost a week. For those of you who do not like noise, ear plugs are a must, and even if you do, it is a precaution that you should always take. If you are staying amidst a noisy neighborhood, earplugs will be remarkably helpful getting a good night’s sleep.
If you take these precautions, you can be sure that your volunteering experience in India will be hassle free and you could make the most of it.
