In February 2012, a total of 11 new volunteers from 6 different countries arrived for long-term volunteering service. FSL India organised a week-long orientation for the new volunteers in two locations at Bangalore and Kundapur. While 5 volunteers participated in Bangalore orientation 6 of them had their orientation at Kundapur. Kundapur orientation event was held at FSL Guest House from 6th to 12th February 2012. At the same time orientation was organised at FSL India premises in Bangalore. As the orientation program started, volunteers were welcomed by FSL India team with Garlands of Jasmine, Vermilion Tilak marks on the forehead and Aarathi.

Different sessions were scheduled to give input on a range of topics. Sessions were conducted with a perfect blend of theoretical input and inter-cultural exposure. Introduction on FSL India and its works, Indian life style, roles and responsibilities of the volunteers, expectations and fears among the volunteers, setting up aims and objectives and conflict management were the major topics dealt with. At Kundapur introduction on Hindu Philosophy was facilitated by Mr. Prakash Chandra Shetty a guest speaker. Mr. Ranjit Kumar Singh, Chief Coordinator (D&L) facilitated the same session for volunteers in Bangalore. Volunteers had the opportunity to learn Kannada Language. During the evening hour sessions were organised to introduce the volunteers on Indian culture. Volunteers also interacted with the local community as part of inter-cultural learning and experience sharing.

During the orientation, volunteers also had the chance to write a self-addressed letter called “Letter to Yourself”. This was done so as to ensure that they can see at the end of their stay and make comparative analysis between how the situation was in the beginning and how it has been at the end. Host Family Tea Party, Project introduction and visit to the social and development projects were organised during the orientation. A new session on Final Talk was introduced in which volunteers shared their thoughts with the staff. Volunteer also had opportunity to take part in Hindu Marriage Function. All the volunteers actively participated in the orientation program. Following is the detailed profile of volunteers:

• Aneke Siemers from Germany
• Sina Rosch from Germany
• Julia Vat from France
• Marcus from Sweden
• AnaisTuetey from Belgium
• Giulio Regi from Italy
• Claire Dubouil from France
• Julia Neven Germany
• Hanna Breukers from Netherlands
• Pia Madita Michel from Germany
• Susanne from Netherlands