In the month of September 2017, FSL-India, Kundapur hosted 24 Long-Term Volunteers from Sweden and Germany, at our CEL (Centre for Experiential Living), Kundapur. The volunteers participated in practical, theoretical and outdoor sessions for their successful journey in India.

The volunteers actively took part in each session. FSL-India’s facilitators took extra care in organizing this orientation, in which some sessions included conflict management, roles and responsibilities, Hindu philosophy, culture and Indian life style, project introduction and preparation with the coordinator.

Every evening, we organized different events for the exchange of ICL (intercultural learning). FSL-India also organized some cultural activities in their free time, like a tour of Kundapur and Kodi beach etc.

All the staff of FSL-India consider this orientation to be a success as we have received very positive feedback from the volunteers. Everything worked well and we are really satisfied with our work and the results.

Feedback:

• I think this orientation will help me, I learned things I just imagined but don’t really know and observed, too. I feel more comfortable than the first day.
• Yes, because there were some points which are much clearer now (train travel, host family interaction and Indian life style) the visit to the project was really important.
• I think there was lots of information, so that we are prepared for difficult situation.
• Yes, I know how to eat and how to use the toilet, so basic fears are gone. I received security advice and I have an idea what might be expected in my project.