ARRIVAL IN INDIA

For all ISSJS 2011-6W scholars, travel arrangements to India will be made by ISJS North America. Upon your selection, we will contact you to start this process. We will provide for the cheapest Economy class airfare only. Those who wish to travel in a higher class will need to pay the difference directly to the Travel Agent.

ISSJS participants will need to make arrangements with our travel agent to arrive in Delhi a day before the start day of your program. The first day will be devoted to orientation and registration activities. We request that you be prepared to introduce yourself to the audience in the form of a short speech. You introduction should include a brief synopsis on your particular interest in Jainism and also what you foresee as the results of your research upon returning to your home institution.

All of participants will fly into Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI Airport, Terminal 3 and Exit Gate No 6). All students should email to admission@jainstudeis.org their arrival date and times so that arrangements can be made for your accommodation.

The arrival process, immigration and Indira Gandhi Airport can be a bit chaotic. We want to familiarize you with the steps. As your plane nears Delhi, the flight attendants will hand out several forms to be filled out. One of them marks the arrival and departure of your stay in India that tears into two sections. You will give one half to the Immigration Officer and the other half will be stapled into your passport for when you leave. You will need to have the ISSJS Institute address available to fill out these forms. You might also be asked to fill out a Disembarkation Form, which asks if you have anything to declare. If any of this is unclear, the flight attendants or ground crew can assist you with these forms.

CHANGING MONEY: Before exiting the restricted area, you can change money at the bank counter located inside the airport. Generally, US $100 in rupees is sufficient and will last you some while. It is be smart to have some rupees on hand in case you need to call for assistance, hire a taxi, or make any other unforeseen arrangements.

ARRIVAL RECEPTION: On arrival, as you leave the customs door, you will see a PREPAID TAXI kiosk. Please go there and book a taxi by paying fare (app US$ 8-10) to ISSJS hostel. Please proceed to board the taxi as indicated at the airport. We strongly advise you that you travel in groups of 3 or 4 for security and economic reasons. A taxi can carry upto four passengers. On arrival at ISJS hostel, you will be received by an ISJS representative who will assign a room and make you comfortable. In case of any difficulty please contact ISJS representative at 91-9971803638. Please refrain from taking any other taxi as they are more expensive and at times not secure.

IN CASE OF ANY DIFFICULTY:Call ISJS representative at 91-9971803638. To dial a cell phone internationally, dial the Indian Country Code (91) before the number. For a fixed line, you will need to dial the country code (91) and then the city code for Delhi (11) before the number.

If you plan on arriving prior to the advised day, we will happily assist you in making alternate arrangements for accommodations at reasonable costs. Our lodging arrangements are available a day before the official schedule day of start of your program.

DEPARTURE FROM INDIA

The last day of your program will be notified on your admission letter. On the last day, a formal Valedictory Ceremony may take place. Students will be asked to share what they have gained through the ISSJS summer experience.

After this ceremony, program participants are free to either return home to their respective countries of origin that night, or extend their stay at their own expense. For those who choose to depart on the same day, ISJS can assist in making in making the most cost effective arrangements for your catching the flight back. More information will be available in India as the Summer School comes to a close.

JAIN DIET

Part of the ISSJS program in India is to experience the Jain way of life. In addition to studying about Jainism, it is important for you to follow the Jain dietary system, as well. Such dietary restrictions are based on the principles and practices of non-violence, non-possession, self-control and strenuous efforts to achieve worldly and spiritual objectives. It is not a requirement that participants be vegetarians, however, we strongly request that you stay vegetarian the duration of the program.

Due to religion-cultural reasons, all meals will be Jain Vegetarian, which excludes eggs. At some of the institutions, you may see an absence of root vegetables. In addition, many Jains do not eat after sunset. In the instance that we encounter Jains who follow this practice, please kindly respect this request.

The consumption of alcohol, drugs of any kind, and smoking during the summer school session is strictly forbidden.

TIPS FOR HEALTHY EATING & DRINKING:

• Avoid eating in restaurants with poor hygiene or buying food from street vendors. Make sure that all food is well cooked. Avoid uncooked fruits or vegetables unless you can peel this you.

• Wash your hands frequently. Anti-bacterial hand sanitizer is a good option when a sink is not available.

• Drinking tap water is not recommended in India. Drink boiled, filtered, or bottled water. Soft drinks are usually okay, but beware of juices that may be diluted with water. Never drink any drink that contains ice unless it has been made from boiled or bottled water. In addition, make sure plates and cups are completely dry before eating off of them.

• There will be sufficient bottled water available; however, several previous participants brought portable water filter pumps called First Need Water Purifiers that screwed onto their water bottles http://www.generalecology.com. Scholars with filters always had their own water on hand no matter the situation.

• Drink at least two liters of filtered or bottled water each day. Hydration is an important part of keeping yourself well while in India.

MONEY MATTERS

CURRENCY: The unit of currency in India is the rupee. At present there are roughly 44/- to the US dollar. ATM machines, banks, and moneychangers will be available at most of the places. In particular, Citibank is located all over India. In the past, participants have opened Citibank accounts in their country prior to departure, so that they could withdrawal cash without accruing ATM fees.

Many shopkeepers also accept major credit cards. Make sure you bring your bank account and credit card account information with you, as well as customer service telephone numbers that can be used internationally. It is also helpful to set up online payment options with your credit cards and banks in case you need to pay your bills during your time in India.

MONEY IN MULTIPLE FORMS: You will want to carry your money in multiple forms: Traveler’s Checks, Credit Cards, and Debit Cards. In case ATM machines are not available, exchanging traveler’s checks or using your credit card can be an easy alternative. Take cash in $20 -$50 bills to facilitate easy exchange. Money orders, cashier’s checks, and certified checks are extremely difficult to cash in India.

MONEY BELT: The type that can be worn under your clothes is the most secure. Keep photocopies of your passport, visa, insurance, and emergency contact information, traveler’s checks, and extra ATM/credit cards in your money belt. Because it is very hot in India during summer months, keep your documents in a zip lock bag inside.

In addition ISJS India has prepared a HANDBOOK FOR STAY IN INDIA for scholars to help them make their stay comfortable and rewarding.