The Woodstock New Staff Handbook
Before You Come
Travelling
Arriving in India
Welcome to Woodstock. We are glad that you have decided to join us for one of the greatest adventures in life - to teach, guide, and live with young people representing many nationalities.
The New Staff Handbook is an introduction to what will be your new home. Included is information that will assist you in preparing for life at Woodstock. It is impossible to anticipate your needs in all areas - and what would be the adventure in that? But, if you arrive full of enthusiasm, you will thrive in India. Upon arrival, your Woodstock "buddy" will help you to navigate the first weeks, and your department head or residence supervisor will acquaint you with your duties. There is a New Staff Orientation week, and you will receive invitations for meals and trips into town. Woodstock staff members are welcoming and friendly and you will soon feel at home. The very next semester will most likely find you embracing and supporting a new staff member.
This guide is designed to share with you the most important issues first. At orientation, you will receive a binder for all the information you need as you live and work at Woodstock. Please make sure you read the information specific to Contract Staff or Volunteers, whichever you have received. It outlines the benefits available to each. There is a difference in what will be provided for you, and what you are expected to provide for yourself.
Keep in mind that there is so much variability in personality that what is a necessity to one may be totally unimportant to someone else; an unbearable hardship to one may be nothing more than a slight inconvenience to another. Therefore, take all the advice, especially about what to bring, with a dose of common sense and a great deal of self-knowledge. Always remember that India will be your host country and you will be her guest, so learning the rules of the "household" from those who already live here is a good first step.
The advice provided in this booklet is offered in good faith, and reflects the experience of a variety of people who have moved to Woodstock from the US,Australia, Canada and the UK. If information is incomplete, contradictory or inaccurate, please accept our apologies - that's in the nature of things! If you are concerned about something specific, please email wsnewhires@woodstock.ac.in, and we will try and give you a firm answer.
TopWoodstock School and its Environment
Mussoorie sits at 6500 feet altitude in the foothills of the Himalayas, in the area known as the Garhwal - one of the holiest mountain regions in the world for Hindus. The tributaries of the Ganges, all places of pilgrimage, are in the snow peaks above us. Woodstock looks over the Doon Valley, hot and tropical at 4000 feet below us, and on clear days we can see the Shivalik range at the far end of the Valley and even to the plains beyond.
Climate:
Mussoorie's climate is temperate. The first weeks of the spring semester can be very cold, with occasional snowfalls, and you will need warm clothes for work as well as at home. Remember that we don't have central heating and well-insulated houses and offices. Most trees, however, manage to keep their leaves year round and hardy flowers bloom even in January. Spring arrives in mid-March when the rhododendron trees bloom with beautiful red flowers and sunny skies greet us each morning. Temperatures hover at around 20 degrees (68F) for a few weeks, before rising as the summer approaches. Summer (May, June) is pleasantly warm with temperatures reaching into the thirties (90F) during the day and falling back to a cool 20 at night. The monsoon months (July-September) are very wet, but rarely cold. Mists roll up and down the steep mountainsides and the occasional views of the mountains, clear of dust, are magnificent. Ferns and orchids grow on the trees and the hillsides are lush in greenery. Activity Week takes advantage of the glorious weather in fall (Oct.-Dec.).
"I think there needs to be a whole section on the monsoon. Be prepared for fog and rain every day for three months. If you tend to get seasonal disorder, bring things to entertain yourself. Avoid cotton as it never dries. Be prepared for EVERYTHING to get mouldy."
Try and bring anti mould products that absorb moisture in your clothes, linen and shoe cupboards or closets. If you have spare space to bring 3 or 4 to get you started for the first year, it will help considerably. To help decrease mould most cupboards have light bulbs in them that you can leave on. Dryers are incredibly helpful if you can afford to buy one or try and source a second hand one from someone leaving. Monsoon can be depressing and its unfortunate that most new staff begin their stay at Woodstock in the Monsoon season. The weather after the monsoon is however beautiful Autumn/Fall weather with days of perfect sunshine and cool nights.
Location:
Mussoorie is a summer resort town and an educational center. There are numerous hotels, guest houses and restaurants which serve the flood of summer tourists. Thousands of Indian tourists arrive during the months of May to June. There is a host of English-medium schools as well as a handful of Hindi institutions. Woodstock School is built on 290 acres along a steep Himalayan ridge. There are long walks and steep climbs between buildings. Be ready for lots of walking and stair climbing; sturdy shoes are a must.
The school is at the edge of Mussoorie, about a mile from the shopping district - the Bazaar. The campus has two public roads dissecting it, but is otherwise insulated from the surrounding community. The academic area around the "Quad" is the heart of the school. The five main dormitories are a 10-15 minutes walk above and below the school. Staff homes are spread out up to a half-hour leisurely stroll, though most are within 10 minutes from the Quad.
India and the immediate surroundings of Woodstock School can pose challenges to the newcomer. Vast panoramic beauty, fascinating culture, along with impressive industrial and agricultural development may, at times, be obscured by extreme poverty and grossly unsanitary conditions. It is essential that those involved with Woodstock concern themselves with understanding the needs, sensitivities and positives of this particular setting and accept the whole situation - both its struggles and its rewards.
In 2004, Woodstock School celebrated 150 years of teaching young people in India. For most of that time, the school existed primarily to educate the children of Christian missionaries in India. Over the last 20 years, Woodstock evolved from a missionary school to an independent international Anglo-Indian Christian school. Today's Woodstock is a very different school, though it is firmly based on and rooted in the dreams and hopes of those pioneers. Our service is to more than 500 students from over twenty countries of residence and twenty-eight passport nationalities. Our aspiration is to achieve a world-class standard of excellence. Our aim and mission is specifically to prepare globally-minded generations of young people who will have experienced and who will value cultural and religious diversity and who will be in possession of the skills, attitudes and moral values to make a difference in tomorrow's world.
TopQuarters and Furnishings:
Many staff homes are former summer homes of mission societies that have since been deeded to Woodstock. There are single houses, duplexes, and apartments. Most are in little clusters in the forest, and sometimes share a veranda or garden with their neighbors. Many have lovely views and interesting architectural features, such as window seats and balconies. The houses are made of plastered stone with polished cement floors; interior walls are white-washed. Quarters have showers with geysers (hot water heaters). The school is continually working to upgrade and maintain our facilities. Most houses are not accessible other than on foot, via the many trails through the forested hills.
Much of India suffers from electric-power and water shortages. Woodstock has spent considerable effort developing backup sources of both electricity and water to ensure a relatively constant supply on campus. Each kitchen has an electric water purifier/filter.
Staff quarters are supplied with basic furnishings - beds, mattresses, curtains, chests of drawers, chairs, tables, desk, bookcase, couch, cupboard and either tiles or coir matting in the main room. There is a gas cooktop and small refrigerator in the kitchen. All other items are to be brought/bought by staff; that includes bedding, linens, dishes, kitchen equipment, and additional floor covering if desired. These may be purchased in India at reasonable cost. A stove with a built in oven will cost up to Rs 12,000, a washing machine Rs 4000-8000, an electric dryer, Rs12-15000. A countertop small oven would be around 4,000. You will also want to buy and area rugs, cushion covers, etc. - these are easily avaialble locally. Many staff purchases soft furnishings from the Leper Colony in Dehradun, where beautiful export-quality cottons are available in a range of colours. Initially your quarters will be supplied with basic cooking utensils, and bedding, on loan from the hospitality office, until you are able to supply your own.
Furnishings are adequate. Televisions, stereos or washing machines (many staff use the local dhobis to do their laundry) must be purchased privately. Household tasks may take longer as certain modern amenities aren't available. However, almost all staff members have hired help who take care of the cleaning, washing and cooking, assisting in household chores to make life easy. Think about making this a really different experience - do not plan to set up an extension of North America or Europe on the hillside - plan to go local as much as possible; it is cheaper, easier and uncomplicated. There's not much you might need that you can't get in some form over here.
Every apartment does have satellite TV, provided free by the school. Tata Sky, the provider, offers a range of programs including sports (cricket, soccer, basketball, athletics, American football, motorsport, TNA wrestling), cartoons (CN, Disney etc.), films (four English channels including HBO), NatGeo, History Channel, CNN, BBC World, Discovery channels (Animal Planet, Travel and Leisure) etc., as well as a host of Hindi channels.
Heating:
Houses can be very cold in the winter, and warm dressing gowns (which can be locally made from fleece blankets), slippers and electric blankets/hot water bottles are almost essential. One room in each home is provided with a wood-burning stove but wood is not an environmentally sound choice for daily use. Small space heaters - electric, kerosene or LPG (bottle gas) - can be purchased locally. Staff members are responsible for the purchase of their own fuel. At the time of writing, LPG bottles have been hard to source so we would recommend electric heaters. This situation however may change. This past winter 10-11 wood was used due to a gas bottle shortage.
Electric Current:
Current (220vac, 50Hz) tends to fluctuate in voltage, which is hard on delicate equipment.
110-volt equipment can be used, with a step-down transformer available for purchase locally. Most U.S. and Canadian household appliances require step-down transformers for use here. Most computer equipment just requires a plug adapter. Most electric outlets accept round European-style plugs. UK appliances just require a plug adapter.
Power Supply:
Voltage may vary considerably throughout the day, occasionally dipping as low as 110, spiking as high as 300 volts. Before you plug in anything expensive or irreplaceable, make sure you have a safe and controlled supply. Some staff members have burnt out iPods within days of arrival. A voltage regulator, an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and/or surge protection using a CVT (Constant Voltage Regulator) is a must. These are available locally and easily. You can also get a dual voltage converter (110-240v) which can switch between 50w (small appliances) and 1600w (hairdriers etc.). If you don't know what any of this means, the ICT department will advise you when you arrive. Electricity in most staff homes is from the local power company, supplemented by the school's generators. Outages are fairly common but last only a minute. A UPS will give you time to shut down your computer system in an orderly fashion.
Pets:
Because of the prevalence of rabies and other dangerous diseases, staff members are
discouraged from having dogs and cats on campus or in their staff quarters. Permission to
keep pets on campus or in staff quarters must be obtained from the Principal. In additions
medical certificates must be kept by pet owners to ensure that their pets are appropriately
vaccinated and in good health. Certificates may be checked by the Principal or by the
Security Officer at any time.
Passports:
Passports must be valid for the entire length of time you expect to be in India. They should have several blank pages, to accommodate stamps for entry/ visas. New pages or new passports require a trip to Delhi and a visit to the embassy on a business day. This is very difficult while school is in session. School-age children should have their own passports.
Visa:
No matter how long you intend to stay, you should apply for an employment visa. Ask for a multiple-entry visa, even if you have no immediate plans to travel elsewhere. This will allow you to travel outside of India and return to India without obtaining a return visa each time. Many staff utilize the long winter holiday for extended travel in Asia.
All visas become single-entry visas if they are extended past the original expiration date. It is better to apply for a three or five-year visa, if you will be here more than one year, although they are not always granted. We recommend that wherever possible you visit the nearest Indian embassy or consulate to secure your visa, since some consulates can take a long time to process postal applications.We recommend you do this as early as possible as Visas in some countries can take considerable time to arrange. Please fax a copy of your visa to the school at +91-135-263-2885 (or attach a copy to an email to wsnewhires@woodstock.ac.in). The Liaison Office will apply for any necessary extension to your employment visa while you are at Woodstock. They can also assist you in obtaining any other visas necessary for travel outside of India.
Upon arrival at Woodstock School, take all passports to the Liaison Office. They will:
Note:If possible please bring at least 8 passport size photos with you for various necessary forms. Please also bring necessary receipts:
Marriage License:
A notarised marriage license is necessary to register the births of any children born in India in order to obtain a birth certificate or passport for them.
Birth Certificate:
Bring a notarised copy of your birth certificate.
Driver's License:
Foreigners may drive cars or motorcycles for six months after arrival in India, with a valid driver's license from their home country or an International Driver's license. After six months, an Indian license is required. This may be obtained locally without difficulty. Learning to drive on the hill roads may take a little longer!
Teacher's Certification:
Bring a photocopy of your teaching certificate.
Insurance Information:
Policy numbers and benefit information for any health, life, travel or property insurance policies you may have.
Other Useful Information to bring:
Woodstock School Health Centre:
This 20-bed facility is staffed by Woodstock nurses 24 hours a day during school sessions. It was recently renovated, is well-equipped and run by nurses who live on campus. Blood donations needed for Woodstock students or staff come from within our school community.
Landour Community Hospital:
This small hospital is located within a 10-minute walk from the campus. The staff is headed by qualified doctors. A doctor from Landour Community Hospital comes to our Health Centre on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning. The doctor sees students and staff from 8-10am, by appointment. Birth control can be arranged here at the Clinic
Bigger hospital:
The Himalayan Institute Hospital is located close to Dehra Dun and is an excellent facility with multiple specialists on staff.
Indraprasha Appollo Clinic has also opened a facility in Dehradun which appears to handle diagnostics very well.
Medical facilities in Dehra Dun:
Dehra Dun is an hour's drive down the mountain, and has many specialist doctors in practice. Health Centre staff can assist you with referrals.
Eye Care:
Broadway Opticians in Mussoorie can provide spectacles and contact lenses quickly and inexpensively. Contact lens solution is available through the Health Centre.
Dental Care:
Dr. Thukral has a dental practice in Mussoorie. Health Centre staff can assist with your appointments. Dr. Sachdeva, Orthodontist, is also available by appointment at Dr. Thukral's rooms ( he comes to Mussoorie each month from Delhi).
Vaccinations:
Woodstock's recommendations are included on the staff medical form sent to you on appointment. Before paying for any vaccinations, please check first with the HR office to avoid unnecessary expense, as most are available through the school Health Centre at minimal cost after you arrive.Vaccinations outside of India are very expensive Most medical costs can be billed to your annual medical allowance. The allowance is currently 10,000 (rs) per person.
Health Precautions
Malaria is prevalent in the plains of India but not in Mussoorie (i.e. at high altitude). When you land at Delhi Airport, use insect repellent; but malaria drugs (e.g., Malarone) are not indicated for that short time in Delhi. You may want to consult the latest information on a government health website such as www.cdc.gov/travel/ or www.healthfinder.gov/ or www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/prof_e.html or www.direct.gov.uk/TravelAndTransport/TravellingAbroad/BeforeYouTravel/fs/en.
TopWhile adequate for everyday expenses, Woodstock pay for contract staff may not stretch to cover the initial expenses of setting up your home here or for overseas travel during vacations. Family and individual requirements vary greatly, of course, but additional outside funds make it easier to explore the Indian subcontinent and adjacent countries during vacation breaks.
We suggest you budget at least USD500 (or equivalent) per adult when you first come. You will need this until you have your finances in order here, which should only take a short time. Setting up expenses and buying appliances etc are extra to this amount, with most electrical and white good shops only taking cash. Most however will let you pay the amounts off lay-by style until you receive your first months salary
The school pays salaries through the Axis Bank, and you will open a savings/checking account with that bank when you arrive. Your travel reimbursements will be paid into this account,as early as possible after you arrive, but make sure you have funds from home to use until then..This usually takes a week after having your photo taken for the card. There is an ATM on site (Maestro/VISA cards accepted, including overseas), and a local branch in Mussoorie. The bank has facilities for online banking, debit cards and check books (for local payments). Axis debit cards are usable outside India (which is a major step forward, and means your Woodstock salary can be drawn on when you are on holiday or back home). Checks from foreign bank accounts can be deposited here, but may take several weeks to clear. Foreign money orders and wiring can take several months to complete, and are difficult to track.
You may want to keep your checking account open at home with a debit/credit card for vacation/emergency use. Remember that rupees cannot be easily converted for travel outside India, Nepal and Thailand. It is helpful to have a supply of dollars or other hard currency for vacation travel outside these countries (although the availability of an Axis international debit card is now a considerable help).
Though you are likely to manage your home country bank account over the internet, it is still advisable to give someone in your home country power of attorney for you. It is better to have financial gifts or transactions in your home country done by someone there, rather than by mail from here. The postal system is not reliable; occasionally letters and packages have been opened enroute. Phoning your bank from India can also end up costing a lot. If money is deposited in your home account, you can then simply use the ATM to withdraw Rupees directly.
TopMail:
Woodstock School, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand 248179, India
Staff use the same mailing address as the school. If you need a "street", then write "Landour Cantt." in the street address space. Airmail usually takes 1 week to/from the United States; surface parcel post, 4 weeks; book-rate, 12 weeks. ExpressMail, FedEx, etc, usually takes 4 or 5 days. Letters and parcels are delivered daily to the school post office. Letters/small parcels may be sent from the school post office. Basic overseas postage is inexpensive. Gift packages valued under $8 are duty-free; otherwise, duty charges are uncertain. Register all parcels and insure the valuable ones, as mail is not entirely reliable.
Telephone: +91-135-661-5000 or +91-135-263-5900
For example, dialing Woodstock from North America: 011-91-135-661-5000
All staff homes and offices have a campus phone, with free local calls. Your home phone can be set to allow long-distance dialing, charged to your personal account. International calling cards can usually be used from phones here. Some staff purchase personal mobile phones- these are increasingly popular, though reception varies across the campus hillside. Internet phoning, such as Skype, is available but can be patchy.
Fax: +91-135-263-2885
Faxes can be sent from school for a small charge.
Photocopying:
The school reprographics office can do photocopying and color copying for work or personal use. Copies are charged to the appropriate department or personal account.
Email:
All staff and students who sign the Acceptable Use Policy are issued an email address. Your address will be firstnamelastname@woodstock.ac.in. Email may be sent and received from any campus computer connected to the network. This email account can also be accessed remotely via the internet, but you may want to have a separate gmail or yahoo account. At some time during your preparations, you may feel the need to communicate with a specific person. Use this list to help you contact the appropriate person. There is a complete contact list on the Woodstock website in the "About" section.
Principal: Eleanor Nicholson - principal@woodstock.ac.in
Admissions Director: Kirsten Bradby- admissions@woodstock.ac.in(child's enrollment)
Human Resources Department: Vimmi Dang - wsnewhires@woodstock.ac.in (any issues)
TopArriving at the airport, Customs officials may mark with a chalk "X" any bag they think should be opened. Regulations are inconsistently applied; computers, video equipment, cameras and other electronic items are most likely to catch their attention. It may help if items are one or more years old, and you stress that you are transferring your residence to India, or if you ask to have items listed on your passport. However, you must then take that item with you the next time you leave India. There may be duty charges on electronic equipment, although very few staff members actually face difficulties or trouble with customs.
Technology at Woodstock
Woodstock’s Information & Communication Technology (ICT) department supports the computing and networking needs of the community.
Computing (Hardware)
Repairs and Service
Computing (Software)
Connectivity
Communication
Telephones
The train ends in Dehra Dun and the climb to Mussoorie is by road (or on foot - some staff walk down for fun!). Buses run the main roads within Dehra Dun and up to Mussoorie, but there are many villages, even within walking distance of the school, where there are no roads. Most people walk everywhere. Few staff own cars; some have scooters or motorcycles. Taxis are readily available locally. A local shopping trip may take several hours. Outings to the shopping bazaar are often a leisurely way to pass a Saturday, meeting many students and other staff along the way. A Saturday lunch in the bazaar is a favourite activity for both students and staff.
Rail:
Four trains run daily between Delhi and Dehra Dun, the nearest railhead to Mussoorie. Dehra Dun is 37 km (one hour's drive) away at the foot of the mountains.
The Shatabdi train leaves the New Delhi railway station at 7 am, arriving in Dehra Dun at around 1pm. It then leaves Dehra Dun at 5pm and arrives back at New Delhi six hours later. The chair cars are comfortable, air-conditioned and the traveller is provided with a bottle of water, tea, juice, a newspaper and a meal. Luggage space is limited to a rack above your seat, or perhaps there may be some room in the front of the car, or behind the last row of seats. There are two classes available: 1st class A/C Rs 950 + 20 (reservation charge), A/C chair car Rs 470 + 20.
The Jan-Shatabdi runs every day except Sunday. It leaves New Delhi railway station at 5.00 p.m. Arriving in Dehra Dun at 10.20 p.m. It then leaves Dehra Dun at 6am and arrives at the New Delhi railway station at 1pm. The chair cars are comfortable. One coach is air-conditioned; the rest of the coaches are non air-conditioned. The traveller is provided with water, tea, biscuits and breakfast. Luggage space is limited to a rack above your seat, or perhaps there may be some room in the front of the car, or behind the last row of seats. There are two classes available: AC chair car, Rs 400 + 20, Non-AC chair car Rs 117.
The overnight Mussoorie Express leaves the Old Delhi railway station at 10.20pm and arrives in Dehra Dun at 8 am. The Mussoorie Express overnight train leaves Dehra Dun daily at 9pm and arrives at Old Delhi station at 7am. The Mussoorie Express overnight train provides no food or drink enroute, though local vendors and beggars may board during station stops. Food and bottled water are available on the station platforms. There are several options on the Mussoorie Express:
The Nizamuddin AC Special runs overnight between Delhi and Dehra Dun leaving around 11.00 p.m. and arriving around 6.00 a.m.. 3rd class A/C Rs 395 + 25; 2nd A/C 557 + 25.
Bus:
From the ISBT bus stand, located at the Kashmiri Gate in Delhi. Regular Buses leave every 30 minutes for Dehra Dun. Cost is Rs 125. The journey takes 6-12 hours, depending on road conditions. Buses stop often to pick up passengers until they are full, at which point they continue straight to their destination. Seats are lightly padded, but do not recline. Legroom is extremely limited. Female staff traveling alone should sit with other women. Some buses have "Ladies only" seats. Drivers may play Hindi movie music. Deluxe Buses leave every hour for Dehra Dun. Cost is Rs 200. The journey takes 6-9 hours. Seats are wider, legroom is better.
Taxi:
Delhi taxis may be taken from the train station's Ajmeri Gate in New Delhi, to Mussoorie. A Delhi taxi will charge you a lot for a round trip, to cover their return - up to Rs 5500 + tolls at state border crossings, additional for air-conditioning. A Mussoorie taxi company can be booked ahead of time to take you one way, either to or from Delhi, and will not charge for their return trip. Cost will be about Rs 3500, additional for air-conditioning or a large four-wheel drive vehicle.
Taxi journeys take 6-10 hours depending on road conditions and the time of year. During the pilgrimages in July, traffic may be rerouted by another road. During monsoons, some places may flood for a few hours. During sugar cane harvest, three times per year, the roads will be full of ox carts at all hours of the day or night. We recommend that you do not travel at night. Drivers do not dim their lights for oncoming traffic. The roads carry all manner of travellers, from pedestrians, bicycles and ox carts to elephants, buses and trucks - all this with speeding cars weaving in and out. Accidents are not uncommon.
Taxi fares will be under review December 2010 and prices will rise. These prices are a guide only.
General Travel Information: Train tickets can be booked through the school's travel office. Tickets must be paid for in cash at the time of purchase. The train is one of the most comfortable and economical ways to travel in India, with railways connecting all major cities. Mussoorie taxis can be booked by phone and paid at the time, or billed later. The school works with President Travel in Dehra Dun to book flights both within India and internationally for students or staff. Staff, however, are free to use any travel agent they wish.
TopOwning a Vehicle:
Scooters, motorcycles, cars, and jeeps may be purchased. Roads are narrow and steep. There is limited school parking for private vehicles, though roadside parking is possible in some locations. After six months, an Indian driver's license is needed, and available from local sources. Price ranges are: scooters & motorcycles, new - Rs 30-70,000; small cars - Rs 200,000 plus; jeep - Rs 350,000. Resale values for a car in good condition after 5 years of use may be 50-65% of the purchase price. Motorcycles in good condition have excellent resale value. Parts and servicing are generally available in Dehra Dun. Liability insurance is mandatory, costing Rs 5-10,000 per year for a car/jeep, Rs 300 per year for a motorcycle. Insurance and license fees are typically handled by the dealer. Upholstery changes, radio, AC, heater, fog lights, theft switches, etc., are all extras and not included in the price. AC costs extra. Fog lights are highly recommended, as is a theft switch.Please note prices are only an indication and fluctuate: Gasoline: As of 2010 prices are around Rs 45 per litre for regular petrol, but prices are going up. Please note that car/jeep ownership is still relatively uncommon at Woodstock - most people find that walking and the use of local taxis meets most of their needs.
Shipping Your Goods -Travel Light!
Most items can now be purchased in India, and more are available all the time. Before you pack, check our list of what you might need/not need to bring. We advise you to limit unaccompanied baggage - bring it all with you, apart from items which may not be immediately needed.To avoid extra costs and time spent sorting out unaccompanied luggage, remember to do this in Delhi on your arrival. Staff recently have had numerous problems and had to return to Delhi to sort out the problems Compare the cost of excess baggage brought with you, versus sending unaccompanied boxes. Some airlines will increase your baggage allowance if you call ahead of time and say you are transferring your residence to India. The school provides an allowance for overweight/extra baggage (20% of the total fares) - use it. Bring as much baggage as the airline will allow, and then some. Luggage carts are available in the airport in Delhi right where you pick up your luggage and can be taken all the way out to the parking lot. Do not let any "porters" grab your bags at the airport or the train station - they want oversized tips for little effort.
Luggage:
Duffel bags and plastic barrels or trunks are good value for luggage. Contact your respective airline to verify the official weight and size limits for baggage - but remember that the clerk at the check-in counter has considerable discretion to stretch the baggage size and weight limits; smile, be polite, ask for assistance, and be prepared to adjust your carry-on bags or even combine bags on the spot to take advantage - most international airports have wrapping services that can wrap broken or doubled bags. If friends are accompanying you to the airport, you might even bring a couple of boxes with optional items, in case you are allowed extra check-in allowance on the spot.
Unaccompanied baggage by air freight:
After your visa is clear, then send your bags one week ahead if possible. If your flight arrives during business hours you may be able to clear baggage on arrival. If you arrive during off-hours you will have to return the next day to collect your luggage - it takes the better part of a day and it is helpful to hire an agent (the school can advise). Expense and aggravation are usually significant when collecting freight on this end.Remember when you arrive in Delhi please mention to the new staff escorts that you need to go to customs at Delhi to organise your unaccompanied luggage. This will save considereable time and frustration if done while in Delhi. The staff escorts can organise an agent and this will also save considerable cost Shipping by sea: things could take up to 6 months to arrive.
Books and Printed Matter:
From the United States it is cheapest to mail books and "printed matter" by book rate. Address parcels to yourself at Woodstock; allow 3 months for delivery. Post offices in the US will provide you with large mailbags. Not everything may arrive. However, books are cheap and readily available here. And the school libraries are excellent. Just bring some favorites to start you off.
The Cambridge bookshop in Library bazaar has a wonderful assortment of Lonely Planet type books for all areas in India. The proprietor will order books for you.
Documents:
While packing, make two copies of the contents of each piece of luggage. Add one copy to the top of each bag; and keep the other with you. Bring certified copies of important documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, house titles, etc.). Do not bring the originals but have them where you can get them if needed. If you are sending unaccompanied baggage, ask the agent about a "landing certificate", as regulations in this regard are unclear. We encourage you to ask, just in case.
Packing Suggestions:
Before packing, wash everything. Take articles out of original bags and boxes. If possible, appliances brought should be at least one year old. There may be duty-charges at customs; battery operated models are usually not dutiable. Mix items while packing. Do not pack all things of one kind together.
Customs Regulations:
These are inconsistently applied and it is hard to predict what will catch the interest of customs officials. Luggage may be screened for computers and video equipment. The current duty is relative to the customs book value, not the actual cost. Some persons are required to pay full duty, while most go through without any questions. Some duty relief may be had by stressing that you are transferring your residence to India. An alternative to paying duty may be to have the item(s) listed in your passport; however, items so listed need to be carried out of the country the next time you leave. Appliances brought should be at least one year old. New ones may be highly dutiable. If you have sales slips, they should be brought for clearing appliances through customs.
Lost Luggage:
If your checked luggage does not arrive with you, be sure to fill out a "Mishandled baggage" form immediately. Ask the airline if they can give you some "interim relief" or compensation since you will have to buy some clothing and toiletries to get by until your luggage arrives. Be sure to keep a copy of the forms you fill out, as you will need it to collect your luggage. If your luggage does not arrive before you are scheduled to leave Delhi for Woodstock, you can authorize a local travel agent to collect it for you.
TopServices Available in Mussoorie
Unlike in the West, there are many "employees" (non-professional workers) and domestic servants at Woodstock; they, too, are part of our community and we are mutually dependent on each other. Please check with the Human Resources department before hiring household help - check with other staff, as well, for suggestion on expectations, payment and references. Once you hire someone it can be problematical to change to someone else, or to adjust expectations, so take a little time deciding. Ayahs will probably come to your door when you arrive seeking a job; take their name, ask who they last worked for, then get more information from HR or longer-serving Indian staff before making a decision. Also talk to your "buddy" and see what they suggest.
Laundry:
Dhobis (professional washermen) may be hired to pick up and deliver laundry and dry cleaning twice a week at your home. Clothes are nicely ironed, including socks and underwear.
House Cleaning:
School-contracted sweepers may be employed at reasonable rates to clean floors and bathrooms. Outdoor sweepers employed by a local company to take your trash daily and keep trails and patios clean.
Hair Care:
Barber shops and beauty salons are in the bazaar; reasonable haircuts for men and women cost Rs 50 - 150. If your hair needed cutting to a particular style, you may have had to use a hairdresser in Dehradun or even treat yourself when you are passing through Delhi in the past. Nowadays, however with new resorts opening in town they now have resident, in house hair salons. Rokeby, a newly opened boutique hotel has a salon that offers stylish cuts, tints, treatments and beauty treatments. Womans haircuts at Rokeby are around rps 320, with tints and touch-ups around rps350 as at November 2010 It helps to have a style which doesn't require too frequent attention or complicated treatment. Waxing, eyebrow threading, massages and facials are quite good and very inexpensive.
Housekeepers:
Ayahs (nannies/maids) may be hired at inexpensive rates, full or part-time, to help with child care, or to clean your house, do hand-laundry, and cook.
Food Shopping:
Vendors come to the door with baked goods (bread, cookies, etc.), vegetables in season, wood (during winter). There are three grocers' stores in the town that many staff use: these will take orders by phone and deliver to your door. They operate on a credit (tab) system. There are less expensive options if you choose to explore the town and use a variety of sources. Fresh meat (mainly chicken and mutton) is available in a couple of places.
Deliveries:
Deliverymen, usually Nepalese coolies, make deliveries and carry heavy loads for all manner of things, from groceries to electronics to bricks. ("Coolie" is not a derogatory term here.)
Purchases:
When purchasing goods or services, it is always best practice to negotiate the price clearly beforehand, especially if you do not speak the language. Some bargaining is almost always expected, to clarify the service and the price. No matter how much of a hurry you feel, stop and negotiate a comfortable price first.
Tipping:
Small amounts are appropriate for a taxi-driver, if his meter works (meters rarely work); but if the price was negotiated, then no tip is expected. Deliverymen appreciate a glass of water and a cookie or a small tip for a heavy load, but again, the full price is usually negotiated beforehand (paid by you or by the store-owner). Restaurant waiters appreciate a small tip, up to 10%. If you tip big, you will be marked out as a rich tourist.
TopDiversity Among Staff:
Woodstock is a very international community: half of the staff are Indian nationals and the other half come from all over the world particularly from North America, the U.K., and Australia. The diversity is unique in giving people from different backgrounds the opportunity to mingle, learn, respect and celebrate this multiplicity. Many staff members come to Woodstock as an expression of their religious commitment. Crossing cultural and denominational lines, the "Christian Life" has different meanings and sometimes different vocabularies for different people. Be prepared to accept and respect varying interpretations; affirm the common grounds and pursue common goals with others whose beliefs, applications and practices may differ from your own. Try to enjoy different festivals, religions and celebrations, remember - when in India..
Information:
* Read as much as you can about India before you get here, understanding that it is difficult to get a taste of the realities of India without having been here. Woodstock staff recommendations:
Culture Shock: India by Gitanjali Kolanad
Lives Entwined by Woodstock School (stories by Woodstock alumni of their experience), 2003.
Such A Long Journey (novel) by Rohinton Mistry
Freedom at Midnight by Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre
India: From Midnight to Millenium by Shashi Tharoor
A History of India by Romila Thapar
Where There Is No Doctor: A Village Health Care Handbook by David Werner
What the body remembers by Shauna Singha Baldwin
* Watch Bollywood movies - they are fun, colourful musicals. Some recommendations include Lagaan, Salaam Bombay, Monsoon Wedding, Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, Kal Ho Naa Ho, and Rang de Basanti.
www.woodstockschool.in (Woodstock School website)
www.wsalumni.org (Woodstock Alumni website)
www.wildies.org.uk (Staff member Pete Wildman's website)
www.samachar.com/ (Headlines and links to the major Indian newspapers. Most interesting is the list of the "Top Stories of the Day" just near the top of the page.)
www.kamat.com/ One of the best sites on India, covers just about every topic
You can also check on www.woodstockschool.in/blogs.htm for a list of staff & student blogs.
These blogs are written by new and old staff and are an invaluable help in what to expect. In the coming months videos of the different types of staff housing and a look into classrooms, libraries and computer labs will be available on YouTube - keep checking the Woodstock YouTube channel.
* Please do not hesitate to ask the Human Resources department for help in any area regarding your move, either before or after your arrival at Woodstock.
Cost of living:
In the recent twelve months to June 2011 India has become dearer to live. Food in particular has risen in price and although still inexpensive, the cheaper cost of living days have changed. A report published recently below supports this.
Food inflation rises to 9.13% on June 23, 2011
NEW DELHI, June 23, 2011: Food inflation in the country touched a two-and-half-month high of 9.13 per cent in the week ended June 11 on the back of costlier fruits, milk, onions and protein-based items. Food inflation, as measured by the Wholesale Price Index (WPI), stood at 8.96 per cent during the previous week. It was almost 23 per cent during
the second week of June, 2010.
Food inflation has crossed the 9 per cent mark after a gap of one week. The latest food inflation numbers are the highest since the week ended March 26, 2011, when the rate of price rise of food items touched 9.18 per cent. As per data released by the government today, fruits became dearer by 28.66 per cent year-on-year, while milk grew 15.30 per cent more expensive. During the week under review, prices of onions went up by 11.89 per cent and eggs, meat and fish by 10.56 per cent on an annual basis. Cereals were also up 4.32 per cent and potatoes became dearer by 0.71 per cent. However, prices of pulses, wheat and vegetables went down during the week. While pulses became 10.34 per cent cheaper, wheat was down 1 percent and vegetables 9.27 per cent.
Meanwhile, inflation of non-food primary articles stood at 18.43 per cent for the week ended June 11 as against 20.20 per cent during the previous week. Fibres grew more expensive by 43.77 per cent and minerals by 25.90 per cent. Fuel and power became dearer by 12.84 per cent and petrol was up33.23 per cent year-on-year.
On July 6 2011 the conversion rate for the Indian rupee was as follows:
$US one dollar was equivalent to 44.40 rupee
$AUD one dollar was equivalent to 47.62 rupee
Euro one euro was equivalent to 64.17 rupee
In helping you to plan your expenses below is a list of common everyday grocery items supplied by Ram Chanders Grocery store. This is one of the three larger grocery stores in Mussoorie. Please however remember it is the size of a single car garage, not a western supermarket. What is does offer is the ability to ring in your order or drop in and have it delivered.
One litre of long life milk 41rupee
500g butter 137 rupee
400g cheese 133rupee
500g powder milk 128rupee
One litre of juice 80 rupee
200g Nescafe 280rupee
Kellogs Corn Flakes 130rupee
2 Litre Coke, Fanta, Sprite 150rupee
one tray (30) eggs 90 rupee
500g frozen chicken, (boneless) 150rupee
curd –dali (yoghurt) 34 rupee
fresh atta bread 17 rupee
500gr pasta 90 rupee
These prices are current at 1-6-11 and are subject to change
Food:
As you prepare to come, bear in mind that you and yours will adjust better if they have some familiarity will Indian food. You may plan to cook Western style at home, but you need to know that at school and for financial considerations you may want to incorporate some Indian basics into your menu. Families could add rice (and lentils if possible) as a regular to their diet in preparation for coming, and perhaps visit an Indian restaurant for the occasional special meal. Food is such a significant part of life and culture that it is often a hurdle to adjusting well. When hiring ayahs ask whether they can cook the type of food you and your family enjoy.
The school provides a subsidized meal plan (3 meals a day) to staff members at a cost of Rs. 1700 per month. Staff also have the option of a lunch-only plan or to pay for individual meals (Rs. 50), all by payroll deduction. (These prices are current to November 2010.) Most of the school's cafeteria meals consist of Indian cuisine. However, other cuisines such as American, Chinese and Italian are offered on a regular basis. There is always an option for vegetarians at every meal. Most staff members have dinner on their own. There is a good variety of fresh fruit and vegetables available in the bazaar, which varies according to different seasons. Meats that are most commonly consumed are are chicken, mutton (lamb or goat) and buffalo (occasionally). Beef and fresh seafood are not readily available. Staff members usually have personal accounts with local grocery shops who deliver food to their doorstep on a regular basis.
Language:
Large numbers of people in India speak English,either fluently or haltingly. Educated people are presumed to be fully bilingual in English and Hindi (in North India). You can "get by" without learning Hindi. However, learning some Hindi definitely helps in travelling, shopping and communicating with household help. Also, Indians certainly appreciate it when you show effort to learn their language. Hindi lessons are available through the Landour Language School, or through a private tutor based in the school. The school covers 50% of the costs of lessons through the staff development budget.
Time:
In India, nothing happens quickly but everything does eventually get done. Outfitting your home may take time; many services require different people or shops. However, it will all eventually get done and at a fraction of a price you would expect. Indians do not generally appear stressed out or anxious. Things are done at a leisurely pace.
TopYou may feel lost, inadequate or frustrated trying to deal with shopkeepers, household help, officials, coolies, etc. You may wonder if you are being cheated or being treated differently or rudely. It helps to have a sense of humour, to learn a little Hindi and to give others the benefit of the doubt and resolve to put the best interpretation on their actions. Also, do ask your colleagues for help or suggestions on how to deal with different cross-cultural situations. Chances are they will give you many helpful hints. Most of the shopkeepers in the local bazaar have a long history with Woodstock, and are not likely to treat you badly.
Indians are generally curious about foreigners and often like to strike a conversation just to learn more about your country/culture and also your opinion and thoughts. Don't be too surprised if a stranger walks up to you, introduces himself and then proceed to question you about your origins, country, the purpose of your visit here, etc. Discussing politics, religion and money and personal matters are very common and certainly not taboo dialogues (as they may be in the West). Discussing such topics is a method of establishing a relationship. If we expect people here to think like we do or behave according to our definition of politeness then we will be disappointed, frustrated or angry. India has a different set of values for what is 'common sense' and we need to come with an expectation to learn and understand.
The neighborhood around Woodstock is like a small town - you may quickly get to know certain local grocers and tailors and shopkeepers. Forming these relationships is mutually beneficial. All small children, especially blondes, are considered fair game for staring, or friendly cheek-pinching or photographing. Mussoorie is a vacation town, so many of the Indian visitors treat Westerners as one of the sights, and want to be photographed with you. You may move away, or just say "no".
Being Female:
Foreign women have on occasion been harassed in public settings. Staring is very common, especially when you are travelling. Occasionally, single females have been touched or groped. (In Mussoorie itself this is rarely a problem.) In public, you will need to be less outgoing and carefree in behaviour, dress and conversation than you are used to in the West.
Try to avoid stereotyping all Indian males because of the behaviour of a few. Contacts with Indian men in work or family-related context are usually positive and encouraging.
It is always a good idea when travelling on trains and out and about to wear a top that covers your bottom. Dressing modestly makes you feel more comfortable.
Being Single:
Dating opportunities are very limited. However, many young single staff do get together for social activities such as outdoor trips (hiking, camping), sports (volleyball, basketball) dinners, movies, board games, music jams, cooking lessons, etc. Single staff are also surrounded by a caring and nurturing community who tend to watch out for each other. Woodstock has seen a number of romances blossom, but it's not part of the contract, so be prepared to live as a single person while you are here. Singles do mix together and there are one or two places to drop into in the bazaar to listen to music and relax on Friday nights.
Being Married:
Overseas life, looked upon by some as an "escape", very seldom strengthens marital ties if the marriage is troubled. Overseas life often strengthens and enriches family ties where they are already healthy. It also provides an opportunity for couples to explore a new culture together.
Leaving Family and Friends:
It helps to prepare special memory books or videos with photos, notes, well-wishes and prayers from family and friends to tide you over the times you feel inadequate or the mail is late. Helping children to say goodbye is very important, as is "closure" at your present job, with your circle of friends, with family and your church. It is also very important to resolve any hurts and tensions. You need their best wishes and prayers as you go, and those unresolved conflicts have a way of showing up in new situations or relationships. It helps to be on someone's prayer list. It is also good to have at least one family member or friend to whom you can pour out your heart as a confidant.
Have a party to say goodbye, a picnic or some type of get together and tell everyone about Woodstock and Mussoorie., show them the website and the movies on YouTube and let family and friends google references you suggest.
Christian fellowship:
There are several small groups which meet during the week on campus for prayer, meditation, Bible study and fellowship. A number of churches serve the area, from charismatic evangelical fellowships to mainstream evangelical, episcopal and catholic. Full information is available during the orientation week, or you can email chaplain@woodstock.ac.in if you want to find out more before you come.
Health:
Woodstock is at an altitude of 6500 feet and you will be surrounded by magnificent mountain ranges. You may be short of breath for a while as it takes your body about six weeks to build up the oxygen-carrying capacity of your blood. You will get good exercise by walking nearly everywhere you go. Most homes are either up or downhill from the main campus. Over time, you will likely become more fit and in-shape. Asthma patients can find the climate very trying during the monsoon season from July through September. Keep inhalers in hand. Mussoorie is cool. Warm clothing is appropriate almost year-round, especially in winter, since buildings are often cold.Please check with the Health Centre before you come to discuss whether your medicines will be readily available.
Those with chronic illnesses may have difficulty obtaining medicines or the kind of care that may be needed. We do have a simple Health Centre and a small hospital near the campus with a doctor on call, but you should be prepared for a different and much less elaborate type of health service. Couples hoping to start a family should wait until they have adjusted to the setting and the job, and are familiar with the health care facilities available, before becoming pregnant. We recommend that couples not have a baby during their first year of service. Expectations for time off and/or changes in your job description during pregnancy or after the birth need to be discussed with the Principal as they will affect staffing needs and other people's job descriptions.
Some members of staff who have mental health issues manage well with medication and general support; however, there are very limited facilities for counselling and medical support. Cheap alcohol is readily available, resulting in considerable abuse among the local people, so if this is a problem for you, Woodstock will not be an escape.
Privacy - Personal and Family:
Woodstock is a boarding school in a small, simple community with few recreational opportunities outside the school itself. However, there are ample opportunities to make your own entertainment; this is very often in company with other staff members and families. As a boarding school, the semesters are intense with activities for four to five months at a time, but you do get long winter and summer breaks in between to travel or rest. Interaction with students is not limited to the classroom at Woodstock. Staff are encouraged and often enjoy being involved with students - recreation, religious guidance, club or other activity sponsorship, hiking, social service, athletics and opening their homes to individuals or groups.
Parenting:
Your children's successful adjustment plays a large role in your own happiness here.
Your support structures will change to new friends, colleagues, church, and clubs here. Your children may initially depend much more on you to fill the gap left by friends until they have made new ones. Staff children living at home sometimes face difficulty building close relationships with dorm kids but this can be overcome with extra effort made. Again, your colleagues and their children can provide a lot of assistance and encouragement in the transition.
TopIn Closing
We hope this booklet will be useful to you. India is extremely diverse and paradoxical, so that to speak of it in generalities is to seriously compromise the reality of Indian culture. This booklet is constantly under revision as more items become available in India and conditions improve and change. The information here has been compiled from the collective experiences of new staff coming from a number of countries but we apologize for any North American / British/ Australian slant. Please contribute your experience when you get here. The Woodstock Family looks forward to welcoming you!
Contributors:
Renee Bowling, Emerald Windsor, Kimberley Ferguson, Eric Roberts, Judy Crider, Ian Whiteman, Neva Whiteman, David and Gail Wood, Jeffery and Barbara Thomas, Pete Wildman, Jill and Dan Koop Liechty, Maija Prakash. Computer information supplied by Anil Jain. Edited by Neva Whiteman nevawhiteman@woodstock.ac.in.
Questions should be addressed to vimmidang@woodstock.ac.in.
Appendix - What should I bring?
"In general terms, you will need to bring less than you think. We were coming for a long contract, and we sold up at home, so we shipped a lot of things. There was virtually nothing we really needed that we couldn’t have got here. For us, the things we really used and appreciated (and would have been hard to get) were: an electric blanket; good hiking shoes; good fleeces and waterproof jackets; a lightweight 2-person hiking tent; a couple of sub-zero sleeping bags; a couple of large, good-quality hiking backpacks; Sensodyne toothpaste; our CD collection (that really dates us, I know); a dozen favorite books; my guitars; a few favorite pictures; family photos (I scanned lots of old prints before I came); good quality underwear including bras (for my wife, I hasten to add); a couple of good kitchen knives; a couple of cookery books. That's about it. And we actually shipped or carried 370 kg. If only we'd had this guide in those days!"
Home Startup:
This depends a lot upon your personal lifestyle. While most things are available here, you may not find it cheap to set up house here, and the necessary shopping may take several weeks. The Hospitality Department will provide basic goods such as dishes, cookware, sheets, towels, etc. for your use for the first two months for long-term staff contract staff, and for the entire term of short term staff or volunteers. Almost all household items are available here. It is difficult to anticipate what any one person should bring because people's taste and tolerance levels differ so much.
Clothing:
List 2 -Items Not Readily Available Locally
The following items are not readily available locally (either in the Mussoorie bazaar or in Dehradun,), especially if you are particular about certain brands and types. It is not suggested that you try to bring or send all these things. Rather, consider what you can do without: bring essentials, and a few luxury items. A trip to Dehradun (an hour away by taxi) will satisfy almost all of your shopping needs. Further, it may be wise to use kitchen and food items available here. Items purchased in India are not necessarily in familiar shapes and quality but they certainly do the job well. It is not generally a good policy to try and reproduce a western lifestyle in India - enjoy the best of what is local instead.
Clothing items:
Overseas and local staff wear a mix of Indian/Western clothing according to what they feel comfortable with. For women, the local salwar-chameez is very serviceable and suitable for teaching and general wear, is inexpensive to buy and available in a wide variety of colors and designs. The equivalent for men is the kurta, a long shirt which can be worn over jeans or slacks. If females bring shorts, above-the-knee skirts, sleeveless shirts or dresses, you will only wear them if you go to Goa (the beach) or out of the country. For off campus wear you will be more comfortable having tops that cover your bottom. If you have nothing like that in your wardrobe bring your favorite things and look forward to having things made here and trying out Indian-style apparel. Less available are such items as:
Household items:
Outdoor equipment:
Baby items:
Kitchen items:
Food items:
Toiletries:
Musical instruments:
There are lots of opportunities for making music at Woodstock, so bring whatever you can play. An adequate range of imported guitars and amplifiers is becoming available in Dehradun, together with Imported strings and picks. Guitars can suffer from the monsoon -take advice about storage. Casio and Yamaha keyboards can be purchased here. The music department can advise you about the availability and care of musical instruments. Contact raviarthur@woodstock.ac.in. Also bring favourite scores, song books and essential spare parts.
Miscellaneous: