Your team leaders have a detailed Security Plan in case of emergency. Once on the field, they will make you aware of all known threats.

Threats

Pick-pocketing – In public places wear purses and shoulder bags across the

chest, keep a hand on your wallet, and keep an eye on teammates’ backpacks

Malaria- India is considered to be a malaria zone. Be sure to take malaria

medication as prescribed. Check with the Centers for Disease control for region specific

advised medication.

Cultural Norms

Addressing issues of respect: When compared to the numerous vernacular

languages spoken in India, English is much less polite. Indian languages, unlike

English, differentiate between peers and those who are older and command

respect. That's why the average Indian tends to address people as “Sir” or

“Ma’am,” or affix the title “Mr.” “Ms.” or “Mrs.” before their names: they don’t want

to come across as disrespectful. English, on the other hand, is more informal:

Americans generally prefer the use of first names. Remember that while most

younger Indians will welcome the informality of first names, older ones may

consider it an affront, especially if the speaker is much younger. Also, the left

hand is considered defiled. Eating with the right hand only is acceptable and

offering your left hand to someone can be taken as an insult.

Comfort zone: A casual hug, peck on the cheek, or an arm thrown around a

shoulder may not seem out of place in the West. However, in India, even shaking

hands with a member of the opposite sex is only in the process of being

accepted. The exception to this rule is a handful of metropolitan cities. With the

younger crowd drifting to the cities in search of jobs with multinational IT

companies and call centers, they’re adapting fast to the casual touch. However,

their mates and spouses are often uncomfortable with this personal contact. Be

mindful that your idea of touch may be too close for Eastern comfort.

Gender/Eye contact/Dress– Most women are not publicly confrontational.

Because of this, direct eye-contact or an assertive posture by a woman toward a

man could be interpreted as a sexual advance. Women should be aware of how

they are interacting with men and of how those men are reacting to them.

Women should also not wear tank tops or anything that shows their shoulders.

Scarves warn around the shoulders and used to cover the head will help women

to fit in. Tunic-like shirts that cover the hips loosely are best and sari’s and

salwars can be purchased for reasonable prices. Women may find themselves to

be more comfortable in typical Indian dress. Men will be expected to wear long

pants and collared shirts for worship/church services and often shoes are

removed when inside buildings (even some shops or stores).

Public Lines: The word “queue” or line has no significant meaning to the average

Indian. Even the most civilized person can be reduced to fighting for his rightful

place when others form a mass of people all jockeying to be first.