What is the cost of the program? Is financial aid available?
The YFS application and administration fee ($450) covers the application handling and related administrative costs. Except for the airfare, all costs of lodging and boarding are covered jointly by Sewa International and partnering organizations in India. The program is virtually free aside from the airfare and application fee. Fellows are encouraged to look for financial aid opportunties through university study abroad programs and other alternatre fundraising sources to cover these costs.
What about Health Insurance?
Interns are advised to carry international health insurance which is valid in the country where they intend to fellow. Our partner-NGOs will coordinate locally to attend to any medical needs.
Are there any citizenship requirements?
There are no specific citizenship requirements. All fellows should carry a valid passport and visa which would allow reentry into the USA after completion of their fellowship.
Is there a language requirement?
There is no specific language requirement, however knowledge of Hindi, Marathi, Telugu or Kannada can be helpful. Fellows will be accompanied by the local volunteers during the project. The fellowship will also be preceded by an orientation program which will help the fellows familiarize with their area of work.
Can I visit my friends or family during my fellowship? Can I take a vacation?
YFS team strongly encourages its fellows to make the full use of their time towards their Sewa project and fulfill their agreement. Under special circumstances, permissions may be given to visit friends or family.
Is the YFS fellowship difficult?
The fellowship will certainly be physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging. It is designed to be that way. Each step is a great learning experience. It is an opportunity to tap your latent talent and discover yourself, while you discover the world.
Where will I be staying?
Fellows will be hosted by local families who are affliated with Sewa International and/or its local partner NGOs during orientation. Upon completion of orientation, they will stay at the project sites where they are provided food and lodging.
Is travelling required during the length of the fellowship?
Minimal travelling is part of the fellowship. It not only provides an opportunity to explore but also gives the fellows a deeper understanding of the project.
For more information, you can visit this video to see what it's like to be an intern or read this blog from one our past interns to see what a day-to-day life as a YFS intern is like.