Accept position now or wait and see?

Yonder

I am new to this site, so firstly - Hello! I have been planning a trip to India for a little while, and although I wont be leaving for at least another 6 months, there is one issue I need to sort out sooner..

I have been offered a voluntary position at a psychiatric hospital in Kolkata for a minimum of 6 weeks. I was planning a trip to India anyway and I (will) have a degree in psychology and relevant experience. So in some ways it is ideal but I have a few concerns.

Firstly, in thinking about visitting India, Kolkata never stuck out as especially interesting to me (I'm sure if I went I'd love it, but as there are so many places I actively want to see I'd rather focus on them rather than extending an already lengthy list).

Secondly I don't like being tied down to a particular time, although I'm sure I could postpone my starting date if needs be, I would be travelling for a while before the placement and I prefer to travel without too much structure to allow for changes of mind, and sponteneity.

Finally, the hospital I would be working for employs Clinical Psychologists and appears to be a relatively well maintained hospital which apparently works on a semi-private system where the rich pay for the poor (although I have a feeling there may be more rich than poor). I am therefore a bit worried about how much they actually need/want my help..although I'd love to be helpful, I don't want them to be doing me favours, it should be the other way around!

When I travelled in South East Asia, I was surprised by how easy it was to just turn up somewhere and help out. How possible do you think this would be in India? If I could find a way to utilise my 'skills' (how arrogant!) more beneficially, and do it when I happen to stumble upon it, that would obviously be preferable - but is it possible?!

I'm sorry for the ramble but would be most grateful for any insight as to what I should do. I know really it's just something I've got to decide, but a more informed decision is less likely to result in regret - so any info/opinion would be fantastic!

Thanks!

clivington

Hello Yonder! Welcome to IndiaMike

What a muddle! I think you should separate the seeing of India from the volunteering.

So, do not expect to do much sight-seeing in Kolkata. That's not to say Kolkata won't be a valuable experience, but if you do go there, concentrate on the work.

I doubt the hospital will do you any favours. More likely it will use you, abuse you, and then spit you out. Check it out with care.

Visiting Kolkata is an addition of only one to your lengthy list - ie insignificant.

How much do you "not like being tied down to a particular time"? If a lot, then forget the hospital.

How is utilising your skills arrogant? Get real. Admit you'll have skills and use them

Yes, is it possible to do voluntary work at short notice though I don't know what the demand is for English-speaking clinical psychologists. Get a CRB check done - that will help open doors of more reputable places.

Plan to be in India for as long as possible - she will reward you immensely!

__________________
Bring me sunshine, in your smile

navinkurian2002

calcutta rescue to be another good place to volunteer. anyone volunteered for them?

__________________
It doesn't interest me what you do for a living.
I want to know what you ache for, and if you dare dream of meeting your heart's longing.