Atma FAQs
Why should I join Atma as a Volunteer?
- For a quality professional and personal development experience that will grow your skills and professional persona
- For connections with like-minded skilled people
- For the life experience of living and working in Mumbai, one of the world’s mega cities.
Who is Atma looking for?
We are looking for dedicated professionals with a passion to make a difference in India, as well as those seeking real world project management experience. Atma Volunteers are proactive, excellent communicators, and work well under sometimes ambiguous circumstances.
Why does the volunteer experience require an intensive time commitment?
At Atma, we believe that sustainable change takes a significant time to take root and grow. Taking the time to do projects to the best of our capacity delivers the best results to Atma Partners. Typically, our volunteers find that their time with Atma follows a general pattern. The first month is one for learning and observation, the second month is for conceptualizing their project with the Atma Partner, and the third month is for executing and finalizing the project.
How does Atma’s approach differ from other educational NGOs?
Atma’s approach to educational development is different from that of any other organisation. We address the needs of education service providers at an organisational level, so that they can improve their offerings. That is why professional volunteers are so important. Beyond skills in education, we need expertise in marketing, HR, business and project management skills. Atma pairs the skills and motivations of each volunteer to a specific project with measureable outcomes, allowing for the best possible volunteer experience and the most significant impact.
Where will I be based?
If placed with Atma Partners, volunteers work 80% of the time at the partner office and 20% of the time at the Atma office. Atma Partners are located all around Mumbai, but mostly on the western railway line.
Will I receive induction training and support?
Atma provides an initial volunteer introduction and training, and weekly individual work meetings throughout each volunteer’s placement. We also have an active social life for volunteers, with regular events and updates on the great happenings in the city.
Will I be paid?
Atma’s volunteer program is unpaid, but Atma invests in you. Over a three month volunteership, Atma provides approximately 100 hours of support to each volunteer. This ensures that each Atma volunteer is supported in every area of their work and life in Mumbai.
How will the Atma experience help me grow professionally?
Atma is a professional development organization, and we expect all of our volunteers to perform at a professional level. Each volunteer is treated as the professional that they are: this is not a vacation. Working in the Indian development sector can be an incredibly enriching experience, which will teach volunteers to be innovative in their approach to every issue that they are faced with. As an emerging market, work experience in India and especially in Mumbai is highly valuable to employers. Atma trusts in volunteers to manage and execute a project, which creates a very valuable experience for young job seekers.
What happens after my placement?
On completion of a volunteer placement with Atma, we provide each volunteer with a certificate and letter of recommendation. Each volunteer is then invited to join the Atma Alumni, which spans over 20 different countries to provide former volunteers with global professional connections. Atma Alumni members have gone on to work for organisations such as Bain Consultancy, Australian Government, Google, WarChild and Atma.
When are applications open?
Applications are open all year round. Ideally, a candidate would apply to be a volunteer about 4-5 months before they would like to start their placement.
Mumbai FAQs
What is the weather like in Mumbai?
Mumbai weather is hot and humid throughout the year. Summer (March to May) is the hottest and most humid time of year. Temperatures range from about 30C to 40C during the daytime. Monsoon season (June to September) has heavy rain and strong winds; flooding is common. Winter (November to February) is quite nice with cool northern breezes that maintain a comfortable temperature.
What shoes should I bring?
Volunteers should bring comfortable supportive shoes / Trainers that can be used on uneven surfaces. People often also wear flip-flops or sandals during the hotter months.
What will I eat in Mumbai?
Most of Atma’s volunteers find they eat out most of the time. This can be done cheaply with many different options available. Most Atma volunteers become mostly vegetarian during their placements, as vegetarian food is the least costly and most widely available. There are many restaurants that can cater to your cravings for western food, and there are shops that sell imported groceries from around the world; these, however, do come with a price tag. After a while, you will discover Indian brands that are just as good and relatively cheap. Most volunteers hardly ever cook in and volunteer flats often don’t have kitchens.
How will I get around?
Mumbai abounds with transport options. Most volunteers take public transport: buses, and trains or taxis or auto-rickshaws. Transport can seem daunting at first, but it’s easy to get into the groove and be able to find your way around easily. Atma will support you in areas like this during the first days after your arrival.
What can I do for fun?
Mumbai has a very active and exciting social scene, it is easy to make friends and join activities. Most volunteers have enjoyed going to the cinema or theatre, and attending academic talks or expatriate events. There are also great destinations near the city where you can go for the weekend.
In the city, there are many opportunities for clubbing and partying. While Atma encourages each volunteer to experience all aspects of life in Mumbai, we have strict policies regarding professionalism, and expect that volunteers take care of their energy and health and are fully prepared for work. A volunteer’s social life should not interfere with the work they have committed to do at Atma.
Will I be able to buy the basic things I need?
Yes, Mumbai has many shopping options and most brands are easily available. If you use a specific brand of shampoo you might want to bring that along. There are also many shopping malls. Things that are hard to find include tampons, contact solution, and sunscreen, and you may prefer to bring these from home.
What happens if I get sick?
Minor health issues are common when visiting a new country and environment. Before you leave for India, consult your doctor for all the correct immunizations and advice.
Atma supports Atma volunteers, and we will help you in the event of illness to see the right doctor and get the right medication. We strongly advise all volunteers to purchase travel medical insurance before coming to India.
What do I wear for the office?
Office dress is smart casual: jeans are allowed, but pants and a button down shirt are also a strong pass. The local, Indian-style option is salwar kurta, which is also very acceptable. We ask that you not wear tank tops, shorts, and t-shirts in the office, and avoid- anything short, tight or low cut.
What can I wear on the weekends?
For women, it is best to carry a scarf at all times to cover your shape with. There are places in Mumbai where girls regularly wear short skirts, but there are other places you won’t even see girls wearing jeans. Foreigners- especially women- may be viewed with a critical eye, so it is important to modify your appearance to counter-act this perception.
Do make sure to bring some nice western clothes also, as there are lots of parties and clubs you may want to go to.
Are there outdoor activities or places I can exercise?
Outdoor exercise opportunities are limited in Mumbai. There are some places to exercise outdoors, as well as an active ultimate-frisbee community. Certain clubs will have your favourite sport available. There is swimming at most private clubs and high-end hotels, swimming in the ocean is not possible.
What Visa do I need?
Once Atma Volunteer is accepted, visa requirements are discussed with the Volunteer Coordinator.
