kanthari

FAQ

Welcome to the Frequently asked Questions Page.

We do understand that you might have a lot of questions, such as what is this course all about, what are the requirements, what is included in the scholarship, what isn’t? Any health related matters? etc etc. Well, on this page you can find detailed answers.
In case you still have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the intake coordinator at intake[at]kanthari[dot]org

Application and Qualification

What is the duration of the course?

kanthari offers a 12-month lasting course.
The course is split into an online and an on-campus part.
Every year, the course starts online in April (2 months, which is named Act 0)
Then, the on-campus part will start at the end of May (7 months, Act 1 to 4), Usually, this part ends around mid-December and you will return home.
After the on-campus part is over, Act 5 will be done in the place where you start your organization. (3 months, Act 5)
Only if all acts are successfully completed, you will graduate from the course.

What steps are involved in the selection process?

Every year kanthari receives hundreds of applications from around the world. However, to ensure high-quality training, kanthari accommodates a maximum of 25 participants per academic year who are chosen through a stringent six-step selection process.

Step 1: Application via online application form 
Step 2: Initial interview: Our intake team will interview you via a Zoom call to get a feel for your passion and clarity in regard to your chosen project.
You will also have an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the program and application process.
Step 3:  an essay write-up: you will write about your personal history, your challenges, how you have dealt with these, and your vision for social change.
Step 4: Expert Interview:  This Skype interview will be conducted by an independent expert to determine your suitability for participating in this very intense course.
Step 5: Catalyst interview: This interview will be done with a group of catalysts.
Step 6: PEP program: a practical, assignment-based exercise that helps us gauge your timeliness, reading comprehension, attention to detail, ability to follow instructions, creative thinking, and communication skills among others.

If you are selected, there will be additional assignments to be completed before arrival in India.

What qualification do I need to apply for the kanthari course?

– You will need to have a plan for a social and or environmental project/venture that will create a mindset change and/or a positive impact in your community.
– You will need to be 22 years of age or older (Please note: there is no upper age limit)
– Intermediary knowledge of English (reading, writing and speaking)
– Basic knowledge of using a computer
– You will need to be flexible, creative, intrinsically driven, bring a high level of motivation, energy, and ownership
– Persons with physical disability and/or wheelchair users: Independent mobility and daily living skills.
– For blind and/or partially sighted people: independent excellent mobility and daily living skills, being able to use the white cane, independent use of a computer.

What is the deadline for the application submission?

Application for the kanthari course will be open all the time. However, June to December would be the ideal time to apply for the upcoming course. Applications that come in once the selection for the upcoming course is finalized will be considered for the next course.

I did not get a confirmation email after submitting my application. Is there any problem?

Yes. Once you submit your application successfully you will get an automated confirmation email. If you have not received it, please check the application submission page once again and make sure that you clicked the ‘submit’ button. *If you did not receive the confirmation email even after a day, please write to intake@kanthari.org.

 

When do I know the final result of my application?

There are 6 different rounds involved in the selection process. Therefore, minimum of two months will be needed for us to come back to you with the final result.

What kind of qualification will I get when completing the course?

kanthari will prepare you to start your social project/initiative. A certificate of completion will be issued to participants who complete the course successfully. Additionally, you will be able to do a state examination on social entrepreneurship. For this you receive a governmental certificate by Bharat Sevak Samaj (BSS).

Campus Life

How are the rooms furnished?

There will be 2 participants to every room. Each room has 2 beds, a desk, 2 cupboards and two chairs. There are either ceiling or wall fans. Each room has its own balcony and bathroom with shower, an eco-friendly “ecosan” toilet and a sink.

How will roommates be paired?

We like to promote cross-cultural communication as much as possible, which is why we will try to pair you up with someone from a different country or continent. We are also striving to make good matches by taking into account the personal interests mentioned in your essays.

Do male and female participants share one dormitory building?

Yes, however they will not share the same rooms.

Will I be able to practice my religion on Campus?

kanthari is a non-religious institute that welcomes everyone with or without a certain religion. No religious symbols or activities can be presented inside the campus in a visible or audible way. There will be participants with different religions than your own. To avoid any possible tensions we would ask you to practice your religion in private or in the specially designed area.

Is there a church, mosque, or temple nearby?

The only place of worship within walking distance of the campus is a Hindu temple. Churches, Synagogues and Mosques are not close at hand. They can only be reached by bus, taxi or rickshaw.

Are there sports facilities?

There are pedal boats and a place to swim (lake). You should bring your own sports clothes and footwear. A table tennis table and gym equipment are also available. The use of the gym is only possible after having a safety introduction by qualified kanthari staff. Please note that the stay at the campus as well as swimming and use of all facilities is always at own risk.

Does the Institute have orientation and mobility instructors for blind and partially sighted participants to show them how to move about on campus and in town?

We expect blind and partially sighted participants to come with good mobility skills, but of course we are certainly happy to show them around the campus. There will be an organized tour to town where they will be shown where to do shopping, where to find bus stops etc.

Computers and Software

Do I need to bring a laptop?

Yes, to take notes and work on assignments, a laptop or notebook is a must. The minimum requirements for a laptop are: windows 10/11, i3 processor, 8 GB RAM.
Tablets or similar devices are not suitable because they will not support some of the software programs that we use here for the learning process.

What software do we use in the campus?

We wish to avoid commercial software and work primarily with open-source applications such as Open Office. However, since the accessibility is not optimized, we now run most computers on Windows

Will there be internet access on campus?

Limited Wireless Internet access is available in the academic block from 7.15 am to 10 pm. The kanthari internet is provided to be used for course and project related purposes.

However, additional internet access can be purchased by participants from internet providers. The rates for Airtel (the provider with the current best coverage in our area) can be found at http://www.airtel.in/recharge-online

What type of electric socket is used on campus?

Throughout the campus you will find the Indian 3-pin 220-volt sockets. UK and European continental plugs will usually fit. For other plugs the participant can purchase an adaptor locally. (Please note that you will not be able to use any equipment that is made to be used with 110 Volts)

Curriculum

What IT skills do I need?

During the course you will learn skills that involve taking notes, writing e-mails, writing proposals, budgets and reports etc.
To be prepared for this, please get familiar with the following software: Excel, Word, Open Office, email client Thunderbird, Internet Explorer and any one of the Operating System like Windows, Linux, MAC etc. before the course starts. Also get familiar with Zoom and Skype.

Do we have time off during the kanthari course?

The kanthari course has a logical sequential structure. This means that one session builds up on a previous session and so on. Therefore, attendance of all sessions is compulsory, and it is not possible to take time off during the duration of the course. There will be some free days provided in-between the acts. Which days will be off-days will be announced at the start of the course.

 

Is there any exam to assess my performance?

At kanthari we measure if you master certain skills. We do this through assignments that are valued with SHU (Scoville Heat Unit) points.
To pass each act of the Curriculum, a minimum of 85% of the SHU points need to be achieved. If participants fail to deliver assignments, engage in a proactive, respectful, social and responsible manner it could lead to cancellation of the scholarship agreement.
There is one state examination on social entrepreneurship which is a certification course under Bharat Sevak Samaj (BSS).

What is the schedule on a regular day?

08:00 – 08:30 Breakfast
08:30 – 09:00 Block 1 (only Mondays and some exceptions))
09:00 – 10:30 Block 2
10:30 – 11:00 Tea/Coffee break
11:00 – 12:30 Block 3
12:30 – 13:00 Lunch
13:00-14:00 Free time
14:00 – 15:30 Block 4
15:30 – 16:00 Tea/Coffee break
16:00 – 17:30 Block 5
19:00 – 19:30 Dinner
20:00 – 21:30 Block 6 (exceptional)

This schedule is flexible – although we have a timetable pattern for the year, it can change to suit the activities planned for a particular day or week.

Will I get holidays during the course period?

The curriculum will be interrupted for some days in between acts.
Exact dates will be announced once the course starts.

Financial Matters

Do I get a Scholarship, if selected for the course?

If you meet all the criteria and you are selected, a scholarship will be provided for you.

The scholarship covers the following:
– for international participants: a round trip economy ticket for a flight to TRV airport. For Indian participants: a train or bus ticket to TRV railway or TRV bus station
– Transportation within India for project/course-related purposes.
– Full board, including shared accommodation and meals (while staying at the kanthari campus).
– Exposure visits to organizations who do similar work to gather subject matter expertise and best practices.
– Course-related costs, including faculty, equipment, and materials;

PLEASE NOTE: the scholarship does NOT COVER the following, these parts will need to be covered by you:
– A safety caution deposit of US$ 750. (This will be returned in installments during and after the course unless the criteria laid out in the question “What is the purpose of the caution deposit?” are not met.)
– Passport & visa. (Except for Indian and Nepalese participants, as they do not need passports and visas)
– Health check and health certificate
– Health Insurance
– Personal expenses are approximately US$ 400 to US$ 500 for leisure time activities during the time that you are in India.
– Any expenses that are related to your venture / organization, for example, the cost for a web domain & hosting of your organization’s website.

Since participants come from around the world, costs for passports, visa, health insurance etc vary.
Do inform yourself in advance of costs that you will need to cover so you can raise the same in time.

If selected, you agree to commit to participate for the full duration of the 12-month program.
During that time, the kanthari course will be your highest priority.

What are the costs that need to be covered by me?

– Caution deposit of US$ 750 (or an equivalent in Euro, or other currency). (This will be returned in instalments during and after the course, unless the criteria laid out in the question “What is the purpose of the caution deposit?” are not met.)
– Passport & visa. (This does not apply for Indian and Nepalese participants)
– Health check and certificate
– Health Insurance
– Personal expenses approximately US$ 400 to US$ 500 for leisure time activities.
– Any expenses that are related to your personal venture / organisation,
for example cost for a web-domain & hosting of your organisation’s website.

Please note: Since participants come from around the world, costs for passports, visa, health insurance etc vary. Do inform yourself in advance of costs that you will need to cover so you are able to raise the same in time.

 

What is the purpose of a caution deposit?

Every year, we receive more applications than we have seats. As a lot of work and costs go into the selection process, in tailoring the course to the selected participants and in raising funds for scholarships, we wish to avoid ‘no shows’ as this would lead to a seat that could have been occupied by another deserving change maker.

Therefore, a caution deposit is in place. Once a scholarship agreement has been signed, the Caution deposit needs to be transferred, and once this is done, your seat is reserved.

The caution deposit will be returned to you in 3 equal instalments of US$ 250 over the duration of the course period, however only if certain criteria are met:

  1. no damage to kanthari’s property and/or equipment is caused by participant,
  2. no dues are owed to kanthari.
  3. you successfully complete the entire course

The caution deposit will not be returned to you if you drop out of the course, or if the minimum performance criteria are not met, or in case the agreement is cancelled due to repeated and/or severe misconduct. In any such case, the remaining deposit amount will be used to cover costs that had been incurred till date.

When do I need to pay the Caution Deposit?

The Caution deposit will need to be transferred once the selection for the course is confirmed by kanthari.
Within 14 days of signing the scholarship grant agreement, you need to transfer the US$ 750 (or equivalent in Euro or other currency) security deposit.
The details where the security deposit will need to be transferred to, will be provided once the scholarship has been signed.
With the successful transfer of the deposit, you ensure your reserved place for the upcoming course.
The first 25 applicants who transfer the caution deposit will receive the scholarship for the course in India.

How can I remit the Caution deposit?

The caution deposit can be remitted via wire-transfer or any other online transaction option.
If you are selected, you will receive the details of where the caution deposit will need to be sent.

When do I get the Caution deposit back?

If no damage occurs, and if your scholarship agreement is not terminated prematurely, and/or if you do not resign from the course, the deposit amount minus any dues owed to kanthari, will be returned to you in the following sequences:

  1. Upon successful completion of Act One: One third will be returned.
  2. Upon successful completion of Act Four: One third will be returned
  3. Upon successful completion of Act Five: One third will be returned

Medical Concerns

I am on regular medication. Will I be able to obtain the medication locally?

If it is impossible for you to bring enough medicine for a year, please inform us in advance exactly which medication and amounts you require. We will then enquire if the medication can be obtained locally. (All medications will be procured at participant’s own cost).

Does kanthari require any information on my medical condition?

Upon acceptance to the course, you are required to provide a general medical examination report, as well as the following test results:

  • Tuberculosis Skin Test
  • Hepatitis A and B
  • Malaria
  • Feces Worms Test
  • Yellow Fever (if you come from a region where this disease is common
  • Any as per the health department and government required Covid-19 tests
Why do I need to provide medical information?

There are two reasons why we need you to provide us with this information:
1. In the unlucky event that you become sick during your stay in Kerala, you must be in a position to prove to your health insurance company that you are not suffering from a pre-existing condition.
2. Should you suffer from a disease that requires quarantine, such as TB or hepatitis, naturally we would want you to be cured before joining the course.

Therefore, if the test result for any of the above should be positive, it is your responsibility to get sufficient medical treatment first, before applying to the course.

Where can I get medical insurance?

You will need to check with an insurance company in your country that offers a health care service with international coverage. Please make sure that your insurance includes coverage for repatriation in case of severe sickness or accidents.

insurance policy will be at the cost of the participant.

Miscellaneous Information

Can I purchase a local SIM card?

Yes, you can purchase local SIM cards upon arrival at the airport. There are SIM providers like Vodafone, Airtel etc. (But at the campus area, Airtel has the best reach.) inside the airport and this would be the quickest and easiest way to get the SIM. You will need a copy of your passport and visa, so make sure to prepare the same before traveling to India.
You will be fully responsible for purchase of SIM card, the use of the same and for the costs of phone credit.

Can I purchase a local SIM card?

Yes, you can purchase local SIM cards upon arrival at the airport. There will be SIM providers like Vodafone, Airtel, BSNL etc. inside the airport and this would be the quickest and easiest way to get the SIM. You will be fully responsible for purchase of SIM card, the use of the same and for the costs of phone credit.

Can I stay in India after course?

The total duration of the kanthari course is 12 months. When selected, the participant commits him/herself fully for this period of 12 months.
The kanthari Curriculum is named “a journey in Five Acts”. In 2021, we added an online preparation act, ‘act 0’, also called \”the green room\”.
Act 1 to 4 are on-campus in Trivandrum, Kerala, south India, and last for approximately 6 and a half months. At the end of act 4, after the kanthari TALKS and certification event, participants will return home for the start of act 5 (3 months).

With your student visa in hand, once you arrive at the campus, you will need to register with the FRRO office in Trivandrum. Upon registration, you will receive a so-called ‘stay-visa’. This is only valid till the end of the kanthari course (Till the end of Act 4). This means that you cannot stay in India after the 4 acts are finished. Please note that the kanthari campus will be closed 5 days after the certification event. Therefore, it is required that your return flight is planned within a maximum of 5 days after the certification event.

Is kanthari an officially recognized training centre?

Yes, kanthari is an Authorized Training Centre by Bharat Sevak Samaj (BSS), national development agency, promoted by Government of India.

 

Is public transport available to get into town or to the beach?

Buses to Trivandrum run every 30 minutes and the bus stop is at walking distance from the campus. The bus ride takes about 40 minutes and costs app. 15 rupees one way. The same journey in a rickshaw may cost between 150 and 200 rupees. The nearest beach resort, Kovalam, is accessible only by rickshaw. A one-way journey costs between 200 and 250 rupees. A Rickshaw is a 3-wheeled vehicle, which can hold up to 3 passengers at a time. It is commonly used for taxi services. The price should be agreed prior to the journey.

Will it be possible to travel to other parts of India?

The kanthari training course is very compact and traveling/sightseeing is not the scope of the program. Day trips may be organized in the local area for team building purposes. Of course, you are free to travel during your off days, however, the Institute will not organize or fund personal trips. Any trips taken should not negatively affect your participation in the course.

What drinks will be available on campus?

Coffee and tea, sometimes juice will be served in the morning and afternoon breaks.
Drinking water is always available.
Sodas and other soft drinks can be purchased at own costs.
Since alcohol consumption in public is forbidden in Kerala, alcohol is not allowed on the kanthari campus.

 

What food will be served?

Generally healthy and tasty south and north Indian meals are served.

Recipes from around the world are welcome.

Breakfast is served at 8:00 hours, Lunch at 12:30 and dinner at 19:00.
There are vegetarian and non-vegetarian, as well as spicy and non-spicy options.

May I invite friends or relatives to visit me on campus?

Relatives, friends, or project related guests may visit kanthari, but only under certain conditions:

  • Guests should be announced beforehand to the administrative manager.
  • Guests should always be registered at security office when entering the campus.
  • Hosts should take over all costs for food (75 rupees per meal).
  • To ensure blind participants to know who is on campus, all visitors have to introduce themselves to kanthari members at the beginning of their stay

Overnight stays for family members or friends of participants are generally not possible.

Can I bring my guide dog?

If you wish to bring your guide dog, all papers, vaccinations, medical care, food, transportation, and others need to be arranged and paid for by the guide dog owner.
The guide owner is responsible for the wellbeing of the dog. The dog must be well-behaved and human and animal friendly.

How should I protect myself from insect bites?

The kanthari campus is located on the banks of the Vellayani Lake and we as we are guests in nature, of course we will need to respect its wildlife. The kanthari campus is very green and we wish to keep it that way, therefore chemical insecticides are not an option. As an alternative, there are some herbal products which can be bought locally. All rooms are fitted with mosquito mesh doors and windows. In this area of Kerala there is no Malaria. The kanthari campus is installed with an eco-friendly anti ant/termite system which carries a channel of water around the buildings. In order for this system to work, it must be maintained properly, and no food items should be openly stored/kept in the rooms. Please help with the maintenance so that everyone can enjoy ant and termite free rooms. Allergies against certain insects should be stated to kanthari staff.

 

What should be my arrival and departure dates?

Exact course dates will be announced to you upon your selection. If not advised differently, you can arrive in Trivandrum three days before the course starts.
Departure date should be scheduled within three days of the final day of act 4.