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Frequently Asked Questions
How did eMi2 begin?
In the late 1990's EMI architect Glen Woodruff and his wife Tamra were increasingly drawn to India, to go and grow within EMI's vision. In 1998, they traveled together to Mussoorie and identified the site of our current office: Oaklands. In September of that year, Glen and Tamra along with their three boys (plus one on the way), established EMI's first satellite office overseas. Over the next two years they worked to build Oaklands as both the office and the home on top of the mountain that so many staff, interns, volunteers, friends, travelers, and guests have enjoyed.
Why should I consider coming to India with eMi2?
All of us have skills that can be used to serve God and serve the poor. For those with engineering or architectural abilities, eMi2 is a great way to do just that, while at the same time gaining valuable experience and learning more about another country.
Will I be paid?
No. Designers serve with eMi2 on a purely volunteer basis. Each intern and volunteer is asked to raise support from friends and family to cover the cost of the trip. Don't worry if that sounds challenging. We will guide you through the process.
What is Mussoorie like and where would I be living?
Mussoorie is a small city in the foothills of the Himalayas, 290 km north of New Delhi. Oaklands, the location of the eMi2 office, is at the highest point in town (about 7,200 feet), so walking anywhere also includes a nice hike back uphill.
From Oaklands, the northern view is of the Himalayas and the southern view is of the Indo-Gangetic plain. The summers are beautiful and warm, the winters are beautiful and cold, and the monsoon is, well… wet!
Accommodations for interns in Mussoorie are “dorm” style. The single staff / intern men live together outside of Oaklands and the single staff / intern women live together in the main dorm room inside Oaklands. Married couples either stay at Oaklands, or find an apartment nearby.
Living at Oaklands is like living at “camp.” Electricity comes and goes, water is limited, and is stored on the roof in tanks, so baths don't happen every day. The climate inside the house is pretty similar to the climate outside, and office dress code is sharp-professional.
What is working in the office like?
Daily working hours are 8:30 am to 6:00 pm Monday through Friday. Interns fill just about every conceivable role in addition to working within their field of study. Their primary task, though, is to produce the final report for the project(s) they participate in. A majority of the office work is architecture / engineering related, so interns spend most of their time designing and working in AutoCAD. Technical guidance will come from the staff and volunteers that go on your project trip. The project leader for your trip will be your primary technical guide for work in the Developing World.
Depending on the interests of the intern group, there will be a program of Bible study and mentoring. We start each morning with corporate prayer, and as an office we connect with the wider Christian community in Mussoorie in a variety of ways. Individual interns have taken Hindi classes, attended a prayer or cell group, joined a church worship team, helped with women's literacy classes, and worked in orphanages and village outreach programs.
What about when I am not working?
Locally, we've got mountains and more mountains. India is a diverse country with every kind of tourist destination you can imagine. Interns will have time for one excursion and there are plenty of places to choose from. Wildlife parks, treks, old forts, Hindu religious sites, and the Taj Mahal are all possible destinations. Closer to home, there are numerous day hikes, along with lots of books and videos to choose from. Woodstock International School hosts concerts, plays and cultural shows as well. Fascinating people abound in the area and going out for chai is always an option. Mussoorie has several good churches, so there is plenty of opportunity for involvement.
How does money work in Mussoorie?
The best way to get money in India is with your bank ATM card. Travelers' Checks and cash exchanges can be time consuming, and in some places, next to impossible.
Interns are asked to contribute a room and board fee which includes accommodation, 3 meals a day, and the administrative costs of your internship. About $5/month will get your laundry cleaned, ironed, and folded once a week. Buying a new pair of pants costs roughly $13. Women can buy a Punjabi suit, tailor-made for $15. A nice meal is only $2.50. You can buy gifts in the $3 range. Travel by train is relatively easy and cheap. A 24-hour (800 km) train ride will cost you only $25.
How do I apply?
Glad you asked! Click hereto go to our Get Involved page.
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