Program location
Situated in the Northwest Himalayas, Simla is the beautiful capital of Himachal Pradesh. Covering the area of 18 sq. km. at a height of 7,238 ft., Simla has been blessed with many natural bounties. Dwelling on a panoramic location, the hilly town is surrounded by green pastures and snow-capped peaks. The spectacular cool hills are accompanied by many structures made during the colonial era.
Climate/weather
Simla has a pleasant climate throughout the year. In summers, temperatures go beyond 27°C. During monsoons the rains shroud the entire city in a fine mist. The nights are cool, even in high summer. In winter, temperatures go down substantially, and there is occasional snow.
Mailing address
Simla Sanitarium and Hospital, Carton House, Simla 171004, S.W., Himachal Pradesh, India
Site size
This small hospital has 48 patient beds of which 70 percent are regularly occupied. The site sees approximately 50 outpatients per day.
Services offered at the site
Languages
The official language of India is English. However, Hindi is the primary language spoken in this region. At the hospital, a majority (70 percent) of the staff speaks English, and approximately 40 percent of the patient population speak some English.
Accommodations
Participants will be housed in a guesthouse or hospital room and can choose to purchase their meals at the hospital cafeteria. Cooking help can be arranged, and fresh food is available locally in abundance. Participants may boil water for drinking or buy bottled water. The site has running water, and laundry services are available.
Transportation to site
Participants are responsible for arranging their own air travel to the international airport in New Delhi, India. The site is approximately 300 miles from the airport, and it will take 10 to 12 hours of travel by bus or train. SIMS will help participants arrange transportation from the airport to the site.
Eligibility
This site recruits students and professionals in the following health professions: medicine, nursing, health promotion, physical therapy, laboratory technology, and medical records. Participants in other fields are welcome but must check with the site first. With regard to medical students, the hospital will only host 3rd- and 4th-year students.
Program fee
Program fees include food, lodging, and transport from the arrival airport to the site. Program fees do not include air travel or personal travel while in the country. The following costs are based on a four-week stay and subject to change in conjunction with the site.
| Housing cost: | $4.00/night |
| Food cost: | $10.00/day |
| Transport to site fee: | $20.00 |
| Estimated total cost: | $440.00 |
Country information
https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/
Entry requirements
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1229.html#p
Last Revised: Fri, Feb 16, 2007
