(IG)

The Situation

             Hebron is an International Christian Residential School delightfully situated in 19 acres of wooded grounds of Lushington Hall, a nineteenth century bungalow. The grounds overlook the Government Botanic Gardens and provide a setting of great beauty, whilst from the hills above the School a panoramic view can be seen over The Nilgiris. The school was founded in 1899.

The School

             With a roll of approximately 370 pupils, the school caters primarily for children of Christian workers from a variety of situations in South East Asia. However 40% of students are from expatriate or Indian non-resident families, many without a Christian background. Over 20 nationalities are represented amongst the school community.

We follow the English National Curriculum which enables students to continue further education in the West. Currently the school provides for children of all ages, from a play-group for staff pre-schoolers right through to IGCSE and 'A' Level examinations.

The Scheme

             International Guests are usually referred to as IGs. For some years we have been able to invite young people to visit the school for six months at a time to help in a voluntary capacity in various aspects of school life. In recent years the scheme has widened to include older people who may have taken early retirement or time out from their work.

The staff and students benefit from the time and expertise that IGs are able to contribute which we greatly value.  The younger IGs keep us in touch with the youth culture of the West, where most of our students continue their studies. They act as a useful ‘bridge’ between staff and students, and their youth and freshness stimulate new ideas and interests throughout the school. The older ones are greatly valued for their maturity and breadth of experience.

For the IGs themselves, it offers an opportunity to live and work in an International Christian school, experiencing first-hand one aspect of overseas service. It can be a very enriching experience, offering situations that demand initiative, creativity, flexibility and patience.

 The People

             All IGs must be at least 18 years of age and have completed their secondary schooling.  We have in the past invited young married couples, although accommodation restrictions preclude us from accepting families with children.

 IGs will find their time more mutually beneficial if they are committed Christians with a willingness to serve. They need to be flexible, responsible, enterprising, responsive, enthusiastic, and have a good sense of humour.

Dates

             The academic year begins in August, and is divided into two long terms, with a one week holiday in the middle of each. The first term is early August to mid December, with half-term in early October. The second term is early February to late June, with a break in early April.

 We run an Orientation course for all IGs and new staff, at the start of each term.

 The Job

             Most IGs are attached to a specific dorm, and so have the opportunity to develop close relationships with children in that age-group. They will be asked to help with supervision on weekend outings and activities, and would take responsibility for some daily routines, especially on the Dorm Parents’ day off.

 IGs would not normally be expected to take full regular classes unless they are trained teachers, but depending on their particular strengths, could be involved in part-time or small-group teaching and tutorial work. Those with sporting abilities are often able to help with coaching and sports activities. Music is another area where many IGs provide invaluable support. Those with more practical skills (e.g. electricians) have made great contributions as well.

 The school year is busy and varied, with drama festivals, athletics sports and swimming gala, school band performances, clubs, treks and outdoor pursuits. We do try to ensure that no-one is either overworked or bored, and that some discretionary time for local sight-seeing and relaxation is included.

Finances

             Our students’ fees pay for their board and tuition, and the general running expenses of the school, but nothing else. We are therefore not in a position to pay the fares of IGs from their home country and back. IGs come on an Entry visa and as such may not receive a salary. They come as voluntary workers and friends of the school and are enabled to spend time as tourists travelling. We offer free board and lodging and access to all school amenities. IGs need to bring enough money for out - of - pocket expenses and for travel. We trust that the time at Hebron will be truly enriching!

Where is Hebron School?

Hebron is situated in the town of Ootacamund (Indian name Udhagamandalam), often referred to by Indians and foreigners alike as ‘Ooty’, which is known as 'The Queen' of the Nilgiri Hills. It is situated at 2200m, (7500ft), above sea level. The town dates back over 200 years to when the British chose it as the summer seat of the Madras government, because of its temperate climate.

The nearest large city of Coimbatore at the base of the hills, is easily accessible by air and rail from Chennai (Madras), Mumbai (Bombay), Kolkata (Calcutta) etc.

Applying to be an IG

            If you are interested in coming to Hebron, we invite you to fill in the application form, and post it directly to the Principal at the school address below. Please bear in mind that we sometimes receive more applications than we have places for, and some may be disappointed. Generally, the earlier you apply to us the better, and we try to notify applicants if they have been successful by  April  for  July- December term (Term 1) and by June for the following year January to June (Term 2).

If you need any further information please contact the IG Co-ordinator at Hebron, Mrs Rosalyn Reid (the Principal's wife) rosalyn.reid@hebronooty.org

To download application form, right click on the link below and choose "save target as" Ig Application form .doc  Applicants should provide email ids for referees whenever possible