Program Information

May 23, 2012- June 10, 2012

Arrive in India and explore the magnificent capital city of Delhi on the plains of North India, watch a sound and light show at the Red Fort, examine the large collection in the National Museum of Art, marvel at the ancient astrological observatory, pay respects at the Mahatma Gandhi memorial, stroll through the crafts museum, and be awed by the tallest freestanding tower in the world.

Travel overland by rail to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal- one of the wonders of the world, meander through Emperor Akbar’s walled city of Fatehpur Sikri and tread through the Agra Fort to see architectural grandeur and fortification techniques.

Travel south to Chennai (Madras) where the Bay of Bengal laps white sand beaches.  Travel to see the ancient monuments that weather gently in the summer sun in the ancient sea port of Mamallapuram. Stroll along exotic markets, shop for textiles in stores that display myriad colors of power loom-woven and hand-woven silks, cottons, and synthetic textiles.  See the thriving south Indian movie industry, catch a movie or sitcom shooting, and join the local community to watch a Carnatic music concert and centuries old dance.

While in Kochi, the Venice of the East, explore the Mattancherry Palace- residence of the Maharaja of Travancore, the fifteenth century Jewish Synagogue, the Church of St. Francis, and the fabled Chinese fishing nets. In Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram watch dances, dance-dramas, and music concerts by Kerala's premier performers.  Peek in at a training session of kalaripayat, the ancestor of most martial arts in Asia. Take an enchanting backwaters boat ride through rural Kerala's thick coconut palm forests, rice paddy fields, and water markets. Stroll along the white sand beaches of Kovalam. Have a restful Ayurvedic massage and a refreshing sip of coconut water along the way.

While seeing, hearing, smelling, and learning India through immersion and gaining experiential knowledge:

• Meet in classroom settings to discuss your reading and compare it with experiential learning
• Listen to local experts and meet local students and continue these discussions
• Meet and talk to politicians and movie stars
• Visit Family Life Center, Mappedu, near Chennai and help tutor students and gain service learning experience
• Savor the hot and sweet delicacies of three distinct regions of the country and understand the true meaning of the adage, “India’s unity in diversity”
• The best way to learn about India’s unity in diversity is to travel by train and go to India’s villages – this trip will provide an opportunity for these two experiences in order to understand this adage and also to realize “the wonder that is India”

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Service Learning

Participants will have the opportunity to work in the Family Life Center, Mappedu, near Chennai. Participants will have the opportunity to teach English to elementary school children, or be able to work in the health care outreach center.

Itinerary

Participants will complete initial reading before departure from Atlanta. Textbooks and/ or reading lists will be discussed at the first orientation. Assignments will be posted in i College. Participants will gather information for assignments while in India and will complete them upon return to GPC. Participants will also maintain a travel journal, which will be required as part of the course assessment.
Information may be subject to change

 
Legend:
ATL – Atlanta; AGR – Agra; DEL – Delhi; MAA – Chennai; TRV – Thiruvananthapuram; COK - Kochi
[View a map of India]

Courses

HIST 1112- Survey of World History from 1500
Instructor: Salli Vargis
The history of India in the context of world civilizations- Muslim rule, Hindu India, British Raj, the Independence movement, and independent India. The study of India will be woven into the history of the world.

ENGL 2112- World Literature II
Instructor: Deborah Byrd
A comparison of literary pieces from various time frames in Indian history with that of literary pieces from around the world.

ENGL 2600 - Creative Writing
Instructor: Deborah Byrd
Focusing on the writing of original fiction and poetry, this course may also consider drama and creative non-fiction. Workshop sessions, contemporary performances, and representative readings in a variety of genres and publications are included.

POLS 2101- Introduction to Political Science
Instructor: George Vargis
A comparative study of American and Indian politics with special reference to international relations. When students are in New Delhi, the capital of India and the seat of Indian government, participants will visit Parliament and meet with members of Parliament. During visits to Chennai and Kochi, the group will visit State Legislatures and meet with legislators.

POLS 2401 - Global Issues
Instructor: George Vargis
This course introduces students to contemporary issues in global affairs. It assumes no prior knowledge of international relations. The course examines problems facing the global community, as well as the prospects for governments, individuals, and international groups to address those problems. Issues include population and demographics, natural resources and the environment, the globalization of the economy, terrorism and threats to security, development and technology, global security, ethics, human rights, and the role of the United States and other regional powers in world affairs. Special attention will be paid to cross-national and international connections.

Accommodations

YMCA International Guest House in Delhi, three star hotels in all other cities.  On field trips, arrangements will be made to stop at local restaurants. Most hotels provide breakfast.

Program Fee

Program fees do not cover tuition, registration at GPC or airport exit taxes. Cost is subject to change in the event of unanticipated increases in airfares or other program elements.

Apply Early! Students who apply before the deadline and make monthly payments find it easier to afford study abroad. Students who qualify may use financial aid and scholarships to pay for some of the costs associated with study abroad. The CIE recommends all interested students meet with a Financial Aid Advisor as early as possible.

$3,500 includes:

• Round trip airfare
• Accommodations
• Transportation to and from all program related excursion sites, entrance fees and  tour guides
• Travel health insurance for the duration of the program
• Breakfasts included

Price does NOT include (What else you should budget for) 

• GPC Tuition & Books
• Passport and visa (required for travel to India)
• Personal spending money and additional meals ($450 - $750 recommended)

Download: [Budget Worksheet for Study Abroad Students]

Scholarships for India

Study Abroad Award

Access Asia Scholarship

Aleyamma George Memorial Scholarship (GPC Foundation Scholarships)

GPC Foundation Scholarships

For a complete list and information, please visit http://www.gpc.edu/gpcglobe/genscholarships