3.5 week program - mindsabroad.com abroad 3.5 week india sample ($2985).pdf(10 locations, class,...

Sample Faculty Led India Program(3.5 Weeks, 10 Locations, Class, Volunteering)

Named a “Top Ten Program” by the Center for Citizen Diplomacy and the State Department

3.5 Sample Faculty Led India Program(10 Locations, Class, Service & Optional Homestay)

$2985

Program Introduction

Every aspect of India projects itself on a panoramic scale: be it the staggering picture of life in a country of over 1 billion people, the unmatched beauty of stone temples and the feisty festivals attached to them or the religious fervor that complements the undying passion of Indians for cricket and Bollywood. India is diverse in the real sense of the term. Diversity is reflected in its topography and climate, boisterous festivities and cacophonic bazaars, exotic cuisines and its people with their very own traditions, attires, cultures, lifestyles and languages. It is this diversity, which provides a breathtaking ensemble of experiences that is truly unique and quintessentially Indian. Experiencing the great diversity of land, people and cultures is at the heart of Minds Abroad's India Program.

Our India Program will bring students to Delhi, the country's capital, Agra, home to some of the spectacular historic sites including the Taj Mahal, Jaipur, dubbed as the “Pink City” of India and the seat of historic palaces and fortresses and to Bangalore considered as the “Silicon Valley” of India, where the majority of this program will be based. In Bangalore students will either undertake classes offered by their own faculty, who will accompany them on this trip or participate in classes on Indian culture offered by local experts every morning. Alternatively, those groups who opt not to attend these classes, can choose to visit local sites of interest, including a high tech company. All students will volunteer at a local non-profit organization serving the underprivileged sections of the society every afternoon. Over weekends, during their stay in Bangalore, students will explore various sites of historic and cultural places in and around the city and will thus get to the heart of the quintessential Indian experience.

Minds Abroad is a US based organization that conducts study abroad programs in Asia for both individual students and customized groups from colleges and universities. Most of our programs are a blend of morning classes, afternoon volunteering, internships or language exchange sessions, evening cultural activities and weekend excursions to sites of educational value.

We were recently named a “Top Ten Best Practice Program” by the Center for Citizen Diplomacy and

the U.S. State Department.

About Minds Abroad

While in Bangalore, during weekday mornings, student groups will either attend classes offered by their own faculty or participate in classes on Indian culture offered by local experts. Alternatively, student groups can also visit places of local interest, if they choose not to participate in classes. In the afternoons, students will undertake volunteer service learning in local non-profit organizations that are devoted to the less privileged sections of the society. Over the weekends, students will visit various sites of historical and cultural interest in India. These activities, coupled with our academic excursions to selected locations in and around Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Bangalore, will facilitate a diverse introduction to the Indian life, culture, and history. Students will enjoy healthy and tasty local Indian meals throughout the program.

Weekday Morning Faculty-Led Classes (Option 1)

In Bangalore, students can choose to attend classes offered by their own faculty members, most weekday mornings.

Weekday Morning Indian Culture Classes (Option 2)

In Bangalore, Minds Abroad offers classes on Indian culture taught by local experts. Indian culture is an amalgamation of religion, fine-arts, natural, secular and social sciences, philosophies and ideologies. It is a byproduct of centuries of changes and continuity, which are not limited to any particular historic era or external influence. Our culture classes will not only focus on the changing contours, faces and denominations of the Indian culture, but will also shed some light on the underlying, unifying forces that are quintessentially Indian and do not specifically belong to any religion, caste or language.

Weekday Morning Local Site Visits (Option 3)

Students, who choose not to attend classes in the morning, can visit local sites of historic and cultural interest in Bangalore. A few of the notable sites include the Nandi hills, home to an ancient fortress and a temple with exquisite Dravidian architecture. The hill itself is full of natural beauty and biodiversity. Among other local sites of interest, they will also explore Bull Temple (Dodda Basavana Gudi), a temple steeped in mythology history and folklore and dedicated to a sacred Hindu demi-god. Some other modern and culturally important sites that the students will visit are Pyramid Valley, a serene spot for meditation amid nature's vastness and well-maintained gardens such as Lal Bagh, which literally means “red garden,” an ideal place for leisurely, evening strolls. They will also be chaperoned to a high tech company to give them an understanding of the work-ethics and culture of a typical Indian business organization.

Program Components

The program price of $2985 includes costs of activities that are listed in the booklet. These activities include:

- Classroom space for morning classes taught by U.S. faculty (Option A); classes taught by local Indian experts (Option B) or daily site visit (Option C) cost a small amount more, please inquire for more details.

- Afternoon volunteer service learning placement- Tickets to cultural sites and cultural performances listed in the program- Shared rooms in comfortable guesthouses or homestay accommodation in Bangalore- A private bedroom is possible for a supplement of $499- All meals during the days of the program- Land transportation to sites listed in the programs- Detailed in-country orientation within the first few days of arrival

The fee of our programs DOES NOT include visa processing fees or the cost of international airfare to Asia and back home.

- Refundable housing deposit ($200) - This is a deposit covering the student's housing. The deposit is returned to the students on conclusion of stay, less any damages.

Program Price and Items Included in the Program Price

Afternoon Volunteer Service Learning in Non-Profit OrganizationsMost of our placements involve teaching English to disadvantaged children. For teaching placements, we have partnered with several local NGOs, which are devoted to helping children from a variety of disadvantaged backgrounds, including homeless children, the children of migrant workers, and children from economically- challenged groups. Through this activity, participant students will not only immerse themselves in Indian culture, but will also learn about community and developmental issues in an Indian metropolis.

Optional Homestay ExperienceAs a part of the quintessential Indian experience, students can stay with an Indian family. By coming in direct contact with an Indian family and living with people from a completely different background in very close quarters, students will get an idea about the intricacies of Indian social conventions, traditions and values. If lucky, students might have the chance to witness Indian religious and cultural rituals, participate in social functions and make friends for life. Delicious home-cooked meals served by a loving mother figure will be an added incentive for students, who are fond of Indian cuisines.

Weekend Academic Excursions To Sites Of Historic And Cultural InterestIn this program, to give students an all-encompassing Indian experience, they will be brought to fast-paced, modern cities like Delhi and Bangalore where they can see India at its most modern. They will also be led to Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the ruins of the ancient empire of Vijaynagara. It will be followed by Pattadakal, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and once the glorious capital of Chalukya Dynasty, which was particularly famous for its temples constructed between the 7th and 9th Centuries. On another weekend, they will also take a trip to Ooty, nicknamed the “Queen of Hill Stations” and dotted with verdant vegetation and sprawling tea-gardens. Students will also visit Mysore, a city with rich historical roots, followed by Coorg, famously known as the “Scotland of India.” Set amid lush teakwood forests, Coorg boasts of the largest Tibetan settlement in India and is a microcosm of Tibetan cultures. They will end their trip in Mangalore, sitting on the scenic Arabian Sea coast and famous for its mouth watering, spicy coastal cuisines.

Program Components (Continued)

Bangalore

Bangalore, one of India's most happening metropolises, is known worldwide as the IT capital and “Silicon Valley” of the country. As a city aiming to attract significant foreign direct investment (FDI), Bangalore has made incredible str ides in infrastructure development, and established itself as a hub for talented young people from across the country. The city is also dotted with innumerable cultural symbols such as the Lal Bagh, Cubbon Park, Kemp Fort, Tipu Sultan's Summer Palace, Bangalore Palace and Mayo Hall that have lent it its quintessential charm and cultural ident ity. One very attract ive feature of Bangalore that distinguishes it from other Indian metro cities is its pleasant weather all year round. Bangalore's climate verges on being cool, dry and pleasant, interspersed with occasional showers, which makes going outdoors a relaxing experience

Delhi

Filled with incongruities and surprises, the current Indian capital was once the capital of the Great Mughal Empire during Shah Jahan's reign. Now home to innumerable historical monuments and beautiful parks, this world-class city is endowed with a planned city center from the late days of the British India. The narrow lanes in the city's older quarters are equally fascinating for their dazzling displays of traditional artwork.

Agra

Agra is one of the most historic cities of India and most importantly, home to the iconic monument of Taj Mahal, one of the “Seven Wonders of the World” and a vision in white. In addition to the Taj, Agra is a treasure-trove of other historic wonders, including the Fatehpur Sikri, nicknamed the 'Deserted City' of red sandstone and Agra Fort, another excellent example of Mughal architecture. Navigating the dusty alleys of the city can be a rewarding and culturally enriching experience.

Jaipur

The Pink City, as it is endearingly called, Jaipur is a walled, historic city strewn with majestic ancient palaces and forts, whose resplendent glory is a constant reminder of a bygone era. Apart from its clamorous bazaars, its out-of-the-world forts hovering over its hi l ls and its palaces with remarkable architecture, Jaipur is a city that is irrepressibly on the move, with camel carts and cows staggering through its crowds, rickshaws angrily overtaking hordes of business men and a steady stream of intrepid and curious travellers in the city's heart.

Ooty

Once the summer capital of the British Raj, Ooty is famous for its backdrop of spectacular scenic beauty. Endearingly nicknamed “Snooty Ooty,” the hill-station is punctuated with countless botanical and rose gardens and lakes and is still a welcome respite from the heat and dust of the plains. The enduring allure of Ooty also lies in its sprawling, manicured tea plantations at regular intervals on its contoured hill-slopes and a rich tapestry of ethnic minority cultures, the foremost being the “Todas.” The austere and deceptively simple huts of the indigenous “Todas,” in their decaying grandeur, add to the charm of the place.

Pattadakal

A true gem for history buffs and another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pattadakal was the capital of the once glorious Chalukya Dynasty of Karnataka. The temple ruins of Pattadakal represent the finest exa m p l e o f t h e C h a l u k ya s t y l e o f a r t a n d architecture. Among the few major temple relics that are worth a tour are the Virupaksha, built by a Chalukya queen, who wished to commemorate her husband's victory in a decisive war.

Hampi

Hampi, now a historic town in Karnataka and another UNESCO World Heritage Site, was once the capital of the powerful , medieval empire of Vi jayanagara. I ts magnificent natural beauty is complemented by the majesty of its brooding ruins of its temples with exemplary architecture. Notable sites of Hampi include Hazara Rama Temple, covered with fresque from the Indian epic Ramayana as well as mythological creatures, deit ies , iconic char iots , bul ls and underground chambers carved out of single pieces of stones.

Mangalore

Once a foremost trading port, Mangalore now tops the itinerary of an intrepid traveler for its off-the-beaten-path beaches and sensational, distinctive coastal cuisines. Located on the estuaries of the beautiful Netravathi

and Gurupur Rivers on the Arabian Sea coast, Mangalore is particularly inviting for someone who wants to enjoy the tranquil charm of the Arabian sea away from the stresses and strains of life back home. In this respect, beaches like Someshwar and Surathkal deserve special mention. This sea-town has long been the paradise for food enthusiasts from all around the world. A generous helping of fish-curry smothered in coconut juice and exotic spices after a long, lazy stroll across its impressive coastal frontage is just another reason to head to this town for a day or two.

Coorg, a Tibetan colony

H i d d e n b e h i n d t h e b r o o d i n g h i l l s o f southernmost Karnataka, is the lush-green Coorg (Kodagu), known for its fabled landscapes and sprawling plantations of coffee. Coorg has still retained its distinct flavor. Its natural beauty is s t i l l n o t s p o i l t b y m a s s t o u r i s m a n d commercialization. This time-warp hill-station is home to the largest Tibetan settlement in India and if someone wants to have a peek into a slice of Tibetan life, Coorg is the ideal destination, as it is a microcosm of Tibetan culture.

Mysore

Mysore, a city of more than 600 years of glorious historic heritage and the cultural capital of the South Indian state of Karnataka, is full of old world charm. The precincts of its royal palaces bear the stamp of the distinct culture of a regal era. A short tour of this city will give a visitor an insight into the dazzling royal heritage of the regency.

MONSept 30th

TUEOct 1st

WEDOct 2nd

FRIOct 4th

SATOct 5th

SUNOct 6th

FRI Oct 11th

MON Oct 7th

THU Oct 10th

SAT Oct 19th

FRI Oct 18th

TUE Oct 15th

THU Oct 17th

MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4

In-Transit Delhi Delhi Delhi/Agra

Depart home country. AM & PM: Arrive in Delhi

and adjust to the jetlag

and rest. If time permits,

visit the iconic

Humayun's Tomb and

the adjacent Lodhi

Garden.

EVENING: Welcome

dinner

AM: Start the grand tour

of the Red Fort, a UNESCO

World Heritage Site. Visit

Jama Masjid, India's most

renowned mosque.

PM: Visit Qutab Minar

(the world's tallest brick

minaret and another

UNESCO Heritage Site)

and, if time permits, the

Mehrauli Archaelogical

Park.

AM: Drive to Agra.

Tour Taj Mahal.

PM & EVENING: Spend

some time marveling

at the beauty of the Taj

and then visit the

walled Agra Fort,

another UNESCO

World Heritage Site.

Stay overnight in Agra.

Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Day 10 Day 11

Agra/Jaipur Jaipur/Bangalore Bangalore Bangalore Bangalore Hampi Pattadakal

AM & PM: Stop over at

Fatehpur Sikri, another

UNESCO Heritage Site

on the way to Jaipur.

EVENING: Rest upon

arrival in Jaipur. Visit

the unique village of

Chokhi Dhani.

AM & PM: City Palace,

Jantar Mantar, the largest

observatory of India and

"Hawa Mahal" or "Palace

of Winds," specially

constructed for the

women of the royal

family.

EVENING: F ly to

Bangalore. Optional

Homestay

AM: US faculty class

(Option A), Indian faculty

class (Option B) or Iskcon

Temple and Hare Krishna

Hill site visits (Option C)

PM: Volunteer Service

Learning

EVENING: Optional

Homestay


(Option A), Indian

faculty class (Option B)

or Bull Temple site

visit (Option C)


Learning

EVENING: Optional

Homestay



class (Option B) or

Suryanarayan Temple

visit (Option C)


Learning

EVENING: Optional

Homestay

AM: Leave early for

Hampi, a UNESCO World

Heritage Site, home to

religious ruins. Upon

arrival, visit temple

complex.

PM: Explore the holy city

by walking along the river

before visiting the local

market.

AM: Travel to

Pattadakal, a World

Heritage Site and

home to the ancient

temples that were built

between the 7th and

9th Centuries.

PM: Return to

Bangalore.

EVENING: Optional

Homestay


Bangalore Bangalore Bangalore Bangalore Ooty Ooty Ooty/Bangalore


(Option A), Indian


or high-tech site visit

(Option C)


Learning

EVENING: Optional

Homestay



class (Option B) or 16th

Century Devanahalli Fort

site visit (Option C)


Learning

EVENING: Optional

Homestay



class (Option B) or Jama

Masjid and Lal Bagh site

visits (Option C)


Learning

EVENING: Optional

Homestay


(Option A), Indian


or St. Marks

Cathedral, Brigade Rd,

Cubbon Park, Govt

Museum & St Marys

Church (Option C)


Learning

EVENING: Optional

Homestay

AM & PM: Travel to

Ooty. On the way pass

through the lush-green

Bandipur and Madumalai

forest. Upon arrival in

Ooty, have some free

time and rest.

EVENING: Overnight stay

at Ooty.

AM: Visit the Doddabeta

Peak, the highest peak of

Ooty and enjoy the bird's-

eye view of the town.

PM: Visit the famous

Botanical garden and the

Ooty Lake. Ride a boat on

the lake. Afterwards,

drive to the Nilgiri

Mountain railway, a

UNESCO World Heritage

Site.

EVENING: Sleep in Ooty.

AM: Drive to a tea

garden and take a

stroll around the

garden.

PM: Travel to

Bangalore.

EVENINIG: Optional

Homestay


Bangalore Bangalore Bangalore/Mysore Mysore Coorg Tibetan Colony Coorg Mangalore/Home


(Option A), Indian


or visit Pyramid valley

(Option C)


Learning

EVENING: Optional

Homestay



class (Option B) or Nandi

Hills site visit (Option C)


Learning

EVENING: Optional

Homestay



class (Option B) or call-

center site visit (Option C)

PM & Evening: Travel to

Mysore and explore the

Mysore Palace. Overnight

stay in Mysore.

AM: Visit

Jaganmohana Palace,

the Jayalakshmi Vilas

and the Lalitha Mahal.

PM & Evening: Visit

Krishnarajasagar Dam

and the sprawling

Brindavan Gardens and

enjoy the musical

fountain and light

show.

AM: Travel to Coorg

Begin exploring Coorg.

Visit the Bhagamandala

Temple and Talacauvery

– the origin of the

mightly river Cauvery.

PM: Visit Harangi Dam

and Bylakuppe Tibetian

monastery.

EVENING: Overnight in

Coorg.

AM &PM: Visit the Dubare

elephant camp, home to

trained elephants followed

by the Omakareshwara

Temple, Abbi Waterfalls

and the forested island of

Nisargadhama.

EVENING: Overnight in

Coorg.

AM: Travel to

Mangalore. If flight

time permits, visit a

beach by the Arabian

Sea.

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