SAGE Encounter India!

  India

Agra,  Aranmula,  Bangalore,  Chennai (Madras),  Delhi,  Jaipur,  Mysore,  New Delhi,  Rishikesh

Term: Summer 
Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: July 2009

Description: The Summer SAGE Program offers high school students two amazing journeys to India. SAGE trips are carefully designed so that participants have a transformative experience that allows you to grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally. Each trip has a unique and interesting theme, allowing students to explore their own personal interests. You can do service work in a rural Indian village or live with an Indian host family. Venture to southern India to discover traditional art forms, learn about India's diverse religions, and experience a peaceful sunrise from an ancient palace. Or learn about Gandhi's life, spend time working alongside rural development organizations, and explore the impact of globalization on India. Are you ready to discover, engage, and transform? Adventure is calling....don't miss this opportunity to encounter India!

Highlights:
Arts and Religions of India (July 2-23 2009)

On this amazing journey through southern India, participants learn about diverse religions, the beauty of traditional art forms, and the fascinating interrelationship between the arts and religion in India. SAGE students spend time at two art centers, taking classes in mythological drama, Indian vocals, traditional dance, mural painting, and other ancient art forms. Participants visit historical religious centers, meet with local experts, and explore how diverse faiths, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam, are practiced in the Indian context. Students culminate their experience at Auroville, an intriguing village township dedicated to international unity, spiritual consciousness, and environmental sustainability. Throughout the journey, students experience the sensations of daily Indian life by shopping at open markets, visiting Hindu temples, viewing Bollywood films, and swimming in the Bay of Bengal.   Students also have the opportunity to serve at a local community service organization, such as a home for abandoned girls, or a center that serves street children. In the final days of the trip, SAGE students spend time reflecting and thinking critically about their experiences in India and discussing what they have learned over the course of the journey.
**To view a detailed trip itinerary and description from last summer's program, click on the PDF file link on the GoAbroad website.

From Gandhi to Globalization (July 1-22 2009)

On this incredible journey in western India, SAGE participants experience the contrast between traditional and modern Indian life. They learn about Mahatma Gandhi, his role in the independence movement, and his philosophical principles of simplicity and nonviolence. Participants do volunteer work alongside a Gandhi-inspired rural development organization and spend time living in a remote Indian village. Through this experience, students witness Gandhi's principles in action, and encounter a more simple and traditional way of life. During the journey, SAGE students also learn about urban, contemporary living, and witness the impact of globalization in India. They spend time in cosmopolitan city centers, meeting with local business professionals, and exploring aspects of India's modern economy. The group is then able to compare and contrast their earlier village experience with a more urban, affluent, and contemporary lifestyle in India. Throughout the journey, participants experience the sensations of daily Indian life by shopping at open markets, visiting palaces and temples, riding camels, and eating traditional Indian meals. In the final week, SAGE students travel to Navdanya, a rural retreat center, to spend time reflecting on their experience. The group spends time thinking critically about their experiences in India and discussing how these new life lessons can be integrated into their daily lives.
**To view a detailed trip itinerary and description from last summer's program, click on the PDF file link on the GoAbroad website.**

Cost in US$: $4500, plus international airfare

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to India in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups of 10 to 12

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Year Founded: 1992