India: Social Change and Sustainable Development

  India

Jaipur

Term: Fall, Spring 
Dates: late Aug-mid Dec; early Feb-mid-May

Description: Examine development strategies and trends in a dynamic South Asian context. India is the world's largest democracy--renowned for its exploding economy, vibrant IT industry, and burgeoning middle class--and poised to become an influential world power. Yet today traditional lifestyles and values are colliding with global aspirations as a large agrarian rural population intermingles with highly educated international urban Indians.

The program base is in the state of Rajasthan, historically a princely and aristocratic state, known as a center of Hindu, Jain, and Muslim traditions, and more recently as a premier tourist destination. It is also one of India's most underdeveloped regions, plagued by life-threatening droughts and poor social infrastructure. The capital city of Jaipur is home to hundreds of nongovernmental organizations struggling to assist with the fundamental problems of the state and help bring it into modern times.

Highlights: Intensive Hindi Language Study, Culture and Development Seminar, Field Study Seminar, Four-week Independent Study Project; educational excursions to Udaipur, Delhi, Jodhpur, and Oonghna; five-week homestay with a family in Jaipur, as well as a short village homestay.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: contact sponsor

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to India in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 12-15

Scholarships are Available. To make study abroad opportunities available to a wide range of students, SIT Study Abroad offers a variety of scholarships. We base all scholarship awards on need and merit. Awards range from $500 to $4,000. For a full list of scholarships, and to download a scholarship application,please visit our web site.

Application Process Involves:

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

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network

SIT Study Abroad's Mission Statement: SIT Study Abroad is the accredited higher education institution of World Learning, a private, nonprofit international organization promoting international and intercultural understanding, social justice, and economic development through education, training, and field projects around the globe. SIT prepares students to be interculturally effective leaders, professionals, and citizens through SIT Study Abroad, undergraduate, field-based academic programs operating in more than 50 countries worldwide, and thorough short-term professional training and graduate degrees in language teaching, conflict transformation, international education, social justice in intercultural relations, management, and sustainable development.

Year Founded: 1932