Location:

Bangalore, India

Program Type:

Volunteer Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Work Types:

Social Services

Duration:

1-3 months

Program Overview

Program Description:

UAlbany partners with Global Citizens for Sustainable Development (GCSD) to offer India: WE BUILD - Summer Study Abroad Program in India; Indian Culture, Development Issues and Experiential Learning (6 Credit Program): This five-week program is designed as a co-curricular service-learning model, connecting theory taught in the classroom to its practical application used in the world. It will not only give international exposure to students but also engage them through hands-on experiences like building houses for poor communities. The program will also introduce students to Indian society and culture by focusing on three areas - culture, peace, and development. It will address the issue of Global Citizenship and engage students in action addressing issues related to children's rights, education, and poverty alleviation. A series of action-oriented projects take place with children and possibly with tribal and rural communities. Examples include: - Facilitating painting, singing and photography classes. - Teaching soccer, volleyball, jump rope and other recreational games. - Cooking and serving food to children. - Facilitating and participating in discussion forums at the Global Citizens Youth Assembly. - Teaching English, Math and other subjects to children.

MODULE 1: Indian Culture and Society (2 Credit / 32 hours) - Contemporary India - Political and Economical Challenges in India - Caste System in India - India's variety of Religions - Conversational Kanada (local language of Karnataka) MODULE 2: Environmental, Social Justice and Governance Initiatives (2 Credit/ 32 hours) - Housing Reforms and Social Justice movements in India - Children’s Rights in India - Education as an antidote to Poverty - Gandhi and Sustainable Development in India MODULE 3: Experiential Learning (2 Credit / 32 hours) - Build house/s for the poor - Teach Children - Facilitate workshops and discussions at the Global Citizens Youth Assembly 2013

Please see our website for additional details.

Setting Description:

Comfortable single and double rooms, each with bath, are available at Visthar where students will be initially staying. Visthar has conference halls, outdoor meditation centers, walking paths, computers, a library and documentation center that are at the disposal of the students. From there, students will move to a comfortable Guest House in Gauribidanur. During field trips accommodations will include educational institutions or small hotels (Mysore – Hotel Siddhartha) with equivalent facilities.

Cost:

We try to keep study abroad as affordable as possible. Please check out our website for more information.