The great thing about this program is its universal appeal it is well suited to many majors and can provide four course credits. . One professor accompanies a dozen successful applicants on a semester-long study of development and its manifestation in India. Rather than focusing solely on one area at a time, this program embraces an integrative approach using all these issues to better understand the impact of development. Students begin their journey by spending a week in London, where they are introduced to the issues, as well as to each other. This week allows the group to form an initial bond that better enables them to function effectively and supportively during their time in India.
Many close friendships are sure to evolve over the course of the semester.
This stop along the way also helps to ease the drastic time difference they will experience. Once arriving in India, the group will spend nearly a month in Bangalore being exposed to various issues surrounding development. This mainly takes place through speakers and workshops, but also involves trips to rural villages and urban organizations such as a shelter for runaway children. Through exposure to various marginalized sectors of the community, students are able to develop a more complete understanding of the connection between theory and practice. Significant issues focus on clean air and water, native and herbal medicine, communication, the role of religion in daily life, women s issues, nutrition, child care, literacy and the role of art and theatre in communication.