I got to spend an incredible four months with an amazing group of people that have changed my life forever. Community Development in India connects theory and practice by alternating classroom work with on-site visits. Throughout the semester, periods of experience alternate with periods of reflection on your experiences. Students begin their journey by spending a week in London, where they are introduced to the issues most prevalent in Indian society, 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 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. Field visits were very helpful in putting it all into perspective. Students will travel by jeep, train, bus or plane to various sites around the country. Some of these sites include Madras, Delhi, Agra, Mysore, Bombay, and the beautiful state of Kerala.