Rural India: Social Issues and Traditional Culture

  India

• New Delhi: 
New Delhi

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: July 11 - July 31, 2010

Description: This program is an intense exploration of social issues in rural Maharashtra, such as women's rights, environmental sustainability and public health as part of a teen community service trip. During this high school summer program in Asia you will live on the campus of Mahindra United World College, in a beautiful rural setting, and you'll venture into the surrounding villages to witness first hand the issues faced by local communities, including the positive and negative affects of globalization.

A focus of our high school summer programs in Asia is learning through community interaction. We join an organization that works with mentally handicapped people, as well as women's groups and with children from the surrounding villages - all as part of this teen community service program. Throughout all of this, you will learn first hand about life in India, the challenges people face, and the triumphs they have enjoyed.

Highlights: Community Service
You will experience India through interacting with people working at remarkable grassroots organizations. Volunteering abroad in India offers real insight to global issues; the creativity, strength, and dedication of the local people you work with will truly inspire you.

   * Orphanages, where students will interact with children by giving much needed attention, teaching basic   English, and caring for their special needs.
   * Local schools and daycares in underprivileged areas, GLA students will teach English, play sports, and do arts and crafts with the students.
   * Tree planting projects within a biodiversity reserve

Learning
Pune India offers a rich and diverse learning experience for GLA students. Because of India's broad historical and cultural fusions, the variety of learning opportunities are unique. Besides meeting grassroots leaders who are creating positive change in their community, you will also:

   * Learn basic phrases in Hindi to communicate with villagers and children
   * Dance dandia, an Indian folk dance, and learn to play classical Indian musical instruments
   * Cook and sampling authentic Indian cuisine, taught to you by women from the local villages
   * Visit religious sites in the area such as ancient Buddhist caves and Hindu temples

Exploration
Discover the richness and variety of Indian culture. On weekends, you will explore different parts of the country and have time for shopping and cultural activities. Excursions include:

   * Explore the ancient Ajanta Caves that contain Buddhist paintings and sculptures
   * Take in a Bollywood film at a local cinema
   * Hiking through a biodiversity reserve and learn about medicinal plants used in traditional Indian medicine
   * Lose yourself in colorful and vibrant markets while shopping for traditional Indian clothes

Cost in US$: 21 days, Sunday to Saturday Tuition: USD 4,595

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to India in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 40 students

Application Process Involves:

• Other
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Global Leadership Adventures's Mission Statement: To empower students to be agents of positive change across borders.

Year Founded: 2004