Cultural Program

Students will have a unique opportunity to be immersed in the life of India while learning about important social issues. Students will study at Loyola College of Social Sciences, an Indian college in the southern state of Kerala. Kerala has one of the highest rates of literacy, the lowest infant mortality rates, a unique form of alternative medicine, and the most active self-sufficiency projects found in developing countries.

The program includes tours of important historic sites as well as cultural activities, such as attending a traditional wedding ceremony, participating in classical Indian dance and music performances, shopping at artisan markets, and visiting wildlife habitats, mountains, and beaches. (http://academic.csuohio.edu/india_experience/)

Academic Program

Student will enroll in the 6 credit course SWK 499. This course explores the social welfare, economic, and cultural issues specific to India. Topics include alternative health systems, adult literacy, community development, self-sufficiency, families and children, art and music.

Students will attend lectures given by local experts and professors of Loyola College, meet human service, education, and health care professionals and visit social agencies, educational institutions, health care organizations, and rural communities to see models of development and self-sufficiency.

This course will count toward Writing across the Curriculum, Social Science, Foreign Culture, and Non-Western Culture requirements, as well as an upper level elective.

Academic Eligibility

Applicants must have successfully completed one social science course.

Undergraduate and Graduate students may apply, with a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.0 and graduate GPA of 3.0.

All applications must be approved by the program director and the Study Abroad office.

Program Cost

The program cost is $4100.

The cost includes roundtrip airfare, room and board, excursions, and an International Student Identity Card. The cost does not include CSU tuition for the required course. The cost may change due to increases in airfare and/or the exchange rate.

Students will need to budget for out of pocket expenses such as independent sight-seeing, souvenirs, health insurance, textbooks, and a visa for admittance into India.

Students may use Summer financial aid to pay for the program cost. Students can also apply for two scholarships: the CSU Study Abroad Scholarship and the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs scholarship. For more information, contact the study abroad office.

Itinerary

June 18 Leave Cleveland

June 20 Arrive in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India

June 21 Classes begin at Loyola College of Social Sciences

June 28, 29 Trip to Ponmudi Wildlife Habitat and to spice mountain

July 5, 6 Trip to Kanyakumari where three oceans merge

July 12, 13 Visit Kumarakam Lake resort and Amrita University

July 16 Depart India for Cleveland

Program Application

A $200 non-refundable deposit along with the program application is due by no later than December 15, 2008 to confirm your participation.

Download the brochure and application.

Do I need a visa?

All students will need a visa to enter India. Students will be given all necessary instruction and paperwork for the visa at their group meetings prior to departure for India.

For more information, contact:

Dr. Murali Nair
Program Director
Dr. Nair is a professor of Social Work and Co-Director of the Center for Healing Across Cultures at Cleveland State University. Dr. Nair has conducted intensive field studies in Kerala, India and is fluent in Malayalam, the local language.
216-687-4570
m.nair@csuohio.edu
http://academic.csuohio.edu/nair_m/

Hannah Fischer
Study Abroad Specialist
216-687-3910
studyabroad@csuohio.edu