Students arrive in Delhi, India's capital,
for 5-7 days of orientation, introductory lectures, and visits to points of interest in Old and New Delhi .
"It's beautiful! I am half way around the world yet I flew here in less than a day -- that, in itself, astounds me. I have a desire to do something wonderful -- perhaps I am."
After students become adjusted to the new sights, sounds and tastes of India, the group moves to Mussoorie. Mussoorie is known as a "hill station," a summer retreat in the green and misty Himalayan foothills, where NYSICCSI students undertake an intensive, five- week course in Hindi language at the Landour Language School.
"The [Landour] program was excellent. . . . Incredibly beneficial. . . . Helped throughout the India experience."
Mussoorie also serves the program as a base for field trips -- for example, to pilgrimage sites such as Hardwar and Rishikesh, Tehri Dam, Yamnotri and an organic farm-- with the scenic beauty of the foothills along the way. Most students take weekend treks around Mussoorie.
"When we went to Hardwar the thing that most affected me was the Arati. . . . You launch your [flame] down the Ganges. . . . You pray for your parents. . . . It really made me stop and think."
The group passes through Delhi on its way to Jaipur, capital of the northwestern desert state of Rajasthan. Students have ample opportunity to hone their Hindi skills in this beautiful city, with its centuries-old pink sandstone walls and proud tradition. They live approximately five weeks with homestay families, with whom they take most of their meals and celebrate the major annual festival of Diwali.
"A place to call home for some time." "Good food!" "One of the family." "They are probably the best and most valuable part of this experience."
Hindi language instruction continues in Jaipur, and lectures on Indian culture, history, and contemporary issues are arranged by the program director. Students continue to do work on their independent fieldwork project (which is proposed and approved prior to arrival in India).
From its Jaipur home-base, the group travels to nearby sites to see some of the incredibly rich and diverse villages and cities about which they are reading and hearing. These site visits and "hands-on" experiences, including a visit to the Barefoot College in Tilonia, leave a lasting impression on students.
From Jaipur the group travels to Varanasi (Benares), one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India, on the bank of the sacred Ganges. During the 10- to 14-day stay, students experience "the eternal city" on foot and from the river, and also from the perspective of a nearby village, from which they gain insight into urban-rural dynamics as well as the dynamics of caste and class. Also included in this segment is a visit to Banwasi Seva Ashram.
The program comes to its conclusion in Delhi, with approximately two weeks for concluding fieldwork, completing course projects, presenting independent fieldwork projects, and reflecting upon the term's experiences.
Normally, a week of free time is scheduled during - or after -- the Jaipur phase of the program. Students may work on independent fieldwork projects or travel independently (in small groups) within India.
"I'll be back to India, for both academic reasons and personal ones."