A CLOSE-UP VIEW OF THE WORLD'S LARGEST DEMOCRACY IN ACTION: POLICY, DEVELOPMENT AND TRADE

Jan 2 - 14, 2007
Bangalore    Bombay    Dehli

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1) What immunizations are needed?

None are required, but the State Department makes recommendations for travelers to certain parts of the world. For the parts of India to which we go and the time of year we are there, there is little risk. Nevertheless, the State Department suggestions are for Hepatitis A and B, Typhus, a Tetanus shot if not currently up to date and quinine pills for Malaria. The shots are generally available at the Student Clinic; a prescription for the pills can be filled anywhere. Total cost runs around $140, and the shots are good to have whether traveling or not.

2) What are accommodations like in India?

India is a developing nation and, in some instances, accommodations will not be what one might find in Paris or London. However, they generally will range from standard dorm-like rooms at the Universities (like typical US dorms) to regular hotels (roughly Best Western/Holiday Inn levels and upward) in the cities. Service always has been very good (clean, tea at the door in the mornings, etc).

3) How much spending money should I take?

The amount of spending money, of course, depends on how much extra-curricular imbibing you are inclined toward and how many souvenirs you want. It certainly is influenced by your interest in remarkable deals on clothing and jewelry. About $100 per week is average. More can be gotten fairly easily from ATMs, and most shops take credit cards. Credit cards/ATMs often give a better exchange rate anyway. Accommodations and most food are already included in the price.

4) Getting your VISA

Participants are reqired to get a VISA to enter India and are responsible for applying/getting their own VISAs. We encourage you to apply early for your VISA. If you do not receive your VISA to enter the country, there are no program refunds. So, please don't delay in applying. We also encourage you to use a VISA service. Although, they charge a fee, it is a way to ensure you process your paperwork correctly.

5) What are the travel arrangements?

The program fee does not include international airfare. Students are responsible for arranging their own travel to India and arriving into BOM (Mumbai) for when the class begins Jan 3rd (departure from the US should be Jan 1st at the latest) . Arrangements for travel within India will be made for students. International travel will cost about $1,200. January is a popular travel time, so we encourage you to book your flight ASAP. Although, there is no group travel discount, you can check-out studentuniverse.com or STD travel; both offer student discounts. Ideally, you want to fly into BOM and out of Delhi.

6) Academic Requirements/Paper

The program has a substantial amount of scholarly content in the form of lectures, visits, tours and informal meetings. Students will be expected to participate fully in the program, including making a short presentation on a topic related to their paper. A book review and paper will be required. The research topic is flexible. Special arrangements can be made in India to meet students' individual research needs. More details will be given at a later date on the readings and requirements.