Description

When you study abroad in India with us, you'll spend 3 months traversing the diverse ecological and spiritual landscape of the Himalayas, the Indus River Valley and the birthplace of 3 major world religions. Experience how these diverse belief systems live and work side by side in tolerance as you, too, live and work alongside them. Challenge your engagement with your own life as you volunteer with your group at the Mother Teresa Home for the Destitute in Calcutta, experience first-hand the burning ghats of Varanasi, and live with Tibetan families in the hometown of the Dalai Lama. Participate in internships of your choice in art, music, language, yoga, meditation or whatever else interests you. Finally, learn the skills of developing country travel in the safety and support of a group setting. If you are fascinated by the thought of some of the oldest religions and cultures in the world, our India study abroad semester will challenge and enrich you beyond your wildest imagination.

Highlights

* 5-day trek in the Himalayas
* Learn about Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism
* Visit the City of Lights Varanasi
* Volunteer at the Mother Theresa Home for the Destitute in Calcutta
* Spend a night at the Sikh's Golden Temple
* Learn about Tibetan Refugees and see the Dalai Lama if he is in town
* Participate in a yoga retreat
* Learn how to travel independently and safely
* Work on leadership skills
* Group sizes no larger than 10 students and 2 Program Leaders
* University credit available through Portland State University
* FAFSA and Scholarships availability

Qualifications

No qualifications necessary.

Type of Programs

• Adventure Travel
• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Cultural Exploration
• High School Study Abroad
• Language Immersion
• Student Tours

Languages

• English
• Hindi
• Bengali

Cost in US$:

9,400

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure
• Living stipend

Program Fees Include:

Portland State University College Credit is an additional USD 900. Airfare not included.

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

The vast majority of our students are recent high school graduates from all over the USA whom for any variety of reasons foresee the benefit of having a focused, structured, and transformative experience in the "real world" before going off to college. All of our Carpe Diems programs are fully accredited by Portland State University so most students opt to spend their first semester of college earning credits with us, while experiencing life outside of our all to often "cultural bubble" for their first time. Other students come to us who have already spent some time at a university and either found the experience lacking in some way or are desirous of a structured study abroad program. Though the majority of our students are 18 and in their "Gap Year" we often work with sophomores and juniors in college as well.

Age Range

17 - 23

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory
• Group living
• Home-stays
• Independent living
• Other
• Guest House

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of Maximum of 10 students

Scholarships are Available

Financial Aid and Scholarships are available

Application Process Involves

• Phone/Video Interview
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Essay

Typically The Application Process Time is

2 business days

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Carpe Diem Education's Mission Statement

Inspiring growth and transformation through experiential education, community, and intercultural exchange.

Year Founded

1997