Description

The Arts and Sciences study abroad program in Hyderabad, India is designed for students with a desire to understand the complexities and paradoxes of the world's largest democracy. Students have the opportunity to explore India's cultural and religious diversity while experiencing the impact of modernity upon tradition. This program is also ideal for a student who would like to do a service project, participate in volunteer work or undertake an internship.

Academic Program
The academic program is offered in collaboration with the Study in India Program (SIP) at the University of Hyderabad which essentially serves as the administrative and academic hub for all foreign students enrolled at the university. SIP, through a curriculum outside of the departments, provides international students the opportunity to study various aspects of Indian society, history, and culture through its specific curriculum and creates an environment on campus that is supportive of international students. SIP is nationally recognized by the Ministry of Education in India for its international education model. The CIEE Study Center at the University of Hyderabad offers students a combination of specially designed courses organized by SIP coupled with direct enrollment options in regular University courses.

Academic Culture
The University of Hyderabad is an undergraduate and graduate-level Indian university. This designation is somewhat different than in the U.S. system but does not provide a barrier to undergraduates. The B.A. degree in India is three years in duration. M.A. students in their first year of study are roughly at an equivalent level to a senior at a U.S. university. Because the University of Hyderabad primarily provides graduate education, CIEE students should expect a good deal of independent work in each direct enrollment class, including, but not limited to, reading all of the books and articles in the suggested readings list for each course. As the academic classroom environment in all direct enrollment courses at the University is vastly different from classes in the U.S., students should enroll in these courses with an open mind and be prepared for minimal classroom discussion and in-depth lectures from their professors. Due to regulations and limited resources in the University library, students should also be prepared to do most of their research by accessing their home institution library database online.

CIEE students primarily take their classes from the arts, social sciences, and humanities departments, though students interested in studying science are strong encouraged to enroll in the program. The student body is made up mostly of Indian students drawn from all over the country creating a diverse environment that is microcosm of modern India. Classes are relatively small and are taught through lecture. Some but not all professors welcome discussion and active student participation in direct enrollment classes. SIP courses are similar to courses found at U.S. universities. Many faculty members who teach specialized courses for the SIP have experience teaching American students and have advanced degrees from foreign institutions. Academic year students have a two to threeweek break during the month of December.

Highlights

• Choose from extensive course options in social sciences, humanities, performing arts, life sciences, and computer/information sciences
  
• Visit ancient mosques, temples, religious centers, and Golconda Fort; participate in required group excursions to expand students' understanding of India; take yoga classes at the yoga center on campus
  
• Learn traditional Indian music and dance through classes conducted by experts
  
• Partake in a Hindi language peer tutor program

To further acquaint students with parts of south India and to foster self-reflection, the program includes visits to Mysore and Melkote, and to saree weavers (entrepreneurs) or Hampi (a world heritage centre and the capital of the largest empire in post-moghul India), or Visakhapatnam (a coastal city of cultural and religious diversity). Students are exposed to Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu temples in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. In the past students have also taken trips to NGOs that work with women and children in rural parts of Andhra Pradesh.

Students interested in undertaking daily yoga practice may do so at the yoga center located on campus. Opportunities are also available for students to study classical Indian music, critical thinking, classical instruments such as the Sitar and Tabla, and to study the North Indian classical dance Kathak. These are available as non-credit courses. Part-time volunteer projects can be organized for highly motivated students, but are minimal due to the fact that students attend classes every day.

Independent Travel
Students must submit a completed Independent Travel Request Form four days prior to any independent travel, along with an independent travel release form. After submission, the CIEE Resident Staff considers each participant's request. Resident Staff schedule meetings with the participant to discuss independent travel details once the forms have been completed.

Immersion
Peer Tutors
Program participants are paired with University of Hyderabad senior students for weekly one-on-one Hindi (or Telugu, Sanskrit, and Urdu) language tutorials.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing.

Program Fees Include:

The CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, tuition, full-time leadership and support, housing, meals, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions and field trips, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which includes insurance and other travel benefits.

Experience Required

yes

• Overall GPA 3.0
• Junior standing or above

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays
• Dormitory

Participants Travel

Independently

Scholarships are Available

We have several scholarships that students can apply for. Contact CIEE for details.

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application
• Other

CIEE's Mission Statement

Since 1947, the Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, has been in pursuit of its mission, "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world. Our services to young people studying, working, teaching, and traveling abroad are more important than ever.

Year Founded

1947