Description

This program is a consortium of colleges inviting motivated undergraduate students with a liberal arts background from other colleges to participate in its fall and spring semester programs of study in Sri Lanka. ISLE is a rigorous academic program for intellectually motivated students. Its curriculum, taught by leading members of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Peradeniya near Kandy, includes courses of study on Buddhism, history, environmental studies, literature, anthropology, sociology, women's studies, global studies, in addition to intensive instruction in conversational Sinhala. Students live with host families for the duration of the program including during a month-long independent field study. Founded in 1982, the Program is formally affiliated with the University of Peradeniya, Kandy. In addition to university campus resources, the Program has its own mini campus with an extensive library of close to 5,000 books and journal articles. The Program offers volunteering opportunities and instruction in dance and music.

Affiliated Colleges: Bates, Bowdoin, Carleton, Colby, Grinnell, Holy Cross, Macalester, Swarthmore and Whittier.

The ISLE Program uses a semester course credit system, under which each full credit course represents forty hours of instruction, and each half-credit course represents twenty hours of instruction. Independent field study, spoken Sinhala (affiliated to Hindi) language I and II are full course credits (four semester hour course credits). Field archaeology and each of the elective courses are half-course credit (two semester hour course credits). The total courses for each program is four full load and one half load translating into eighteen semester hour course credits.

Highlights

1. Since 1982, the only undergraduate study abroad program in Sri Lanka.
2. Superb language teachers facilitate intimacy with people and culture.
3. Buddy program helps to understand the culture through their perspective.
4. Caring homestays further enriches cultural experience.
5. Leading academics offer required and elective courses including field archaeology, environmental and global studies.
6. Month-long Independent field studies are carefully supervised in rural areas.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

19,500

Program Fees Include:

This fee covers visa fee, tuition, room, board, study travel and research costs for the entire duration of the program, text books and expenses involving seasonal illnesses, etc. Students who receive financial aid in the United States can apply this aid (check with your institution) to study on ISLE.

Experience Required

yes

Any undergraduate students in good standing at their institutions are eligible to apply for the program.

This Program is open to

American and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of 10-15

Application Process Involves

• Disciplinary Clearance Form
• Essay
• In-Person Interview Required
• Letters of Reference
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Transcript
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

Two weeks

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

Inter Collegiate Sri Lanka Education (ISLE) Program's Mission Statement

A liberal education cultivates the mind and the imagination; encourages seeking after truth, meaning, and beauty; awakens an appreciation of past traditions and present challenges; fosters joy in learning and sharing that learning with others; supports taking the intellectual risks required to explore the unknown, test new ideas and enter into constructive debate; and builds the foundation for making principled judgments. It hones the capacity for critical and open intellectual inquiry the interest in asking questions, challenging assumptions, seeking answers, and reaching conclusions supported by logic and evidence. A liberal education rests fundamentally on the free exchange of ideas on conversation and questioning that thrives in classrooms, lecture halls, laboratories, studios, dining halls, playing fields, and dormitory rooms. Ultimately, a liberal education promotes independent thinking, individual action, and social responsibility.

Year Founded

1982