Description

The Global Education Office and the Department of Gender, Sexuality & Women's Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University are pleased to offer a unique opportunity for students to engage in a study abroad experience in India. Students will be enrolled in either 3 or 6 credits of Gender, Sexuality & Women's Studies and will spend their time attending lectures with local scholars and activists as well as working with organizations in Delhi and Mumbai on issues regarding women, LGBTQ communities, lower castes and other disenfranchised groups in India.

Course and Credit Options: 3-6 Undergraduate or Graduate VCU Credits
* WMNS 391 Global Scholar/Activist Spaces
* WMNS 391 Global Scholar/Activist Spaces
* WMNS 691 Global Scholar Activist Spaces (graduate students only)

Course Description:
This is an intensive summer course in intersectional feminist, queer and postcolonial theories and practices that allows students to work within various social justice organizations and to engage directly with local activists and scholars in Mumbai and Delhi.

In this course:

* Students will critically explore and engage feminist and queer studies beyond the US and explore the ways in which global issues shape social activism beyond US borders;
* Students will participate in conversations about issues that affect women and other oppressed groups globally and specifically in South Asia;
* Students will explore and theorize local ramifications and possibilities of feminisms in activist organizations in India;
* Students will hone interpersonal communication skills by working directly with people from diverse groups as well as reflective and analytical writing skills through daily assignments;
* Students will engage in service work that benefits oppressed groups and that is based within the local communities of Mumbai and Delhi;
* Students will practice critical and creative thinking.

Highlights

While in India:
This program will incorporate trips and sightseeing visits to key historical and cultural monuments. Planned trips while in Mumbai include: Elephanta Caves, Gateway to India, Marine Drive, Mani Bhavan, the National Gallery of Modern Art, Chowpatty, Mahalaxmi Temple, Dhobi Ghat, Flora Fountain, Bombay University, Victoria Terminus and Nariman Point. While in Delhi, students will visit: Birla Temple, Red Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Rashtrapati Bhavan and Ghandis memorial. Additionally, there is an overnight trip to Agra planned and students will be able to visit the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Ram Bhag.

This program will be co-led by Dr. Archana Pathak and Prof. Liz Canfield from the Gender, Sexuality & Womens Studies Department at VCU. Dr. Pathak was born in Mumbai and her scholarship focuses on postcolonial studies, South Asian diasporas, gender and sexuality. Prof. Canfield has taught at VCU Qatar and has ample international experience. Last summer Professors Canfield and Pathak led a VCU program to Canada.

This will be their second VCU faculty-led program.

Housing:
Students will be housed in service residences while in Mumbai and Delhi and will stay overnight in a hotel in Agra. All provided meals are vegetarian and students are provided with seven liters of bottled water daily.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

• Women's Studies

Cost in US$:

Approx. USD3,000 + airfare + VCU tuition

Program Fees Include:

The program fee is approximately USD3,000 and includes the following:
* Accommodations in Mumbai and Delhi
* Hotel accommodations in Agra
* Round-trip travel from Mumbai to Delhi
* Daily breakfast and dinner
* Daily bottled water (7 liters)
* Most excursion entrance fees
* Indian visa fee
* On-site Program Director support
* Pre-departure orientation
* International Student Identity Card
* VCU administrative fees
* Application deposit

The following are not included in the program fee. Students are responsible for:

* Airfare
* Tuition
* Lunches
* Some excursion entrance fees
* Passport application fee
* Personal expenses during the program (estimated at USD600)
* Anything not specifically mentioned above

Airfare is not included. Participants are responsible for making their own round-trip travel arrangements from the US to their destination city. Program directors will meet with accepted students to go over specific travel logistics and may help students in identifying low-cost travel options. For best fares, students are encouraged to purchase their tickets prior to April 15.

Experience Required

yes

This program is open to all students, regardless of major, with a GPA of 2.0 or higher. Please note: Participants must submit a photocopy of their passport to VCU Education Abroad by 1 March in order to be eligible for this program. This passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the end date of the program. Please also note: This program requires an Indian visa. Upon acceptance into the program, you will be contacted with information about applying for and attaining this visa.

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Other

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 10-15

Scholarships are Available

Application Process Involves

• Essay
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

2-4 weeks

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Year Founded

1838