Jaipur, India
Minnesota Studies in International Development
Area Studies and Field Placement Program
Minnesota Studies in International Development
Area Studies and Field Placement Program
Sponsored by:
University of Minnesota
GLOBAL CAMPUS - STUDY ABROAD
Tel: (612) 626-9000
Toll Free: (888) 700-UOFM
E-Mail: UMabroad@umn.edu
Website: www.umabroad.umn.edu/ASIA/msid_india.html
University of Minnesota
GLOBAL CAMPUS - STUDY ABROAD
Tel: (612) 626-9000
Toll Free: (888) 700-UOFM
E-Mail: UMabroad@umn.edu
Website: www.umabroad.umn.edu/ASIA/msid_india.html
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India, the world's largest democracy, is home to more than one out of every six human beings alive today. Cradle of one of the oldest and most influential civilizations on the earth, India is an astoundingly complex nation, where you can log on to the web in a cyber café while elephants and camels pass by on the street. Although Hinduism is the dominant religion, there are large Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Jain and Buddhist minorities in India.
The Minnesota Studies in International Development (MSID) program in India is headquartered in the city of Jaipur, the capital of the fabled State of Rajasthan. Popularly known as the Pink City, Jaipur was founded in 1727 AD by the astronomer-king Sawai Jai Singh, and was designed by the brilliant architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya. It is located southwest of Delhi and is gateway to the great Indian Thar desert. Jaipur's spectacular architectural heritage has made it one of India's greatest tourist destinations, along with the other two cities of the Golden Triangle: Delhi and Agra (site of the Taj Mahal). The city has been growing rapidly, and its population is now approaching three million. The main language is Hindi, with many people also speaking Rajasthani (a dialect of Hindi), Punjabi and English.
The Minnesota Studies in International Development (MSID) program in India is headquartered in the city of Jaipur, the capital of the fabled State of Rajasthan. Popularly known as the Pink City, Jaipur was founded in 1727 AD by the astronomer-king Sawai Jai Singh, and was designed by the brilliant architect Vidyadhar Bhattacharya. It is located southwest of Delhi and is gateway to the great Indian Thar desert. Jaipur's spectacular architectural heritage has made it one of India's greatest tourist destinations, along with the other two cities of the Golden Triangle: Delhi and Agra (site of the Taj Mahal). The city has been growing rapidly, and its population is now approaching three million. The main language is Hindi, with many people also speaking Rajasthani (a dialect of Hindi), Punjabi and English.
The program's combination of classes, field trips, field experiences/internships, and research links experience with theory and provides a critical analysis of development efforts and their effectiveness, sustainability, cultural appropriateness and equity. Students participating in the program develop a profound, firsthand understanding of the complex economic and social issues at work in India.
The courses and internships build on a common knowledge base built by pre-departure readings. Once in Jaipur, students study as a group for 8 weeks, then participate in a 6-week internship followed by a final wrap-up week back together. Students on the year-long option build the field experience to an internship in greater depth. The academic year curriculum includes the internship and a related course for a total of 8 credits, plus a research project and related methods course for another 8.
Some of the internships include working with a clinic on AIDS education, promoting sustainable agriculture, assisting women with micro-business proposals and working in a shelter for street children. See this page for more information: www.umabroad.umn.edu/programs/ASIA/msidIndia/fieldPlacement.shtml.
MSID's partner institution in India is the Institute of Rajasthan Studies (IRS). Founded in 1992, the IRS is an interdisciplinary research center devoted to furthering the understanding of Rajasthan's history, culture, and society. The program's academic and administrative director is Dr. Rima Hooja.
The courses and internships build on a common knowledge base built by pre-departure readings. Once in Jaipur, students study as a group for 8 weeks, then participate in a 6-week internship followed by a final wrap-up week back together. Students on the year-long option build the field experience to an internship in greater depth. The academic year curriculum includes the internship and a related course for a total of 8 credits, plus a research project and related methods course for another 8.
Some of the internships include working with a clinic on AIDS education, promoting sustainable agriculture, assisting women with micro-business proposals and working in a shelter for street children. See this page for more information: www.umabroad.umn.edu/programs/ASIA/msidIndia/fieldPlacement.shtml.
MSID's partner institution in India is the Institute of Rajasthan Studies (IRS). Founded in 1992, the IRS is an interdisciplinary research center devoted to furthering the understanding of Rajasthan's history, culture, and society. The program's academic and administrative director is Dr. Rima Hooja.
The program is open to Allegheny juniors and seniors with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Course work related to development and/or India or Asia, or volunteer or social services experience is required.
Application Process
Allegheny students must first be approved to study off-campus before applying to their chosen program. Deadlines to submit the approval packet are February 20 for the fall program and September 20 for the spring program. Approval packets will be reviewed immediately following the appropriate semester deadline. Stop by Reis Hall to pickup the guidelines or access the information on the web at http://www.allegheny.edu/accel/international/studies/guidelines.php.
IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFO: Because of MSID's deadlines, it is strongly recommended that students submit their approval packets and their MSID applications to the IO according to the MSID deadlines. That is, by February 20 for fall and AY programs and by September 20 for spring programs.
IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFO: Because of MSID's deadlines, it is strongly recommended that students submit their approval packets and their MSID applications to the IO according to the MSID deadlines. That is, by February 20 for fall and AY programs and by September 20 for spring programs.
MSID participants live with host families throughout the program. The homestay is an important venue for gaining insights into Indian life and culture. The MSID program house contains a large lecture room and smaller offices that are used for faculty meetings with students and social get-togethers. A simple kitchen provides tea, coffee, and light snacks; students are invited to study in the MSID program house. Jaipur includes many specialized libraries and research collections- including one belonging to IRS. MSID office has a limited number of computers, plus a printer, for use by students in writing papers.
Students pay Allegheny tuition, the off-campus fee ($300), room (Allegheny double room charge) and meals (14meal/week plan). This covers program tuition, fees, room, most meals, international health insurance and field trips. Not included are visas, passport, some meals, airfare, pre-departure immunizations and personal expenses. Allegheny financial aid, except work/study, is applied to program costs. Allegheny College will arrange payment of the $400 program deposit required by MSID (applied to total cost), but students are responsible for the $50 application fee.
For further information, please schedule an appointment with the program advisor
by contacting Linda Litzinger in the International Office.
Phone: 814-332-4891 Email:llitzing@allegheny.edu
by contacting Linda Litzinger in the International Office.
Phone: 814-332-4891 Email:llitzing@allegheny.edu