Summary

The University of Wisconsin's College Year in India program, founded in 1961, offers students the opportunity to study in Varanasi, India - a city that highlights India's ethnic, religious, and linguistic diversity for a fall semester or an academic year. The Varanasi program features intensive Hindi language study and provides students a unique opportunity to learn about Varanasi through program courses, tutorials and for year long students a fieldwork project.

Varanasi (formerly known as Benares ) is located along the Ganges River and is a major Indian pilgrimage center as well as a thriving modern city of approximately 1.3 million inhabitants. Students will encounter large Hindu, Muslim, Jainism, Buddhism and Christian communities. The city is known for the origin of Jainism and Buddhism and has many religious sculptures, great architecture and a wonderful variety of food.

Academics

The academic program for fall only students is as follows: six credits of Hindi at elementary, intermediate or advanced levels; three credits for a Civilization of South Asia course; three credits for a History course and three credits for a tutorial course. Students can choose between the following tutorial options: language (Sanskrit or Urdu), performing arts, internships, literary studies, or service learning).

The academic program for year long students is as follows: Fall semester - six credits of Hindi (elementary, intermediate or advanced levels); three to six credits of core program courses (students choose to take one or two from the following - Civilization of South Asia course or a history course); zero to three credits of tutorials (students can opt to complete a three credit tutorial from the following options: language (Sanskrit or Urdu); performing arts; internships; literary studies; or service learning); and two credits for a field methodology course.

Spring semester - six credits of Hindi (elementary, intermediate or advanced levels); two credits for a field methodology course; and eight credits for a fieldwork research project.

Cost

Program cost information includes not only program fees, but out-of-pocket expenses with notes to help explain costs. Program fees are estimated and can be adjusted at any time. Accepted students receive cost sheets with confirmed program fees in their acceptance packets.

Year 2009-10 Cost Estimate Sheet Fall 2010-11 Cost Estimate Sheet Year 2010-11 Cost Estimate Sheet

Location

The city of Varanasi, also called Banaras or Kashi (population about 1.3 million) on the banks of the Ganges River was already well-established when Gautama, the Buddha, came to preach his first sermon approximately 500 BCE. For centuries, Varanasi has been a center for Sanskrit learning.

Student Life

Orientation:  Upon arrival in India, students spend two to three days in Delhi for orientation. They visit historical and important sites in the city, go shopping and familiarize themselves with the city. In Varanasi, students receive an on-site orientation that includes a tour of the city, a visit to Sarnath, and a tour of Benares Hindu University (BHU).

Housing:  Students will spend their first few days after arrival in India living at the program house. During this time, students will make their own housing arrangements with the assistance of on-site support staff. Options including renting a room, renting an apartment, or living with a family. During the program, students eat two daily meals at the program house. The program house has a library and computers, hosts the Hindi classes and serves as a center of operations.

Excursions and Activities:  During the fall semester, students participate in a Hindi retreat that takes them to the countryside of India to study and focus on Hindi. Cultural activities and performances are planned throughout the academic year.