Orientation, Language and Cultural Immersion in New Delhi (7 days)

The bustling and exotic city of Delhi marks the start of your escape into irresistible India . Study the Hindi Language, learn the cultural distinctions, and uncover the religious allure that makes India unique. Enjoy an orientation presentation with its fascinating introduction to India. Explore the colorful bazaars known for the intense multitude of fascinating sights and sounds while simultaneously joining a cultural program presented by the children of a local orphanage.

 

Day One: Welcome at Global Crossroad's India office, orientation on the language and culture program, and familiarization with the week's events. Also, learn about Indian geography, climates, politics, and safety issues. Hindi language classes begin

Day Two: Hindi language classes begin. Learn words of greetings, affirmative & negative, pronouns, short expressions, and more about getting to know each other. In the free time, explore the bustling markets and vibrant commercial areas.

June Three: Hindi language classes continue. Learn more on verbs, adjectives, adverbs, family relations, food and drinks, and how to appreciate something. Explore the nearby cafés and mall in your free time.

June Four: Visit Old Delhi – explore the captivating tourist attractions of Old Delhi. Some of the most delightful attractions include Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; Rajghat, the spot where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated following his assassination in 1948; the renowned colorful shopping bazaar of Old Delhi.

Jama Masjid: It is one of the largest mosques in India . The tomb was constructed when Shah Jahan decided to make Delhi his capital. Built in 1656 AD, the mosque took about six years to complete and about 5,000 laborers and craftsmen.

Day Five: Hindi language classes continue. Learn more Hindi words (names of places, animals, birds, directions, body parts, days, months, shopping, traveling). In your free time, explore the bustling markets and vibrant commercial areas – all while trying to use your newfound language.

Day Six: Explore New Delhi discover the delightful sites of the dazzling city of Delhi . Drive through the wide lanes of New Delhi and explore some of the most fascinating tourist attractions the city has to offer. The day's itinerary includes the following destinations: Qutab Minar: Built in 1199, Qutab Minar is one of the most popular landmarks in Delhi . The 72.5meter tall monument has 379 steps ascending to the top. Qutabuddin Aibak started the construction of Qutab Minar in 1199 but he died before completing it. Old Fort: popularly known as Purana Quilla, the Old Fort has an interesting history. The construction of the fort was started by the second Mughal emperor Humayun but before he could complete the fort, Sher Shah Suri attacked Delhi and captured the city. He completed the construction of the fort and named it Shergah meaning 'dwelling place of lion.' Humayun's Tomb: the mausoleum of the Mughal emperor Humayun is a popular monument in Delhi. The tomb was constructed by Humayun's wife in his memory. The tomb was built between 1562 and 1572 AD and is located near the shrine of Saint Nizamuddin Aulyia. Red Fort: Also known as Lal Quilla, the Red Fort is another important addition by Shah Jahan upon the landscape of Delhi. Shah Jahan built the Red Fort in 1648. Today, the Red Fort has a special significance as the Prime Minister unfurls the flag of India on Independence Day and addresses the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort. If you wish to learn a lesson about the history of Delhi , you can enjoy the 'Light and Sound Show' in the evening at the Red Fort. In addition to these monuments, you will also visit the bustling bazaars of Chandni Chowk , India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan, Lodhi Gardens and the Lotus Temple .

Day Seven: Hindi language evaluation followed by departure to the orphanage project in Delhi NCR.

Day Eight –Twenty Two 2012: Volunteer Service Project

For the next 15 days, volunteers will go to different orphanages located throughout Delhi. Volunteers will be subdivided in many small groups. Global Crossroad will place 2-5 volunteers in one orphanage depending upon the number of children. As a volunteer in the orphanage project, you will teach English (3-4 hours a day) in the orphanage or schools (when the children attend school during the day). You will help the children by educating them on issues of personal hygiene and sanitation – helping them to brush their teeth, showering, etc. In your free time (mostly in evening), participants can organize games, drawing lessons, singing, dancing, and other creative, educational and extracurricular activities. In the evening, you will help the children with their homework, monitor their academic progress, and make sure that the children complete the next day's homework assignments. If you do not want to teach in the school during the daytime, you can offer to take care of the children who stay at the orphanage (who cannot yet go to school). Your help is also expected in the dressing of the children, food distribution, kitchen, garden, cleaning and various administrative duties.

Explore Golden Triangle (6 days/5 nights)

Day Twenty Third: Travel to and Explore Jaipur – Enjoy an excursion to the Amber Fort, and experience the thrilling joy of ride atop an elephant. Visit the Jantar Mantar Observatory as well as the Wind Palace (Hawa Mahal). In the evening, participants are free to walk through the city and explore Jaipur at their own discretion.

Day Twenty Forth: Jaipur to Ranthambore – Drive to Ranthambore's Tiger Sanctuary. By noon, the group will arrive at the wildlife resort and set out on a wildlife animal safari in the jungle in an openair jeep.

Day Twenty Fifth: Ranthambore – an early morning drive into the dense jungle of Ranthambore in a jeep for tiger tracking and bird watching where participants can indulge in wildlife photography. The jungle visits last about three hours each. Explore the wild surroundings and watch multitude of birds in Ranthambore National Park

Day Twenty SIX: Exploration of Agra (Taj Mahal) – Upon arrival, proceed to see the architectural, modern day wonder of the world, the incomparable Taj Mahal. A symbol of eternal love – Taj Mahal is one of the most fabulous and famous monuments in the world.

Day Twenty Seven: Agra to Delhi – Visit Agra Fort. Situated on the west bank of the Yamuna River and approximately two kilometers from Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort was started by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1565. The impressive red sandstone fort extends for about 2.5 km and is surrounded by a deep moat which was once filled with waters from the Yamuna River . Though Akbar built it mainly as a military centre, it was under Shahjahan's rule that the fort became more of a mini city. Return to Delhi in the evening.

Day Twenty Six: Last Day in Delhi – The program concludes with a farewell, and a certificate distribution ceremony.

 

Program Fee Covers

• Accommodations in hostel, hotel (travel-with A/C), host family
• Local meals three times a day (June 25 - July 22)
• Airport receive/pickup
• Insurance

Program Fee Does Not Cover

• Entry Fees (estimated $100-$125)
• Local Transportation (2-3 dollars a day for 21 days)
• Any room/food before/after days 1—28
• Dropped off at either the airport or bus station
• Water, soft drinks during project
• Any tips to guides, gifts to host family or projects
• Personal expenses