Summer Escape India

One Country Many World

Dates: June 25 – July 23, 2012

From the vast Indian plain where the sacred river Ganges crisscrosses the land to the mighty Himalayas that form the country’s northern border, India is a country of splendid scenery and great geographical diversity. Alongside this staggering topographical range also like India’s cultural diversity - a mix of numerous religions and ancient traditions flowing into one melting pot. Beneath this diversity of culture and geography lies the continuity of Indian civilization - one of the oldest, largest, and most continuous civilizations in the world - which has thrived for thousands of years. Explore India's wonderland of beauty and treasury of tradition with Global Crossroad's Summer Escapes in India.

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Program: Summer Escapes
Highlights: Community service, cultural orientation, travel
Arrival/Departure Point: Indira Gandhi Airport, New Delhi
Language Requirement: None
Accommodation/Food: Hostel, host family, three meals a day
Program Fee: $1,899 for 4-week program including 5 days of India travel and tour

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

The bustling and exotic city of Delhi marks the start of your summer escape into irresistible India. Study Hindi language, learn the cultural distinctions, and uncover the religious allure that makes India unique. Listen to the orientation full of interesting facts about 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.

Activities: Hindi language classes, exploration of Delhi and its major tourist attractions, exploration of the nearby cafés and malls (in the free time), and visit one of Global Crossroad's partner projects.

Community Service Project: Work in Orphanage in Delhi (14days)

For two weeks, participants will work in an orphanage - sharing their love and time with the needy children, teaching them basic conversational English and encouraging them to face the challenging world where English is becoming more and more of a necessity. In your free time, participants can hike to nearby bazaars and/or hillsides; explore the beauty of mesmerizing India-gaining first-hand experiences of Indian lifestyle, culture, and values.

Activities:Work in an orphanage, teach English to orphans, hike in the local bazaars or villages, explore local life, culture, and religions, and help the orphaned children to lead a meaningful life.

Explore the Golden Triangle (6 days)

Continue a journey through the Golden Triangle of North India, the land of the sacred lotus flower. Discover the magical cities of Delhi , Jaipur and Agra and encounter India through new dimensions. Enjoy the fusion of New and Old Delhi with ancient temples and modern malls, get romantic in the land of eternal and infinite love - the Taj Mahal in Agra - and marvel as you journey around Jaipur, the Pink City in Rajasthan.

Activities: In Delhi, tour around the Red Fort, Chandni-Chowk, India Gate, Quatab Minar and the magnificent Lotus Temple. In Agra , visit Agra Fort, Sikandara, and the famed Taj Mahal. In Jaipur, make a sweeping visit of Fatehpur Sikri, the City Palace , the Palace of Winds , the Observatory, Jantar Mantar, etc.

Program itineraries are merely samples and likely to change to meet field conditions. This itinerary will be finalized in Global Crossroad's Delhi office during orientation

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