Semester in India Curriculum at Pu

1. Prerequisites

US students must have completed sophomore status with a minimum of 2.5 GPA to be accepted into IISAC’s Semester in India Program. Students should specify how the Semester in India Program will fulfill their requirements for general education, minor or major requirements of their universities. Based on this information, IISAC will work with student’s study abroad advisors for credit transfer that will fulfill general education, major requirements, or as electives leading to timely graduation.

2. Orientation

Before leaving the US, IISAC provides important information regarding travel and health preparation, travel logistics and academic planning. Upon arrival in India, IISAC officials greet SIP students at the airport and help them to adjust to their new environment, covering issues such as cultural and academic adjustment, environment, health, safety, food etc.

3. Grand India Study Tour

IISAC’s Semester in India Program comes with the added attraction of enjoying India and her culture, history and civilization through the Grand India study tour. This is offered in three phases as a part of the Semester in India program. Phase 1 is the mandatory orientation tour of Pondicherry, Kerala and Tamil Nadu as a field study orientation to introduce students to the society and culture of India. Orientation topics will include:

• Cultural shock and adjustment
• Historical, political and contemporary India
• Sanoop Luke
• Indian society and culture
• Managing cultural differences in India
• Introduction of Pondicherry University
• Rules and regulations of IISAC
• Health and safety issues

Phase 2 study tour is offered during the semester to expose students to ‘Globalized India’ through a tour of Karnataka, visiting cities like Bangalore and Mysore. Phase 3 of the study tour is offered immediately after the semester to Delhi and Agra to learn about the history, politics and religions of India. This will give students the rare opportunity to visit the Taj Mahal, the icon of India before leaving for USA.

IISAC’s Grand India study tour is embedded in the semester program to provide US students first hand experience of Indian culture, environment and history through travel and direct interaction with a cross section of Indian society to maximize their cultural experience. The study abroad itinerary is as follows.

Phase 1: Before the semester (Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu & Kerala)

Phase 2: During the semester (Bangalore & Mysore)

Phase 3: After the semester (Delhi & Agra)