Study abroad, Northern India

By Jennifer Palmberg
The Collegian

Fresno State is offering its first study abroad program to India. The trip “The Art and Culture of Northern India” is scheduled from Dec. 26, 2005 through Jan. 14, 2006 over winter break. All participating students will receive 3 units credit as a 110T course in the Department of Art and Design.

“Our travel study programs are designed to provide students the opportunity to learn about other cultures while studying in another country, outside the normal environment,” Susan Hawksworth, Marketing Director of the Division of Continuing and Global Education said. “It’s a great way for students to expand their horizons and earn academic credit at the same time.”

The students will be led by Brijesh Sharma and his wife Joan. Sharma grew up a mile from the Taj Mahal in Agra India, and Joan is an assistant professor with the Department of Art and Design.

“The trip is designed to be an introduction to the art and culture of India,” Sharma said. “Every place we are visiting is very different and unique from every other so it’s a great way to learn about it.”

The two-week long trip covers more than fifteen cities in Northern India. This diversity in areas studied allows students to experience numerous monuments and museums as well as the surrounding culture Sharma said.

The trip costs $3,995. The fee includes airplane tickets, hotel rooms, lunches, an elephant ride, boat rides and a sound and lights show. The fee will also cover train tickets, all entrance fees into monuments, museums and galleries and tourist guide fees and applicable government taxes in India.

All participants must have a valid tourist visa from the Consulate General of India, travel insurance and proper inoculations and vaccines. Information about the required vaccinations can be found at www.cdc.gov/travel/indianrg.htm. A deposit of $900 is needed by Sept. 26, 2005.

The Sharmas will present an informative audio-visual preview of the tour on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2005 at 7 p.m. in the Conley Art Bldg. Room 101.