SERVICE LEARNING

The optional Service Learning course module (Weeks 5-6) at the International Summer School (ISS) builds on the knowledge gained from the other three modules and provides a platform for students to further engage with India beyond the academic session (Weeks 1-4).

All tasks, assignments and research questions are tailor-made to suit the students and their individual interests. The fieldwork done during this two-week experience is interactional and engaging, while at the same time fostering a spirit of volunteerism among participating students.

Assessment for Service Learning is carried out through the evaluation of research work in the form of journal entries and/or blogs as well as group project submissions.

sustainability Fieldwork with Govardhan School of Sustainability

At the end of the first four weeks, participating students move to locations across the National Capital Region (NCR) and beyond, one of them being the Govardhan School of Sustainability at the Govardhan Ecovillage situated near Mumbai, Maharashtra.  The ecovillage is composed of farms, animal shelter, yoga school, ayurveda center, community area and geotourism site, all nested in the setting of an ashram, inspiring transformative change through experience oriented sustainability studies.

Education Fieldwork with KALINGA INSTITUTE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

The ISS has also worked with Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences in Orissa to offer the students a chance to volunteer at local schools and towards initiatives that support the livelihoods of the state’s tribal communities.