C.V. Starr - Middlebury School inIndia
Director: Luna Das Bangia, –
Middlebury School in India
American Institute for Indian Studies
22, Sector-32, Institutional Area
Gurgaon-122 001 Haryana, India
Phone: +91 9650033382
International Programs and Off-Campus Study
Sunderland Language Center
Middlebury College
Middlebury, VT 05753
tel. 802-443-5745
fax. 802-443-3157
Please note that information in this handbook is subject to change.
Copyright 2010 by Middlebury College. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photographic or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Middlebury College.
Dear Students,
Congratulations on your decision to study with the C.V. Starr-Middlebury School in India. I would personally like to welcome you and tell you what to expect.
Delhi is a large city, India’s second largest after Mumbai, with a population of more than 22 million people.Delhi has been continuously inhabited since the 6th century BCE, and served as a capital of various kingdoms. Delhi is actually a cluster of a number of smaller cities, spread across the metropolitan region, giving it the nickname“City of cities”.
Your classes will be located in one of two institutionsat the Delhi University. However your Hindi classes will be held at the guesthouse where many of you will be living for the duration of the program. St. Stephens College (Co-educational) and Lady Shri Ram College for Women are among the best known institutions in India and take pride in having an impressive faculty and facilities on campus.
At both college campuses you’ll get an opportunity to be a part of many recreational clubs and societies as well as take up volunteer work. Although the School in India does not have a language pledge as is the norm at other Middlebury Schools Abroad, I would personally urge you to practice the language with your college friends and locals. The guesthouse is right next to a busy, cosmopolitan neighborhood with markets close-by for easy access to internet cafés, photocopying shops, restaurants, and other services that you may need for your everyday life.
New Delhi is a diverse city where you’ll encounter stark differences in the neighborhoods based on landscapes, socio-economic conditions, and the different ways people speak the language. Though the city in general is safe and friendly, there have been cases of crime, hence I would strongly urge you to always travel in groups, especially during the evening. During night men or women should always travel in groups, and as much as possible, be back home by 9 pm as the streets during winter nights can be deserted(and hence less safe).
Coming from rural campuses in the US, some of you just might be shocked seeing so many people at one time. Chaos and long queues however will be only one part of this huge, life-changing experience that you are undertaking. You may also encounter some challenges and difficulties in solvingwhat you would normally consider routine matters. At times you will have to deal with the frustrations of adapting to a totally different culture and environment. Be ready for the challenge if you want to make the best out of your stay. I will be there for you as a friend and guide, and I shall help you settle in and feel comfortable. Please do not hesitate to contact me or email me if you have any questions. I will be very happy to help.
I hopethat you’ll find another home in Delhi and that your stay will be both worthwhile and unforgettable.
Looking forward to meeting you in Delhi soon!
Sincerely,
Luna Bangia
Director
C.V Starr-Middlebury School in the Middle East
Table of Contents
Pre-departure Information
About India
Approximate Program Costs
Expenses
Student Visas
Excursions
Indian Consulates in the U.S.
Customs
Registering with the U.S. Dept. of State
International Students
Travel to India
Flying to India
Departures from India
TSA Regulations
Airline Luggage Regulations
Immunizations
Checklist of things to pack
General Packing Suggestions
Other Items You May Find Useful:
Climate and Clothing
Bed and Bath Linens
Toiletries
Prescriptions
Electrical Appliances
Computers
Gifts
Arrival in India
Immigration
How to Get to India
Orientation
Academic and Administrative Matters
Host University
Credit
All Undergraduates
Middlebury Undergraduates
Students from other Colleges & Universities
Registration
Typical Academic Schedule
Student-Teacher Relationship
Classroom Etiquette
Learning Outside the Classroom
Volunteer Work
Cultural Activities
Living in India
Housing
Meeting Indians
Heritage Learners
Harassment
Travel within India
Delhi
Travel outside the Host Country
Health and Safety
Sexual Assault and Harassment
Drugs
Water
Tips for Safety in India
Medical Care
Hospitals
Psychological Health & Counseling
On-Site Money Matters
Currency Exchange
Money and Banking
Accessing Money
Bank Cards
Credit Cards
Emergency Cash
Communication with Home and Friends
Communication and Immersion
VOIP – Voice Over Internet Protocol
Phones
Fax/Xerox
Local Resources
Emergency Numbers
Important Telephone Numbers
ITDC - 91-11-23719039
Delhi Tourist City Information Service - 1280
Transport Arrangements - 91-11-24674153, 26884312
Tours Department - 91-11-23363607, 23365358
U.S. Embassy in India
Drug Stores
Taxi Service
Bookstores
There are plenty of bookstores in and around Defence colony. Some of the prominent ones are Teksons, Om Book Store, Book Mark, Cross word, Midland etc. They are very easy to find on Google maps.
Places to visit in Delhi:
Shopping
Calendar 2013-2014**
Pre-departure Information
About India
India is the seventh largest country in the world and the second most populated country in the world. India is called by names, including Bharat and Hindustan. It is a peninsula, surrounded by the Bay of Bengal in the east, the Arabian Sea in the west and the Indian Ocean in the south.
The tiger is the national animal of India and the peacock its national bird. The lotus in all its uniqueness is India’s national flower. The mango is the national fruit, which is cultivated from time imemorial. The tricolor saffron (purity), white (peace), and green (fertility), with the Ashok Chakra in middle, is the revered flag of India. ‘Jana GanaMana’ is the national anthem sung with pride. Hockey is considered the National Sport although people are drawn more to cricket.
India is a country with many languages, castes, religions, cultures and local histories but it is rich in unity in diversity, which makes it a single democratic nation.
India is known as a land of spirituality and philosophy. Ancient religions like Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism have shaped the country. There are other very prominent religions in India like Sikhism, Islam, Christianity, and Judaism that emerged later. In ancient India, society was divided on the basis of caste system, which still persists in many parts of India.
In different parts of India, different languages are spoken. Most of the languages of India belong to two families, Aryan and Dravidian. After Independence the central government decided to keep Hindi as the official language. The different states of India have different official languages, some of them not recognized by the central government. Some states have more than one official language.
India is a land of agriculture, and the farming tradition continues today. Villages and agriculture form the backbone of the country. India produces its own food grains and fruits. It has a rich source of minerals also. Today India has developed in many different fields, and made a great strides in the areas of science and technology.
As a tourist’s paradise India attracts people from all over the world. Rich in monuments, historic buildings, tombs, churches, temples, museums, architectural wonders, scenic beauty, and wild life sanctuaries.
Approximate Program Costs
The following website provides an estimate of program costs for full and half-year students as of March 2013. Middlebury College will bill you for the program fee, housing, and meals at the guesthouse (as well as the $1,350 per semester study abroad fee for Middlebury students); the remaining expenses will be out-of-pocket. Figures may vary depending on individual lifestyles and situations. Please note that the “personal” figure covers only some basic necessities and does not and is not intended to include students’ discretionary spending (e.g. entertainment and travel).
Expenses
In general, you should plan to spend as much in a given month inIndia as you would at home; though if you are accustomed to living on a residential campus with a meal plan, you might at first, be surprised by how quickly meals, the metro, and taxis can add up. Metro tickets to and from St. Stephen’s cost roughly a dollar. Taxis can be expensive, but are often worth the safety and convenience they offer, especially if you are travelling alone or in groups in the nights. Keep in mind that the amount of money you spend ultimately depends on the lifestyle you choose (and on exchange rates that can vary from month to month). Cafes and restaurants in Delhican be as expensive as in the U.S. One School Abroad staff member noted, “I would even make a direct relationship here: the less money you spend, the better the experience. Think of yourselves as travelers rather than tourists. Oftentimes, the in-country facilities used by foreign tourists are not those used by the locals…”
Student Visas
For US and EU students, the process of obtaining an Indian visa is fairly straightforward, if time-consuming. Middlebury, with the help of the American Institute of Indian Studies (AIIS) will assist you in obtaining the necessary documents for obtaining your student visa. The Coordinator of the School in India will communicate with students about this soon after acceptance. Students should count on the visa application process taking as long as six weeks, though it may take less. (This, however, is not something that Middlebury can control.)
Citizens of other countries should ask the Indian Embassy in the U.S. or their home country for help in determining their requirements. Citizens of Afghanistan, Iraq, and Pakistan should be aware that your visa and residency processes may take several months.For more info about entry visa to India, feel free to check out the following link:
Excursions are planned each semester to culturally significant locations in India. These excursions are partially subsidized by the program, and sometimes include subsidies for Indian students to be able to travel with School in India participants. Students’ out-of-pocket costs for these excursions typically run between $100 and $200 per semester.
Remember to budget extra if you are planning to travel before or after your program. If you are a big spender in the U.S., budgeting more money would be a good idea.
Indian Consulates in the U.S.
Atlanta, GAAlabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virgin Islands
Consulate General of India - Atlanta Homepage
5549 Glenridge Drive NE,
Atlanta, GA 30342
Tel : (404) 963 5902
Fax : (678) 949 9657
Email :
Chicago, IL
Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin
Consulate General of India - Chicago Homepage
455 North City Front Plaza Drive, NBC Tower Building, Suite No. 850,
Chicago, IL 60611
Tel : (312)-595-0405
Fax : (312)-595-0417/18
Email :
Houston, TX
Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Consulate General of India - Houston Homepage
4300 Scotland Street
Houston, TX 77007
Tel : (713)-626-2148/49
Fax : (713)-626-2450
Email :
New York, NY
Connecticut, Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, and Virgin Islands
Consulate General of India - New York Homepage
3 East 64th Street(Between 5th and Madison Avenues)
New York, NY 10065
Tel : (212) 774 0600
Fax : (212) 861 3788
Email :
San Francisco, CA
Arizon, California, Nevada, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming
Consulate General of India - San Francisco Homepage
540 Arguello Boulevard,
San Francisco, CA 94118
Tel: 415-668-0662 or 668-0683 Ext. 200
Washington, DC
Bermuda, Delaware, Washington D.C., Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia
Embassy of India – Washingon, DC
2107, Massachusetts Ave.
Washington, D.C. 20008
Tel : (202) 939 7000
Fax : (202) 265 4351
Email :
Customs
If you plan to bring any new, non-U.S.-made articles of value, such as cameras, MP3 players, computers, bicycles, or jewelry that are LESS THAN 6 MONTHS OLD, you should register them with U.S. Customs and Border Protection before departure (CBP Form 4457). Alternately, you can carry your original sales receipts to prove that you purchased them in the U.S. This avoids your having to pay a duty upon your return. Customs regulations vary from country to country; there are usually limitations on liquor, cigarettes, and other goods.
Registering with the U.S. Dept. of State
All U.S. citizens are required to register themselves with the U.S. Embassy in India before departure from the U.S. In the event of international, political, or family emergencies, or in the event that a passport is lost or stolen, the U.S. Embassy will be much better able to assist registered citizens. Please visit the Department of State’s website and follow the links to register:
Please print the confirmation page after you have registered; leave one copy at home and take a copy with you.
Students of other nationalities should check to see if it is possible to register with your own embassy in India.
International Students
If you are an international student, you should meet with the international student advising staff at your home institution as early as possible to discuss how study abroad may affect your international student status in the United States and the ways it may impact your future plans.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires re-entry documents for some foreign nationals. If you are living in the U.S. but are a citizen of another country, check with the USCIS to determine the regulations that apply to you and be sure to obtain all necessary re-entry documents before you leave the United States.
Travel to India
Flying to India
Students are responsible for making your own flight arrangements to the orientation in Delhi. We recommend using a student travel agency for flexibility and the best rates:
The Resident Director will email all of the incoming students to share their arrival information about a week before the program begins so that you know if anyone else is arriving on the same flight.
Departures from India
Return tickets should be booked according to the calendar on the School in Indiawebsite. No departures will be allowed earlier than the dates noted, except in the case of medical emergency. You may wish to leave yourself some time for further travel in India or the region at the end of the program.
TSA Regulations
The Transportation Security Administration regulates what items may be carried aboard the aircraft and, as these regulations are subject to change frequently, you should consult their website close to your date of departure.
Possessing certain items while going through security may result in fines of $250 - $1,500 or, in the case of firearms, may be considered a criminal offense.
Airline Luggage Regulations
You should contact your airline to confirm exact luggage allowances. We strongly suggest you stick to these guidelines, or be prepared to pay excess baggage fees, which can be quite expensive. Those students continuing on a domestic flight within your country of destination should be aware that domestic flights usually have more strict baggage requirements than international flights and you should check to see if excess charges will apply in country.
Some travel insurance is included under the HTH Worldwide policy. Furthermore, it is possible that you are covered under a policy held by your parents, so investigate this prior to departure.
Immunizations
Although no agency requires proof of any immunizations for travel to India, experts strongly recommend that travelers consider taking some precautions. The Center for Disease Controlrecommends the following vaccines:
- Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B
- Rabies
- Typhoid
- Booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria, measles, and polio as needed
The CDC does recommend that travelers to Delhi speak with their physicians about taking anti-malarial medications, and Middlebury strongly recommends this as well.
You should consult with your own health care provider to determine which immunizations you should obtain. Some immunizations can take at least 4-6 weeks to take effect, so please see your physician in ample time. If you plan to travel to other countries in South Asia be sure to check the CDC website to find out if they require immunizations for any of the areas to which you plan to travel. If you think you may be traveling to a country that requires proof of inoculations for entry, you should obtain an International Certificate of Vaccination through the World Health Organization: (202) 861-3200.
Checklist of things to pack
Schools Abroad General Handbook
This Handbook
Passport (and photocopy)
Airline Ticket/Itinerary (and photocopy)
International Student Identity Card (optional)
Insurance Card
Insurance Claim Forms
Debit and Credit Cards (and photocopy of front and back so you can have the information on hand should you need it).
Cash worth 200 USD (you can change into Indian currency at the Thomas Cook counter at the airport)
Certified copy of original birth certificate (in case your passport is lost or stolen)
Any prescriptions for medications
Medications in original containers
General PackingSuggestions
Plan your packing carefully, keeping in mind that you will have to carry all of your own luggage while traveling. This means TRAVEL LIGHTLY. We cannot emphasize this strongly enough.
Consider what you will use for luggage. Durable backpacks are lightweight and easy to carry. As you pack for the flight over, also keep in mind that you will be carrying this same luggage by yourself, sometimes over great distances or in crowded places. Take things that are easy to manage and avoid over-packing. One rule of thumb is to walk around the block with your bags, then re-pack. It is also prudent to bring at least one bag or container that can be securely locked for storage of money or valuables, and a smaller bag that can be used for weekend trips out of town. It is also possible to buy cheap clothes and shoes in flea markets in Delhi.