Fall 2019 Westmont in Asia
Discover the people, places, and politics of China and India.
Want to learn about a region of the world that is really, really important? Think about it, 1/3 of the world’s population is either Indian or Chinese and much of what you’re wearing right now was probably stitched over there! But how much do we really know about these places beyond Kung Pao Chicken or the occasional Bollywood flick? This program gives you a chance to experience first hand the rich heritage of India and China, one being the world’s largest democracy, the other the second largest economy.
Beyond visiting the famous “hot spots” – the Taj Mahal, Great Wall, Forbidden Palace, etc. – this program will be centered on forming relationships, with your team, with Indian and Chinese students, and with ordinary folks who are struggling to make it in the global economy. Come join us for what promises to be a life changing experience!
Schedule an appointment to learn more about our programs at ocp@westmont.edu.
In China, Westmont is partnering with the Beijing Center for Chinese Studies, where students will take an introductory course in Mandarin. Our time in this historic city will provide a launching point for visits to area businesses, excursions to Shanghai and Xian, and a range of planned activities with Chinese college students.
A unique facet of this trip will be a two-week tour of the Silk Road – Asia’s great trade route to the West - led by experienced guides.
For our time in India, we will partner with Madras Christian College (MCC), Chennai. Students will learn from local professors, go on excursions to historical sites, and engage in shared programming with MCC students. After two weeks in Chennai, our team moves to Mumbai. Here we get a picture of the new, affluent India, but also those whose lives are affected by human trafficking
We conclude the trip with three weeks in the Golden Triangle – New Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, where we gain glimpses of the historic and emerging India.
COURSES
Students who have already taken this course are approved to pair it with an upper division elective course in Literature, Political Science, or Sociology.
LEADERS
Dr. Mallampalli has taught at Westmont for 17 years and holds the Fletcher Jones Foundation Chair in the Social Sciences. He teaches courses in the history of modern India, British Empire, and comparative Asian history. He travels to India often and is eager to introduce students to his favorite people, foods, and places!
Beverly teaches the first year seminar at Westmont and has worked in college student affairs for many years. She loves to mentor young adults. She is Mandarin speaking and married to Chandra Mallampalli. She shares his passion for travel, learning and great cuisine.
Eva currently serves as the Registrar at Pitzer College. She has a passion for students, education, and all things ethnic. The Indian heritage that she continues to embrace – and her fluency in multiple Indian languages – fuels her interest in cultural diversity and cross-cultural relationships. She travels often to India and is excited about co-leading this trip.
Program Costs
Westmont tuition, room and board, and a program fee of $3000. Students will be responsible for the cost of the flight to Beijing, China and the return flight from Mumbai, India. All travel expenses within the program dates will be covered by the program.
Eligibility
- Class standing
- GPA (minimum 2.3 gpa for eligibility)
- Application and essays
- Personal and faculty recommendations
- Leadership experience
Criteria
In addition to the general qualifications above, the following are requirements that must be met, with or without reasonable accommodation, in order to complete all essential elements of the program. All participants must be able to:
- Participate in regular communal meals based on a local diet and with limited control over food choices.
- Tolerate local diet with limited control over food choices in most locations.
- Anticipate possible exposure to peanut or other food allergens.
- Navigate multiple irregular surfaces and walk/travel up to 10 miles in a day independently. (Extensive walking, as well as travel throughout ancient cities and towns with narrow passageways and many stairs, are part of the daily life of the program.)
- Navigate carrying personal items including suitcase and/or backpack without assistance.
- Anticipate having sufficient emotional wellness to fully participate in the program safely and successfully despite the limited availability of frequent access to psychological services.
- Anticipate at least double occupancy accommodations on some if not all locations.
- Tolerate the use and presence of industrial-grade art supplies involving chemicals and solvents