From high-tech industries to thousands of rural villages seemingly untouched by time, India encompasses both the dynamic forces of globalization and the deep-rooted traditions of an ancient culture, marked by a diversity encompassing a multiplicity of religions, ethnicities, political states, languages, and art forms.
Pune, a medium-sized city of over three million, is located in the state of Maharashtra, and is home to numerous civic organizations dedicated to improving the situation of Indians living in both urban and rural settings.
With areas such as public health, malnutrition, social issues, and environmental concerns all in the forefront of Indian life, students wanting to help make a direct impact have a rich assortment of organizations with which to get involved. With more universities and colleges than any other city in the world, and a dynamic cross-section embracing nearly all of the nation’s religious, social and ethnic variety, the "Oxford of the East" is an ideal setting for students commited to positive social change in a vibrant, diverse location.
The ACM India Summer Program: Service Learning & Cultural Immersion is one of two short-term summer opportunities open to current students and recent graduates. This six-week program (with the option to extend to eight weeks) takes students to Pune, India, where they will be immersed in Indian culture. A key component of the program is service learning work with a non-governmental organization (NGO) for the duration of the program. There will be a variety of projects available, in both urban and rural settings, and students will be actively engaged in service learning throughout their time in India.
Upon arrival in Pune, students will have an introductory orientation period. This first week and a half will include intensive Hindi language instruction, introductory classes about Indian culture and history, and time to get to know the Pune area. While in India, students will have a homestay with a host family and/or an experience living in a rural village setting, further immersing themselves into Indian culture.
For more detailed information, please use the links located on the left-hand side of this page.
This program was established with generous support from the MacArthur Foundation.
Quick Facts
- Term: Summer
- Language prerequisite: None
- Language of instruction: English
- Living arrangements: Host family or dormitory
- Who can apply? Students from any college or university (including recent graduates)
Application deadlines
Summer 2012
Final deadline: March 15, 2012
Summer 2013
Final deadline: March 15, 2013
If the deadline has passed and you are interested in applying, contact the ACM Office immediately. Late applications may be accepted on a space-available basis.
Related Programs
Program contacts
Heather Herriges
Program Associate
205 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 220
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: 312.263.5000
hherriges@acm.edu
More program contacts »
Publications & Resources
Summer Programs brochure
India student handbook - Summer 2010