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 new short-term summer opportunities starting in the summer of 2010, 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 placement in 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 Marathi 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.
A Note about Events of February 13, 2010 in Pune
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On the evening of February 13, 2010, an improvised explosive device detonated at the German Bakery in Pune, India.
The ACM programs in Pune are not currently in session, and our ACM India Program Director Sucheta Paranjpe assures us that staff and host families are all safe.
The bakery, which has never been a typical destination for ACM students, is located on the opposite side of Pune and several miles from the ACM offices and homes of host families.
Student safety, in Pune as at all ACM program sites, is of paramount concern to ACM.
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Our staff continues to monitor the situation and the communications from the U.S. Embassy in India.
The experienced ACM Program faculty and staff provide detailed safety orientation for students in pre-departure materials and meetings and in onsite orientations while students are in the Program.
They emphasize the need for prudence while in another country and provide practical advice on how to navigate Pune and India in order to minimize risks and promote safety while studying abroad.
(Posted February 18, 2010)
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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
Application deadlines
March 15, 2011
Summer 2011 program
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 Everst
Program Associate
205 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 220
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: 312.263.5000
heverst@acm.edu
More program contacts »
Publications & Resources
Summer Programs brochure