National Geographic Student Expeditions: India

  India

• Other Cities in India: 
Jaipur,  Agra,  Leh,  Ladakh,  Rural Areas
• New Delhi: 
New Delhi

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: July 8-July 28, 2010

Description: Numbering more than one billion people, India's diverse population is made up of Hindus, Muslims, Jains, Christians, and Buddhists--rural and urban--who live side by side in remarkable harmony. Such rich cultural and spiritual diversity is evident in the animated streets of New Delhi and the quiet temples of the Himalaya. Northern India is scattered with majestic vestiges of the past, from the Taj Mahal to the palaces of Jaipur. Immerse yourself in the intriguing cultures of India as you pursue an On Assignment project of your choice--Photography or Exploration.

Choose one of these On Assignment projects. Throughout your expedition, break into teams to delve further into your selected area of focus.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Build a portfolio that tells a tale of India's complex history or spiritual diversity. Shrines, palaces, markets, terraced rice paddies, elephants, kite-flying children, dazzling saris, and clamorous street life provide unparalleled opportunities for the photographer.

EXPLORATION: Identify a topic that interests you and explore it in depth. Investigate the customs, rules, and rituals of Indian society. Meet with a modern Indian woman to discuss her early life in purdah, participate in preparations for a local festival, or parade through the streets with a band of traditional drummers. Interview a Tibetan Buddhist monk in exile and write his story.

Highlights:
* Ride a camel through desert dunes
* Go on a three-day trek in the foothills of the Himalaya
* Participate in a Buddhist ceremony with Tibetan monks
* Soak up the sounds of tribal music
* Tutor children in a Himalayan school
* Track wildlife in Keoladeo Ghana National Park
* Delve into your On Assignment project: Photography or Exploration

Cost in US$: USD 6,990

The internal flight from Delhi to Leh and return is included in the tuition. International airfare is not included. We have arranged round-trip international group flights between New York and Delhi.

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to India Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

National Geographic Student Expeditions's Mission Statement: In the spirit of adventure and discovery that has inspired National Geographic photographers, writers, and scientists over the years, National Geographic Student Expeditions invites the next generation of explorers to join us in the field. Our expeditions go beyond just exploring great destinations. Students participate in an On Assignment project, get involved in local communities, and travel in the company of dynamic trip leaders and a National Geographic expert. By offering high school students the opportunity to experience new cultures and environments firsthand, National Geographic Student Expeditions is an extension of the National Geographic Society's mission to increase global understanding through exploration, geography, education, and research; and to inspire the next generation to care about our planet.

Year Founded: 1888