Program Director: Afroz Taj

Manual prepared by Afroz Taj and John Caldwell

Orientation Manual
 
 

Passport and Visa	Sexual Harrassment
Culture Shock	Diet
Weather	Toilets
Water Filter	What to Pack
Health	Computers
Safety	Tentative Itinerary
Clothing	Contact Information
Policies	Risk Factors

NEW FOR 2006 !

1. All participants in this program are expected to familiarize themselves with the policies listed at the end of this manual. These policies are designed to increase student safety during the program. Failure to conform to these policies may result in expulsion from the program.

2. The excursion to Bombay and Goa has been discontinued. The new itinerary will contain more time in the Himalayan foothills, as well as the regular excursions to Agra and Jaipur. We are also exploring a home-stay component. The itinerary will be finalized later in the Spring.

3. The program fee of $2,400 does NOT include airfare to India. The NC State Study Abroad Office suggests that we arrange a group flight with a travel agent, and that the students pay the travel agent directly for their plane tickets. Since many of our students choose to stay in India and travel after the program, they can now work out the details directly with the travel agent and pay any fare differences resulting from their personlized itinerary. However as per our program policy (see below), we request that students NOT arrive in India before the official beginning of the program. We will send out the travel agent's contact information and our recommended flight details in March.

PASSPORT AND VISA

You must obtain a passport immediately if you do not already have one. It takes about six weeks to get a new passport or passport renewed (although you can pay extra for rush service in an emergency).  You can apply through most post office branches. Forms are available on the Web.  You must have a passport in order to obtain your Indian visa.

If you do have a passport, check the expiration date and make sure it will remain valid well beyond the duration of your trip.

You will need to obtain a three month tourist visa for India. You must make arrangements to get the visa yourself. You can do this through a travel agent, or you can go to the nearest Indian consulate. 

The Indian Consulate visits North Carolina regularly in April or May. They often issue visas for people of Indian origin on a walk-in basis. Others can submit their application materials and receive their visa in the mail. If there is less than a month between the Consulate visit and our departure date, you will probably not receive your visa in time. Information on the consulate visit can be obtained at the Indian American Forum for Political Education Website

The Indian Embassy in Washington provides same-day service for American Passport holders wishing to obtain an Indian visa. You must submit your passport with all necessary application materials (fee, photos and forms) between 9:30 am and 12:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Your passport will be returned to you with the visa stamp between 4 and 5 pm on the same day. Visa forms and information are available from many travel agents and on the web. It is wise to call the Embassy before making the trip to confirm that it will be open on the day you plan to go: (202) 939-7000 or 939-9806 or 939-9849. The Indian Embassy Consulate Service is located at 2536 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, in Washington DC.

Forms are available from the Consulate Website: http://www.indianembassy.org/consular/index.htm

There are a number of travel agents who will handle getting visas for you. They will charge you an additional service fee. Make sure that their turn-around time is fast enough to get you your visa in time.

If you have any difficulties in obtaining either your passport or visa, let us know immediately. Don’t wait until the last minute!

Culture shock is a complex phenomenon resulting from the sudden onset of many drastic changes in weather, lifestyle, food, etc. Culture shock is aggravated by jet lag, physical illness, and homesickness. Expect to be depressed, frustrated, and/or short-tempered in the first week or two, but everyone's response is different.  Some people don't experience culture shock until several weeks into the program.

We attempt to show you the entire range of India: rich and poor, urban and rural, Hindu and Muslim, etc.  You will be overwhelmed almost daily by things being different than you have heard, read, or expected.  One moment you will think you are beginning to "understand India" and then the next moment it will take you by surprise.  Many times we will not be able to prepare you in advance for an experience.  Again, be patient.  Put aside your expectations, and try not to jump to conclusions.  Talk to the program directors about any issues of concern, and/or write in your journal to help sort out your feelings and reactions.  But don't be surprised if many of your experiences do not fully sink in until weeks, months, or years after you return home.

The worst thing you can do is to go into withdrawl or avoidance mode.  You are in India to meet people, to experience the culture, to learn what you can about the history, literature, music, food, etc.  You may be surprised to learn that some students who spend thousands of dollars to enroll in a Study Abroad program end up associating only with their fellow American students, seeking out only Western style coffee shops or restaurants, or sitting in their rooms listening to music or reading books they brought from back home.  Don't fall into the avoidance trap.  If you are having trouble "dealing" with some aspect of India, or even if you just want to discuss the strange and unfamiliar emotions you are experiencing, we (the program leaders) are there to help.  Come talk to us.

Expect to change and grow as the result of your experience in ways that you cannot anticipate. And growth is not always comfortable. In the end, it is you who will determine the quality of your experience in India. In past programs, the students who get the most out of their trip are those who come to India with an open mind, expecting to have some unpleasant experiences mixed in with exciting, learning experiences.

We will be in India during the hottest time of year. Expect temperatures to stay above 100 degrees Fahrenheit day and night for the duration of our trip. May and June are characterized by intense tropical sun ("dhoop" in Hindi), dry heat and hot wind ("loo"). Since we will be traveling a lot within and beyond Delhi, dehydration is a major danger. Students will need to be responsible for treating and carrying their own drinking water on every outing (see WATER PURIFICATION below).

During the hot season, there are occasional sudden dust-storms ("aandhi"). These can be quite violent, featuring lightning and thunder, hail, choking dust, and occasionally flying debris, but almost no rain. When these strike you will want to take shelter in the nearest building. If we are lucky, the monsoons may begin toward the end of our trip. The temperatures become slightly cooler (90’s F) but humidity soars to 100%. Tap water, which you should never drink untreated, is especially dangerous during the monsoon.

Every student is REQUIRED to purchase a Water Purification treatment (pump, or chlorine or iodine tablets) and use it ALL THE TIME for all water consumed in India. Failure to purify and drink enough water for yourself can result in serious physical illness.

Portable Filter Pumps

You may opt for a Hand-Pumped Water Filter, available at camping and backpacking stores for $60 to $100. The brand we like best is "First Need." Another recommend brand is "Katadyn." These are designed for filtering water straight out of rivers and streams and work very well on Indian tap water. Expect to pump enough water to fill your bottles at least twice a day. Most pumps of this kind have a filter that will last easily for the duration of the trip, but you may want to buy a backup filter cartridge just in case.

Chemical Drops or Tablets

Typically these contain iodine or chlorine. You add a few drops of the chemical to your bottled water and wait about 20 minutes until it is safe to drink.  The tablets can be purchased from most outdoor recreation or international travel stores for less than $10. You might want to buy two or more bottles in case of loss or breakage. A brand we have used is "Polar Pure." This is a small glass bottle with iodine crystals in it. You fill the small bottle with untreated water and let it set for one hour until the iodine dissolves to the saturation point. The resulting iodine solution is then added to bottles of untreated water (about one capful per liter) and let stand 20-30 minutes. Then the water is safe to drink.

It is essential to stay hydrated in the hot Indian weather.  Even after a few weeks, you will not have developed immunity to the wide spectrum of Indian bacteria and viruses.  DON'T yield to the temptation to start experimenting with tap water, even to brush your teeth.  The only serious intestinal infections we have suffered in the past were due to people getting lazy about pumping water.  Also DON'T expect to share water, your purification chemicals, or a pump with someone else.  When you are hot and thirsty, chances are everyone else will be too, and no one is going to want to lend you their pump until they are done pumping for themselves.

As noted below, the bottled water in India (even if bottled by PepsiCo) is SUSPECT and should not be relied upon as a source of water.  And in many places it will NOT be available. Roadside sellers in tourist areas and train stations often make "counterfeit" bottled water which looks like it was sealed at the factory but in fact is really just tap water. There is NO substitute for having your own water filter so that you can obtain water wherever you are, whenever you need it.

In an emergency, you can sometimes resort to Boiled Water.  Water must be boiled rapidly for up to ten minutes before it is safe to drink. Of course you will want to cool it first and you may not have access to a refrigerator. In the hot season in India water takes a long time to cool, and there is nothing worse than drinking hot water when you are dying of thirst. Do not depend on this option except in an emergency.

Expect to get sick at least once during the trip. If you take the proper precautions about eating and drinking, you shouldn’t get anything serious. But expect to have at least one bout with "Delhi Belly" (vomiting and/or diarrhea). These precautions are described in detail below.

Nota Bene: The advice below is NO SUBSTITUTE for seeing a physician specializing in international travel prior to going. The Study Abroad office will refer you to doctors at the NCSU Student Health services who are experts in travel medicine. They will be able to answer all of your questions and advise you what medications and inoculations to take.

Medications: All over-the-counter medications and most prescription medications are readily available in India, and at VERY inexpensive prices. However many of the American brand names are not available under the same name. For example the nearest equivalent to Pepto-Bismol is called Digene and it is not really the same thing although it works just as well. On the other hand, every street corner pharmacist knows the common medications by their generic names and can sell them to you. For example while you might not find Advil, you can find Ibuprofen under some other name. Most medications sold in India are made by Indian joint-ventures with European companies. Just be sure to take a Hindi-speaking friend along to help you describe your needs.

Ailments:

• Delhi Belly: Here is some useful advice to minimize the dangers of Delhi Belly:

1. Many first-time travelers to India mistakenly believe that immunity to Indian bacteria is like a switch that can be turned on by the "shock therapy" method; i.e. they think that by drinking tap water immediately upon arrival and getting really sick right away, they will then be able to drink and eat anything for the remainder of the trip. THIS IS COMPLETELY FALSE. First of all, you can get very serious diseases, e.g. hepatitis, by this approach, which will result in you being on the next plane home. Second, even if you do get sick, your body only develops immunity to one bacteria at a time. Every time a new bug comes along, you will get just as sick as the first time. Third, you will already be experiencing culture shock, homesickness, etc. You don’t need to be violently ill at the same time. Fourth, a sickness which incapacitates you for even a few days will throw the whole group and program off schedule. Thus you should adhere to the precautions below for the duration of the trip.
2. Never drink the water directly from taps, in restaurants, or in people’s homes. University guest houses have water coolers which contain supposedly filtered water. You should not drink from these either, but it is fine to use with your purification method
3. Bring a couple of plastic water bottles (like those used by bikers and hikers). Be forewarned: you must use caution not to recontaminate your water once it has been treated, i.e. don’t pour treated water into a bottle that is still wet from untreated water. Also, you can’t rinse out a bottle with untreated water and expect to use it for safe water until it is completely dry.
4. The bottled water in India (most common brand name "Bisleri") is SUSPECT and should not be relied on as a source of water. Roadside sellers in tourist areas and train stations often make "counterfeit" bottled water which looks like it was sealed at the factory but in fact is really just tap water. In short, drinking bottled water is always a gamble.
5. Coke, Pepsi, etc. are available in India. Diet sodas were non-existent last year, but they may be available in Delhi now. These, as well as the local Indian brands ("Thumbs Up," "Campa Cola"), are safe to drink, but you will want to use a clean straw since the bottles are often stored in ice which melts and leaves unsafe water near the mouth of the bottle. You will also want to check the straw first for drops of unsafe water. If a vendor runs out of straws, he may rinse out an old one for you. Be careful.
6. If you visit an Indian family, the host will swear to you that their water is safe, and that it has been boiled, filtered, treated, etc. That night when they are sleeping peacefully at home and you are in the hospital, you will regret not wanting to offend them by refusing to drink their water.
7. If you do get Delhi Belly (and you will), the main danger is dehydration. For self-rehydration, you will need to keep sipping safe water into which a pinch of salt and some sugar is dissolved. This is more appetizing if you mix it with some flavoring. Kool-Aid, etc. works well. Continue this therapy for at least a day after the symptoms of Delhi Belly have disappeared. You can also take stomach medications like Alka-Seltzer or Pepto-Bismol to settle your stomach; in more severe cases of diarrhea, Loperamide (Lomotil) will stop the symptoms. Delhi Belly usually lasts only a day or two. If the symptoms persist or become severe, or if bouts of vomiting and/or diarrhea last for more than a few hours straight, then notify the program leaders at once. Cholera is rare but present in India, and it can be fatal if not treated properly.
8. Some people believe in taking antibiotic medications for the entire duration of the trip. Since most antibiotics have side-effects with prolonged dosage, this course is not recommended. However your doctor can give you a prescription for an emergency antibiotic to be taken at the onset of stomach symptoms. These antibiotics will be cheaply available in India. Proper self-medication with antibiotics can rapidly lessen the symptoms and make you feel better quickly. The drawback is that if you take them whenever you feel a little sick, you may weaken your body’s immune response.

• Colds: You will almost certainly get a cold soon upon arrival, probably from the recirculated germs on the airplane. Take along some cold medicines.
• Motion sickness: bring some dramomine: although we have professional bus drivers, Indian driving is ---well, you'll find out.
  
• Allergies and Asthma: New Delhi pollution quickly aggravates any allergies or asthma you may have. Take along plentiful supplies of your medication.
• Malaria: Consult with the Travel Clinic or your personal physician about taking malaria medication. There are several issues to consider with regard to malaria in India. You should be aware that you cannot donate blood for three years after traveling to a malaria area (i.e. all of India) or after taking anti-malaria medications. The malaria strains in India are resistant to chloroquine, so if you choose to take prophylactic malaria medication, you will need to get a prescription for mefliquine. This is very expensive and you will need to begin taking the medication usually one month before going and several weeks after you return. These medications have side-effects. Even if you do opt to take malaria medication, it is a good idea to use mosquito netting, repellent, and common sense to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Remember, Indian buildings do not have screens on the windows, and mosquitoes are active in every season. Malaria is not rampant in New Delhi, but the risk is present.
• Hepatitis: Hepatitis is the most common serious disease among study abroad students. The A strain is transmitted by food and water. There is now a good vaccine for this which you can get. Otherwise you can get immunoglobulin/gammaglobulin shots which are much cheaper but not permanently effective. Hepatitis B and C are transmitted through blood transfusions or sexual contact. You shouldn’t have to worry about these but you may want to discuss getting inoculations with your doctor.
• Meningitis/Dengue Fever/Encephalitis/Plague: These are all very dangerous diseases which are present but rare in India. Some of them have vaccines, some don’t. Discuss them with your doctor and be aware of your alternatives. Most are more prevalent in rural areas so you won’t have to worry too much about them.
• Hospital treatment: If for any reason you need outpatient or inpatient hospital treatment and you require an injection or IV, you must insist on purchasing sterile disposable syringes in the hospital pharmacy.

India is relatively safe with regard to major crime. As a general rule, you should not wander around alone either by day or night. The campus is quite safe but you should still take a friend with you when you walk around. There are three major dangers in India:

1. Petty theft and pick-pocketing: Avoid being jostled by crowds, especially in buses or in the marketplace. You will want to carry money in a money belt or in a secure front pocket. Don’t carry valuables (passport, wallet, camera, etc.) in a purse or backpack. Always lock your room when you leave and secure window latches. It is also a good idea to lock your suitcases and luggage when not attended. Buy small padlocks for this purpose before you leave the US.
2. Con-artists and beggars: While not technically a threat to safety, beware of people asking for money and help, even if they seem to be in trouble. American tourists are prime targets for scams. This is another reason why it is a good idea to have a native speaker or one of the program leaders with you.
3. Traffic accidents: City traffic is congested and dangerous. We will travel by taxi or bus where possible. The three-wheeled "Tempos" are the most dangerous way to ride since they often overturn or collide with other, larger vehicles. When walking in traffic be alert and remember that traffic in India drives on the left. When you cross a street you will need to look both ways, but look first to the RIGHT and then to the left. It is all too easy to step out in front of a car because you were looking the wrong way.

In general male and female Indians do not wear shorts. Male tourists can get away with shorts, but longish skirts or pants are recommended for women. The ideal is the Indian shalvar kameez suit for women. For women, wearing Indian clothing will make you more likely to be treated with respect. Unfortunately, western women have a reputation for being "easy" in many countries, and the less "western" you appear, the better you will be treated. Tube-tops and very skimpy sun-dresses are not advisable for reasons of culture as well as the certainty of bad sunburn. Short shorts and skirts above the knee are probably not a good idea. We will have the opportunity early in our trip to shop for Indian clothes for both men and women.

SEXUAL HARRASSMENT

As mentioned above, American women are considered by many Indian men to be easy targets. Overly revealing clothing (even when it is 120 degrees) combined with normal friendliness can be misinterpreted. Be careful, but not paranoid. If you feel that anyone is making improper advances, notify the program leaders at once. Also, (this goes for men as well as women) expect to receive unwanted attention on the street. Just ignore it and walk by. This is another argument against wandering on your own.

In addition, many Indian men see an American woman as a ticket to America. Be suspicious of young men who seem overly interested. This does not mean to be suspicious of every man who seems friendly. However many people will ask you how they can get to America, and if you can help them. Marriage to an American is one way to get American citizenship, but it is probably not a good idea for you to enter into such an agreement during the program.

It is also probably not a good idea to get romantically involved with anyone you meet in India. Feel free to forge friendships, and we strongly encourage you to maintain correspondence with your Indian friends. However stay away from making serious commitments or promises you don’t intend to keep.

DIET

A typical Indian meal consists of chapati bread, rice, dal (lentil soup), yoghurt, and several vegetable dishes. Food will be spicy but usually not overly hot. The menu in the university canteens (cafeterias) tends to get a little monotonous, but restaurants are of uneven quality. We will attempt to vary the diet as much as possible. Most Western junk foods are available for high prices in New Delhi for purchase at your own expense. Remember that you are in India to learn about Indian culture, and to live as much as possible like people in India live.  Six weeks is really not that long to go without pizza.  Please let us know in advance if you have any food allergies.

TOILETS

Be forewarned: in some places "western" toilets (with seats) will not be available. The typical Indian toilet is a "squatter", i.e. a hole in the floor attached to a septic system. Indians use water to wash themselves after going to the bathroom rather than wiping with toilet paper. This is actually more hygenic than the paper system.  You will find a small plastic or metal water jug ("lota") in each bathroom. The water tap may be reachable from the toilet or it may be outside. Remember to fill the lota before going to the toilet! You should not use toilet paper in Indian toilets because it will clog the septic system. Thus you will have to learn to go to the bathroom like Indians (and most of the people in the world) do.

WHAT TO PACK (and what NOT to)

For the airplane, you are allowed two suitcases and two carry-ons. The suitcases can weigh up to 70 pounds each. The carry-ons must be big enough to fit beneath your seat or in an overhead compartment. You should bring at least one carry-on that is large enough to use for the field trips since we may be able to leave our large suitcases locked up at the guest house.  A backpack or duffelbag works well for this purpose.  Make sure you have small padlocks to secure your luggage both in transit and while in India.

Warning: NEVER agree to carry any item in your suitcase or carry-on for someone you don’t know personally.  This applies when you are GOING to India as well as when you are RETURNING.

This is a preliminary list of what to pack. Stay tuned for updates:

Water treatment method: e.g. filter pump, iodine
Passport with India visa
Sunscreen lotion
Dramamine for traveling on Indian highways, for the plane, etc.
Hat
Sunglasses
Cool clothes (see clothing note above): bring enough for about two weeks without washing.
Medications: for colds, allergies, asthma, stomach, diarrhea, etc.
2 plastic water bottles
Gatorade powder, kool-aid, etc.
Mosquito repellant
Travel wallet/money belt
Handkerchief/bandana
Course materials
Pens and a notebook (but no large binders)
Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, etc.
Toilet paper and paper towel
Lightweight travel towel
Handi-wipes, and/or waterless hand cleanser
Old toothbrush for cleaning water filter
Large padlock or combination lock for your door in guest houses or hotels
Small padlocks for luggage (Note: luggage cannot be locked when you check it into the airplane, but it is a good idea to keep it locked while unattended in your room, or in bus or train cargo areas in India.)
Flashlight with extra batteries
Camera and lots of extra film or memory cards
Hostel sheet (a sheet-like sleeping bag)
Travel pillow (small)
Sturdy but light footgear for walking (sneakers or strong sandals are good)
Power bars for quick energy (but not in bulk)

In India we will be able to purchase Indian clothes, mosquito netting, etc.

WHAT NOT TO PACK:
Too many clothes
Personal reading material and music (you won't have time and you can buy books and music in India cheap!)

COMPUTERS

You will not need to bring a computer on the trip. Computers create hassles at customs, problems with voltage compatibility, and invite theft. We might have access to computers at cyber-cafes, but your assignments will be accepted hand-written. Cyber Cafes are now popping up all over India and you will have occasional (but not regular) email access.

TENTATIVE ITINERARY 2006

NOTE: the itinerary may be changed without notice due to transportation, weather, health, or other contingencies.

A. For your parents:

Remember that India is 9 hours 30 minutes AHEAD of US Eastern Daylight Savings Time; e.g. if your parents call at 12 midnight, it will be 9:30 AM in India.. The best time to reach us will be in the mornings.

At any time (during normal office hours), your parents can contact the NCSU Study Abroad Office: (919) 515-2087.
Ingrid Schmidt or any of the staff will be able to assist them.

B. For you:

In general, it is easier for you to call your parents than for them to call you. In every city on every corner you will find so-called STD’s which are basically long distance phone services. You go in, make your call, and pay the fare according to a meter.

Your acceptance to this Program is contingent on your agreement to abide by these policies.  Please read them carefully.  These are designed to ensure that you get the most out of this program, while remaining safe and healthy.  If any student repeatedly engages in behavior that jeopardizes his or her safety or the academic objectives of the program, the student will be sent home at the program leaders' discretion, and at the student's expense. Note: deliberate failure to follow water and food guidelines will be considered dangerous behavior and may result in removal from the program. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to email or call me at any time by email (taj@unity.ncsu.edu) or telephone (919 515-9302).

PARTICIPATION and ATTENDANCE: This is an academic program. You are expected to attend every class, as well as all required outings and excursions, unless you are ill. Your first priority should be the successful completion of the course assignments, including daily Hindi homework and Culture course readings.  Some outings will be optional; you should assume an outing is required unless the program leaders tell you otherwise.

FRIENDS and RELATIVES in INDIA: IMPORTANT: For students with relatives or friends in India, do not expect to be able to take time out of the program to visit them. You are encouraged to stay in India AFTER the program to visit relatives and friends, but not during the program. If a relative wants to visit you during the program you are required to inform the program director and introduce the visitor to the program director. You may, in special circumstances, request permission from the director to involve your relatives in occasional program activities. DO NOT, however, invite friends to come to India during the program and "shadow" our activities. This will be considered a major disruption of the program and could result in your expulsion.

IF YOU HAVE BEEN TO INDIA BEFORE you are still expected to abide by the policies and dietary restrictions detailed in this manual. Even if you drank the tap water or bottled water on your previous trip and didn't get sick, you must not expect to drink it on this trip. We travel to many different cities, and even if you have developed some immunity in the past to Indian water, this immunity will not protect you everywhere. Also, if you disregard our rules, you may not get sick, but other students may try to imitate you with disastrous results. Please, for your safety, and your classmates' safety, you are REQUIRED to abide by the food and water guidelines set forth in this manual.

FREE TIME: There may be some blocks of free time, however these will not necessarily be scheduled in advance.  You may wish to use your free time to go shopping, or to do some individual sightseeing.  For the entire duration of the program, you must notify the program leaders if you expect to be absent for more than a few hours.  Make sure you carry the telephone numbers of the guest house and hotel where the group is staying at all times when off campus and call immediately if you will be gone longer than expected or if you get into any difficulty.

FOOD: The diet in India will consist primarily of Indian food and will be primarily vegetarian. (A trip to an Indian butcher shop will be enough to convince you why you want to avoid meat in India, especially in the peak hot season). Do not expect to find pizza and hamburgers readily available.  "Western" food is often very expensive and may be less safe than Indian food. For at least the first two weeks of the program, you should expect to eat with the group at restaurants chosen by the program leaders.  This is essential to ensure that your food and drink is safe and well prepared.  In the last three weeks of the program, there may be opportunities for you to go out to eat on your own. You will be given a food allowance to cover meals not taken with the group, but if you plan to eat a lot of "Western" food, expect to have to pay the difference out of your own pocket.  For your own health, you will be expected to observe all necessary precautions about food and drink when not eating with the group.

HOTELS: Although we try to make this program relatively comfortable, it is not our goal (or within our budget) to provide a luxury vacation.  Instead, we aim to let you experience many different aspects of India.  Air Conditioning will not always be available, and we cannot avoid occasional plumbing, insect, or noise problems in the hotels where we stay.  To experience staying in an ashram or dharmshala, you need to give up many of the western amenities.  University guest houses are of varying quality.  This being said, if you ever feel unnecessarily uncomfortable, please let us know and we will try to remedy the situation.

WATER TREATING: Contaminated water is almost always the cause of student illness. If your stomach is upset, your participation in the program will be impaired. Before going to India, you must purchase your own portable water filter or treatment method (see above for more information). You will be expected to treat all of your own drinking water for the duration of the trip.  You will need to process several gallons a day to keep yourself hydrated sufficiently, and for brushing your teeth. This can be an arduous task, especially when you are tired, hungry, or busy with classes and excursions. CONSUMPTION OF BOTTLED WATER is forbidden (except in emergencies) since most bottled water in India is suspect. Do not expect to depend on bottled water or cold drinks to quench your thirst. Do not expect to share a pump with someone else. If you get tired of pumping and start experimenting with tap water or bottled water, you will probably get sick.

ILLNESS: If you get sick and your symptoms seem unusually severe, or do not go away after 24 hours, notify the program leaders immediately.  We will make sure you see a doctor promptly.  Some symptoms can be scary, but in most cases, they are easily cured if treated in time. The following symptoms have occurred with program students: blood in stool, blood in urine, chronic stomach pain, chronic diarrhea, kidney stones, severe constipation, hives, nausea, psychological depression.  Do not underestimate the impact of culture shock and the harsh climate on your body and mind.  And do not become a martyr and suffer in silence.  If not properly treated, minor infections, dehydration, etc., can become very serious and force you to go home early.

ITINERARY: We reserve the right to change the itinerary at any time if unforeseen circumstances arise.

ALCOHOL, BARS and CLUBS: If you expect Study Abroad to be an opportunity to party with the locals every night, try a different program.  India has no Western "night life" beyond a few expensive discos in the upscale Delhi hotels, primarily frequented by foreign tourists and a tiny minority of super-wealthy Indians.   Although it may be legal for you to drink in India, it is not advisable. Intoxication impairs your judgement and places you at increased risk for many hazards.   The two major dangers to your safety in India are traffic accidents and pick-pocketing.  If you are walking back from a bar intoxicated, you stand a much higher risk of being hit by a bus or being ripped off, mugged, or worse.  In addition, alcohol consumption will aggravate the weather-related dehydration you will already be suffering.  And furthermore, your Health Insurance is invalidated if you are injured while intoxicated.  Also remember that western-style clubs where Americans gather may be marked as terrorist targets.  

MARRIAGE: This may seem silly, but the issue has come up in the past.  You may find that someone you meet in India seems very interested in pursuing a relationship with you.  In most cases, they are interested primarily in using you to get American citizenship through a "fiance visa."  You must be careful not to make any commitments you don't intend to keep.