Go! Go forth to India and live! There's nothing that I've done that has been more expanding, more eye-opening, and more exciting all at once. I'd recommend this experience to anyone looking to learn a little about themselves and the world, but more about the vastness of all that there is to be learned, and the pleasure of learning it experientially.
--Julia Bloch, "From Brahma to Buddha" India semester alumna

Whenever I meet a ‘foreigner’, I always have the same feeling: ‘I am meeting another member of the human family.’ This attitude has deepened my affection and respect for all beings. May this natural wish be my small contribution to world peace. I pray for a more friendly, more caring, and more understanding human family on this planet. To all those who dislike suffering, who cherish lasting happiness, this is my heartfelt appeal.
--Tenzin Gyatso, the XIV Dalai Lama of Tibet

Exploring a traditional village perched on the Tibetan Plateau. Sipping butter tea around a kitchen fire. Smelling jasmine flowers and curries sold in the bazaar. Listening to horns and bells echo over ancient monastery walls. Watching colorful prayer flags blowing in the wind on top of a Himalayan mountain pass. Throughout this cultural immersion program, we will live and study in the country that gave birth to two of the world’s major religions—Hinduism and Buddhism—and will travel amid some of the most spectacular landscapes on earth. On this journey, we will meet many of the people who keep ancient traditions and spiritual practices alive, including possible audiences with the Dalai Lama and/or the Karmapa. And at the same time we will witness and study the forces of modernization and globalization that are influencing all aspects of traditional ways of life. Though it is impossible to predict the most memorable experience you will have during the Global LAB India semester, those who choose to participate can expect to embark on a journey of discovery that may well last a lifetime.

Continue reading "India Semester Overview: Sept. 12 - Dec. 14, 2008" »

Posted by Global LAB at 10:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

2008 India Fall Semester Tuition is $9,845. Tuition includes residential pre-trip orientation in the US; preparatory and educational materials; dedicated student website for program communications and resources; all logistical facilitation; all hotels and guest houses; all meals; all domestic air fares/taxis/buses/trains/boats; museum, park and temple entrance fees; Global LAB faculty and instruction as well as local coordinators, cooks, porters; all program elements (independent study projects and apprenticeships, community service projects, home-stays, guest lectures, community support/charitable contributions).

Please note: Additional expenses not covered by Global LAB include r/t international airfare and costs of domestic travel to point of departure (NYC), inoculations, travel insurance and international medical and evacuation insurance; visa/passport processing fees; personal costs (laundry, phone calls/emails, souvenirs, etc.).

Semesters are open to those ages 17-21. While Global LAB semesters are geared toward interim or ‘gap’ year students, high school seniors as well as university students are welcome to apply. No language prerequisite is required.

Global LAB accepts applications on a rolling admissions basis, accepting qualified applicants until programs are full. Each program has a maximum of 12 participants and 3 Global LAB instructors. For this reason, we recommend candidates submit their applications as early as possible.

To begin the application process, print out the preliminary application and FAQ below:
* Application Form
* FAQ

Posted by Global LAB at 10:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

You will find step by step instructions for applying for your visa in person or by mail by going to this link.

Feel free to contact Global LAB's admissions staff if you have any questions: admissions@global-lab.org

Posted by Global LAB at 10:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

He who would travel happily must travel light. - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Lugging a heavy pack around for the entire time we are in Asia can be extremely tiresome for you, and for the rest of the group. There will be plenty of times when we'll be piling into a train or bus and we don't want to end up like this. Remember that we can find almost anything you’ll need in India, and you’ll also want to have room to pack gifts to take back to the U.S. Seriously challenge yourself to pack light, and lighter still…you definitely will not regret it! That said, you will not want to leave out any of the cold weather clothing/gear suggestions - our trek in the Himalaya will require appropriate protection against cold weather.

There will be opportunities to do “self-service” laundry where we’ll be staying.

PLEASE NOTE: We strive to be model visitors and therefore ask that everyone bring clothing that is lightweight and durable, but that also covers the body well, and looks respectable. Tie-dyed T-shirts, T-shirts sporting inappropriate phrases, cut-off jeans, clothing with rips or holes, tight fitting leggings, and tank tops are inappropriate as they show disrespect for local cultures.

BAGS
Internal Frame Backpack – Your main “suitcase” should be comfortable, durable, and as light as possible
Daypack – A book-bag to use for daily excursions.
Duffel Bag – While you’ll want to be able to fit all of your things in a backpack and daypack, an extra duffel can be handy for the trip back to the U.S. This bag should be nylon and durable.
Stuff Sacks – Light-weight and compact, using stuff sacks to separate clothes, food, toiletries for example, will bring order to your pack and allow you to pack and repack as we travel.
Ziploc Bags – Like stuff sacks, these can be invaluable for keeping things organized and dry.

Continue reading "Packing & Gear Suggestions" »

Posted by Global LAB at 10:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Please be sure to read your Participant Handbook before arriving at Orientation.

Global LAB Participant Handbook

Posted by Global LAB at 10:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tshangma-la Jullay!
Greetings to all of you!

So, you’ve taken on the exciting responsibility as ambassadors of the youth of the United States; what an important role for you to be playing at a time when global conflict riddles the news media and our hearts. I enthusiastically welcome you to this traveling community where we will create new definitions of “home” and share with each other the invigorating reality of group living.

Continue reading "Greetings from Tracy, your Program Director" »

Posted by Global LAB at 10:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Namaste!!!

Congratulations on choosing such a wonderful way to spend time abroad. I’m so excited to share this opportunity with you. India holds a world of possibility, and it is up to all of us to make this journey everything it can be.

To begin with, I would like to tell a brief story about when I was first in India. On a hot and humid day I was sitting with a group of Sadhus (traveling Hindu ascetics) along a river bank and they told me that it takes seven lifetimes to experience their beloved country. This took a little while to sink in. Having already spent a few months in Northern India, I believed I was beginning to understand this foreign land. It was eye-opening to think that people’s scale of time could be so drastically different from my own. I was thinking in terms of months; years seemed long and lifetimes, come on. This bit of information transformed the way I was exploring, not only India, but the inner and outer world in general. India can have this effect on people, challenging the way we think, feel and interact with each other and the world. For me it challenged my concept of time; for you it may be different, but remaining open to whatever arises is the key. I would like to invite each of you to embrace this way of thinking: staying open to all India has to offer and seeing where this semester can lead us.

Continue reading "Greetings from Justin, Assistant Program Director" »

Posted by Global LAB at 10:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Julay!

My name is Rinchen Namgial. I come from Domkar village, which is 118 km west of Leh, Ladakh. I grew up in that village, and received my high school education there. Afterwards I moved to Jammu for higher secondary school and college. I graduated in history, geography, economics and English. Later I went to Jammu University where I studied Buddhist philosophy.

To support my studies I worked as a freelance guide for the local travel agencies in Ladakh. This started my interest in working with people from different countries to help them understand Ladakhi culture.

Since then I have worked as a translator and guide with many different organizations, schools and universities, and with different travel agencies. As a guide, I have been leading treks since 1990 in Ladakh, Zanskar Valler, Changthang, Sikkim, Nepal, and Tibet. In 1996 I started the Yama Adventures travel agency, which is based in Leh, the capital of Ladakh. In addition to Ladakhi, I am able to speak English, German, Tibetan, Hindi, and Nepali.

As a guide/coordinator I have worked with the Smithsonian Institute, Earthwatch, Indian Wildlife Institute, and Agclon College from Switzerland. As a translator, I have worked for students from Oxford, Berkeley, Wisconsin, Oregon, New York, Michigan, Toronto and Ulm University in Germany with their research in Ladakh.

Over the last several years, I have been working with "From Brahma to Buddha" semester students and my experience with them has been wonderful. We have worked on many cleaning projects including the monastery area in Leh near the Palace and Namgyal Tsemo, at the base of Stok, at Tsokar and in the Markha valley. I have also arranged Independent Study Projects with a thangka painter, woodcarver, musician, Amchi ( local doctor), and Buddhist lama to give teachings. I have also introduced students to local community leaders to speak about different topics such as cultural information, Buddhist philosophy, etc.

I have coordinated treks, cultural trips to monasteries, and home stays as well. Sometimes I have been going as a translator when the groups visit Oracles and high Lamas. I truly enjoy sharing the knowledge I have gained with visitors, and making sure that they have a pleasurable and rewarding experience in Ladakh. I enjoy working with Global LAB semester students, and look forward to meeting you this fall in the Himalaya and helping you learn more about Ladakh.

Namgial

Posted by Global LAB at 11:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hello. My name is Sonam, but you can also call me Peter. I was born on the 10th of March, in 1979, in small village called Changthang Nyoma in Leh, Ladakh to a family of nomads. At a young age, I was sent to the Tibetan Childrens' Village School located in the town of Choglamsar, in Ladakh. After the 10th class, I completed two additional years at a school in South India and then completed my college-level courses at Delhi University in the field of Business. In March of 2000, I started to work in the travel business IATO (India Association of Tours Operation) company at New Delhi as a travel coordinator. I stayed with the company for six years.

Two years ago, I started my own travel business company at New Delhi in the name of SP Travels 24/7. I now work with a dedicated team, which combines the dynamism of youth with the experiences of age, to ensure a memorable tour experience to our clients. This work has allowed me to develop a good relationship with the native people. I look forward to sharing with you the actual lifestyle and culture of the people you will meet.

With regards,

Sonam (Peter)

Posted by Global LAB at 11:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hi Everyone!

I wanted to introduce you to Shivani, our coordinator in Jaipur. We're so lucky to have the opportunity to work with Shivani. Check out her bio below!

Tracy

• Researcher • Educator • Meditator •

Shivani holds her masters in Science of Living. Her area of interest is research and experimental work in the field of education, teaching and training methods. She is currently working on her doctoral degree on developing non-violent behavior among children. As an educator, her major focus is value education among children and youth. She delivers lectures on themes like education, non-violence, yoga & meditation at several institutes.

She closely interacts and observes the practitioners and preachers of ahimsa and self-discipline. Thus regularly visits the monks and nuns to draw upon inspiration from the ancient teachings. Her increasing curiosity has led her to actively participate in peace walks, seminars and camps organized at various spiritual platforms.

She is a strong believer and practitioner of yoga and meditation. She has crafted a unique minimalist lifestyle for herself to live in peace within and harmony with the environment around.

Posted by Global LAB at 11:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Fall 2008 Daily Itinerary

Please note: the below itinerary is planned months in advance and may change due to group interest, health and safety concerns, or other factors beyond the control of Global Learning Across Borders.

In United States:

Sept 12 - 14: Group orientation at retreat center

In India:

Sept 14 - 15: Flight--Newark to Delhi

Sept 15 - 17: In country orientation, introductory language lessons, and visits to key cultural and religious sites in Delhi

Sept 18 - 21: Arrival in Leh and introduction to Ladakh; Ladakhi language lessons and walking tours of Leh Old Town and Shanti Stupa; day excursions to Thiksay Gonpa and an audience with the Sabu Oracle; guest speakers to include local political figures, intellectuals, religious leaders from both Buddhist and Muslim communities, and youth activists

Sept 22 - 30:, Homestays and service work in Domkhar village. Continued Language Lessons. Volunteering with Domkhar Government High School. Excursions to Alchi and Likir Monasteries. Possible visit to SECMOL.

Oct 1 - 10: Trek to spectacular Nubra Valley ending at Diskit for the Gustor Festival and Cham Dances.

Oct 11 - 14: Return to Leh. Finish guest speaker series, Visits to Tsemo Gonpa and Leh Palace.

Oct 15: Arrival in Delhi: Visit to Naz Foundation; Bollywood cinema experience in the afternoon, Nizammudin Sufi Shrine and lecture

Oct 17 - 19: Train to Amritsar, site of the Sikh pilgrimmage center the Golden Temple, experience nightly ritual flag-lowering ceremony at the Wagah Border, Jallianwalabagh

Oct 20 – 21: Train to Pathankot/bus to Dharamsala, Tibetan language lessons and orientation. Begin Dharamsala homestays, ISPs, guest lecture series, school/museum visits

Oct 22 - 31: Introduction to Buddhism retreat at Tushita Meditation Centre

Nov 1 - 13: Homestays in McLeod Ganj, Independent Study Projects, continued language lessons, and riveting guest speaker series focused on the experiences of Tibetans living in exile in India. Possible audience with His Holiness the 17th Gyalwa Karmapa.

Nov 14 – 17: Travel to Delhi and Agra. Visit Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, Keoladeo National Park, Agra Fort

Nov 18– 30: Jaipur homestays, ISPs, language study, and possible desert excursions to Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, and Udaipur. Village excursion to Chomu and service work with Vidya Gram International School. Guest speaker series on Non Violence, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Jainism with possible audience with Jain monks and nuns.

Dec 1 - 4: Possible yoga and meditation retreat in the Hindu tradition.

Dec 5 – 11: Student-led portion: Train to Rishikesh, introduction to Ganges River, Haridwar, and Varanasi (to be determined by students)

Dec 12 - 13: Return to Delhi

Dec 14: Flight to USA

Posted by Tracy at 07:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

If you have received your notification of program acceptance and have not already done so, you should book your plane tickets with Sue Lai at Avia Travel by contacting her at Sue@aviatravel.com as soon as possible to secure your spot on the flight with the group. Be sure to identify yourself as a member of Global LAB's Fall 2008 India Semester.

Posted by Global LAB at 08:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hi, my name is Doug Bernstein. I'm 17 years old from the Washington DC suburb of Bethesda, MD. I have a very strong interest in Buddhism and Tibetan culture and a deep admiration and respect for the Tibetan people and the Dalai Lama. I'm especially looking forward to spending time in Dharamsala and experiencing Tibetan culture first-hand.

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 09:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Greetings from the Deep South, particularly: Alabama. My name is Joseph Wade Collier (people call me Wade) and I'm a naive eighteen year old with a romantic vision of my own future. I live in Hoover, Alabama, which is a suburb of Birmingham and probably completely different from the average person's iea of any area within this state. Aside from living in a well-kept suburbia (where people wear shoes and fried chicken isn't the only food to devour, I might add), I'm a guy with lofty aspirations of a more free and creative life and plans to go to art school. I'm taking a gap year before college because I'm terribly afraid of jumping right into the more expensive and crucial part of education without more confidence in my person; I'd also like to have a more interesting and profound experience before college. Traveling to a different country is something I've always longed to do but have never been able to, and I cannot think of a better way to introduce myself to international but with a wonderful program sending young people to fascinating areas and fostering personal growth and development.

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 09:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

"Hey," as they say in Bethesda, Maryland! I'm Ariana, but I go by Ari. I'm 18, and this semester is the start of my gap year. I'm currently enrolled in Kenyon College, but decided to defer so I could go to India with you guys and then to France. My biggest passions are dancing (anything from hip hop to ballet to flamenco), creative writing, and traveling. Being half-Filipino, visiting many countries, and living near Washington, D.C. has given me a taste for how fascinating diversity is. I can't wait to go to India-a place I haven't been, with friends I haven't met. We're going to have fun.

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 09:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hey everyone, my name is Timothy and I’m a graduating senior from a high school in New Orleans. I’ve lived in New Orleans for the past two years, after moving there from New Jersey in August of 2006 (yes, after Katrina). My deepest passion is creative writing, but I don’t know what I want to pursue as a career. I’m really looking forward to this trip and I hope that it’ll help guide me towards a career/college choice. It’s going to be a blast. I look forward to meeting all of you.

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 09:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hi, my name is Jake. I am a senior in high school. I plan to go to art school in fall of 2009. I am also a drummer. I am very excited about spending time in India and learning about Indian culture and music. I like to hang out with my friends and make music.

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 09:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hey everyone! I'm Mirise and I'm from North Salem, New York. I am currently taking
time off from school to travel and experience the world, as opposed to sit in a
classroom. Aside from travelling and experiencing, I enjoy photography, painting,
climbing mountains, music, etc etc. I chose to be a part of this upcoming journey to
India for a variety of reasons I'm sure I'll have a lot of time to talk to you all
about when we meet in the future, so I won't get into them here. I am really excited
to meet everyone and am even more excited to experience India with all of you.

Until we meet,
Mirise

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 09:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

My name is Natalie Birinyi. I am a rising junior at Columbia University and live in
New York City. I study art and like painting and photography, especially. I love
Andy Warhol, Dylan's Desire, Lost, and The Wire.

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 09:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hi everyone!

My name is Kate Grayson, and I'm from Chicago. I just finished my senior
year and I'm deferring for a year. I want to experience some new things
before I go back to school...I'm kind of burnt out.
I'm so excited! We're going to have a great time- I've always wanted to go
to India :)

See you all in September!

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 09:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hi everybody. Sandy here.

I'm 17 and just graduated from high school in Concord, Massachuestts.
I'm headed to Vassar in fall 2009, where I'm hoping to go into International
Development type-y stuff, so there seemed no better use for this year than
to defer and get out and be in the world.

So let's see, more about me:
I love spontaneous dance eruptions and/or bursting out into
random song, strawberry cheesequake blizzards from Dairy Queen, ice cream in
general, fireflies, stargazing, building forts, traveling, pushing myself to
try new things, collaging, scrubs, and shopping for craft supplies with my
mom for all the random projects we only sometimes get around to doing.

This summer I'm spending time doing a lot of babysitting and helping out at
my mom's school. For three weeks in August, too, I'm going to the mountains
of northern India (near Tibet), with a Tibetan Buddhist monk I know, to
visit a school he opened for local children a few years ago, which should be
so great. Knowing him has I think deepened my interest in India and eastern
culture, and was part of what drew me to this program as opposed to other
locations.

I am so excited. I can't believe we're leaving in a matter of weeks-- I
can't wait to meet you all soon!!
Love,
<3 sandy
p.s. This is me and my adorbsicle cousin Catie. :)

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 09:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

For your Indian visa application

Below is an address you can list as a local India contact on the visa
application. Namgial is the local coordinator for the Ladakh portion of
our program in the far northern part of India.

You can put a parent (or any family member or friend) down as a US contact.

Michelle

Rinchen Namgial
Yama Adventures/Himalayan Treks
P.O.Box 187, Head Post Office
Leh, Ladakh
194 101, India

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 09:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Hello Fall 08 India Students-

Here are some important reminders for you:

1) Please send in a digital picture of yourself to go along with your self-introduction on the blog (email to aaron@global-lab.org)

2) Tuition balances are now due- if you have received an acceptance letter for our program, please send the balance due to our Woodside NY office immediately (if for some reason you need an extension contact
michelle@global-lab.org)

3) Our pre-travel orientation will be held at Cross Roads Camp & Retreat Center in New Jersey, less than 1 hour from NYC. (We are renting this space to run our own orientation program there).

4) You should apply for your Indian visa soon. You can do so via this link: https://www.indian-visa.com/get-a-visa.html
Be sure to apply for a TOURIST visa (not a student visa which is only granted for those studying in long term Indian institution-based programs).

5) If you have not already done so, you should contact Sue Lai at sue@aviatravel.com to book your ticket to India on the flight selected for your group as soon as possible.

6) Get in the habit of checking the blog regularly as news of your program and pre-travel orientation plans will be posted here.

7) If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact one of us at Global LAB:

michelle@global-lab.org (Director of Admissions)
john@global-lab.org (Executive Director)
aaron@global-lab.org (Blog-poster/Admin Asst.)

Or give a call at 800 984 4522.

Looking forward to meeting you all at pre-travel orientation on September 12!

Michelle

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 09:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Michelle Bos-Lun, Director of Admissions will be out of the office from
July 9- July 16.

If you have questions about preparing for your Global LAB Fall Semester
program you can contact Alex Safos (Director of North African and Middle
Eastern Programs for Global LAB) at alex@global-lab.org

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 09:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A couple families have asked recently about the need or desirability of bringing cell phones or laptops to India and Morocco. Each program has a laptop which comes along and is kept by the leaders (but available to the students for blogging and sending photos). Each Global LAB leader also has a cell phone. We recommend that students do not bring along laptops or cell phones (or blackberries or anything along those lines). They are likely to get lost, broken or even stolen and computer labs and phone booth/stalls are widely available in most regions where our semester programs spend time.

If you have other questions do not hesitate to ask.

Michelle (Director of Admissions)
michelle@global-lab.org or 800 984 4522
PS- The CORE medical insurance program we provide for students is still working on upgrading its website-we'll have more information about that for students soon..

Posted by Aaron Bos-Lun at 11:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)