Experience India this summer!

Visit Bangalore this summer, from 12 to 20 July, to attend a summer school focused on Sustainability and Urban Poverty.

Details

Christ University

During this Sustainability and Urban Poverty themed Summer School, you'll have the opportunity to visit an NGO and meet Christ University students to take part in an outreach program on social action. You'll visit urban slums and learn about rapid urbanisation, government policy and community infrastructure.

You'll be living close to Christ University campus and experience its eco-friendly initiatives, and be part of a cultural program of Indian dance and music hosted by the Christ students. Through the course of the week you'll also learn to practice traditional Yoga and cook authentic south Indian dishes!

Bangalore

Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka, is an Indian megacity that's undergoing a change back to its traditional name, Bengaluru. In contrast to many south Indian cities, Bangalore is a contemporary, fast growing and prosperous place that's known as India's Silicon Valley and is home to a huge IT industry. Many multinational corporations have set up their Indian head offices there. As a result, the city is full of young professionals and has a vibrant air about it, with a flourishing food and drink culture. There's a lot more to the city than just tech; you’ll find a multitude of cultural, historical, architectural, artistic and natural attractions! The city is widely renowned for its greenery and is also said to have more than 1,000 temples and places of worship. They've been constructed over the years by different ruling dynasties, dating as far back as the Cholas in the 10th century. Bangalore really is a wonderful blend of past and present!

History

Bangalore was founded in 1537 by a local chieftain, who upon being given the land by a Vijaynagar emperor, built a mud fort and temple there. Over the years, the city has undergone a massive transformation. Its earlier days saw it passed from ruler to ruler, until the British Raj took hold of it and located their south Indian administration there in 1831. The British constructed considerable infrastructure. After India gained independence, Bangalore grew into an important center for education, science, and information technology.

Timezone

GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) +5.5 hours.

Bangalore does not have Daylight Saving Time.

Population

There's been a huge population growth in Bangalore in recent years. More than 11 million people now live in the city, making it India's fourth largest city after Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata.

Climate & Weather

Due to its elevation, Bangalore is blessed with relatively pleasant climate.

Daytime temperatures remain fairly constant, between 26-29 degrees Celsius, for most of the year. Do note however that the temperature usually can exceed 30 degrees Celsius during the hot summer months typically from March to May, when it can reach around 34 degrees Celsius.

Key Information

Departure

Thursday 11 July 2019 (Dublin Airport) pre-booked coach will transfer students from Belfast to Dublin airport. Please meet at 5am in Glengall Street for your 5.30am coach to Dublin airport.

Return

Saturday 20 July 2019 (Dublin Airport) pre-booked coach will return students from Dublin airport to Belfast. Coach departs at 9pm.

Flight Information

Depart Dublin at 10.45am to London - flight number BA827. London to Bengaluru - flight number BA119.

Depart Bengaluru at 7am to London - flight number BA118. London to Belfast - flight number BA824.

Emergency Contact Information

Should an emergency arise, students should in the first instance contact Niall McAleer, whom will be accompanying you for the duration of your programme.

The following Ulster University staff based in Belfast can also be reached in case of an emergency:

Ms Mevhish Ashfaq, Head of Global Opportunities - 07525925102

Ms Kelly Helmer, Global Mobility Officer - 02890366065

In Country Key Contact Information

Cost

Flights, airport transfers, your Indian visa, accommodation and some meals will be fully funded by the Office of Global Engagement.

You will be required to cover your own spending money (i.e. entry to parks/palaces/museums, meals etc.)

Places

There are 10 places available on this trip.

Eligibility

Open to all 1st & 2nd year full time undergraduates with limited or no international travel experience who meet one of the below criteria:

• Be in receipt of an Access Bursary
• Permanently reside in an area of high deprivation/low participation in higher education.
  • Check your score (a score more than 178 does not qualify)
• Have undertaken secondary education at a state school with a free school meal entitlement rate of 40% or more.
  • Check your rate
• Be in receipt of benefits which may include state income support, working tax credit or child tax credit
• Have declared to the University a background of care
• Have disclosed a disability to the University or be in receipt of disability living allowance/personal independence payments

Visa Information

All students travelling to Indian will require a visa.

You will need to apply for an eTourist Visa.

All students are responsible for ensuring that they meet the Indian immigration requirements.

Further information will be provided to all accepted students regarding the visa application process and requirements.

Application Process

Applications are now closed.

Pre-Departure Workshops

There are 2 compulsory pre-departure workshops scheduled to provide you with the essential information you need. You will also have the opportunity to get to know the other students who will be on your programme and the staff who will be there to support you during your week in Bangalore.

Session 1 - 4th June, Jordanstown, 04F03, 1:30-3:30pm

Session 2 - 2nd July, Belfast, BA-03-019, 1-3:30pm

Further Information

For further information please contact studyabroad@ulster.ac.uk with the subject "India 2019".