India Winterim is an intensive field-based program that provides students with the opportunity to learn within India’s diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and geographical mosaic. The entire coursework will be set in the context of language-learning and cultural experiences unique to the program sites. Each course in the program is based in one of several locations throughout India. This program is designed for undergraduate and graduate students.

Pongal Festival, Pondicherry

Academic Credit

Each India Winterim course provides 3 s.h. of University of Iowa resident credit.

Courses

• Sustainable Development: The Kerala Experience: This intensive, field-based program, taught by professor Jerry Anthony, provides students with the opportunity to learn within India's diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and geographical mosaic. Students will travel around Kerala and will work on a number of sustainable development projects while also gaining a deeper understanding of Indian culture. The credit for this course will be URP: 6400.
• Water Poverty in Rural India, A Freshwater Crisis Case: This course, taught by professor Allen Bradley, will focus on how culture, economics, and the environment shape the sustainability of water resources in the Mewat and Alwar districts. This credit for this course will be CEE: 4385. More information about the course acitivities and a sample itinerary can be found here.

  Promotional Video for Water Poverty Course

  Cultural Activities

  Excursions are a central part of the academic component of this program. Participants visit a variety of community organizations, temples, and other sites of historical, cultural, and environmental significance. To learn what specific cultural excursions will be included in the 2024-2025 course you are interested in, reach out to the faculty-leader.

  Program Dates

  This program takes place during the University of Iowa's winter session. Specific dates vary by year.

  The tentative program dates for the 2024-2025 session are:

  • Sustainable Development: Next being offered in December 2025
  • Water Poverty: December 22, 2024-January 7, 2025

  The dates above are in-country dates and DO NOT include travel time. Students should estimate an additional 1-2 days to get to/from India. More information about flights can be found in the logistics tab.

  For More Information

  For more information about this program, contact the study abroad program coordinator Krista Larson or (depending on the course you are interested in) the program leaders Jerry Anthony or Allen Bradley.

India

India, a vibrant tapestry of cultures and landscapes, is the world’s seventh largest country by area and one of the world's most populous country, with over 1.4 billion people. Boasting a diverse linguistic landscape with 22 officially scheduled (recognized) languages and a multitude of dialects, India is also home to one of the fastest-growing economies globally, with a GDP growth rate averaging around 7% in recent years. The country is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, encompassing ancient traditions like yoga and classical dance forms, alongside modern advancements in technology, scientific research, and space exploration.

Safety Abroad

Visiting other countries can be a great experience. Whether you are traveling for work or pleasure, solo or in a group, staying for a few days or several years, planning ahead can help ensure your time abroad is both enjoyable and safe.

The first step to an international trip is to read the Department of State's Traveler’s Checklist to find out things to consider before you go. Pay special attention to India's safety and security information and assess for yourself the risk of traveling to a particular country or region. Some U.S. citizens with special considerations – such as students, women, and LGBTI travelers – may face additional challenges when abroad. If you do decide to travel, make a plan for what to do if something goes wrong overseas.

US Department of State Country Information

The US Department of State provides safety and security information for every country of the world to help you assess for yourself the risks of travel. Each country information page contains a Travel Advisory, Alerts, and other important details specific to that country that could affect you.

Pay close attention to the entry and exit requirements, local laws and customs, health conditions, and other details to help decide whether traveling to any given country is right for you. Non-US citizen travelers may also wish to seek guidance from the embassy of their country of citizenship. The UI International Travel Policy for Students addresses restrictions on student travel to high-risk locations and engagement in high-risk activities abroad.

Living Arrangements

Typically, students stay in hotels, sharing a double occupancy room with another course participant. All hotel rooms have private bathrooms.

Passport

If you do not have a passport, it is important that you apply for one as soon as possible to ensure you receive it before the program begins. US citizens can find more information about how to apply for a passport on the US Department of State’s website.

US citizens can find more information about how to renew a passport on the US Department of State’s website.

Students with a valid passport should check the expiration date. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months AFTER the anticipated return to the US from studying abroad. If your passport is not valid for at least 6 months after your anticipated date of return to the US, you must renew your passport.

Expedited processing service is available for US passports (although this still takes several weeks and is at an additional cost). UI Study Abroad encourages students to ask the passport agency at the time of application whether expedited service is recommended.

Non-US Citizens

Students who are not US citizens should contact their consulate for more information if they need to get a new passport or renew their passport.

Visa

US citizens will need to obtain a visa for this program. Non-US citizens should check with their home country to determine if they will need a visa and what the process is. Students are responsible for submitting their application and getting their visa before program departure.

Travel Arrangements

Students will receive instructions for booking flights after the Confirmation Deadline. A suggested group flight will be shared with the group and students are expected to follow the flight itinerary.

Local Transportation

Transportation for all course activities is provided, including a group airport pickup and drop-off at the beginning and end of the course.

Eligibility

This course has a limited capacity. To ensure the highest level of academic preparedness, the instructor will review all applications for final decisions on admission, using the following criteria:

• Clear interest and commitment: This program is open to students of all academic backgrounds. Students must demonstrate a clear academic or personal interest in the program’s subject matter and a commitment to engage responsibly in coursework abroad.
  
• Demonstrated preparedness and maturity: Students must meet entry requirements for the countries and venues visited by the program. Students must demonstrate preparedness to take on the heightened responsibilities associated with international study and travel and demonstrate a commitment to behave responsibly abroad while respecting cultural differences. Students are expected to obey both local laws and program directives conveyed to participants before and during the program. The University of Iowa Code of Student Life applies to all program participants while abroad.
  
• Good academic and disciplinary standing: Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing at the University of Iowa, or at another US college or university where the applicant is enrolled in a degree program. Students placed on either academic or disciplinary probation for any period of time overlapping with the study abroad program dates are ineligible to study abroad on a University of Iowa program. Academic and disciplinary history will also be considered when determining whether a student is prepared to represent the University of Iowa as part of this program. Students who are not in good standing at any point overlapping with the program dates will have their acceptance revoked, and will be responsible for the associated late withdrawal fees.
  
• Minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA: Students must have a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA to participate in this program. Applications from students who have a GPA between 2.74-2.5 may be considered for the program, but will need special permission from the faculty-leader.
  
• Completion of at least two semesters of college-level study: Students are required to have at least two semesters of college-level study completed.
  
• Approval By faculty director and UI Study Abroad: Applications will be reviewed by the program’s faculty director, and students will be accepted based on their eligibility, and application materials.
  
• Attendance at mandatory orientation programming: Students must attend all in-person and online pre-departure orientation programming.
  
• Major Program of Study: Preference given to majors related to area of course.
  
• No Language Experience Required: This course is taught in English. No previous language experience is required.
  

Waitlist Procedure:

Once the course has filled, UI Study Abroad will maintain a waitlist, and notify any students who are waitlisted. Further information will be sent out at that time to waitlisted students regarding next steps.

Participants who are enrolled at institutions other than the University of Iowa

Degree seeking students at institutions other than the University of Iowa may submit an application and be considered on a space available basis. Please note that preference will be given to University of Iowa students

Students who attend institutions other than the University of Iowa must also contact their home school study abroad office to review any additional study abroad requirements.

Costs

Students will be responsible for paying many of their program costs through their University of Iowa U-Bill, while other costs will be out-of-pocket costs paid by the student directly to vendors before and after going abroad. Actual out-of-pocket expenses will vary from individual to individual. Quoted estimates are conservatively high, yet realistic.Refer to the cost sheets below for details on the costs associated with this program.

The cost sheets outline the total estimated costs associated with participating in this program and can be used for financial aid purposes. They include fees charged on students’ U-Bill as well as out-of-pocket expenses. Actual out-of-pocket expenses will vary from individual to individual.

Cost Sheets

The following cost sheets are for the winter 2024-2025 courses.

• Sustainable Development (Uiowa students)
• Sustainable Development (Non-Uiowa students)
• Water Poverty

Included in the billed course fee:

• Academic instruction and guided tours in the India
• 3 semester hours of UI credit
• Accommodation
• Ground transport from and to airport in India
• Some meals
• 24/7 staff support

Calculating Fees

The cost sheets are based on the fees described below:

Cost sheets do not include the following optional costs:

Personal Travel Costs

Costs for personal travel are not included in the cost estimates provided on the cost sheet. If you plan to travel during your free time during or after your study abroad program, you will need to budget for additional funds to cover the cost of your personal travel.

The cost of personal travel depends entirely on each student’s individual travel plans and spending habits. Estimates for personal travel costs provided by past students on this program vary significantly from $300 to as much as $2,000 or more per session.

Costs charged to the U-Bill

• Application fee (charged at the time of application, before financial aid/scholarships disburse)
• Course Fees (Includes tuition, housing, meals, and program-related transportation and tours (charged shortly before departure)
• Study Abroad Fees (charged shortly before departure)
• CISI Health Insurance (charged shortly before departure)

Out-of-pocket costs (not charged to U-Bill)

• Round trip airfare (paid by student directly to travel agent or airline- approx. 6-8 weeks prior to departure, before financial aid/scholarships are disbursed)
• Passport & Visa (paid by student prior to departure, before financial aid/scholarships are disbursed)
• Medical exam/immunizations (paid by student as needed prior to departure, before financial aid/scholarships disburse)
• Personal expenses (paid by student at their discretion while abroad)

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Students are encouraged to apply for Need-based, Merit, and other scholarships awarded by Study Abroad. More information is available on the Scholarships page.

Students who receive a Federal Pell Grant are eligible to apply for the Gilman International Scholarship, an external scholarship awarded by the Department of State. Learn more here.

Financial aid received to attend the University of Iowa (scholarships, grants, and loans) may be applied toward the program cost. Students are encouraged to contact the Office of Student Financial Aid to explore financial aid options.

How to Apply

Students Attending the University of Iowa

• Meet with your academic advisor(s) to discuss how this program might fit your graduation plans, and to ensure that it meets your academic and personal goals.
• If you and your academic advisor agree that this program is a good match for you, complete the UI Study Abroad application. Please note that the non-refundable $50 application fee will be charged to your U-Bill as part of this online application.
• Submit the online application before the application deadline.
• The faculty director and UI Study Abroad will review your application materials and, if you meet the requirements for the program, you will be contacted with your acceptance status.

Students Attending Other Universities

• Contact the study abroad office at your home institution and ensure you follow all of the policies and procedures required for you to participate in this program.
• Contact UI study abroad advisor Lindsay Budde by email at lindsay-budde@uiowa.edu to request an application for the program.
• Complete the UI Study Abroad application. Please note that the non-refundable $50 application fee will be charged to your University of Iowa U-Bill as part of this online application.
• Submit the online application before the application deadline.
• The faculty director and UI Study Abroad will review your application materials and, if you meet the requirements for the program, you will be contacted with your acceptance statusl

Application Deadline

• Water Poverty: Wednesday, September 25

Health & Safety Planning

Students should carefully review the following materials:

Prepare for Departure

Health and Safety

Iowa Regents CISI Health Insurance Information

Students are also encouraged to complete the Health Preparation Guide for International Travelform with their medical practitioner. This document is intended to help you plan for your medical needs abroad. Please DO NOT turn this form in to UI Study Abroad.

Flights

Students will receive instructions for booking flights after the Confirmation Deadline. A suggested group flight will be shared with the group and students will make their own arrangements. Those who do not have extensive travel experience are encouraged to book the suggested group flight.

Immigration/Visa

All program participants are required to complete immigration requirements to enter and study in your host country. UI Study Abroad and your program provider/host institution abroad will provide you with immigration instructions prior to departure.

Note that permission to enter and study in your host country is provided exclusively by the host country’s government based on that country's immigration requirements. Your host country’s immigration requirements may include considerations related to specific national origin, national heritage, criminal background status, and similar issues that can make it impossible to receive permission to enter the country in some cases. Contact your UI study abroad advisor for more information.

It is essential that you thoroughly review all of your immigration materials before you leave for your host country to ensure that they are absolutely complete and accurate. It is entirely your responsibility to ensure that all of your immigration materials are in order and fully accurate before you leave for your host country. If any of your immigration materials contain inaccurate information of any kind, contact your UI study abroad advisor immediately to discuss your options.

Do not take steps to complete your host country’s immigration requirements until you receive more information from UI Study Abroad.

Review the informaiton under the Visa heading our Prepare for Departure page for further guidance on the immigration/visa process.

Orientation

In order to prepare for your time abroad, you are required by the University of Iowa to complete two orientations. These may be in addition to orientations provided by your on-site provider. See below for more information.

Online Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation

You are required to complete the International Programs ICON course "Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation" prior to departure. This orientation is mandatory for all students going abroad under the auspices of the University of Iowa. It covers many practical matters about living overseas, such as health and safety, communication, money, goals, and much more. You will be enrolled in this course by International Programs and an email will be sent to you once enrolled. If you have any questions, you can email safety-abroad@uiowa.edu.

Program-Specific Orientation

A mandatory, in-person orientation will be facilitated by the Faculty Leader and Study Abroad Coordinator before departure and will cover content specific to your program and host country.