New York State Independent College Consortium for Study in India

The New York Consortium offers students a full semester's introduction to the rich cultural heritage and vibrant contemporary life of North India.

The New York State Independent College Consortium for Study in India (NYSICCSI) provides a rigorous, one-semester academic program each Fall that offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of historical and contemporary India; its religious, philosophical, and cultural traditions; and its evolving role within the international community. As the world’s largest democracy, India offers a stim

ulating and challenging learning environment. The NYSICCSI program combines direct fieldwork experience and a comprehensive academic program of study in history, culture, language, literature, art, religion, politics, sociology, anthropology, and economics. Students travel to locales across northern India over the course of the semester, sampling the diversity of peoples and cultures that is modern India. The program’s goal is that each returns home with a deeply enriched understanding of one of the world’s most complex and vibrant countries. Founded in 1989, NYSICCSI is one of the country’s oldest programs in India, combining today the efforts of faculty from St. Lawrence University and Hamilton, Vassar, and Hobart and William Smith Colleges in providing their students an academic term for full residential credit. The program is directed by a Faculty Director, and assisted by an in-country Resident Director, who together accompany the students at all times and oversee the curriculum, student travel and housing, and a rich menu of excursions and field trips. Coursework includes the study of historic and contemporary India focused on a theme developed by the Faculty Director, Hindi language instruction, and an independent fieldwork project. Additionally, students earn a unit of academic credit for their pre-departure preparation, which includes participation the prior Spring semester in the Program’s pre-departure course and a program of preparatory summer work. Faculty Director for 2017 is St. Lawrence University Professor of Art and Art History, Dr. Chandreyi Basu. Dr. Basu’s theme for the 2017 program is contemporary youth identity and culture, complementing her research interests in issues of identity formation, gender, patronage, and cross-cultural interaction in the ancient art of northwestern India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.

20/11/2022

09/12/2016

Our last Friday Favorites are Maggie, Claire, Lauren, Mo and Cecilia. Their best memories...

Lauren: Being able to see the Mahabodhi temple was incredible. I have been studying the temple since my sophomore year and having the chance to see it in person is something I'll never forget.

Mo: At the train station at Bodhgaya, I saw a man (for no less than 10 minutes) hold the water fountain on for a thirsty cow.

Claire: One of my favorite memories was when we were in Landour. Ceci and I walked to the bakery down the road to order a cake for Diya's birthday. We were walking back along the misty path in the trees talking about life. Along the way we picked up a following of three happy dogs, 2 cows, and some baby monkeys.

Maggie: My favorite memory in India was the visit to the Wagah border to see the lowering of the flags. It honestly made me a bit emotional because I hate the idea of borders and the restrictions they impose. The establishment of borders have caused so much pain and exclusion for individuals around the world. The ceremony for me symbolized a potentially positive relationship between Pakistan and India.

Cecilia: Bonding at the Shady Dog, a cafe in Landour! Being able to look at the beautiful landscape of Dehradun while getting to know everyone.

04/12/2016

Sunset Sunday: Ganges in Varanasi

pc: Floor Fiers

02/12/2016

Friday Favorites of the week: Kristiana, Megan, Thoin and Floor tell us about their favorite Hindi word!

Floor: I love translating 'the floor' into different languages, 'cause that's my name! In Hindi, floor translates to फ़र्श (farsh).

Thoin: The Hindi word for my favorite fruit, pomegranate, is a necessity to know: अनार (anar).

Megan: I like addressing people with "friend" , and the "st" sound in the Hindi word दोस्त (dost) is just perfect.

Kristiana: The word ताज़ा (taza) borrows a "s"-sound from Persian. Isn't that cool? ताज़ा means fresh.

PC: Mandy Wark

01/12/2016

Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi... What an inspirational campus!

Pc: Floor Fiers

Photos from New York State Independent College Consortium for Study in India's post

30/11/2016

Today, some of us celebrated South Asian Women's Day!

27/11/2016

Sunset Sunday: Beach in Kerala

pc: Diya Nag

25/11/2016

Our Friday Favorites of this week are Lanika, Diya and Mandy! We asked them about their favorite Indian food.

Lanika: "Samosas and peanut butter. Only sometimes together!"

Diya: "Our first meal on the houseboat in Kerala was fresh, nutritious, and delicious. We had fish fry, rice and daal, green beans, beets with coconut, and papad."

Mandy: "When I miss India after we leave, I will think back to Aloo-gobhi - it's a mix of potato and cauliflower and it's delicious."