University of Michigan
Department of Music, Theatre and Dance participates in an annual program, bringing students to Vivekananda Institute of Indian Studies. Cal Poly Pomona University joins in this program. This program is unique as they come to learn Indian performing arts, Music(Vocal, Instrumental in Carnatic style), Mridhangam, Tabla, Veena and Bharathanatyam. Further the program is unique because they follow Indian “Guru Kula Parampara” i.e., the disciples going to the teacher's house to learn the art. All this is done in the course of two months and our Gurus excel in imparting the knowledge to their disciples in such a way that the students will give a final performance of what they learn in such a short time.
University of Mount Allison
University of Mt.Allison has a short term program of 8 weeks for three courses, normally between June and July. They study Culture and Civilization of India, Gender in India, Science & Technology and Sustainable Development in Post independent India. Besides the above three courses they also learn Hindi or Sanskrit or Kannada. In seven weeks of time they also learn Music, Indian Dance (Bharathanatyam) in Carnatic style. Its amazing that students give a performance at the end of the term. The program concludes with a one week tour of North Karnataka, showcasing Culture Heritage of Karnataka, represented at Badami, Bijapur and Hampi (Vijayanagara). The last site always excites the students.
Cornell University –ILR School
Vivekananda Institute of Indian Studies is implementing a unique program entitled “Global Service Learning program” for Cornell School of Industrial and Labour Relations. The specific content area covered include cultural education, non profit leadership, labour issues, Health care system in India, Gender and secure service learning for each student for a period ranging from 4 to 6 weeks. following their class room based program at Mysore.
Follow the link for Dr. Balu’s visit to Cornell University:
http://www.ilr.cornell.edu/international/Dr-Balu-Visits-Cornell-University.html.
University of Iowa - Semester in South India Program
Other customized courses through SVYM Programs
Other courses offered include Indian Languages, Yoga, Fine Arts, Fundamentals of Ayurveda, Education and schooling network, Appropriate Rural Technologies, Non-Profit Management and Leadership Development.
Apart from the structured courses mentioned above the Organization also provides ample opportunities for volunteering, either as an individual or in groups to explore, experience and contribute their time and expertise in sectors of health, education, socio-economic development, Non-profits, behavioral change, communication strategies, research and governance.
Immersion into Indian Culture… - In the Process of Restructuring and redesigning.
