| By
William Tredo
The eggnog ran dry and the decorations were boxed back up, but
the festivities were just about to begin for 12 Buffalo State
College students.
Over Christmas break, 11 Buffalo State undergraduates
and one graduate student “got with the program,” and
traveled to India. From Jan. 3 – 18, students and faculty
leader Dr. Rekha Menon sacrificed snow for cultural insight and
art history.
Their trip was not affected by the tsunami, so the journey went
ahead as scheduled.
The program’s mission included:
• experience India and its rich cultural and artistic heritage
• critically evaluate range of styles in Indian art
• understand individual works of Indian art for their cultural
function, their intended meaning in society, their philosophical
cosmic interpretation and their visual iconography
Mornings were devoted to on-site lectures. Sites included:
• Elephanta Caves
• Ellora Caves
• Taj Mahal
• Delhi
• Old and New Delhi
Afternoons had students focus on individual observation, journal
writing and art making.
Buffalo State hospitality administration major Shayna Raichilson
loved the trip. “My favorite thing was the chance for cultural
learning in all of its aspects from food to clothes, art, media
and music.”
Dr. Lee Ann Grace, assistant dean of international and exchange
programs, said the intersemester is a great opportunity for students
who otherwise would not be able to go abroad. “It creates
an opportunity to allow students with limitations to do a series
of short-term trips over the course of their study.” Grace
went onto say that intersemester study has nourished students’
worldview as well as academic productivity.
According to Grace: “The intersemester program has had a
positive carry-over (GPA) after participation. Not only are students
excelling within the program, but that progress continues once
they return to Buffalo State.”
In order to be eligible, participants must have at least a 2.5
cumulative grade point average and must have completed at least
one semester at Buffalo State at the time of application.
The estimated cost of the India program is $2680.
This pays for the student’s international airfare, ground
travel, most meals, admission fees and hotel. Financial aid applies
to all of the above costs.
The next intersemester opportunity is taking place
in Puerto Rico, from May 24 – June 15, 2005. However, the
application deadline has already passed. Due to the success of
the first intersemester in Australia and the following India program,
new prospects are in constant development.
For more information, contact:
Office of International Education
University College at Buffalo State
South Wing 410
1300 Elmwood Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14222-1095
Phone: (716) 878-4620
Email: intleduc@buffalostate.edu
Related links:
map
of tsunami affected areas
India
art history
SUNY study abroad
map
of India
Taj Mahal virtual tour
William Tredo can be contacted at: tredwm35@buffalostate.edu |
