India, Varanasi
Founded in 1961, this program offers an unparalleled opportunity to live and study in Varanasi, India - a city that highlights India's ethnic, religious, and linguistic diversity. UW-Madison works in partnership with CET Academic Programs to offer this exciting opportunity to both UW-Madison students and students from any U.S. university.
Varanasi (formerly known as Banaras) is located along the Ganges River and is a major Indian pilgrimage center as well as a thriving modern city of approximately 1.3 million inhabitants. As a program participant, you will encounter large Hindu, Muslim, Jain, Buddhist and Christian communities. The city is known for the origin of Jainism and Buddhism and has many religious sculptures, great architecture and a wonderful variety of food.
Taking full advantage of the unique social landscape of Varanasi, the academics of this program provide structure to the learning experience, but also grant you the freedom to explore areas of personal interest as they relate to Indian culture and society. Each semester you will study Hindi language and enroll in an integrative core culture course that surveys the sites and resources of the Varanasi community. The semester and academic year program also blends in a combination of independent learning opportunities, including individual and group tutorials focused on expressed areas of interest and an independent research project.
Explore UW in India through photos on Facebook.
Learning Objectives
We have overall Goals and Expectations for Study Abroad Participants, covering the personal, academic and professional aspects of study abroad. Additionally on this program, you can:
The objectives of the semester and academic year programs are:
- To facilitate students' pursuit of their academic interests and understanding of India through an individualized and field-based curriculum;
- To gain competence in Hindi language;
- To hone independent research skills.
Diversity & Inclusion
We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.
Sustainability
We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.
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Eligibility
- Open to UW-Madison degree seeking students and all degree-seeking undergraduate students at a US college or university.
- 2.5 cumulative GPA
- Sophomore, Junior, Senior
- Good academic and disciplinary standing
- At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution
Advising Location
Program Structure
UW Signature
Subjects
South Asian languages, Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
Classroom Language
English, Hindi, Sanskrit, Urdu
Housing
Apartments, Local Hosts, Rented Room
Program Duration
Academic Year: Mid-August - Early May
Fall: Mid-August - Mid-December
Spring: Mid-January - Early May
Application Deadline(s)
Future durations will be posted at a later date.
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This experience kick-started my career and definitely changed my understanding of what modern India looks like.
- Kathryn O.
Semester program
This academic program combines traditional classroom-based learning with experience-based learning, both in and around the city of Varanasi. Together, the various components present an academic experience that will expose you to the depth and complexity of Indian culture and society. You will have the opportunity to study with an extensive network of artists, community leaders, local scholars and program staff, all of whom will share their perspectives while allowing you to broaden your own. Classes are held in classrooms in the program house, which serves as a center of operations, including cultural activities and guest lectures. The program house also has a library and computers for student use.
The semester program includes the following courses:
1. Core Program Courses: You will take two courses that explore contemporary Indian social and cultural phenomena in an historical context.
1. Gender, Caste, Community: Urban Geography in Context (3 credits)
2. Ritual, Pilgrimage and Pluralism: the Practice of Religion in India (3 credits)
2. Hindi language course (beginning - advanced): The intensive Hindi language program combines a focus on spoken Hindi, where you can refine your speaking skills, while expanding your vocabulary, as well as time spent on reading and writing. (3-4 credits)
3. Cultural or language tutorial: A tutorial allows you to further explore a topic of interest in either Indian Performing and Fine Arts (mahendi, weaving, classical Indian dance, etc.), language (additional Hindi or Urdu), or community-based learning. In a personalized setting, you will receive instruction from practicing artists and language scholars. You’ll have reading and writing assignments, but much of the learning is by doing. (3 credits)
4. Directed Field Study: This field study combines a series of seminars on research methodology with independent research. You have the freedom to select your own research topic, which must be approved by the program. Past participants have pursued topics in religion studies, philosophy, political science, public health, environmental studies, psychology, education and economics. Program staff will connect you with contacts in Varanasi who may include local scholars, practitioners, community members, etc. knowledgeable about your area of interest. This facilitates unique access to resources and information that you will use in gathering information and data for your directed research paper and final presentation. (3 credits)
In total, you receive 15-16 credits for a semester of study.
Academic Year program
The academic year program follows the general course outline of the semester model. Additionally, participating in both semesters gives you the opportunity to explore two tutorials on topics of interest, work on a more in-depth independent study research project, and further immerse yourself in Varanasi's culture.
1. Core Program Courses: You will take one of the core courses each semester.
2. Hindi language: You will take 3-4 credits of Hindi language each semester.
3. Cultural or language tutorial: You will take two tutorials each semester. Stay with your tutorial for two semesters, and achieve greater mastery of your chosen topic.
4. A more in-depth directed field study that takes advantage of the additional time and resources that you will have access to over your year of study in Varanasi.
Foreign Courses
CET India Semester and Year Programs
Course Equivalents
Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents