Download a PDF of the 2013 Interim Semester Handbook.

The Auroville CommunityGS10South IndiaGLOBAL STUDIESSponsorRick BissetRich ModicaPriceS$2,600 (includes Visa +Scholarship Donation)Course Length7 daysDescriptionEssential Question: What can we learn from the Auroville community?Following our direct flight to Chennai (formerly Madras), we will fly to Tanjorefor one night where we will visit temples and enjoy Indian city life. Next, we’llride a train to Auroville (www.auroville.org) where we will stay for four nights.The Auroville community has thrived since its founding in 1968 so that today,Auroville is a worldwide model of environmental sustainability. Duringour visit, we will sample the organically grown foods, visit museums, eatvegetarian meals, learn how to ride an electric bicycle, work on a farm, visitthe Aikiyam elementary school and donate books to the library and cyclethe red-dirt back-roads of Auroville.We will live like the Aurovillians! During our visit, we’ll drive 25 km and spendtime in the coastal village of Pondicherry, a former French colony. Here, wewill explore the French and Indian sections of the city, including the seasidepromenade. Other days will be spent visiting temples. After experiencingthe culture of India for six days, we’ll spend our last 24 hours at a seasideresort.Post-Interim Experience:Online ReflectionsObjectives• Students will experience the varied, colorful and multi-ethnic life ofSouth India.• Students will have an increased awareness and sensitivity toenvironmental issues by visiting and participating in activities atAuroville.• Students will be exposed to the rich Hindu culture manifested at varioustemples.• Visiting South Indian cities like Tanjore, Pondicherry and Chennaiand points-in-between (in addition to the Auroville objective), exposesstudents to an economic, social and cultural understanding of SouthIndian life.• In partnership with the Aikiyam School (www.auroville.org/education/village_schools/aikiyam_school, we have set-up a Scholarship Trustwhereby two students per year from Auroville will have their 4-yearuniversity education provided at Pondicherry University (www.pondiuni.edu.in). Over the past five years, we have contributed approximatelySGD $500 from the cost of the interim to the scholarship trust.RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Active participation in all pre-trip activities and meetings. (As well,students will participate fully in all scheduled activities on the trip.)• Select a research topic and develop a brief presentation on places wewill visit and activities we will do.Post-Course requirements:• Completion and submission of a Daily Journal.• LOTS of photos which will be used on the Course Web Site.• Planning and Execution of Course Web Site.SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL interim semester HANDBOOK 41