College Students Embark on BW's 'Discovering India' Program

From BW: Students from our area were among 22 students who participated in BW's "Discovering India" program, a transformative learning experience in Bangalore, New Delhi and Agra, during the fall 2016 semester. The following local students participated:

Destini Cleveland of Cleveland (44118), a graduate of Shaker Heights High School majoring in accounting.
Gabriella Martinez of South Euclid (44121), a graduate of Charles F. Brush High School majoring in psychology.

Salina Salamah of Olmsted Falls (44138), a graduate of Olmsted Falls High School majoring in biology.
Dominique Williams of Cleveland (44122), a graduate of John Marshall High School majoring in management.

As one of the fastest growing economies in the world, India is in the midst of tremendous social and economic change. Students completed a semester-long course providing an in-depth understanding of India's culture, social institutions and business environment before making the 14-day trip led by BW sociology professor Jill Stephens Fleisher, Ph.D. and business professor Narasimha Mohan, MBA.

The time in India exposed students to sustainable practices in educational, business and community settings. Students also had an opportunity to visit many cultural and historical sites, including the ISKCON Temple in Bangalore, the Mahatma Gandhi Museum, Humayun's Tomb, the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.

BW senior William Anastasiadis had this to say about the trip, "'Discovering India' was quite the immersive experience. I was not only able to apply my knowledge about Indian public health disparities, gender stratification and family structure, but I was ultimately given the opportunity to see these sociological concepts in action."

The BW Study Abroad Center engages students through global exploration and off-campus study that enhances personal growth, educational enrichment and career development as part of the university's liberal arts effort to cultivate contributing and compassionate citizens. Through faculty-led and independent study abroad opportunities, students can build strong communication skills, enhanced critical thinking and personal confidence from trekking the unknown.

Baldwin Wallace University, founded in 1845, was one of the first colleges to admit students without regard to race or gender. An independent, coeducational university of 4,000 students, BW offers coursework in the liberal arts tradition in 75 academic areas. Located in Berea, 12 miles from downtown Cleveland, BW offers students the cultural, educational and business advantages of a major metropolitan area.

Photos courtesy of Baldwin Wallace University