Students Bridge Campuses, Cultures, and Communities with Hands-On Learning in India

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Ten Georgetown University students from campuses in the United States and Qatar recently came together in India for an immersive research experience as part of the interdisciplinary course Indian Ocean Research Colloquium.

Students gather around a glass display case as an archivist explores an open tome on top of it.

Taught simultaneously across continents, the two-semester-long course explores the cultural, historical, and social dynamics of the Indian Ocean world through the combined lenses of history, literature, and anthropology.

Students enrolled in the jointly offered course furthered their learning by spending a week in Goa and Kerala. Accompanied by their professors, they visited sites of religious, cultural, and historical importance. For many tourists to India, it is a land of historical wonders. “From a 12th century synagogue in  Kochi to grand historic mansions that are testament to the wealth and power of the Portuguese empire in Goa, the students witnessed a huge swathe of the past,” shared Professor Chakravarti, adding:  “At the same time it was important that the students understand that India is a complex modern nation.” 

During an early morning visit to a deep-sea fish auction, students spoke to the fishermen driving the economy of modern Kochi. Meetings with artists, academics, archivists and publishers gave students a glimpse of the cultural and intellectual life of contemporary Goa.

Learn more at GU-Qatar’s webpage depicting the wonderful work our students were able to accomplish.