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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - ASIA
Why should I travel with the Institute for Village Studies?
Some travel without a map on fortune's wing. Others need a map. We
offer experience in Asia and a network of friends and colleagues in areas
such as the Himalayas, Thailand and India. Our mission is to provide community service on the village level. Our students teach in schools among other activities. We are like the Peace Corps/Teach for America only our perspective is grass roots up, not government down. We're more alchemists than anthropologists. We want to transform our students and save the world one student at a time.
What can I study?
Each student has a focused project and course of study through a designed individual contract with one or more of our faculty. You can expect a great deal of flexibility in both the design and structure of your work.
What should I do to prepare?
You will be required to attend an Orientation Session on San Juan Island
(times TBA), where we will introduce you to Buddhist, Islamic, and Hindu
philosophy. In general, you should read as much and as deeply as you can,
and we will send you a bibliography when you are accepted into the program.
Little that you read, however, will prepare you adequately. Empty your mind
and open your eyes and heart. India is too big and complicated for words.
Start with a low hum and work your way into song.
Can I travel on my own or must I stay with the group?
Independent travel during the course of the program session is arranged individually, based on student interest and project requirements. Students wishing to stay for additional travel beyond the session may do so, but expect about a $75 addition to your flight cost for changing your return date. Asia offers many exciting travel opportunities. We will help you settle in various sites in Asia with the network that we have there. Our role is to try to keep you safe and healthy, as well as assist you in completing quality research and community service. You are responsible to us and to the group to follow the laws of each Asian country.
What can go wrong?
Just about anything. Your major concern is assuming a new level of responsibility for maintaining health. While tigers and poisonous snakes are real, most problems arise from less exotic sources: infected cuts and dehydration.
You'll need to keep close track of your passport, project notes, and other personal possessions. You'll need to avoid any legal or bureaucratic problems. The Asian governments do not operate the same way as ours and punishments can be severe.
These and other problems are covered thoroughly in orientation prior to your trip. We are extremely careful and wary. We avoid any obvious danger. We are trained professionals. If you listen to us, you will be safe in Asia.
How can I get academic credit?
Institute credit can be given through your parent institution or is fully transferable through a transcript provided Prescott College.
How many students are in the group?
It varies, but we do not go over fifteen. There are normally two faculty members traveling with you.
What should I bring?
Travel light: you don't need half of what you think you do.
Clothing
A useful website:
www.onebag.com
What you wear is subject to cultural misinterpretations; we will cover this in our orientation. Some additions may be made to the list based on cold weather destinations, since we know we will continue to travel in the Himalayas.
[ ] 1 pair long cotton or cotton/nylon-mix pants
[ ] 1 pair shorts
[ ] 1 pair swim shorts/bathing suit
[ ] 2 tee shirts (no tank tops)
[ ] 1 long sleeve lightweight cotton shirt
[ ] 3 pair cotton or nylon socks and one wool.
[ ] 1 pair lightweight hiking shoes (prefer hi-top, breathable, with firm tread)
[ ] 1 pair Teva type sandals or thongs
[ ] 3 pair loose fitting underwear
[ ] 1 wide brim hat
[ ] 1 lightweight rain jacket or poncho
[ ] 1 modest dress or skirt
[ ] Sweater/fleece
[ ] Long Underwear
Personal Care Products
[ ] 1 quart water bottle and water purification tablets or iodine
[ ] Sunscreen
[ ] Toothbrush, in protective ventilated case
[ ] Toothpaste
[ ] Shampoo
[ ] Soap
[ ] Lip protection
[ ] Insect Repellent (deet for body, permethryn for clothing & tents)
[ ] First Aid Kit including Band-Aids, hydrocortisone, antibiotic creams, ibuprofen, etc)
[ ] Prescription medications with written prescription
Personal Gear
[ ] Passport (color Xerox copy)
[ ] 1 medium size backpack (adaptive or with separate day pack)
[ ] Money belt or pouch worn under clothing
[ ] Sheet sleeping sack
[ ] Lightweight sleeping pad
[ ] 1 lightweight towel
[ ] 1 pair sunglasses
[ ] Whistle
[ ] Pocket Knife
[ ] Camera
[ ] Film
[ ] Binoculars (optional)
[ ] Journal
[ ] Pen and Pencil
[ ] Lightweight flashlights with batteries
[ ] Watch
[ ] International Student ID
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