ABOUT THE INSTITUTE Staff Institute Evaluation Application Contact Links Acknowledgments Articles From Asia   BELIZE & CENTRAL AMERICA PROGRAM Introduction Program Overview Requirements Itinerary Institute Evaluation Belize Frequently Asked Questions Program Fees Application   ASIA PROGRAM Introduction India Overview Thailand Overview Requirements Itinerary Asia Frequently Asked Questions Program Fees Application   ADDITIONAL INFORMATION American Consular: Asia Belize British Consular: Asia - India Nepal Thailand Central America - Belize Guatemala	Visit the top of the world this Summer Ladakh, India- There is a place where Tibetan people and culture still live freely. The western-most part of the Tibetan Plateau offers beautiful mountains, monasteries, and people. The IVS is planning a trip from approximately June 26-Aug 2. We are looking for students who thrive on a balance of academic field research, volunteer work and personal discovery. Join us if: You have an interest in the land, people, and thought of the Himalayan region. you are comfortable taking initiative in field research. you want to help resilient, resourceful but challenged people. you think independently and can work well with others. you want to know what's up there. We will: Assess community assets and needs in the Ladakh area as a basis for future work. Volunteer time and talents in efforts defined by our hosts as constructive. Trek in very remote Himalayan areas. Visit monasteries, cultural sites and villages of Tibetans and other mountain people. Travel over Himalayan passes to Dharmsala, India, home of the Dalai Lama. You can: Work with Tibetan students from the orphans' school in Ladakh, teach English to monks and/or work with local public health resources. Do field research in an area of personal interest. Earn credit with support of a WWU faculty member Explore Tibetan civilization encompasses a variety of different tribal and cultural groups, each with distinct aspects. The Ladakhi's are typically unique. They have long had sporadic contact with Hindu India. In more recent centuries Muslim traders from central Asia have also left an imprint. Yet Ladakh's geographic isolation has enabled it to remain Tibetan in basic language, culture and devotion to Vajrayana Buddhism. As the Chinese occupied Tibet in 1959, the Indian army met their advance. In 1962 a ceasefire line was established that left Ladakh under Indian administration. Opened to visitors only in 1974, this remote area is only recently experiencing the Western impact. The goal of growing economically while preserving cultural integrity is being pursued now. New modes of development are needed in Ladakh for this goal to be achieved. The first trip of our organization to Ladakh this summer comes as an outgrowth of our work with Tibetans in Dharmasala. We are excited that Tibetan and Indian friends have encouraged us to visit Ladakh, become involved and see how we can be helpful. We have a great opportunity to expand the scope of our study/service network. And we have a rich learning experience to offer to students. In our experience "first trips" always have a special identity. We have only a clear starting point for our work and exploration in Ladakh. While we value accountability and some structure, we are blazing a new trail this summer. Flexibility, spontaneity, and a spirit of adventure will be survival skills for all of us who participate.		"Work is love made visible." - Kahlil Gibran
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