GEO Ready Faculty-Led Programs in Bengaluru, India

About the program

Bengaluru, India, is an ideal location to study public health and traditional medicine due to its combination of advanced healthcare research and rich traditional medical heritage. The city offers access to leading hospitals, research institutes, and biotech innovation, alongside opportunities to learn about Ayurveda, Yoga, and other integrative health systems. Its diverse population provides real-world exposure to public health challenges in both urban and rural contexts, making it a dynamic learning environment.

Bengaluru is India's third largest city with more than 13 million people. It was founded in the sixteenth century by a Hoysala king and was ruled by the Maharajas of Mysore throughout much of its history. Today it is the capital of the state of Karnataka and one of India’s most modern cities with malls, espresso shops, nightclubs, and multi-cuisine restaurants. Bengaluru is at the heart of the information technology and business outsourcing boom in South Asia, and many multinational high-tech companies have offices here. Its abundance of parks and gardens, many built by the British Raj, has earned it the nickname "Garden City." It also is endowed with a pleasant sub-tropical climate (55°-80°F). March through May is the warmest season and most of the rain falls between June and September.

Program options and components

The following are logistics and services that can be incorporated into the GEO Ready Faculty-Led program. Please note: Availability of services and activities listed are not guaranteed until confirmed, and the final number of activities are determined based on length of stay.

Academic and co-curricular opportunities

• Classroom space: Classroom space provided through USAC's host institution, Christ University.
• Up to four guest lectures or presenters. Sample topics include:
  • Introduction to Indian Traditional Medicine Systems
  • Social Determinants of Health
  • Comparative Medicine: Traditional vs. Modern Approaches
  • Community Health Traditions and Local Healing Practices
• Up to four co-curricular activities or visits related to academic area. Examples include:
  
  • Hospital visit to compare traditional medicine practices with Western medicine.
  • Hospital visit to observe patient care, public health programs, and hospital management.
  • Ayurvedic Clinic visit to learn about Ayurveda, Yoga therapy, and other traditional medicine practices.
  • Urban slum or Rural community health center visit: Guided, supervised engagement in public health outreach and preventive programs.
• Optional Service-Learning. Examples include:
  
  • Partner with Christ University Center for Social Action Community Health Awareness Campaigns.
  • Work with Ayurveda clinics or local healers to document traditional health practices.
  • Observe public health services in a hospital setting, patient flow, and community health challenges.
  • Village visit to understand women and children health and nutrition programs.
    
• Courses: Course identified and taught by Institution's faculty. Course, academic content, syllabus, and credit determined by Institution. No USAC credit is given, and cost of instruction is not included in the program.

Cultural immersion and site experiences

Local site activities

• City tour led by a professional guide or USAC staff.
• Buddy program with a local student
• 1-3 local site activities. Examples include:
  
  • Neighborhood walking tour
  • Local cuisine tour
  • Bollywood movie
  • Explore local markets
  • Learn basic Kannada language
  • Yoga class
  • Bollywood dance class
  • Indian cooking class

Day trip

Visit Mysore known as “The City of Palaces.” Explore ancient historical sites such as the Srirangapatna Fort, the statue of Bahubali in Shravanabelagola, the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, and St. Philomena's Church. You’ll also visit the Maharaja's palace to explore its exquisite carvings and precious works of art.

Optional add-on: Overnight trip

After two weeks in Bengaluru, there is an option to add an additional one-week tour of South India (Kochi/Cochin, Munnar, Alleppey) or North India (Jaipur, Agra, Delhi). Destination will depend on the season and heat.

What's included