Social Justice and Sustainability in India

Visit to Parikrma school - December 2016

School of Social Work Field Director, Dr. Jennifer Harrison, is a part of the faculty-led Broncos Abroad study abroad opportunity in India.  After a successful trip in December 2016, she is excited to once again share this opportunity with students during the fall 2017 semester.

The Social Justice and Sustainability in India program will take place during fall 2017, with travel to Bengaluru and Kochi, India from December 8-22, 2017. The course focus (3 credit hours) is on sustainability, social justice, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) in India.

This is an interprofessional course within the College of Health and Human Services, and a sister course to the Haworth College of Business course. Designed to intentionally embed learners in business and health services together, this course allows students to explore social justice and sustainability in business, social services, and health services together through their individual and shared lens.

India has the fastest growing free market economy in the world, and is predicted to become the third largest economy by 2020. It is the world's largest democracy.  100 of the Fortune 500 have a presence in India. At the same time, however, India struggles with a number of environmental, health, and social challenges including toxic air pollution in its urban centers, poverty, hunger, and health and human rights issues. This study abroad will  provide exposure to the spectrum of inequality across India and allow students to critically analyze sustainable and just practitioners' roles in society. 

Valedictory celebration - December 2016

The trip will include a combination of historical site visits, visits to industries and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), an Indian cooking class taught by a chef, dance and cultural programs, yoga instruction and practice, and service-learning experiences. An optional extension (requiring additional fees) will also be offered, allowing students to visit Delhi and Agra, home of the Taj Mahal. That component will run from December 22-25, allowing those travelers to be home the evening of December 25.



Our travel to India is coordinated through Christ University (Bengaluru) and the Rajagiri Business School (Kochi). Both are long-time WMU partners.

Read our blog on Broncos Bloggers Abroad!

Important note: Participants in this program must have a valid Indian tourist visa. More information on visa will be provided during the pre-departure orientation meetings.

Interested in learning more about this study abroad opportunity? Attend an information session!