India

Join us as we travel to the state of Maharashtra, India, to work with and learn from the amazing community of the Maher Ashram. Founded nearly 30 years ago by Sr. Lucy Kurien to empower rural communities and care for the vulnerable people of Pune, Maher has created an impressive legacy of service, education, and transformation, gaining both national and international recognition. As an official UN-registered NGO, Maher is committed to interfaith and non-sectarian work. From humble origins in Pune, the organization has grown to spread across 7 states of India and touch the lives of more than 85,000 people. Sr. Lucy came to Nazareth in the Spring of 2024 as a distinguished keynote speaker for the Shannon Chair Lecture Series. She knows Nazareth well and welcomes us to join her community and learn about the high impact work that is done every day, and in ways both small and big.

Students will also have the opportunity to spend a half day exploring Pune, known variously as India's "Oxford of the East", and most livable city in the country. At the end of the program, we will travel to Mumbai, India's financial capital and city with the largest population. There are many famous temples, forts, and other cultural attractions to see that will round out our journey. 

SPARK Grant:

Qualifying freshmen, sophomore, and transfer students can use their SPARK Grant for this short-term study abroad program.

Program Details

Program Dates

Program dates are still to be determined. 

Program Itinerary

The itinerary for 2028 is to be determined. 

Program Costs & Funding

Program costs are to be determined. 

Program Fee Includes:

  • Round trip airfare
  • All program activities, excursions, & entrance fees
  • All in-country transportation
  • All accommodations
  • All meals included in itinerary
  • International travel and medical insurance

Does NOT include:

  • Passport (apply for or renew your passport as soon as possible if you'd like to participate in this program. The current wait time for a passport is around 8-12 weeks.)
  • Meals/snacks not included in the itinerary
  • Miscellaneous expenses (souvenirs, spending money, etc.)

Funding Sources:

For SPARK eligible students, you will receive the $1,500 SPARK Grant from the Center for Life's Work.

For non-SPARK eligible undergraduate students you may be eligible for some funding from the Center for International Education. 

Accommodations

During this program students will stay on-site at the Maher Ashram. Space and resources are limited for volunteers and we will be asked to adjust to "group living." The rooms are basic, with single beds and ceiling fans. Baths/showers may have electric or solar powered heating and involve using a bucket to pour water over you. At the end of the program while in Mumbai, you will stay at a hotel close to the water.

Vaccination Guidance

Visit the following sites to see the recommended immunizations and medications for your program. Talk with your family and your physician to understand which ones you may need to travel. 

CDC 

Passport Health

U.S. Department of State

Views from Mumbai:

    Views from Abroad

      Maher Ashram
      Pune
      Maher Ashram

      At A Glance

      Term: Summer A 2028 

      Program Level: Undergraduate & Graduate Students

      Program Type: Experiential Learning 

      Major(s): This program is open to all majors but is also well suited for the following majors:

      • Communication Sciences & Disorders/Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences
      • CYD
      • Education
      • Musical Therapy
      • Occupational Therapy
      • Physical Therapy
      • Psychology
      • Public Health
      • Religious Studies
      • Social Work

      Language Requirement: None

      Minimum GPA Requirement: 2.5