India Travel Seminar

• Classes:
  • ENGL 580L: (English travel seminar for 1 or 3 credit hours)- undergraduate and graduate students
  • LASI 398 (general travel seminar for 1 or 3 credit hours- used for non-English/Linguistic majors)
• Professors & Trip Leaders: Dr. Mythili Menon & Dr. T.J. Boynton
• Open to all students at WSU - undergraduate and graduate
• Honors students: Earn credit toward your honors requirements with 3 credit hour option

• Connects classroom learning with real-world experiences
• Experience Indian culture through sites, tours, food, discussions and more
• Visit various sites and other places of interest in and around Kochi such as:
  • Tour of Fort Kochi
  • Tour of Jewish Synagogue, Dutch Palace & St. Francis Church
  • Tour of Sree Poornathrayesa Temple
  • Cooking and Art or dance session
  • Day trip to Kodanad Elephant Training Center
  • Sunset boat ride
• Enjoy free time to explore on your own (some mornings, and evenings) to visit other places of interest.  Trip leaders will provide a list of options and suggestions for free time or students can choose to stay with the trip leaders during some of the free time.
• Detailed itinerary will be provided prior to traveling.

*Generally, all travel seminar programs will require a lot of walking and often times, be fast paced with each day packed full of activities.  Please be aware of this type of program when deciding if it would be a good fit for you.  If you have any questions/concerns, please reach out to studyabroad@wichita.edu

Program Fee of $2,340 (Paid to WorldStrides) includes, in-country transportation, international health insurance, hotel, some meals, and cultural/sightseeing activities

Hotel will be shared rooms arranged by WorldStrides.

Additional Costs (not included in program fee)

$2,000 to $2,600 for flight, personal expenses & extra meals not included in program fee

 Cost of tuition for 1 or 3 credit hours at WSU based on spring 2028 tuition rate.

$130 WSU Study Abroad application and administrative fees

Tentative payment deadline for $2,340 program fee: deposit due by September 15^th and remaining fees by mid-October

Scholarships available up to $3,000 for this travel seminar.  September 1^st deadline to apply see website for application:

Scholarship Application

Flights:

• Students will be responsible for purchasing their own roundtrip flight, which provides the student flexibility on when they would like to arrive/depart from Kochi in the case they would like to travel to other cities or have more time in India before or after the program.
• Students will have the option to travel with the professors, Dr. Mythili Menon and Dr. T.J. Boynton or you can purchase with other students to travel together.
• Most flights from Wichita will have 1 layover in the U.S. (typically Chicago or Dallas) and then, one more layover in Abu Dhabi or  Doha before arriving to Kochi, India (COK).  For students arriving with the professors, we will provide transportation from the airport to our hotel organized by WorldStrides.
• Students will be provided with the specific date and time that they should arrive to Kochi, India once flights are booked for the professors.

Housing:

• Students and professors will stay in a hotel organized by WorldStrides in Kochi for the duration of the program (more details will be provided prior to departure).
• Depending on group size and hotel, the rooms for students will be shared (most likely double rooms).
• If students would prefer a private room, that could be possible for an extra fee.

Visas:

• A tourist visa is required for U.S. citizens for India and they provide an E-visa option.  All students will be responsible for obtaining the necessary visa for the trip and we will provide more information during our pre-departure orientation meetings prior to traveling.  The current cost is $43.00 USD per person.  More information regarding the E-visas for India:  e-Visa

Passports:

• Given the requirement for an E-visa, it is very important that students already have a valid passport.  We recommend that students apply for the passport prior to October 2027 and also consider the expedite process if they are applying in August/September.  For more information on applying for passports:  https://www.wichita.edu/services/postoffice/passportacceptance.php

Travel Health/Vaccines:

• Students will have international health insurance coverage provided through our program provider, WorldStrides for this trip which is included in the program fee.  If students decide to travel early or stay longer than the official dates of the program, we recommend that students purchase another international health insurance for those dates.
• For recommendations on vaccines and further health information, please visit the CDC website and check those requirements for India:  https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/india

Background Information on Kerala and Kochi:

• Kerala is a stunning coastal strip famously known as "God’s Own Country." It is a region defined by its green, palm-fringed backwaters and foggy mountains, standing out as one of the most socially progressive and welcoming corners of the subcontinent.
• Kochi, a buzzing waterfront city spread across a beautiful group of islands and peninsulas. For centuries, Kochi was the global epicenter of the spice trade, earning the nickname "Queen of the Arabian Sea." This legendary trading past transformed the city into a fascinating mix of cultures, where Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial architecture stand right alongside centuries-old Jewish neighborhoods and lively local markets. Today, it beautifully balances that old world maritime charm with a highly creative, modern edge, making it an inspiring crossroads of history and contemporary life.

 

Complete the General WSU Study Abroad Application Form.  For more information and to request an application form, visit our Steps to Study Abroad webpage.

Complete payment of $130 WSU Study Abroad application and administrative fees (charged to WSU student account) – once your application has been submitted you will receive instructions on completing these payments.

 

Application deadline: August 25, 2027

Scholarships available

Questions related to the course:

• Dr. Mythili Menon Mythili.menon@wichita.edu

Questions related to the program, application process or scholarships:

• Ann Burger  Ann.burger@wichita.edu