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Retreats are part of a continuing structured curriculum
that allows fellows to explore topics pertinent to India as the fellowship's
experiences put them into perspective. During the six-week program, students
will have the chance to explore various areas across India. Fellows will do so
in three ways:
1. At least one weekend retreats will be at select locations in
Gujarat or Maharashtra.
Fellows will be taken to various regions near to Surat. Through these
local retreats,
students will be able to experience a nearby yet different
atmosphere. In 2004, fellows
visited Sewa Rural in
Jaghadeeya, GJ, and Ekal Vidyalaya in Palghar, MH.
2. During the final days of
MedicIndia, fellows will be taken to another area in Western
India. This
extended retreat will also give students time to reflect on their past weeks
and
will give them the opportunity to be in contact with other MedicIndia students.
In
2004, fellows visited
Matheran, GJ.
3. For one weekend, fellows will be given the
opportunity to visit family / friends in India.
This was built into the
MedicIndia program as fellows are asked to refrain from visiting
family and friends at
other times throughout the program. Please note that MedicIndia
will not be responsible
for costs incurred during this weekend.
MedicIndia retreats
are designed to give fellows a broad view of development in India, encourage
reflection, and replenish energy. Furthermore, the retreats allow for planned
breaks from continuous immersion within the project community. The retreat
structure allows fellows to reenergize and collectively solve problems regarding
their communitiy. Furthermore, fellows may deepen their
understanding of India. Fellows will be encouraged to share reflective
experiences and further personal and group dynamics. |