IU School of Education faculty, students and local teachers traveled to India this summer to teach a three-week academic literacy course to college students living in Delhi. While there, they worked with six different universities and served more than 60 students. 

“Students were engaged from day one,” said Clinical Associate Professor Sharon Daley. “They openly discussed difficult issues and thought critically about many aspects of those issues. They worked together to develop arguments and counter arguments for a chosen audience, and their intelligence and willingness to debate their points of view contributed to their learning.”

The initiative focused on critical thinking, global citizenship and inquiry into social justice issues. The Indian students created and shared projects that focused on issues such as third gender, mental health and access to health care. 

The team included Monroe County Community School Corporation teachers Megan Handel and Michelle Hatfield and doctoral student and associate instructor Katheryn Periasamy Purcell. The partnership was funded and supported by the Regional English Language Office at the U.S. Embassy in Delhi, and would also have not been possible without the support of Zafeena Suresh and Minu Thomas from the IU India Gateway in New Delhi.

“The IU-Delhi staff made our stay delightful, and the site's support services were wonderful,” said Associate Professor Mary Beth Hines. “Perfect place for faculty to cultivate local partnerships, hold classes, sponsor lectures and conduct meetings." 

See more about the experience on the team’s Instagram.