Frequently Asked Questions & Common Concerns

Please note: dates and rates are tentative at this point.

Where's the application form?
Here it is in PDF format. Download it, print it, and then send it to the address listed on the form.

Are there other forms I will have to fill out if accepted?
Yes, if you are accepted, you will have to fill out medical and liability release forms. You'll also want to download the packing list.

How much will this program cost?
The program is being organized for you at cost. None of us are making any money off the program. We estimate the program to cost between $2,200 - $2,600, depending on participation. This covers you for 6 weeks in India, including 2 weeks of travel around southern India. Airfare, visa, passport costs and independent study for UCSC in the Fall (if you want it) are extra.

Will you require a deposit with the application?
Yes, we will have to make down payments on lodging and other expenses in Auroville. We will require a $500 deposit with your application, which is fully refundable if you are not accepted to the program, if the program is cancelled for any reason, or if you submit a written note of cancellation before the application deadline (June 20th). After that, $100 is non-refundable. After June 30th, none of it is refundable (that's 4 weeks from departure).

Can I get financial aid for this program?
Tuition for the 5 to 10 Independent Study units needs to be paid to the University of California, Santa Cruz. You will need to check with the financial aid department whether you meet the minimum requirements for aid. The program fee for the stay in India cannot be covered by financial aid, as this is not a registered course at the university.

Can I get college credit for this program?
Yes, if you are a UCSC student. You will have to register and pay for 5 units of Independent Study (IS) during the fall quarter of 2005. Professor Triloki Pandey will offer Anthropology IS units. If you need units in another department, you'll have to find an advisor willing to offer you the units through that department. We are currently exploring whether Annapurna Pandey will be able to offer 5 more IS units in Anthropology.

Can I participate if I am not a UCSC student?
Yes, but UCSC students will have priority if the program fills (15 students max). If you are not taking the course for credit, you will have to demonstrate a commitment to fully participating in the program and coursework.

What's the maximum number of participants?
We can take a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 15 students. UCSC students taking Independent Study units will have first priority.

Do I need health insurance for India?
Yes, we will require that you prove that your health insurance covers you while traveling in India. Before leaving, you will need to fill out a confidential medical history so that we can arrange for proper care in an emergency.

Do I need any shots?
We advise you to consult with your physician, but highly recommend Hepatitis A shots. You should start them now.

Will I need a passport?
Yes. If you don't have a passport, apply for one now (at the post office). If you have one, make sure it's valid through September 25th (you may want to stay in India for a few weeks after the program is over).

Will I need a visa?
Yes, you will need a tourist visa for India. Please consult with us before filling out the visa application form. A tourist visa applied for in the morning can be picked up in the afternoon at the Indian Consulate in San Francisco.

Under what circumstances could this program be cancelled?
The course can be cancelled due to low enrollment, if a professor emergency occurs, or to ensure your well-being and safety.

I'd like to know more about Auroville, where do I start?
Check out Auroville's website, and if it's overwhelming, then refer to it's site map.

Do you have any tips for flights?

You can shop around for flights, but they will most probably cost between $1,400 and $1,600. You want to fly to Chennai (code MAA), preferably from San Francisco (SFO).

For international flights it is often best to use a travel agent. There are many. Last year we used the following travel agent. He remembers the program, and has promised us his best rates. If you use him, then please let Salim know you were referred by Nilauro from Auroville International for the student program to Auroville near Pondicherry. He knows us, is giving us good rates and good customer service.

The Travel agent's name is Salim

Four Star Travels
Pruneyard Shopping Center Tower one
1901 S. Bascm Avenue
Campbell, CA 95008
Ph: 408-371-4900 x 12
Fax: 408-371-0935

Singapore Airlines: approx $1425 (rates for this summer not yet published).
No penalty fee for changing return date, can fly open jaws (fly into one city, fly out of another city). You can ask for a hotel for $25 or so in Singapore, then arrive in India well rested. Travel Time: 34hrs 10min

Malaysian Airlines: leave between Jul 8 – Aug 20: $1400 FROM LAX not SFO! Additional $120 to get from SFO to LAX. Have to clear customs in LA on the way back, which can be a hassle. If changing return date once in India, penalty fee charged, and they WON’T change your connecting flight within the USA (additional change penalty for interal-US flight).

Cathay Airlines: DON’T go with Cathay; the flight into Chennai is an Air India flight, which is notoriously late or cancelled. If you need the cheapest flight, and have a flexible schedule, this might work for you.

Over Atlantic/Europe: More expensive, and penalty for changing return date.

For More Information

Please email us. If you want us to call you, please indicate so in your email.