In the Orientation & Education Phase, you’ll receive an introduction to the cultures of Sikkim and be gradually immersed in them through activities taking place in both urban and rural settings. Structured individual and group experiences guide you through the process of acclimating to your new cultural environment. These learning activities support positive cross-cultural interactions with the community. Individual involvement is highly encouraged, and with the tools provided, you’ll be able to create your own unique immersion experience. This first phase is approximately one-third of your total journey, so that by the time you move into the Community Service Phase of the program, you will have a strong foundation of understanding for this unique culture and will feel comfortable, knowledgeable, and ready to make a real contribution.

Below you’ll find descriptions of each of the components you can expect on The India Cultural Immersion Experience: Sikkim program.

Home Stay in Gangtok
One of the most effective ways of integrating into a new culture is through a home stay. By living as a member of a local family in Sikkim’s capital city Gangtok, you will gain unique opportunities to connect with people of the community on a very personal level. In our experience, the rewards of a home stay can be transformative and lasting. Our host families have been carefully selected to provide you with a welcoming and caring home environment that is clean and comfortable. Each family has a genuine interest in cultural exchange, and at least one family member speaks English. During the time you live in Gangtok, you will have easy access to modern conveniences such as email, phone, public transportation, a variety of shops and restaurants, and more.

Nepali Language Training
Language skills are one of the most useful tools for understanding many aspects of another culture. We offer an introduction to basic Nepali (the official language of Sikkim) to all participants. You do not need any specific language skills prior to participating in the program. Classes are taught by a professional language trainer in our program classroom. Local people are eager to communicate with foreigners, and the home stay is a great place to practice your new language skills. Gaining even a basic command of the local language can open many doors of opportunity for contact with the Sikkimese people.

Cultural Seminars and Current Events Discussions
At intervals during the course of the Orientation & Education Phase, we arrange for guest speakers to present lively discussions on subjects of interest related to Sikkimese culture. Customs, religion, history, people of Sikkim, the arts, Buddhism, food, geography, education, and health precautions are among some of the subjects addressed. Whether in an urban or rural setting, we also have regular informal discussions about current events, which help participants understand the subtleties of the culture in the areas we visit. You are encouraged to delve deeper into topics of particular interest in the seminars and discussions.

Exploration of Cultural and Historical Sites
The magical city of Gangtok and its environs are home to a vast array of important Buddhist and Hindu religious sites and ancient monuments. Among the most famous are Rumtek Monastery (the largest monastery in Sikkim, covered with murals, Tibetan paintings and frescoes), the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (the world's largest collection of books and rare manuscripts on Mahayana Buddhism), Enchey Monastery (the 200 year old sacred and peaceful residence of the guardian spirits of the region), and the Government Institute of Cottage Industry (dedicated to the preservation and propagation of authentic Sikkimese arts, handicrafts, and skills of local and village artisans). Gangtok is a modern city with bustling commercial centers and business development. Participants will be introduced to this exciting city and given the chance to explore all it has to offer.

Introduction to Yoga and Meditation
Early morning yoga and meditation instruction are offered to those who wish to take advantage of a wonderful opportunity to learn these age-old practices, which benefit body, mind, and spirit.

Village Home Stays
You’ll visit several rural areas outside of Gangtok to learn about village life. During these overnight excursions, stay with local families, discuss the current events of the village, share local food and drink, enjoy a folk dance performance, take a day hike in the region, and much more. English-speaking cultural interpreters accompany the group to facilitate the learning process and aid in translation whenever necessary.

Educational Excursion in West Sikkim
Our multi-day Educational Excursion in magnificent West Sikkim is a grand opportunity to experience the breathtaking landscape of the mighty Himalaya. This enlightening village to village excursion offers an exciting and adventurous change of pace from that of the classroom and other urban learning experiences. It’s a time to put newly acquired skills to work to further enhance your understanding and appreciation of this spectacular land and its people.

Heading out from Gangtok, you’ll find yourself traversing some truly amazing terrain as we approach the grandeur of the Himalaya. During this excursion, we learn first-hand about life in rural Sikkim and its history while meeting a variety of local people along the way. This is an intriguing and enjoyable way to reinforce and expand upon your urban learning experiences. The excursion includes activities such as hiking, exploration of significant cultural and historical sites, including the Kunpheling Tibetan Refugee Settlement; visits to various monasteries and government schools; lively discussions about current events in the region; exploration of villages along the way; learning about the art and science of tea-growing at a well-known tea plantation; and overnight stays in local homes and guest houses.

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