2018 CLS Participant Handbook - Lucknow PDF

Lucknow, India
Summer 2018 Participant Handbook

Compiled and edited by CLS Program staff
Critical Language Scholarship Program
American Councils for International Education
Special thanks to the American Institute of Indian Studies (AIIS)
Copyright 2018
1828 L Street NW, Suite 1200
Washington, D.C. 20036
The Critical Language Scholarship Program is a program of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of
Educational and Cultural Affairs supported in its implementation by American Councils for International
Education.
The CLS Programs in India are administered in partnership with the American Institute of Indian Studies
(AIIS).
2 | LUCKNOW PARTICIPANT HANDBOOK

Contents
Section I: Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................6
CLS Program Overview .........................................................................................................................................................6
Program Structure ..................................................................................................................................................................9
Section II: Academics ................................................................................................................................................................ 11
Language Instruction ............................................................................................................................................................ 11
Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) ....................................................................................................................................... 11
Language Placement ............................................................................................................................................................. 11
Academic and Classroom Expectations ......................................................................................................................... 12
Grading .................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Academic Credit ................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Strategies for Independent Language Learning............................................................................................................ 13
Section III: Program Policies ................................................................................................................................................... 15
CLS Program Policies – Overview .................................................................................................................................... 15
Disciplinary Measures......................................................................................................................................................... 15
Travel Policies ........................................................................................................................................................................ 16
Dependents and Visitors .................................................................................................................................................... 18
The Language Policy ............................................................................................................................................................ 18
Site-Specific Policies ............................................................................................................................................................ 19
Laws.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Alcohol..................................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Drugs ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 19
Other Program Policies and Requirements ................................................................................................................... 19
Section IV: Pre-Program Information ................................................................................................................................. 22
Financial Considerations Abroad .................................................................................................................................... 22
To Do Before Leaving the U.S........................................................................................................................................... 23
Pre-Departure Orientation in Washington, D.C. ........................................................................................................ 25
Arrival to the Host Country .............................................................................................................................................. 26
Alumni Support Network................................................................................................................................................... 27
Section V: Staying Healthy Abroad ..................................................................................................................................... 28
Physical Health ..................................................................................................................................................................... 28
Mental Health & Emotional Well-Being ........................................................................................................................ 29
Staying Healthy in India ..................................................................................................................................................... 32
Section VI: Safety & Security................................................................................................................................................. 37

Important Safety Information........................................................................................................................................... 37
Harassment & Unwanted Attention................................................................................................................................ 41
Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence ...................................................................................................................... 42
Emergency Procedures ......................................................................................................................................................44
Cell Phones ............................................................................................................................................................................44
Evacuations or Suspensions of a CLS Program Site ...................................................................................................44
Prior To your CLS Program................................................................................................................................................44
During your CLS Program .................................................................................................................................................. 45
Safety and Security in India............................................................................................................................................... 45
Section VII: Living in India ...................................................................................................................................................... 46
Introduction to India ........................................................................................................................................................... 46
Visa & Passport Information ............................................................................................................................................ 49
Arrival, Immigration, and Customs................................................................................................................................. 49
Host Family Overview ........................................................................................................................................................ 50
Accommodations ................................................................................................................................................................. 51
Host Family Expectations & Realities............................................................................................................................. 52
Considerations for Female Students .............................................................................................................................. 53
Eating with your Host Family ........................................................................................................................................... 53
Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Food ........................................................................................................................... 54
Street Food ............................................................................................................................................................................ 54
Cultural Differences and Norms ...................................................................................................................................... 55
Appropriate Dress & Clothing Guidelines .................................................................................................................... 58
Classroom Expectations .................................................................................................................................................... 59
Classroom Etiquette ...........................................................................................................................................................60
Local Transportation............................................................................................................................................................ 61
Communication and Technology .................................................................................................................................... 63
Section VIII: Maintaining Your Identity Abroad .............................................................................................................. 66
Your Safety ............................................................................................................................................................................ 66
American Diversity & Racial Stereotypes ..................................................................................................................... 67
Heritage Students ................................................................................................................................................................ 67
Gender Roles ......................................................................................................................................................................... 68
Sexuality ................................................................................................................................................................................. 69
Topics of Conversation ...................................................................................................................................................... 69
Section IX: Returning Home .................................................................................................................................................. 70

Arriving in the U.S................................................................................................................................................................ 70
Re-Entry Resources ............................................................................................................................................................. 70
Joining the CLS Alumni Community ............................................................................................................................... 70
Transcript Requests ............................................................................................................................................................ 72
Appendix: Essential Contact Information .......................................................................................................................... 73
Appendix: Healthcare Facilities............................................................................................................................................ 75
Appendix: Packing List ............................................................................................................................................................ 76
Appendix: Sexual Harassment Policy ................................................................................................................................. 79

Section I: Introduction
Congratulations on receiving a U.S. Department of State Critical Language Scholarship! As a recipient of
this award, you will have the opportunity to live and study this summer in your host country. You will be
able to improve your language skills, learn about local culture, make new friends, and become a more
independent person with a broader perspective on the world.
This handbook has been compiled by American Councils staff to provide you with information that will help
you make your overseas experience a success. It is designed to answer many of the questions you may
have before departure, as well as questions you may have while you are studying and living in your host
country. Please carefully review this handbook and bring either a paper or digital copy with you when you
depart for your host country.
As you prepare for the CLS Program this summer, please note that there are several ways to connect online
with other current program participants, as well as CLS alumni and staff. These online resources can be
used to ask questions, discuss the upcoming summer, and stay in touch after your return.
• U.S. Department of State’s publicly-available social

networks: http://exchanges.state.gov/us/connect.
• CLS Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CLScholarship.
• CLS Instagram: @CLScholarship.
• CLS Twitter: @CLSScholarship.
• CLS Website: www.clscholarship.org. The website is a resource for participants and alumni. The
FAQ page for participants can be found at http://www.clscholarship.org/information-
for/participants.
• After your return, be sure to join the U.S. Department of State’s International Exchange Alumni
community to access additional resources and networks: alumni.state.gov.
If you have a question that is not covered in the handbook, is of a personal nature, requires immediate
attention, or cannot be resolved through online discussion, please contact your CLS Program Officer.
CLS Program Overview

CLS is a program of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The CLS
Program is supported in its implementation by American Councils for International Education in partnership
with local institutions abroad.
CLS is part of a U.S. government effort to expand the number of Americans studying and mastering critical
foreign languages. The program plays an important role in preparing U.S. students for the 21st century’s
globalized workforce, increasing American competitiveness, and contributing to national security. CLS
scholars serve as citizen ambassadors, representing the diversity of the United States abroad and building
lasting relationships with people in their host countries.
Recipients of the Critical Language Scholarship represent nearly all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the District of
Columbia, and over 200 institutions of higher education across the United States, including public and
private universities, liberal arts colleges, minority-serving institutions, and community colleges.

Many people in various organizations are working together to carefully plan the CLS institute, ensure the
continued high quality of the program, and provide a safe and enriching learning environment to all
participants.
U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of State fosters mutual
understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries to promote
friendly and peaceful relations. In an effort to reflect the diversity of the United States and global society,
ECA programs, funding, and other activities encourage the involvement of American and international
participants from traditionally underrepresented groups, including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and
people with disabilities. Artists, educators, athletes, students, youth, and rising leaders in the United States
and more than 160 countries around the globe participate in academic, cultural, sports, and professional
exchanges. ECA exchange program alumni now number more than one million people around the world.
ECA oversees the CLS Program and collaborates closely with American Councils on all aspects of program
implementation.

Since its founding in 1974, American Councils for International Education has developed into one of the
premier education and international training organizations in the United States. American Councils offers
intensive overseas language study and research programs for U.S. undergraduates, graduate students,
teachers, and scholars, as well as U.S. study and professional development programs for international
scholars and professionals. American Councils has representation in more than 30 countries across the
former Soviet Union, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Southeastern Europe. Under a Cooperative
Agreement with ECA, American Councils has been supporting the implementation of the CLS Program
since 2010.
American Institute of Indian Studies

The American Institute of Indian Studies (AIIS) is the in-country partner for the Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi and
Bangla CLS Programs. AIIS is a consortium of 71 American universities with South Asia Studies Centers and
is recognized by the Government of India as an institution of higher learning and research. AIIS has been
instructing American university students and scholars in Indic languages for over 50 years.
AIIS was founded in 1961 to increase and improve understanding between India and the United States
through academic research. The Institute is headquartered in Gurgaon and maintains institute locations in
many other cities in India. The Institute’s broad fellowship program has funded research into diverse topics
such as the effects of economic globalization, urban development and planning, family kinship and village
organization, as well as studies of Indian folklore, Buddhist philosophy, Muslim mystical poetry, ancient
Sanskrit, and Tamil texts. In addition to research fellowships, the AIIS awards fellowships to those who are
involved in the performing and creative arts of India. Finally, the Institute operates intensive language
programs in India for the summer and academic year in Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, Bangla, Tamil, Sanskrit and
other Indian languages, including those that are rarely taught in the United States.
CLS Program Staff

CLS Staff at American Councils in Washington, D.C.
The American Councils staff in Washington, D.C. is your primary contact for questions before and after the
CLS Program. During the program, American Councils works closely with local staff in cases of

emergencies. If you have questions about policies or program-wide concerns, you can contact program
staff in Washington, D.C. Please see the Appendix for a list of essential contact information you’ll need for
the summer.
Jeanette Owen Project Director

Andrew McCullough Assistant Project Director
Stephanie Li Senior Program Officer, Chinese Programs
Nellie Manis Senior Program Officer, Russian and Persian Programs
Janice Feng Program Officer, Indonesian, Japanese and Korean Programs
Kirsten Hagen Program Officer, Arabic Programs
Bo Knutson Program Officer (Interim), Azerbaijani, Turkish and Swahili Programs
Christopher Stiles Program Officer, Chinese Programs
Rhea Vance-Cheng Program Officer, Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi and Bangla Programs
Natasha Bashir Din Program Officer, Data and Reporting (including OPI administration)
Natalie Spencer Program Officer, Recruitment and Selection
Syejeong Kim Program Officer, Alumni Affairs
Claudia Anderson Program Assistant
Exequiel Caceres Program Assistant
Program Officer (PO)

The Program Officer in charge of your site is your primary point of contact in Washington, D.C. for the
weeks leading up to the start of the program, as well as over the summer. The Program Officer is a great
resource for any questions you have about the program structure and host culture during the spring. Over
the summer, the Program Officer will conduct weekly phone calls with your Resident Director to stay
updated on the program. The Program Officer will remain a primary point of contact for you in Washington,
D.C. should you want to discuss any issues or concerns during the summer. Contact information for your
Program Officer is listed in the Appendix.
Resident Director (RD)

Your Resident Director is an American Councils representative at your host institution. The RD will be your
primary contact during the CLS Program. If you have any problems related to health, housing, or academics,
you should talk with your RD. The RD will have a cell phone at all times and will coordinate with Institute
Staff and American Councils staff in Washington, D.C. as appropriate to resolve any issues.
Institute Staff
The Institute Director and other local staff members at your CLS program site are responsible for planning
and overseeing the CLS academic program and cultural activities schedule. They are excellent resources for
information about the culture in your host country, places of interest in your city, and safety. Like your RD,
they are also ready to provide emergency assistance at any time. If you are unable to reach your RD during
an emergency, you should immediately call the Institute Director or other local staff members. Contact
information for the Institute Director and local staff can be found on emergency cards provided by
American Councils at pre-departure orientation and in the Appendix.

Program Structure
The CLS Program is designed to immerse each participant in the daily life of the host culture, while also
providing structured and unstructured opportunities to acquire and practice the target language.
Academics
CLS is first and foremost a rigorous academic program. You will have approximately twenty hours of class
per week, with two to three hours of homework each night. Shortly after arriving in the host country you will
be asked to sign an agreement to abide by a language policy that requires you to speak only the language
you are studying. For detailed information on the Academic portion of the CLS Program, please refer
to Section II: Academics.
Excursions and Activities

You will likely have one overnight excursion and several day trips or afternoon excursions in addition to
weekly cultural activities. You will receive more information about excursions at your on-site orientation.
Please remember that participation in all excursions and activities is mandatory. If you have special needs
while travelling (such as medication that needs to be kept cold, or other special arrangements) please
inform your RD and institute staff well in advance of the excursion.
Language Partners
Language Partners are local students, or other community members who are carefully selected to work
closely with CLS participants on a weekly basis to practice the target language in a less formal setting.
Language Partners support participants’ studies, enhance their conversational skills and provide insights
into the host city, its people, culture and traditions. Language Partners are required to speak with students
in the target language and will be prohibited from speaking in English per the language policy.
When researching your host city, think about some activities that would be fun to do with your Language
Partner. In the past, CLS students have enjoyed participating in the following activities with their Language
Partners, which allowed them further insight into local culture:
• Visiting a café/restaurant
• Meeting friends of a Language
Partner
• Going to a concert, museum or other
popular site in the city
• Inviting a Language Partner on a
short trip/outing
• Asking about slang or common
phrases and idioms
Throughout the summer, you should be

prepared to make suggestions to your
Language Partner about potential activities
and topics to explore. Your Language Partner
may also have suggestions for you. To create
a successful relationship with your Language Partner, we encourage you to be flexible and open to new
things while also sharing your own interests.

Note: Activities that you suggest to your Language Partner should not involve a monetary expense. If
you would like to suggest an activity that does bear some cost, please consider paying the expense
and/or be understanding if they decline to participate in the activity.

Section II: Academics
Language Instruction
All CLS students will take intensive language courses for 20 hours each week. These courses will develop
your reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills – and provide you with opportunities to practice them in
appropriate contexts. You are expected to participate actively in your learning process, which includes
taking advantage of opportunities to speak and ask questions during class. You will also be expected to
study outside of class and complete all class assignments, which may include up to three hours of
homework each day.
It is important to remember that the CLS Program selects students from diverse fields of study and
language learning experiences. Please be respectful of your peers’ interests and learning styles, and
understand that the class may spend time on general vocabulary or grammar concepts you have already
learned. The goal of the CLS Program is to help you master the language so that you can effectively
communicate with people of other cultures. Throughout the summer there may be a variety of situations
that are not directly tailored to your own personal language learning interests, but we encourage you to
keep an open mind.
Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI)

Before the program, you will be required to take a diagnostic phone-based test of your speaking skills called
an Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI), administered by Language Testing International. The OPI test is scored
on the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) scale, a nationally recognized
rating system for measuring language proficiency. Proficiency tests are designed to measure what you are
able to communicate, or “do” with language, such as talk about yourself, describe something, ask and
answer questions, hypothesize), rather knowledge of specific grammatical formulas or vocabulary. How
well you do on the test does not affect your participation in the program. The test provides some insights to
help with the placement process, but it is not the sole factor as the levels are very broad, and it only
measures speaking skills. You will go through additional placement measures once you arrive at the
program site.
Near the end of the program, you will take a second OPI test, similar in nature to the first test. The second
test will be a certified version, and after the satisfactory completion of all program requirements you will
receive both scores along with a certified proficiency rating that can be included in your resume or CV. The
CLS Program compares the pre- and post-program test scores in aggregate form as a way to demonstrate
effectiveness of the program for language learning. You will receive more information about the OPI from
CLS staff before you begin the CLS Program.
Language Placement
Within your first few days in your host country, you will take a language test to determine class placement.
Note that the test is for placement purposes only, and there is no placement outcome that will adversely
affect your participation in the program (e.g., testing at the intermediate level despite applying for CLS at
the advanced level). Due to the widely varying language programs in the United States, you may be placed
at a different level than you anticipate, or your perception of your level may differ from the one the
placement test shows. Most times, the placement from testing is accurate; however, if you find yourself
over- or underwhelmed in your classes after the first week, please speak to your RD and the institute staff

about changing your class placement. We will do our best to ensure that all participants are placed in the
most appropriate classes.
Academic and Classroom Expectations

During the CLS Program, you will study alongside “Our instructors were brilliant. They were
students from many different educational institutions excellent teachers who pushed us to learn
and with instructors whose methods and techniques material fast, were patient and made us feel
may differ from those you have encountered in the U.S. comfortable practicing our speaking skills
or elsewhere. American Councils and our local partners inside and outside of the classroom. They
have invested substantial resources in developing a accommodated different skill levels within
strong academic program. This includes training in- the classroom and went above and beyond
country instructors, sending staff and language- to ensure that every student had the
teaching experts to partner sites, and carefully attention they needed to learn most
reviewing student evaluations of existing programs so effectively. They were kind and made class
that adjustments can be made as necessary. fun. I could not have asked for better
instructors.” -2017 Indic Alumni
Although CLS staff work to make your academic
transition as smooth as possible, you should expect
some differences in academic culture between your host country and the United States. Part of the
language-learning experience is growing to understand how a different culture views the academic process.
Your instructors will be trained and experienced teachers who are familiar with using the available
materials and curriculum, and interacting with foreigners, but they may not use the same systems or
methods you are familiar with in the U.S., and they may not have the same expectations for the classroom
as your American teachers do. As such, you should prepare to be patient and flexible as you adapt to the
educational offerings of your CLS host institution.
More information about the classroom experience in your host country can be found in Section VII: Living in
India.
Grading
You will be given grades by your instructors. Your grades will be assigned based on a variety of factors that
will be determined by individual instructors. Primary forms of evaluating your progress may include
homework assignments, in-class exercises, exams, and projects. Grading will evaluate your language skills
in spoken interaction, spoken production, reading, listening, and writing. All CLS participants are required to
complete all homework assignments and exams, whether or not they have elected to receive academic
credit for the program.
Academic Credit
Bryn Mawr College will provide one official transcript to each CLS participant who (1) successfully
completes the program and (2) has requested academic credit via the Accepted Student Portal by the
appropriate deadline. Alumni will receive two units of credit, which in most cases is the equivalent of eight
academic credit hours. Participants should check with their college or university registrar to determine if
and how these credits may transfer back to your university. The CLS Program only awards undergraduate
credit, regardless of a participant’s degree status. More information about requesting transcripts is detailed
in Section IX: Returning Home.

Strategies for Independent Language Learning
To gain the most from your CLS experience, it is important to reflect on your particular language-related
goals ahead of time and employ strategies to achieve them. The following are strategies and tools
suggested by past participants and Resident Directors.
Building Vocabulary
• Plan a roadmap for acquiring and reinforcing
new vocabulary on your own. Carry a small
notepad with you and jot down:
o Words in English you want to use in

your target language but do not
know; you can look them up later
(also note whether you are able to
talk around the word you don’t have,
and if so, how successful you were).
o Unfamiliar words you have heard in

the target language, as well as the
context in which you heard them.
• It is up to you to take the initiative to develop colloquial/slang vocabulary outside of class – talk
with your Language Partner and their friends; buy a newspaper at a kiosk and read the advice
columns with your Language Partner, friend, or host family member; watch sitcoms with your
Language Partner, friends, or host family; and jot down particular phrases to review later.
• Make flashcards! Carve out a dedicated time each day to make flashcards for new words and
review old vocabulary.
Taking Initiative
• Talk to your teachers – if there are particular topics or material you want to cover, ask whether this
is possible, either in class, as part of a class presentation on a topic of your choice, or through
additional material outside of class. If you feel frustrated with your classes, try to figure out what is
bothering. Specific requests are much easier to address than general complaints.
• If teachers offer office hours, go! Ask if they can spare 15-20 minutes to review homework, go
through a newspaper/magazine article, discuss a current event, or whatever you feel is most
useful.
• Keep a journal in your target language. Write about what you did, said, tasted, thought, etc. Review
entries with your Language Partner/teacher/host family member and ask what mistakes you made
or how they would phrase ideas.
• If you have an assessment-based goal (such as passing a specific language exam, getting a certain
OPI rating, or moving forward an entire year of language classes at your university), recognize that
the CLS Program is not specifically designed to ensure that you meet this goal. CLS classes are
group-based; they’re designed to work with the needs and abilities of the group as a whole, which

may not always line up perfectly with your individual needs. That doesn’t mean you won’t be able
to achieve your goal; it just means you will have to utilize the opportunities the CLS Program
provides for self-guided study. There are a few things you can do to make this go more smoothly:
o Know what you need to do to achieve your goal in as much detail as possible. Will your
language teacher expect you to know five specific verb forms? Will you have to be able to
speak for 20 minutes on current events?
o Before you leave for your CLS site, make a list of activities, drills and study habits that will
help you achieve your goal. Examples include making a daily vocabulary list of ten new
words, incorporating new grammatical forms into your speech, writing a five-sentence
journal entry every evening, or reading and discussing a newspaper article every day.
o At the end of each week, assess whether you are addressing your personal goal
adequately. Is the material you cover in class relevant to your goal? If not, how can you
adapt the material during your own study time to make it more relevant? Are you working
toward your goal on your own? With your Language Partner? With your host family or
roommate? If not, how can you use these relationships to help you reach your goal?
Journaling
CLS participants are encouraged to keep a
journal throughout their program (in the
target language, where possible). Keeping a
journal helps participants examine what they
are learning about their host culture, thus
improving their cultural competencies.
Possible topics to consider include:
• Things you encountered for the first

time.
• Describe a foreign custom or
tradition that is different from what
you are used to.
• What is the most challenging part of
your day?
• How do your everyday experiences impact your language learning?
• How do your everyday experiences impact your understanding of your host country and culture?
• What do you find most surprising about your host culture?
• Has your perception of the host country and culture changed throughout the program? How so?
• Has your perception of your home country changed? How so?
• What was your most memorable experience on the program?
• Apart from improved skills in the target language, what new skills/ideas are you taking back home
as the result of the participation on the program?
Remember that the key to making your journal a useful tool is writing consistently!

Section III: Program Policies
CLS Program Policies – Overview
When you accepted the CLS award, you agreed to the CLS Terms and Conditions for participation in the
CLS Program. For more information on CLS Program policies, we encourage you to review the Terms and
Conditions again in the Accepted Student Portal. After you arrive on site, you will also be asked to sign and
agree to a set of site-specific policies. At this time, you will also be asked to sign the language policy
requiring CLS participants to speak the target language at all times in certain settings. Important
information regarding CLS Program policies, site-specific policies, and the language policy is outlined in the
following sections.
Disciplinary Measures
In the event that a participant violates a CLS Program Policy (inclusive of Site-Specific and Language
Policies), the CLS Program may issue a written warning, place the participant on probation, and/or
recommend the immediate termination of the participant’s award. Please note that in the case of a single
incident comprising multiple infractions, or if one infraction of program policy is deemed of great
significance or severity, there may be a recommendation to move directly to a recommendation for CLS
Award Termination. The warning system is implemented by the Resident Director in consultation with
American Councils staff and Institute Staff. All warnings issued to participants will be provided to American
Councils and the U.S. Department of State.
Written Warning
For minor policy infractions, usually after the first violation of a CLS Policy, the participant may receive a
written warning from the Resident Director outlining the nature of the violation. A written warning usually
involves a discussion with the Resident Director about the infraction as well as a discussion about how to
adjust behavior to avoid future warnings. Following a conversation with the Resident Director, the
participant would be asked to sign a written confirmation of the warning, which would include a reference
to the policy or policies that were violated.
Probation Notice
Multiple minor infractions of CLS Program Policies or major policy violations may result in the participant
being placed on probation. The participant will receive a notice regarding the nature of the policy
violation(s) and the requirements for continued participation on the program. Following a conversation
about the policy violation, as well as a discussion on how to adjust behavior to avoid future warnings, the
participant would be asked to sign a written confirmation of probation notice. In the case of a single
incident comprised of multiple infractions, or if CLS Program representatives deem one violation of a CLS
Program Policy to be of great significance or severity, a recommendation to place the participant on
probation upon a first offense is possible.
CLS Award Termination

If a participant has already received a written warning and/or a probation notice, and further violations
occur, a recommendation may be made to the U.S. Department of State to terminate the CLS award. If CLS
Program representatives deem one violation of a CLS Program Policy to be of great significance or severity,
a recommendation for CLS Award Termination upon a first offense is possible. The U.S. Department of

State may immediately terminate a participant's CLS award without the opportunity for appeal. All
decisions made by the U.S. Department of State regarding the termination of a CLS award are final.
Travel Policies
CLS Travel Policies have been designed with your safety in mind. In the event of an emergency at home or
abroad, it is very important that we know your whereabouts and how to contact you.
Cell Phone Policy

The CLS Program will provide you with a cell phone for use while abroad. The purpose of the cell phone is
so CLS staff can contact you in case of an emergency to provide you with help, or so that you can call for
help in case of an emergency.
Rules regarding cell phone use during the CLS Program:
• The CLS Program will provide you with a minimum number of minutes on the phone, but it is your
responsibility to keep minutes on the phone if you use the time allotted for non-CLS
communication.
• You should keep your phone charged and on at all times so that you can receive emergency calls. If
anything happens to your phone, find a way to notify your Resident Director immediately.
• If you lose your phone, you may be responsible for replacing it. When you return it at the end of the
program, make sure you return all components originally issued to you.
• CLS will also provide you with an emergency contact card with emergency phone numbers and
addresses which you should keep with you at all times.
Independent Travel
You may wish to travel independently during your free time. CLS participants are welcome to pursue
independent travel that does not interfere with their full participation in the CLS Program or violate program
policies. At least 48 hours before traveling outside the host city, participants are required to submit an
independent travel form to the Resident Director. The independent travel form asks students to indicate
when and where they plan to travel, how they plan to get there, any additional contact information during
the travel, and when they intend to return.
Please note that no international travel is allowed, and

participants are not permitted to leave the host country
during the CLS Program unless you have explicit written
permission from American Councils due to a medical or
family emergency.
Travel to any area deemed unsafe or off-limits by the U.S. or

host country government is not permitted. More information
about this will be provided during pre-departure orientation
and on-site orientation. If travel restrictions exist in your host
country they will be included in the Site-Specific Policies. The
American Embassy or Consulate may also provide information about areas where travel advisories have
been issued. Please note that CLS, in consultation with the U.S. Department of State, may add new travel
restrictions during the summer.

Your CLS Flights
Transportation from your home city in the United States to Washington, D.C. for the mandatory pre-
departure orientation will be provided. Depending on your distance from Washington D.C., the
transportation could be a flight or a train. You may also waive this provided transportation if you or a family
member/friend will transport you to Washington, D.C. Finally, lodging at a hotel in Washington, D.C. is also
provided during the pre-departure orientation.
The CLS Program will also issue you a round-trip airline ticket to travel to your CLS site from Washington,
D.C. with your CLS peers and return to the United States with the group after your program ends. Please
note that we cannot accommodate any individual requests for later return dates. We also cannot pay for
changes to tickets, or make changes to the tickets and then bill you. Your international airline tickets are
group tickets, purchased as a block, so you should not anticipate being able to call the airline and change
your return flight date. Past participants who have pursued this option have had very little luck. If you want
to stay in the country after the program is over – for travel, study, work, or other U.S. government programs
– you should count on purchasing your own ticket back to the United States.
Staying Longer
If you wish to travel after finishing the CLS Program, you must contact CLS Program staff to discuss
alternate arrangements, including travel logistics. Please note that in some countries there is no option to
stay past the end of the CLS Program. If you stay in country past your program end date, you will be
responsible for making your own visa arrangements. ASPE (accident and sickness coverage) will no longer
be valid after completion of the program. It is your responsibility to supply your own visa and medical
coverage if you wish to stay in-country or travel elsewhere after the CLS Program. You should also register
your continued presence with the U.S. Department of State via their website (www.travel.state.gov). If you
have any interest in staying past the end of your CLS Program, you must refrain from making any travel
plans or amendments to your airline ticket until after you arrive in country in order to avoid complications
with your group ticket traveling to the host country. Any alternative arrangements, including not taking the
group flight back to the U.S., will need to be document before the CLS group departure.
If you choose to travel independently or remain in the host country after the conclusion of the CLS Program,
please note that American Councils and local Institute Staff cannot assist you further. It is also important to
note that all participants will be required to move out of CLS housing (including host families, apartments or
dorms) at the end of the program.
Host Country Visas

All participants are subject to host country visa laws, both during and after the CLS Program. We ask that
you keep the following in mind:
• Depending on your site placement, you may need a passport that is valid for up to 18 months after
the CLS Program ends.
• If you need another educational visa after the program, you should check with the institution where
you will be studying as soon as possible.
• CLS and your host institute cannot provide assistance with individual visa requests.
• In many CLS host countries it is not possible to hold more than one valid visa at a time. If you have
a current visa for the CLS host country or you plan to apply for another visa for the same host
country prior to the start of or during the CLS Program, please contact your CLS Program Officer as
soon as possible.

You may also visit Section VII: Living in India in this handbook for more information about your host
country’s visa policy. Your CLS Program Officer will also be in touch about how to procure a visa for the CLS
Program, including steps you need to take. It is very important you do not miss any visa deadlines.
Dependents and Visitors

No dependents or companions may accompany you during the program, and no one but CLS participants
can participate in CLS activities or stay in program-arranged housing. If you wish to have friends or family
members visit you, they must stay in separate housing (such as a hotel), they should not stay for an
extended period, and they cannot interfere with your participation in classes or activities. Bear in mind that
visitors from home will demand a great deal of your time, which can be difficult on such an intensive and
short-term program. Additionally, CLS cannot guarantee that your schedule of required activities will not
change at the last minute due to unforeseen circumstances.
Please also be aware that program staff cannot help with visa or travel issues related to family members or
friends.
The Language Policy

The more often you speak a foreign language, the faster your language skills improve. For this reason, you
will sign the CLS Language Policy during on-site orientation stating that you agree to use the target
language at all times in certain settings. These locations may vary by site but will likely include:
• In CLS classes
• When speaking with local “I feel really proud of how I committed to
instructors, staff, and officials the language policy with a positive attitude.
• On the grounds of the CLS institute, My CLS community fostered such a safe
in all facilities (including classrooms, and supportive environment that
hallways, and all common areas) encouraged and supported everyone to
• On group excursions and trips abide by the language policy. That made all
• With your Language Partner and/or the difference in language learning.”
host families 2017 Indic Alumni
While you are required to speak the target language only in these certain circumstances, you should make
an effort to use the language at all times. (Absolute beginners typically have two weeks to learn some basic
language skills before the policy begins for them). As a recipient of a Critical Language Scholarship, you are
expected to adhere to the spirit of the language policy, even when you are not at home, on campus, or
involved in formal program activities. We understand that sometimes you may be frustrated and tired of
speaking the target language. Occasionally, you might even feel that you are not improving. We urge you to
be patient and keep trying. You will make progress if you constantly use the language. If you are feeling
overwhelmed by the language policy, we encourage you to reach out to your Resident Director for advice
and support.
Using English or any other languages other than the target language in these situations is discourteous and
contrary to the objectives of the academic program. However, in case of emergency or if you need to
discuss a serious personal matter with staff, you are temporarily excused from the language policy.

Site-Specific Policies
During the on-site orientation in your host country, you will be asked to sign the Site-Specific Policies
related directly to your host country. Some of these policies are also outlined in the CLS Terms and
Conditions document that you signed on the Accepted Student Portal. More information on your Site-
Specific Policies can be found in Section VII: Living in India.
Laws
In addition to U.S. laws you are required to adhere to local country laws. It is important to note the
following:
• Foreigners are subject to all host country laws.

• American citizenship provides no special legal privileges or exemptions.
• Neither the U.S. government nor American Councils can provide you any immunity to any local
laws.
• Any violation of local laws will result in your immediate termination from the CLS Program, and any
resulting legal fees will be your responsibility. Scholarship benefits will cease from the day of the
violation.
Alcohol
Drinking alcohol during the CLS Program is strongly discouraged and in some program sites, drinking
alcohol will not be tolerated at all. Additionally, all participants must obey local and U.S. laws regarding
alcohol consumption (including the U.S. legal drinking age). If you do choose to consume alcohol, the CLS
Program expects that you do so responsibly. Please note that any alcohol infraction is considered a grave
violation of CLS Program Policies and will be dealt with immediately.
Drugs
CLS employs a zero-tolerance policy concerning the selling, using, or possessing of any drugs that are illegal
under either U.S. or host country law. Note that although “soft” drugs like marijuana may be legal for
medical or recreational use in your home state in the United States, it is not in the country to which you are
traveling. The legal ramifications of using illegal drugs abroad can be very serious. Participants are
cautioned that the possession of drugs is often dealt with harshly by host country law enforcement.
For more detailed information on the Alcohol and Drug Policies, we strongly encourage you to review the
CLS Terms and Conditions that you have already agreed to in the Accepted Student Portal.
Other Program Policies and Requirements

You have already signed and submitted documents agreeing to the CLS Terms and Conditions. Below we
will highlight a few key reminders.
Pre-Program Requirements
Prior to participation in the CLS Program, you must complete all required program forms, pre-program
surveys, and an ACTFL OPI language evaluation. It is very important that you check your email daily in the
months leading up to the start of your CLS Program as this will be our way of communicating with you prior
to the start of your program. You are also responsible for meeting all pre-program deadlines. If you miss
any CLS Program deadlines, your award may be in jeopardy.

Class Participation
Absence from classes or other mandatory program activities, including day and overnight excursions, for
reasons other than approved medical absences or other approved reasons will be grounds for a warning;
extended absences may result in a revocation of the CLS scholarship. Two or more medical absences from
class require a doctor’s note. You must notify your RD as soon as possible of any absences. Please note that
if you miss 20 hours of class and/or four consecutive class days for medical reasons a recommendation
may be made to the U.S. Department of State to terminate the CLS award. In the event that you are able to
keep up with classwork and homework
assignments as assigned by CLS teachers,
you may be able to continue the program.
Additionally, even if you did not elect to

receive academic credit for the CLS Program,
you are still required to fully participate in the
classroom and all classroom activities, and
complete all homework assignments. Failure
to do so can result in a warning from the
Resident Director. You are also responsible
for observing satisfactory academic and
professional standards and maintaining a
standard of conduct and integrity that is in
keeping with the spirit and intent of the CLS
Program.
Personal Research
CLS participants are not allowed to conduct personal research (including coursework, thesis or dissertation
writing) or other non-CLS Program academic work if it in any way detracts from their full participation in
CLS activities. Research activities may also be prohibited by the terms of your visa.
Blogging/Media
We hope that you will share your CLS experiences on social media throughout the summer. In addition to
your own personal social media pages we encourage you to reach out through the official CLS community
on the U.S Department of State’s International Exchange Alumni website, as well as the CLS Facebook,
Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter pages.
If you decide to share your CLS experiences publicly via other non-official Internet-based media there are a
few points that you should keep in mind:
1. Acknowledge that your page is not an official U.S. Department of State website and that the views
and information presented are your own and do not represent the CLS Program, the Department of
State, or American Councils for International Education.
2. You are also expected to maintain a standard of conduct that is in keeping with the spirit and intent
of the CLS Program – to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States
and the people of other countries.
3. Be aware that what is deemed culturally acceptable in the United States (or, more specifically, on
the Internet in the United States) may not be received well overseas. Please refrain from using

disparaging language or images to describe the country you are in and the people you live and work
with.
4. Please note that you are required to adhere to local country laws and U.S. laws, including as they
may pertain to social media, blogging, and internet use.
Upon accepting the CLS award you also agreed to these media based guidelines as part of the CLS Terms
and Conditions. Please visit the Accepted Student Portal for more details about this policy.
Withdrawing from the Program

If you decide to withdraw from the program at any time or are asked to leave the program for reasons that
are not program-approved medical or family emergency reasons, you may be responsible for repayment of
all travel and scholarship costs. Please notify your Resident Director or CLS Program Officer as soon as
possible if you need to withdraw from the program. Please keep in mind that withdrawing from the program
can take time, but staff will work with you as quickly as possible in the event of a medical or family
emergency.
Post Program Requirements

After you finish the CLS Program, you must complete several tasks before being considered an
alumnus/alumna of the program. Post-program requirements include:
• A CLS Post-Program evaluation survey (during the program you will also be required to complete
a mid-program evaluation survey).
• A post-program Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) language test.
All post-program requirements

must be completed in order to
receive your CLS certificate of
completion, your OPI scores, and
transcript for academic credit (if
credit was requested). You also
need to complete the
requirements in order to be eligible
for alumni activities or grants.

Section IV: Pre-Program Information
This chapter highlights important information to help you prepare for your summer. In addition to carefully
reading and referring back to this handbook, it is imperative that you regularly check your email for
important information from your CLS Program Officer. If you have any questions about requirements
communicated by CLS Program staff or notice any deadlines that will be difficult for you to make, please
contact us before the deadline arrives.
Financial Considerations Abroad

Most of your expenses related to participating in CLS, such as tuition, cultural excursions, and housing
expenses, have already been paid for by the CLS Program.
CLS Stipend
To cover other expenses, such as local transportation, meals not provided by your host family or
accommodations, school supplies, and incidentals (shampoo, soap, etc.), you will receive a stipend. The
stipend is in the form of a check, and will arrive at your designated mailing address in May. Because the
stipend is issued as a check, you will need to think in advance about how you want to deposit or cash these
funds. Most students will deposit this check in their personal debit accounts so they can access the funds
overseas. Please take some time to consider your personal financial situation in addition to your spending
habits before you go abroad.
It is important to note that CLS stipends are modest and based on the cost of living in the host country.
Stipends are not intended to cover personal travel or to provide you with a life of luxury abroad. Because
stipends are intended to cover only basic necessities on the program, you may want to consider bringing
your own money to purchase non-essential items. To determine how much of your own money to bring
with you on the CLS Program, you should analyze your current lifestyle and your expectations for your time
on the program. For example, you should consider in advance how much you plan to travel, eat out and the
amount and kind of souvenirs you would like to purchase.
ATM/Debit Cards
ATMs may offer good currency exchange rates, but different U.S. banks have different fee policies for ATM
withdrawals and purchases abroad, usually ranging from a flat fee to a percentage of the withdrawal. For
cards with a flat fee for overseas withdrawals, withdrawing larger sums of local currency a few times over
the summer makes sense; for those with a percentage-based fee, it may make more sense to bring cash
with you to exchange. It is up to you to research your bank’s policy before you leave.
Tips on Bringing Money

• Bring the majority of your money in a cash-accessible form (i.e. ATM/Debit card).
• Bring some cash in case your ATM card malfunctions. Many students report that their card did not
work at some point during the program. If your card does not work, leave that ATM and try
another; the problem is often with the machine rather than the card.
• Be sure to contact your bank before leaving home to tell them you will be using your card in
the host country.
• Bring new, clean, and crisp bills. Banks and exchange offices rarely accept bills that are old, torn, or
have any markings on them.

• Bring a credit card if you have one. Even if you do not plan to use it, it is a good backup and may be
used to pay medical fees if you need to pay in advance before submitting for reimbursement from
your ASPE medical coverage. However, nearly all medical fees will need to be paid in cash at the
time of service.
• Do not bring travelers’ checks. It is difficult to find places to cash them and they can incur large
fees.
• Bring your passport with you when exchanging money at a currency exchange or bank.
Tips on Bringing Money to India

It is a good idea to bring some Indian rupees (INR) so you can make food and other incidental
purchases when you arrive. You can convert money at some US banks, or at the international airports in
the US or New Delhi. If you intend to use your bank, be sure to call in advance to make sure they have
rupees available. When you change money, make sure you get enough small-change bills (50 and 100
rs. bills), as many small stores in India are unable to give change for the larger bills (500 and above rs.
bills).
The USD to INR currency exchange rate varies, so be sure to research the current rate before you
depart. Below is a quick reference guide based on the 2018 average exchange rate. The dollar numbers
have been rounded for convenience:
Rupee: 1r 100 rs. 200 rs. 500 rs. 1,000 rs. 2,000 rs 5,000 rs
Dollar: $0.01 $1.50 $3.00 $7.50 $15.00 $30.00 $75.00
In day-to-day life, you will rely on the 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 rs. banknotes. For coins, you will mostly
use the 1, 2 and 5 rs. coins.
In November of 2016, the Government of India demonetized the 500 and 1000 rs. banknotes, making
the notes invalid. New banknotes have been issued, but may not be widely available. Be aware that
lingering confusion or shortage of bills may exist following these government actions.
Please also see the section on Money Safety for important information on bringing money abroad.
To Do Before Leaving the U.S.

Please note that a detailed packing list is located in the Appendix. Here are some other essential pre-
departure tasks:
Banking
□ Call your credit card company and bank.
o Find out about fees for overseas purchases, cash advances, and ATM withdrawals.
o Inform your bank of the dates of your trip so your cards are not deactivated due to theft or
fraud alerts.
o Make sure to bring a 24 hour emergency number for your bank in the event that you need
to contact them about a lost or stolen card.

o Make sure your ATM card will not expire during your time abroad. If it seems that it will,
call your bank ahead of time and request a new card early.
Health
□ Consult the CDC’s country specific page (www.cdc.gov/travel) to read about common diseases
and other health risks before visiting your doctor in order to discuss those issues with them.
□ Visit your doctor and complete all CLS Program required Medical Forms on the Accepted Student
Portal.
o Make sure you have an eight-week supply of your prescription medications.
o Discuss any physical, mental or emotional issues that may need special attention while
abroad.
o Make sure your immunizations are up to date. Talk with your doctor about recommended
vaccinations.
o A special note to women travelers: If you have been prescribed birth control, make sure
you have an eight week supply of the medication you have been prescribed as birth control
brands vary greatly in the country or may not be available at all.
□ Visit your dentist.
□ When packing medication, put it in your carry-on bag in its original packaging and bring a copy of
the prescription.
□ Ask your health insurance provider if your policy covers international travel.
□ After receiving your CLS flight information, call the airline to arrange a special meal if you are
vegetarian or if you have special dietary needs.
Personal
□ Arrange for payment of any outstanding financial matters (for instance, student loan payments or
paying rent) while you are abroad.
□ Research Skype, long-distance phone plans, email, apps or phone cards that would allow you to
stay in contact with your friends and family.
Gifts
You may want to bring small gifts for people such as your host family, Language Partner, teachers, and
friends. You might consider purchasing some items from the list below, which was assembled with advice
from previous participants:
• Postcards or calendars with photos of your home town, campus, popular cities, or art;
• Picture books, art books, cookbooks;
• Gifts for children such as books, pencils (push pencils), notebooks, crayons, matchbox cars;
• T-shirts, caps, or sweatshirts, especially those with pictures or insignia;
• Food from your home region: Vermont maple syrup, Louisiana Cajun seasoning, Maryland Old Bay
seasoning, ingredients for a key lime pie or chocolate chip cookies, etc. (Remember to be sensitive
to cultural culinary norms; for example, Muslims do not eat pork products);
• Postcards or trinkets featuring D.C. monuments are a good last-minute gift idea.
It will also be possible to purchase small gifts, such as candy, in the host country. Remember that gift giving
norms vary from culture to culture.

Electronics
Voltage in the host country likely differs from that in the United States. In general, larger appliances, such as
laptop computers and some cell phone chargers already include a transformer and can be safely used with
a plug adapter. Small appliances, such as hairdryers, electric shavers, or electronic toothbrushes, often
burn out even with adapters or converters. Research your devices prior to departure to determine which
devices can be used safely in the host country. You may want to purchase some appliances, such as
hairdryers, locally.
Adapter: Also called plug adapter or adapter plug; a device that connects an electrical plug to an outlet that
has a different plug shape.
Converter: A device that converts alternating current (electricity) to direct current or vice versa.
Transformer: An apparatus for reducing or increasing the voltage of an alternating current (electricity).
On the left is a photo of an adapter for plugs that can be used in multiple regions of the world. On the right
is a photo of the type of plugs you will find in India.
All-in-one travel adapters such as the one pictured can usually be purchased at department stores such as
Walmart and Target, or from online retailers such as Amazon. If you need an adapter, converter or
transformer, you should purchase it before departing to your host country.
Pre-Departure Orientation in Washington, D.C.

A mandatory pre-departure orientation (PDO) will take place over three days in Washington, D.C. This is
where you will meet program staff and other participants in your program, as well as CLS participants
studying at different institutes.
Arrival Day/Welcome
Participants arrive to a D.C.-area airport or train station and travel to the hotel for check-in and the opening
reception. Your flight or train should arrive by the afternoon, and you should then make your way to the
hotel by Metro or public bus, shared-ride van, or taxi. You will receive your e-ticket and transit instructions
in May. Attire for the welcome reception is casual, and light refreshments will be provided that evening.
Full PDO Day

The PDO program covers a wide range of information, including a discussion of CLS Program Terms and
Conditions, site-specific information, presentations from the State Department, career information, and a

question and answer session with a panel of CLS alumni. Please note that you are required to wear business
casual attire for the full-day orientation.
Departure Day
You will be required to be ready at the hotel with your bags at an assigned time, and the group will travel to
the airport together on a bus. Do not arrange alternate transportation.
Free Time During the PDO?

We realize that many participants have friends in the D.C. area, places they want to see, or last- minute
preparations to take care of before departure. In general, plan to have free time after 8 p.m. on the first day
of orientation, and after 6 p.m. after the full-day session. The amount of time you have on the day of
departure depends on the timing of your group’s flight. You should not count on having any free time to run
errands or wrap up loose ends during 9-5 business hours, as this may not be possible on departure day, and
absence from any part of PDO activities on the two previous days is unacceptable and is grounds for
disciplinary action. This year, Urdu students have an extra full day in DC before their flight. This was
due to difficulties scheduling flights during Ramadan.
Arrival to the Host Country

Your Program Officer will provide you with detailed
information about arrival to the host country including visa,
immigration, and customs information.
Lost Luggage
In cases of lost luggage, please inform the baggage customer
service counter of your airline. Ask for the name and contact
number of the person dealing with your case and insist that
they give you a receipt.
First-time International Travelers

If you don’t have much experience with long or international
flights, don’t be shy about talking with CLS alumni prior to the
program start and with CLS program staff and your fellow CLS
peers during the PDO. There will be many well-traveled CLS
students in your group, but there also may be other first-time
travelers. We want you to be comfortable, so ask around for
pro traveler tips!
On-Site Orientation
Upon arrival in the host country, you will meet local staff and prepare to begin the program. Before classes
start, you will participate in an on-site orientation prepared by local staff in conjunction with your Resident
Director.
On-site orientation will cover subjects such as:
• Program information
• Cultural norms and expectations

• Academic overview
• Local transportation
• Health, safety and security
• Emergency procedures
• Accommodations
• Language Partners
• Setting language-learning goals
When you arrive, you will receive a local cell phone for use in case of emergency. You will also take a
language placement test. More information on the placement test can be found in Section II: Academics.
Alumni Support Network

One of the CLS Program’s most significant resources for assisting new participants is our deep pool of CLS
Program alumni. Their diverse experiences on the CLS Program and the lessons they have learned are
valuable tools that they can share with you. The Alumni Support Network exists to put you in contact
directly with our alumni and includes our Alumni Resource Directories and our One-to-One Mentorship
Program.
Resource Directories
These directories – distributed
by language and organized by
program site – list alumni who
have volunteered to speak with
you about a variety of topics,
both sensitive and routine.
Please take advantage of this
resource – our alumni are
looking forward to sharing their
experiences and answering your
questions about everything from
weather and packing to diversity
and identity abroad.
Mentorship Program
CLS also works to match
interested participants
individually with alumni who
have expressed interest in
serving as mentors for the summer. Alumni mentors will communicate regularly with participants
throughout the CLS Program to provide ongoing support and experiences. If you are interested in being
paired with a CLS alumni mentor, please email cls@americancouncils.org.
The Alumni Support Network is an initiative to provide not only support to CLS participants as they go
through an intensive summer language program, but also to build an alumni network that transcends
program years. Once you are an alumna or alumnus, a survey will be sent to you every spring to ask
whether you want to be listed in the next Alumni Resource Guide and/or serve as a one-to-one mentor.

Section V: Staying Healthy Abroad
Physical Health
You should keep a good diet and regular sleep habits as much as possible. Even if you are normally very
healthy, you may get sick while abroad because of the stress of living in a new place and the exposure to
new food and germs. Stomach ailments and the flu are the most common illnesses, so it is wise to have cold
medicine, anti-inflammatory medicine, antacids, an antidiarrheal, and a laxative with you. You should also
be sure to have all the prescription medicines you need. If you have severe vomiting or diarrhea, or if the
problem continues for 48 hours or more, seek medical help.
Accident and Sickness Coverage (ASPE)

All CLS students are strongly encouraged to have primary health coverage. Your regular health coverage
will be supplemented by limited emergency and accident medical coverage from the Accident and Sickness
Program for Exchanges (ASPE). ASPE is provided for all participants in programs sponsored by the Bureau
of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State. You will receive more information about
the coverage in May. ASPE works primarily on a reimbursement basis. Students should be prepared to pay
up to approximately $500 for medical treatment out of pocket.
Leaving your CLS country during the program is prohibited, and if you do leave, all ASPE benefits cease. In
addition, ASPE coverage is only provided during the period of the program. If you plan to do independent
travel after finishing the program, you are responsible for purchasing your own medical coverage. Please
also note that ASPE is only valid in your host country, it does not cover participants during the PDO in
Washington, DC. More information can be found in the ASPE Information sent to you by CLS staff.
Dental
Your health coverage during the CLS Program does not include a dental plan. We recommend that you visit
your dentist before leaving for the CLS Program.
Vaccinations and Prescription Medications

It’s important to visit the travel web site of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel. Here you will find health recommendations and warnings. Before going
abroad, consult with your physician about vaccinations. It is important that your immunizations for
common diseases are up to date.
If you take prescription medicine, you must make arrangements to bring a complete supply for your entire
stay abroad, including a little extra in case you lose some. Here are some tips:
Prescription medicine should be kept in its original packaging and labeled with your name and doctor’s
name (it’s also wise to write down the generic name of the medicine if it has one). Do not repackage
prescription or over-the-counter medication to save space. Customs officials may question you about any
medication that you are carrying, prescription or over-the-counter. Also note the following:
• Ask your doctor for a letter that explains that you have a prescription for this medicine.

• Doctors may be unable to write prescriptions for large supplies of certain medications. If you
cannot obtain a sufficient supply of your prescription, contact American Councils immediately, and
well before your program begins.
• It is your responsibility to bring all necessary medications on the CLS Program. American Councils
cannot deliver medications to you during the CLS Program and certain medications may not be
allowed into your host country by mail. If you leave without a sufficient supply of necessary
medication and are unable to obtain it abroad, you may need to return to the United States to
obtain the medication, resulting in the termination of your scholarship.
Allergies and Specific Diets

If there are foods you absolutely cannot eat or prefer not to eat, the most important thing to do is explain
your specific needs in your medical and housing forms on the Accepted Student Portal before departure. It
is also important to let your Resident Director and hosts know about any dietary restrictions when you first
arrive. If you are a vegetarian and are offered meat, you can explain to your hosts that for health reasons
you do not eat meat.
Allergies
If you report a severe allergy to CLS staff, you will receive an allergy card that explains your allergy in the
target language. You should carry the card with you throughout the program.
If you are allergic to a specific food such as nuts, you should explain that eating nuts could cause
serious illness or a medical emergency. Many people in your host community are likely unfamiliar
with certain food allergies, so you will need to clearly state that it is a medical condition and not
simply a preference.
Special Diets
You may find that sometimes people are unclear about what exactly it means to be vegetarian, kosher, or to
require a low-sodium diet. Although the restrictions may be obvious to you, they may not be to your host.
HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections

The decision to engage in sexual activity while abroad entails certain risks, including sexually transmitted
infections (STIs). The level of public awareness in many countries about STIs and their symptoms and
transmission is generally low. Real HIV figures are likely much higher than what the local government
reports.
If you choose to engage in sexual activity abroad, you should plan ahead to review options for
contraceptives. You should bring any prescription contraceptives with you from the United States and
might consider bringing condoms with you.
Mental Health & Emotional Well-Being

Staying mentally and emotionally healthy while you’re abroad is key to having a successful CLS experience.
You should note that mental healthcare resources in your host country may differ significantly from mental
healthcare resources in the United States. Mental health specialists, and counselors may not be available,
and providers who are available may not have adequate English language skills to meet your needs or may
approach assessment and treatment for mental healthcare in ways that differ from your current care. If you

have a pre-existing condition, you should talk to your healthcare provider and make a plan for wellness
during the summer.
The Alumni Support Network can be a great resource for tips about reducing stress, eating healthy, getting
exercise, and other activities that may help you stay healthy in your host site. CLS and Institute Staff will
seek to foster a supportive and encouraging environment for you throughout the program, and we are here
to help. However, please remember that the CLS staff are not trained medical or mental healthcare
providers.
Adjusting to a Life Abroad

When you travel to a new place, you bring with you your values, patterns of behavior, and understandings
about what is good and bad, normal and abnormal. Local values, patterns of behavior, and understandings
in your host country may be different from what you are used to. Some differences are easy to observe,
such as traffic patterns or the way buildings or stores look, while others are harder to see and may pop up
at unexpected times.
Culture shock is the discomfort people feel as they adjust to life in a new setting with different values,
patterns of behavior, and expectations. It is a natural part of learning a new culture and adjusting to a
different place, and nearly everyone experiences it.
There are typically four stages of culture shock or

cultural adjustment:
Stage 1: Initial Euphoria and Excitement. You

have just arrived in a new country and have
great expectations and a positive mindset.
Everything seems exciting, and you find many
similarities between the local culture and your
own.
Stage 2: Irritation and Hostility. You may be

frustrated and annoyed with cultural
differences. Small difficulties seem like major
catastrophes, and you may be more emotional
than usual.
Stage 3: Gradual Adjustment. Now you are

becoming familiar with the host culture. You
begin to understand its logic and values.
Cultural cues become easier to read. You feel
more comfortable and less isolated. Your sense of humor returns.
Stage 4: Adaptation and Biculturalism. Finally, you are able to fully enjoy the customs, attitudes, and
ways of saying and doing things in the host country. You find aspects of the local culture that you
like and others that you may not like but can cope with. You are able to live and work to your full
potential.

You should not expect that you will experience every stage of adjustment during the CLS Program. For
some people, the process of reaching stage 4 is relatively short, while for others it can take years. Speaking
to other people about the difficulties you are going through is a great way to help ease culture shock. The
acknowledgment of the possibility of going through these 4 stages will help you through the process.
Symptoms of culture shock can include extreme homesickness, physical complaints and sleep disturbances,
depression or anxiety, loss of your sense of humor, boredom or fatigue, difficulty with coursework and
concentration, the feeling that your language skills have grown worse on the program, or hostility toward
the host culture.
Talk with your Resident Director, teachers, Institute Staff, Language Partner, and host family or roommate
about things you do not understand or find frustrating. People who have experience living in both the United
States and abroad are also excellent resources.
Here are some other useful coping strategies:
• Set reasonable goals and expectations, particularly at the beginning.
• Plan small tasks each day that will help you meet people and accomplish something, like preparing
a new food or exploring a new part of the city.
• Don’t isolate yourself – try to be social, even when you don’t feel like it.
• Find a local friend who can help “translate” the culture for you.
• Pay attention to your body: eat properly, exercise, and get plenty of rest. The CLS Program is tiring,
and a good night's sleep will help to recharge your body and mind.
• If there is something you do regularly at home, try doing it in the host country.
• Remember that it is normal to feel overwhelmed, but also that the feeling of being overwhelmed
will go away.
If you are feeling depressed or the feelings of homesickness do not go away no matter how much you try to
do other things, please talk with your Resident Director.
Reverse Culture Shock

When you return home, you may experience reverse culture shock or difficulty adjusting to being home.
Reverse culture shock refers to feelings of anxiety, disorientation, uncertainty, or confusion and difficulties
in adjustment. Often a person idealizes the home while abroad and may be upset to find that there are
problems at home just as there were problems abroad. Many people also expect to feel completely familiar
and comfortable when they return home and have trouble coping with changes that have occurred while
they were away.
You will receive information about strategies for overcoming reverse culture shock in the Re-Entry
Handbook.

Staying Healthy in India
This section covers the most common health risks in India. It is not comprehensive of all of the possible
health risks which exist, and information is subject to change at any time. If CLS students choose to
independently travel on free weekends during the CLS Program, there could be additional location-specific
risks which are not included here. It is each student’s responsibility to research any risks resulting from
independent travel plans and take steps to avoid those risks.
The CLS Program takes steps to mitigate health and safety risks for participants, however not all risks can
be prevented by the CLS Program. It is each student’s responsibility to stay informed of risks, and take
measures to protect themselves. The following are some of the general risk management tools employed in
each CLS site:
• Each student is issued a cell phone to use in case of emergencies.

• Each student is enrolled in STEP, the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
• Each student is enrolled in ASPE (Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges). ASPE is a limited
health care benefit plan.
• Each CLS site has an American Councils staff person, the Resident Director, who is available 24/7
to assist students with health or safety emergencies.
• Participants may contact CLS Program staff in Washington, D.C. who are also available 24/7 to
assist students with health or safety emergencies.
• Each student receives a laminated Emergency Contact wallet card, detailing important contact
information.
• Each student group is briefed by US Embassy staff in-country on health and safety.
Health Risks
CLS Program staff are not medical professionals and therefore cannot provide medical advice for
participants. It is the responsibility of each individual finalist to consult with their own medical professionals
about the health risks of traveling to India. Each student should also carefully examine the website for the
Centers for Disease Control, which details a variety of illnesses that exist in India, including but not limited
to:
Mosquito-Borne Illnesses Food or Water Borne-Illnesses Other Illnesses
Malaria Hepatitis A Routinely vaccinated illnesses*
Japanese Encephalitis Typhoid Hepatitis B
Zika Virus Cholera Rabies
Chikungunya Virus Food Poisoning Heat Stroke
Lymphatic Filariasis Traveler’s Diarrhea HIV/AIDS and other STI’s
Leishmaniasis Flu and Common Colds
Dengue Fever

Care should be taken to avoid mosquito bites, including using mosquito repellant sprays, using repellant-
treated clothing, and covering exposed skin. Mosquito populations will likely increase when the monsoon
season commences in July. To avoid possible insect-borne diseases, apply bug spray if you notice
mosquitoes, ticks, or fleas. Beware of bedding in hotels when traveling as bedbugs are becoming an
increasingly common worldwide problem. Pack insect repellent as it may not be readily available in your
host country. Consult the CDC website for India to see if particular insect-borne diseases are found in your
area, or areas to which you plan to travel.
Participants will also need to practice caution when eating and drinking to avoid contaminated food or
water. While food and water in host families and at the CLS institute are guaranteed to be safe, most CLS
students will experience mild or moderate gastro-intestinal distress during the CLS programs in India. This
could include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain and other symptoms of food poisoning. This is natural
reaction of your body encountering different bacteria for the first time. Even if you have been to India
before, your stomach is not as “strong” as people who have lived in India their whole lives. Do not try to get
an “iron stomach” by deliberately eating questionable food – it will only do you harm.
Do not touch pets or animals on the street or in the wild, as bites and scratches can lead to serious
infections, such as rabies. Do not approach dogs or cats except in a home you know, and ask the owners
beforehand. If you are around monkeys, hold your valuables tight, as monkeys sometimes grab cell phones
or purses. Do not eat near monkeys as they may try to take your food.
Mental health care facilities and resources may also differ from those in the U.S. English-speaking providers
may not always be available, and certain medications are illegal in India, including medicines common in the
U.S. such as Adderall. For a complete list of banned medications, visit the Indian Government’s National
Health Portal. Although CLS Participants are enrolled in ASPE, participants are encouraged to have primary
health insurance coverage overseas as well.
*Routine vaccinations are available for measles-mumps-rubella, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, chickenpox,

polio and flu shots. Medication or vaccinations can also be obtained for several of the illnesses listed above,
including Malaria, Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Flu and Rabies. Students are encouraged to consult with their
doctors about recommended vaccinations and medications. It is important to note that several vaccinations
require multiple doses spread over a particular range of time before immunity is guaranteed, so students
should be sure to also discuss the immunity timeline. Some vaccinations may be available in-country as
well, but are not covered by ASPE.
Water and Food Quality

We strongly recommend that students do not drink tap water in the host country. Be aware of swallowing
tap water while brushing teeth and taking showers. Consuming even small amounts of tap water may cause
infections leading to symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. Filtered, Reverse Osmosis (RO) or bottled water is
readily available at all CLS host sites. Drinking lots of clean water, washing your hands regularly, avoiding
sharing utensils or water bottles, and getting enough rest, will go a long way towards keeping you healthy
during your study abroad experience. If you do get sick, drink plenty of fluids and consider seeing a doctor if
you do not feel better in a day. Here are some recommendations to help you stay healthy:
• Bottled Water: Buy brand-name bottled water rather than generic labels. You can purchase
bottled water in bulk at most grocery stores or street vendors. Always make sure the seal has not
been broken.

• Boiled Water: Tap water that is boiled for at least 3 minutes is safe to drink (start timing after the
water is at a rolling boil) before drinking.
• Water Filters: If you like, you can

purchase water filters that remove
microbiological cysts, crystoporidium
(99.9%), and giardia (99.99%). These
are commercially available in the
United States at camping stores and
online.
• Fruit Juice: When ordering juices from

fresh fruit stands, ask the vendor to use
bottled water. Check that the vendor
has running water to wash used
glasses; do not buy fresh juice from a
street cart with no running water.
• Ice Cubes: Avoid ice cubes in drinks.
Hand Washing: Always wash your hands with soap and water before eating and after using the bathroom,
and as often as possible when venturing out and about (it is helpful to carry hand sanitizer and hand wipes
with you). Cooked food is generally safe but your body can still react to new germs and bacteria with which
you may not be familiar. Poor refrigeration, undercooked meat, and improperly washed raw fruits and
vegetables often lead to health problems such as food poisoning and stomach infections. Taking some
precautions can reduce the risk of getting sick:
• Restaurants: Choose restaurants that appear clean and busy. Ask for advice from your host
community and local friends about where to purchase fresh foods and which restaurants are the
safest. Avoid cold buffets where sausage, lunch meats or other foods have been sitting out. Be
particularly cautious of sauces or chutneys that have been sitting out for a long period of time.
• Street Vendors: Be wary of food from street vendors – only eat at busy vendors, and visually
inspect the cleanliness and access to refrigeration and running water. Be extra careful to eat meat
that is sufficiently cooked. A good sign is if the food is piping hot.
• Raw Fruits and Vegetables: If you eat raw fruits or vegetables, always wash them thoroughly with
bottled or filtered water. Peel fruits and vegetables when possible (after washing them), and try to
avoid fruit that does not have a peel. “Peel it or cook it” is good rule of thumb for fruits and
vegetables. Salads made of cut vegetables or fruits should be avoided unless you are sure the
vegetables were washed with clean water and soap/chlorine.
Weather, Environmental Risks and Air Quality

Dangerous weather or geological events can also pose risks to your health and safety, including but not
limited to:
• Earthquakes

• Flash flooding during monsoon season
• Air pollution
• High temperatures
Please note that building codes and a building’s ability to withstand earthquakes may be different or lower
in India than in the U.S. Flooding is a common hazard in India during the monsoon due to poor storm water
drainage. Street flooding often contains raw sewage, and can obscure sharp objects or holes which pose
hazards to pedestrians. Participants should take care to avoid flooded streets and areas, wear close-toed
shoes, and take care to wash any skin exposed to flood water. Standing water can also harbor harmful
bacteria or diseases, and can also pose a risk of electrocution if electrical lines are exposed or in disrepair.
Air pollution in major cities in India is pervasive and can reach harmful levels. CLS Participants should
consider purchasing air masks to use at their discretion, and should monitor air quality, especially if
planning independent travel to large cities such as New Delhi and Mumbai. The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi
measures the airborne fine particulate matter and posts the current readings on their
website: https://in.usembassy.gov/air-quality-data-information, however these readings are just for
Embassy grounds and cannot be construed to
assess air quality for an entire city.
High daytime temperatures in the summer can

also pose health risks. The average high
temperature in the summer can reach over 100
Fahrenheit or higher, raising the risk of
dehydration and heat stroke. The CLS Program
provides bottled water for all outdoor excursions.
Participants should also take care to minimize the
risks of dehydration and heat stroke by drinking
ample water, replenishing electrolytes, covering
skin exposed to the sun, wearing sunscreen and
staying in shaded areas.
Sanitary Standards
Bathrooms: The sanitary standards in India can be very different than what you are used to in the U.S.,
particularly when it comes to public restrooms, which are often quite unsanitary. In general, you should
expect a squat toilet even in newer restaurants and businesses, but particularly in public restrooms.
Bathroom accessibility varies for men and women – typically it is harder to find public bathrooms for
women, whereas street-side public urinals for men are common. Public bathrooms sometimes have an
attendant who will charge you a few rupees for the use of the bathroom. Very often there will not be soap to
wash your hands, and toilet paper is rare. It is a good idea to carry a small amount of toilet paper, hand
wipes and hand sanitizer with you at all times.
Even when you do find non-squat toilets, they will likely be bidet toilets, or have a small spray hose attached
to the side. It is also common to see a bucket of water with a water scooper next to the toilet. Indians
generally use water in the place of toilet paper, so you may have to supply your own toilet paper in your
host family. You may also choose to adopt Indian toilet customs.
Menstruation: Female CLS participants should note that tampons, pads and other sanitary products may
not be as widely available in India, or the products may be stylistically different. There are many cultural

practices and taboos around menstruation (see Section VII: Living in India for more details). Disposing of
menstrual products can also be more difficult, as organized trash disposal and collection is not as orderly as
in the United States. For instance, there may not be trash receptacles in public restrooms, and your host
family may insist you follow certain guidelines for disposing of your menstrual products. It can be helpful to
carry around Ziploc bags in case you can’t find a trash receptacle immediately.
Spitting: Although spitting in public is considered a health hazard and the Indian government has
implemented fines in several big cities for such acts, the reality is that the regulations are loosely enforced.
Men are especially oblivious to the taboo associated with spitting in public, especially if they are chewing
paan (chewing tobacco). It is best to keep an open mind and remember that spitting in public is just part of
the Indian culture.

Section VI: Safety & Security
The CLS Program takes participant safety very seriously. We work closely with the U.S. Department of
State and the U.S. Embassies and Consulates to evaluate our program sites and receive approvals before
placement is completed. All CLS Program participants are registered with the U.S. Embassy or consulate
overseas in advance of departure through the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment
Program (STEP) (www.step.state.gov/). In addition, local and U.S.-based staff are committed to providing a
safe environment. All reasonable precautions are taken to ensure that participants are in safe living
conditions and have access to medical care.
Important Safety Information

In a climate of economic, political, and social uncertainty, your “otherness” as a foreigner becomes an issue
that has potential consequences for your personal safety. Conspicuous foreigners are sometimes the
targets of pickpockets, unwanted attention, or muggings. Our intention is not to frighten you, but to make
sure you have basic information to decrease the likelihood of experiencing crime. Some considerations for
your own safety are listed below, and more information will be provided during your pre-departure and on-
site orientations.
Personal Safety
• Avoid American mannerisms that may draw attention to you, such as smiling at strangers,
speaking loudly in public, or making eye contact. In many parts of the world, men consider eye
contact from a woman as an invitation for more interactions. Sunglasses can be very useful to avoid
this problem.
• Dress appropriately and avoid clothing that may be interpreted as provocative or makes you stand
out as a foreigner.
Transportation Safety
The most common cause of death of Americans traveling internationally is, by far, traffic accidents. In India
this is true as well, as Indian roadways are often chaotic and crowded. Traffic laws are varied and unevenly
enforced, and pedestrians should not assume they have right-of-way. Passengers should always wear
seatbelts and choose transportation methods that afford passengers protection in the event of a collision.
Road and building infrastructure quality can also vary to extreme degrees. Roads often have uncovered
holes or unsecured construction areas, and uneven surfaces can cause trip-and-fall hazards. Electrical wires
or cables may be exposed in public places, and storm and sewer drainage may be inadequate. Due to a
dearth of public restrooms, it is common to encounter raw sewage on public roads and sidewalks.
Additionally, building codes may be different from those in the US, especially for earthquakes or fires.
When visiting restaurants or other establishments, be aware of emergency exits, or lack thereof. Finally, as
a nation of 1.3 billion, crowds can also pose hazards such as theft, harassment or stampedes, particularly on
major holidays or events.
CLS Participants are prohibited from driving while on the CLS Program, and are also prohibited from riding
on motorcycles or scooters. Transportation is provided on all official CLS Program excursions, however CLS
students must arrange their own travel from school in the afternoons. CLS Institutes hold fire drills with
participants each summer, and provide each host family residence with a fire and carbon monoxide alarm.

• Walking or traveling with a friend or in a small group is
better than traveling alone or with a large group.
Walking with someone else helps deflect approaches
by people who might bother you.
• Never walk alone at night. If you visit friends in the

evening, ask them to escort you home or remain with
you until you are in a taxi.
• Always tell someone where you are going and when

you expect to return.
• If you want to visit a new neighborhood, make your first

visit during the day. Look at a map and note the nearest
sources of public transportation and routes. Check with
local people about the area’s safety.
• When asking for directions, use common sense and

approach people who seem non-threatening. A woman should not ask a single man for directions;
ask another woman or a family. Likewise, a man should not ask a single woman for directions.
• Traffic accidents are a significant risk to study abroad students. Always stay alert as a pedestrian
and look both ways before crossing the street. In many parts of the world, pedestrians do not have
the right-of-way, so never assume a car will stop for you or steer out of the way. Stay on sidewalks
away from the curb, and walk facing oncoming traffic whenever possible. Be aware if traffic lights
change the instant a pedestrian walk light changes; i.e. there is no lag to allow the pedestrian to
finish crossing the street. If in doubt of how much time remains, wait for the next light cycle.
Avoiding Theft and Petty Crime

• Be aware of purse-snatching, pick-pocketing, and other thefts, even in broad daylight and especially
in busy marketplaces and tourist areas. Wallets in the back pocket of your pants or backpack are an
attractive target. Keep your bags zipped and close to your person, either under your arm or by your
chest.
• Backpacks should not be worn on crowded public transportation. If you do carry a backpack, hold it
in front of you or over one shoulder to ensure that you can watch it at all times.
• A concealed money belt is best in crowded situations. Be sure to take out money you might need
ahead of time.
• Avoid carrying large bags or bags that do not close completely during travel, as it could draw
attention and attract pickpockets.
• Be vigilant in restaurants, hotel lobbies, train compartments, airports, and train stations. Be wary of
con artists, distractions, and diversions.

• Talk to your host family about safety. Your safety is one of their priorities, and they will be able to
give you more detailed information about areas you may want to avoid.
Money Safety
• Do not handle or display large quantities of money on the street. Only take out the amount of
money that you need for a given transaction.
• Be discreet with credit cards, jewelry, and electronic devices.
• Never carry more money than you immediately need. If you need to carry substantial amounts of
money, wear it under your clothes in a concealed money belt or pouch.
• At home, lock your money and credit cards in a suitcase in your room, and be discreet with money
around your host family. Even if you trust them, you may not be able to trust visitors or workers
they may have while you are out. Bring a luggage lock so you will be able to secure your valuables
or private belongings.
Exchanging Money and Withdrawing Money from ATMs

There are many safe locations where you can legally exchange money. When you do this, you should
receive a receipt. Keep your receipts until you are back in the United States. Here are some tips for avoiding
problems:
• Go with a friend when you exchange money or use an ATM.
• Avoid exchanging or withdrawing money when it is dark.
• Do not call attention to yourself by speaking loudly when dealing with money. Count your money
before stepping away from the exchange counter. Use your cell phone calculator to figure the
exchange rate and be sure you received the right amount of money.
• If you are traveling, get your trip money from an ATM before leaving so you won’t run the risk of
losing your card in a defective ATM far from your host city.
• Do not rely entirely on your ATM card for retrieving money. Bring some cash from the United
States that you can exchange if your ATM card is not working.
Public Gatherings
Many countries worldwide have changing political climates, which often lead to protests, demonstrations,
and strikes. Protests are of special concern for foreigners. Students should always stay away from public
demonstrations and areas prone to instability and disorder. Be careful of any large gatherings. If you happen
across a protest or strike, leave the area as quickly as possible. Do not stay to take photos or “experience”
the protest. The U.S. Embassy in your host country may notify citizens via e-mail of scheduled protests. Do
not photograph crowds, and never photograph police, military personnel or official buildings. Please note
that your accident and sickness coverage (ASPE) does not cover injuries sustained as a result of
participating in protests, demonstrations, or strikes.

Political Unrest or Terrorism
India has a unique history of civil disobedience, and political strikes or demonstrations (“bandh”) are
common. Such strikes can range from mildly inconvenient, to disruptive, to violent. State or national
governments can take a variety of actions to impose order on disruptive groups, including suspension of
transportation, curfews, or even full telecommunication shutdowns. ASPE health coverage does not cover
any injuries sustained while participating in a political strike, therefore participants should avoid
participating in any strikes or political actions. Participants should also take caution and depart the area
anytime a large crowd begins to form, as stampedes are also a risk in large crowds. Large crowds and
political strikes are more common around major Indian holidays, or anniversaries of significant political or
social events.
India also experiences terrorist activity, including anti-Western, Islamic extremist and other religiously or
politically motivated terrorism. CLS Participants should take care to not advertise their American
citizenship to strangers or crowds, or announce their destinations or personal information on public social
media.
Several parts of India are considered areas of instability by the U.S. Embassy, including Jammu & Kashmir,
the India-Pakistan border, and areas where Maoist extremist groups (“Naxalites”) are active in the east
central and southern India. India also has a list of restricted/protected areas for which foreigners are
required to apply for permission to travel. Both the U.S. Embassy’s list of areas of instability and Indian list
of restricted areas are subject to change. CLS Participants should check for up-to-date information before
planning any independent travel.
In the past year, Indian national and state governments have decided to shut down internet services,
telecommunication (cell phone) networks, or even electricity to curb potentially violent political or
religiously-motivated gatherings. Curfews can also be imposed in these instances. CLS participants must
abide by all government issued restrictions.
The CLS Program’s site specific policies prohibit students from traveling independently to areas deemed
unstable by the U.S. Embassy in India. In the event of a telecommunication shut down, CLS participants
should head to the institute or their host family residence. The CLS Program will disseminate emergency
meet-up plans at in-country orientation. Institute landlines should remain functional, so participants should
be aware of landline phones in their residence or institute.
Alcohol & Drugs

Abuse of alcohol or drugs that endangers yourself or others may result in termination of your CLS award.
See more in Section III: Program Policies.
Alcohol
Drinking alcohol during the CLS Program is strongly discouraged, and in some program sites, drinking
alcohol will not be tolerated at all. Some CLS Program sites have additional policies regarding alcohol
consumption. These will be provided to you as part of the Site-Specific Policies. If you do decide to drink, be
mindful of the following:
• Always drink in moderation. Avoid drinking with large groups of men, or in locations where large
groups of men congregate.

• It is not advisable to take alcohol as a gift to a lunch or dinner invitation. Even in cultures where
many people drink alcohol, your hosts may not drink for religious or personal reasons.
Drugs
CLS has a zero tolerance policy for illegal drug use. If you use illegal drugs, your scholarship will be
terminated. Using illegal drugs is not only a health risk but also puts you at risk for arrest and imprisonment
in the host country. Illegal drugs can be tainted or contain substances other than those advertised, and
taking them can lead to an overdose or death. Additionally, misuse or abuse of prescription drugs is
dangerous. Do not respond to the stresses of adjusting to a new culture by taking more than the prescribed
dosage of either your own medication or drugs prescribed to someone else.
Harassment & Unwanted Attention

You may experience harassment or unwanted attention abroad. Forms of harassment may include cat-
calling, whistling, making comments or being followed. Please remember that fellow students, your
Resident Director, local program staff, as well as the staff at American Councils in D.C. are here to help
support your safety and
emotional wellbeing. If you
have trouble adjusting to life
abroad or if you've had an
experience that made you feel
uncomfortable, threatened or
violated, please don't hesitate
to discuss it with American
Councils staff or your
Resident Director.
Remember that although

there are steps you can take
to lower your profile, you are
not responsible for the
behavior of others. Below are
some strategies to mitigate
harassment or unwanted
attention abroad:
• Avoid making eye contact with or smiling at strangers, especially strangers of the opposite sex.
American friendliness is easily misinterpreted as a sexual invitation.
• Avoid walking alone, especially on empty, dimly lit streets at dusk or at night.
• Oftentimes, the best response to unwanted stares, comments, or touches is to ignore the
harasser and remove yourself from the situation quickly and calmly.
• Students who are being harassed or pursued by a stranger in public should remain in a public,
visible, populated place and call the Resident Director.

• Avoidance is the safest tactic. Try to avoid situations that may be dangerous, such as being out
late at night by yourself or being alone with someone you do not know well.
• Many female students may find it more comfortable to be in the company of a male fellow
student while in public places, as this may decrease sexual harassment.
Be sure to also read Section VIII: Maintaining Your Identity Abroad, as these factors may also impact your
experience with harassment and unwanted attention.
Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence

Much attention has been drawn to incidents of sexual harassment and sexual violence on U.S. college
campuses, and you should be aware that this can also happen to students overseas. Sexual harassment and
sexual violence can happen with those you are familiar with or with those whom you have never met before.
Being in an unfamiliar environment and away from your domestic support network can add an additional
level of distress to any bad experience, including coping with sexual harassment and sexual violence. The
CLS Program seeks to provide each student with an active safety network to decrease the risk of sexual
harassment and sexual violence. However, it is important to note that even when all precautions are taken,
sexual harassment and sexual violence can occur.
The CLS Program believes that sexual harassment or violence is never the fault of the victim. If you are a
victim of sexual harassment or assault, we will provide nonjudgmental support and help meet your needs to
the best of our ability.
Definitions
Sexual Harassment is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, which includes unwelcome sexual advances;
requests for sexual favors; and other verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates a
hostile environment, including rape, sexual assault, and sexual exploitation. Conduct is considered
“unwelcome” if the student did not request or invite it and considered the conduct to be undesirable or
offensive.
Examples of sexual harassment include: making sexual propositions or pressuring a program participant for
sexual favors, touching of a sexual nature, writing graffiti of a sexual nature, displaying or distributing
sexually explicit drawings, pictures, or written materials; performing sexual gestures or touching oneself
sexually in front of others; telling sexual or dirty jokes; spreading sexual rumors or rating other students as
to sexual activity or performance; or circulating or showing e-mails or websites of a sexual nature.
Sexual violence is a form of sexual harassment and refers to physical sexual acts perpetrated against a
person’s will or where a person is incapable of giving consent (e.g., due to the student’s age or
incapacitation). A number of different acts fall into the category of sexual violence, including rape, sexual
assault, sexual battery, sexual abuse, sexual coercion, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking.
Consent is a voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity. Someone who is incapacitated cannot
consent. Incapacitation can occur due to the use of drugs or alcohol, when a person is asleep or
unconscious, or because of an intellectual or other disability that prevents the student from having the
capacity to give consent.
For more detailed definitions, please refer to the Sexual Harassment Policy located in the Appendix.

Reporting
If you are a victim of sexual harassment, or witness sexual harassment, you are urged to inform CLS
Program staff, the Resident Director or Institute Staff who can be reached 24-hours per day. CLS urges you
to report any instance of sexual harassment as soon as possible after the incident has occurred. If a
participant reports to CLS Program staff that he/she has suffered a sexual assault or harassment on the CLS
Program, or if CLS Program staff otherwise learns of a sexual assault or sexual harassment incident, CLS
Program staff will provide immediate support and assistance, including access to professional medical care
and counseling and support (on-line or on-site depending on availability), as requested by the participant.
Upon receiving reports of sexual harassment, CLS Program staff have a responsibility to report the incident
to their supervisor or program director. Known incidents must also be reported to the U.S. Department of
State. You should know that all reports or complaints of sexual harassment will be handled discreetly;
however, individuals with a legitimate need to know will be informed of the complaint in order for the CLS
Program to respond effectively.
Participants who wish to access confidential resource personnel should contact the following resources:
- Pathways to Safety (formerly Sexual Assault Support and Help for Americans Abroad):
Pathways to Safety provides sexual assault prevention & response regardless of age, race, gender,
sexual orientation, or location worldwide. (Their crisis line number is +1-833-SAFE-833 from the
U.S., see the Pathways to Safety website for country specific directions
at https://pathwaystosafety.org/)
- Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN): This is the largest anti-sexual violence
organization in the U.S. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (+1-800-
656-HOPE) in partnership with providers across the United States. (https://www.rainn.org/)
Participants are also encouraged to make use of U.S. Government resources available to Americans
overseas, such as the American Citizens Services desk at the embassy in their host country.
You should also note that host country laws and cultural norms related to official reports of sexual
harassment and sexual violence vary around the world. For this reason, you are strongly encouraged to
consult with your Resident Director, CLS staff and the local U.S. Embassy before involving local law
enforcement.
Participants who seek to report incidents of harassment or assault to local police should review a variety of
considerations before doing so, as local laws, investigatory procedures, and courtroom rules governing such
cases may differ significantly from those of the U.S. and in some cases may compound the victim’s trauma.
Certain incidents, if considered a criminal case, may require the victim to testify at a point in time after the
CLS Program has completed. Attitudes toward harassment may also vary considerably. In some cases local
police may not be supportive of a victim reporting harassment. Depending on host country laws, the
reporting of harassment or assault may even be considered an admission of guilt on the part of the victim.
The CLS Program strongly advises students to contact the Resident Director before reporting
incidents to law enforcement. The Resident Director can connect you with the U.S. Embassy or
Consulate, if necessary. It is important to consider local laws and procedures before making a
decision to report incidents of harassment or assault to local police.
Prior to departure participants should also consider what resources are available to them in their home
community and/or on their home campuses, such as a university health or wellness center.

Participants may also report to CLS staff concerning behavior, such as general catcalling, or actions or
statements that they believe may constitute harassment, but which are difficult to fully define. In such
incidents, CLS Program staff will also provide immediate support and assistance to the participant.
Non Retaliation and Amnesty

As stated in the Sexual Harassment Policy, the CLS Program prohibits retaliation against program
participants and other members of the CLS community for filing a complaint of discrimination or
harassment. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, threats, intimidation, coercion, and adverse actions
in relation to evaluation or program participation. The CLS Program will investigate allegations of retaliation
and will take strong responsive action if retaliation occurs. The CLS Program may grant amnesty from drug,
alcohol, and other student conduct policies for complaints of sexual harassment, including sexual violence,
made in good faith.
If you have more questions about the CLS Sexual Harassment policy we encourage you to review the Terms
and Conditions document in the Accepted Student Portal, as well as the policy which is located in
the Appendix.
Emergency Procedures
In case of emergency or severe illness, contact your Resident Director immediately. If you cannot
reach your Resident Director, call other local CLS Institute Staff.
Cell Phones
Students are provided emergency contact cards with important phone numbers and information as well as
mobile phones that they can use to contact local staff in case of emergency. Please be sure to keep
money/minutes on this phone and the battery charged so that you can call in case of emergency and
receive calls in case you need to be notified of a serious situation. You should also enter the Resident
Director’s number and at least two other local staff members’ numbers into the phone’s memory so that
you are not searching for phone numbers in case of an emergency. If there is an emergency, your Resident
Director and Institute Director will work with American Councils staff in Washington, D.C., to find the best
possible resolution to the situation.
Evacuations or Suspensions of a CLS Program Site

Student safety and security is a top priority for the U.S. Department of State and American Councils.
American Councils will engage with the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. and the U.S.
Embassies and Consulates overseas, as well as local authorities to monitor the security situation prior to
and during your CLS program.
Prior To your CLS Program

If the Department of State determines that a program site is not safe for any reason, the program may be
suspended. If a program is suspended, American Councils, in consultation with the Department of State,
will explore options for moving the Institute to another location and/or placing individual participants in
alternate sites. If it is not feasible to move the program to a different location, and if no mutually acceptable
assignment can be arranged, the CLS program will be cancelled and all benefits and obligations shall cease.
If there are changes to the program location or dates, award recipients will be informed of the options and
will have the opportunity to decline the CLS award without penalty.

During your CLS Program
In the unlikely event that the Department of State determines that an evacuation of U.S. citizens from a host
country is required, American Councils will work with the U.S. Embassy to ensure that participants are
evacuated and returned to the U.S. in a safe and orderly manner that complies with U.S. government
standards. At that time, the program will be terminated and all benefits and obligations shall cease.
Safety and Security in India

More site-specific information is in the next section, Section VII: Living in India. For up-to-date information
and safety advice, it is highly recommended that participants read the State Department Travel Information
Page for India: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/india.html

Section VII: Living in India
Introduction to India
Brief Indian History
India through the ages is a land of mixtures of South Asian cultures, including the influences of the Maurya
Empire, the Golden age of the Gupta period, the Delhi sultanate founded by invading Turks and Afghans,
and the Moghul Dynasty, which ruled for three centuries. In the late 16th century, India became a growing
interest to the Europeans, starting with the Portuguese, but most notably by the expansive British Empire,
who ruled over India for most of the 19th century. The nonviolent resistance to British rule led by Mohandas
Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru helped India achieve independence in 1947. The years following were marked
with violence as the subcontinent first divided into the two separate states of India and Pakistan, and then
following the wars between the two states, a third separation wherein East Pakistan became the country of
Bangladesh. With over 1 billion inhabitants, India ranks as the world’s second most populous nation behind
China, which it is expected to surpass by the year 2030. This massive and youthful population, coupled
with the economic reforms of the early 90s, has driven India’s emergence as a global powerhouse, despite
continuing issues of environmental degradation, poverty, corruption, and the lingering social imbalances of
the caste system.
Fast Facts – India

- World's seventh largest country by land area
- Population: more than 1.3 billion (second largest population in the world)
- A federal union of 28 states and 7 union territories
- Highly ethnically and linguistically diverse with Hindi and English as official languages
- 80.5% of the population practice Hinduism; other religions represented include Islam, Christianity,
Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism
- President: Ram Nath Kovind
- Prime Minister: Narendra Modi
Fast Facts – Lucknow

- Also known as the Golden City of India, and City of the Nawabs, who were sovereigns of the
Mughal Emperor
- Lucknow's society is very famous for its etiquette and traditions which have allowed it to attain a
rare degree of sophistication
- Was the seat of the notorious mutiny against British rule, known in India as the First War of
Independence
Your CLS Host Institute

A description of the American Institute of Indian Studies (AIIS) can be found in the CLS Program Overview,
and detailed contact information for your institute can be found in the Appendix.
Program Timeline
June 14 Arrive in Washington, D.C., evening welcome reception
June 15 Pre-Departure Orientation in Washington, DC.
June 17-18 Travel to New Delhi, India

June 19 Travel to Lucknow, India, On-site orientation begins
June 19-20 On-site orientation, placement exam and move in with host families
June 20-Aug. 13 CLS Program classes and activities.
August 6-10 Post-program OPI language testing occurs this week, in the evening.
(approx.)
August 13 Program ends; final cultural performance.
August 14 Departure from Lucknow, travel to New Delhi
August 15 Departure from New Delhi and arrival in Washington, D.C.
September 15 Deadline for completing and submitting all post-program requirements.
December Receive official CLS completion certificate.
List of Weekends and Cultural Excursion Schedule:

Please note that AIIS reserves the right to change the dates of their cultural excursions as needed. CLS
cultural excursions are required activities, and do take priority over students’ independent travel plans.
Furthermore, common attractions or sites can sometimes shut down due to strikes, protests or other
reasons, forcing AIIS to rearrange the excursion schedule. This is a tentative list of cultural excursion and
independent travel weekends:
June 23-June 24: Local excursion (No Independent Travel this weekend)
June 30-July 1: Independent Travel Weekend
July 7-July 8: Local excursion (No Independent Travel this weekend)
July 13- July 15: Independent Travel 3-Day Weekend
July 21-July 22: Overnight excursion (No Independent Travel this weekend)
July 28-July 29: Independent Travel Weekend
August 4-August 5: Local excursion (No Independent Travel this weekend)
August 11-August 12: Local excursion (No Independent Travel this weekend)
Site Specific Policies

Safety and Security:
- Students are required to be in their host family residence by 10:00pm nightly. If a student misses
this curfew, their host family will inform the Institute Director and/or Resident Director. (This
applies to independent travel as well – if students travel outside of the host city during a weekend,
they must return by 10pm on Sunday night. Returning on Monday morning is not permitted.)
- Students are not permitted to stay at another CLS student’s host family residence, or in a hotel in
the host city, unless extenuating circumstances occur in which the Institute Director and Resident
Director approve such a measure.
- Driving motor vehicles, motorcycles, and scooters is prohibited.
- Riding on motorcycles or scooters is prohibited. Riding in cars, rickshaws and bicycle-rickshaws is
permitted.

- Several areas of India are prohibited as independent travel destinations, as listed on the State
Department’s Travel Information Page for India (travel.state.gov.) These areas include the state of
Jammu and Kashmir, and within 10 km of the India-Pakistan border. These restricted locations are
subject to change, therefore students are advised to check the Department of State travel website
before planning any independent travel.
- Students will maintain a culturally appropriate and respectful level of dress at the institute, in their
host families, and in the community.
Attendance and Timeliness:
- Students are expected to attend all classes and be on time. In the event that an illness or something
else prevents a student from attending class, the student is required to inform the Resident
Director prior to the start of class.
- Poor attendance and frequent tardiness will affect grades and may incur CLS disciplinary measures.
Being late to class causes disruption, and is also disrespectful to the teachers.
Institute Rules:
- Cell phone or laptop usage in class is prohibited unless requested by teachers.

- No eating during class.
- Students should always show proper respect to teachers and to any special visitors to the program.
Salutation is an important aspect of Indian culture; ignoring someone or not showing proper
respect to teachers, special guests, and elders, or not showing kindness to small children is
unacceptable behavior. Language and culture are linked; therefore it is expected of students that
they work as language learners to put forth special efforts towards cultural understanding.
- Do not address teachers or staff by their first name alone; the honorific Ji should be used to indicate
respect of their station.
- It is uncommon for students in India to challenge their teachers’ authority and knowledge. CLS
teachers will encourage students to ask language questions and facilitate interactive dialogues.
Teachers reserve the right to redirect conversation topics if the topic is causing discomfort for
other students or the teacher themselves. If a student has concerns about the classes or teachers,
they will bring these concerns to the attention of the Institute Director.
- Students should refrain from making any criticism or sharing others’ views in criticizing the Indian
Government, Indian Institutions or any individuals who have affiliation with political parties with
any Government department/Indian Institutions.
Property
- Any property of AIIS such as cell phone, camera, DVD, CD Voice recorder, and books must be
returned within the time limits specified. If an item belonging to the institute is lost or broken, the
student is responsible for its repair or replacement. The same holds true for any other property that
may be issued to students through AIIS.
- At the conclusion of the program, students are responsible for returning any loaned AIIS property,
including cell phones. Any lost or damaged items will be replaced at the student’s cost.
Please visit Section III: Program Policies for information about general CLS program policies.

Visa & Passport Information
In order to participate in the CLS Program, you
need a valid student visa or an Overseas Citizen
of India (OCI) card. Please note that the CLS
Program and AIIS cannot extend your CLS
student visa beyond the program dates, unless
you are participating in another AIIS-sponsored
activity after the conclusion of CLS.
It is your responsibility to know the terms of

your visa, and to remain in compliance with
these regulations. You could face serious legal
action and detention if you violate the terms of
your Indian visa and/or do not register properly
with the local officials. If you are required to
register with the FRRO (Foreigner Regional
Registration Office) when you arrive, AIIS will
assist you with this process. If your passport is
being held by the FRRO during this registration process, you cannot independently travel outside of your
host city. You should keep your passport with you at all times when you leave your CLS host city. Most
hotels will require your passport in order to book you a room, so it is difficult to travel and arrange lodgings
without your passport.
Finally, if you stay in the country after the program, you are responsible for remaining in compliance with
any visa laws. If you relocate to another city, you may need to register with the FRRO in that city. Please be
aware of any requirements, as you and AIIS could be subject to significant fines if any laws are violated.
For more general information on the visa process please see Section III: Program Policies.
Arrival, Immigration, and Customs

Delhi Airport: At the Delhi airport, you will be met by AIIS staff holding CLS signs. You will rest at a nearby
hotel for the night, and then take your final flight or bus to Lucknow. In Lucknow, AIIS staff and your
Resident Director will greet you and take you to a local hotel. The following day, you will move into your
host family residence.
Lucknow Institute Director: Ahtesham Khan, Head of Urdu Language Program and AIIS Language Programs
Coordinator. Phone: 9838979440

Customs – Customs clearance procedures are
mandatory. Declare your belongings as required by the
form given to you at customs. It is your responsibility to
pay for any customs duties.
Lost Luggage – In cases of lost luggage, please inform the

baggage customer service counter of your airline. Ask for
the name and contact number of the person dealing with
your case and insist on a proper receipt. Give them the
AIIS local address and phone number (46/3 Wazir Hasan
Road, Lucknow, U.P. India 226001). Please inform one of
the AIIS staff after meeting them in the waiting area. If
necessary, students may also contact any of the
administrators in Delhi for assistance:
1. Ms. Purnima Mehta, Director General.
Phone: 98116311912
2. Dr. Ahtesham Khan, Language Programs
Coordinator. Phone: 9838979440
Baggage Fees
While the CLS Program DC-based staff provide you with
your international itinerary, your final travel from Delhi to Lucknow is arranged by AIIS staff in Delhi. There
is a discrepancy between the international airline baggage allowances and the domestic Indian airline
baggage allowances, which results in excess baggage fees. United Airlines allows one free 23kg (50 lbs.)
bag. However, for flights originating in India, the baggage allowance can be one bag of 15 kg (33 lbs.)
Sometimes these fees are waived if the airline sees proof of recent international arrival. However if students
do incur fees, AIIS will cover these overweight baggage fees for each student (for up to one 23 kg bag).
Students are responsible for their own overweight baggage fees past the first free checked bag. This also
applies to your departure from India as well.
Host Family Overview

AIIS selects host families through a careful inspection and interview process. They attempt to match
students with families who share common interests, using the information you provided in your Housing
Information Form. However, it is not always possible to match all of your preferences. You will meet your
host family and move into their home during your in-country orientation. Host families are located in
various parts of the city, and although we do our best to place students in families that are close to the
institute, it is not always possible. For that reason, the institute arranges daily transportation between the
host families and the institute for your morning commute.
While host families are reimbursed for your food and some living expenses, most do not make a profit from
hosting students and in fact have gone through great lengths to make the homestay comfortable for
Americans. For example, many host families have taken it upon themselves to install air conditioners and
water purification units so that they could host CLS students. Your host family will provide breakfast and
dinner to you every day, and you will eat lunch at the institute on weekdays. If you are not planning on
returning to your host family’s house for dinner, you should inform the family in advance.

You are expected to speak Urdu with your host family at all times. You may have to insist sometimes that
the host family use Urdu, as many of the host families also know English. Let the RD and host family
coordinator know if your host family is not using Urdu with you.
Accommodations
Your host family will provide you with the following:
• A private bedroom with a bed, reading table, chair, reading light and area to store clothing
• A bathroom that may be private or shared with other family members
• Clean bedding & towels
• Air conditioning
• Filtered drinking water
• A key to the home
“I was incredibly fortunate to be placed in a
family that actually viewed and continue to
Keys
view me as their daughter. I became very
You will be given a key to your residence, and it is close to my host family. I would make chai
important that take care to not lose it. In many with my host mom, who is a star chef, listen
Indian families, only one person has the key, so it to Bollywood tunes with my host brother,
may be a large cultural leap for your host family to and chat about everything under the sun
provide you with a key (although it is required). Try with my host dad.”
2017 Indic Alumni
to be understanding if they are anxious or over-
cautious about your key and keeping it safe.
Furthermore, in many Indian homes with gates, there is only one gate key. This is why it is important to be
home by the 10:00 pm nightly curfew. If you are locked out of the gate late at night, you must call your host
family to be let in. If you climb the gate and enter the house late at night, they will be genuinely surprised to
see you in the morning!
Wi-Fi in the Host Family
Although your host family may have their own Wi-Fi, they may restrict your access or ask that you not
exceed a particular data limit. Home Wi-Fi in India is similar to American phone data plans in that there
may be a limited amount of data per month, and additional data costs more. Be considerate of your host
family’s Wi-Fi and ask what they consider to be acceptable usage. If they are not comfortable with you
using their data, you can acquire an internet hotspot (“dongle”) and a data plan at any phone kiosk. The
typical price range for a dongle starts at 2,000 rs (~$30 USD), and increases depending on the data and
speed of your plan. Your CLS institute has free Wi-Fi, as do many café’s and public places.
Laundry
Laundry facilities vary from host family to host family, and you should be prepared to do your own laundry.
While some families will have washing machines, dryers are rare. You should only put clothing in a washing
machine if you are sure that the dye will not run and stain other clothes. A lot of Indian clothing that is
brightly dyed will stain other clothing, therefore you must either bucket-wash or employ a dhobi
(washerman). Employing a dhobi is very affordable, and your family will have recommendations on local
options. If you give clothing to a dhobi to wash, your undergarments should be spotless, hand-washed if

need be. They can also iron (“press”) your clothing. Many CLS students hand-wash their clothing over the
summer in buckets. Your host family will likely give you a bucket for this purpose, and you can purchase
detergent locally. Clotheslines are the preferred method for drying clothes. However, be advised that if you
leave your clothes in direct sunlight for a while, the colors may fade dramatically.
Host Family Expectations & Realities

The goal of the CLS host family program is to provide you with an in-depth understanding of Indian culture
and language. The intent is not to provide a surrogate family abroad or to place you in luxury
accommodations. Host families are selected and trained by AIIS each spring. A primary criterion in host
family selection is a genuine interest in cultural exchange, and willingness to speak only in the target
language. Many CLS host families have hosted for several years, and are more familiar with American
mannerisms and culture. The host family training also includes an overview of hosting American students.
The following are guidelines for interacting with your host family:
• Respect your host family members and follow their household rules;
• Be flexible and understanding of the family and their customs, diets, schedules;
• Have realistic expectations about what the family can do for you;
• Recognize the effort that your host family puts forth in hosting you;
• Keep your room and area neat and help with family chores;
• Inform your host family when you will not be coming home for a meal or coming home late as meal
times will be estimated around your schedule;
• Avoid smoking and drinking inside the home. If you do smoke or drink outside the home, do it in
moderation and avoid making it obvious to your host family when returning to the home;
• Avoid using your family’s phones, especially for international calls. A cell phone will be given to you
and it will be easy to load with minutes at kiosks throughout the city;
• If you have specific dietary needs or food preferences, you should purchase these items yourself,
particularly if they are expensive;
• If you have guests visiting the city, do not expect your host family to accommodate them. You
should make arrangements with a local hotel.
• Always ask permission before inviting friends over.
Please note that spending the night elsewhere in the city (i.e. a hotel, an Airbnb, or a sleepover at a friend’s
host family) is not permitted. Host families are compensated for the food and accommodations of their CLS
students but they are not prepared to host other overnight guests. Eating dinner at other students’ host
families is fine if you are invited.
Electricity Use
Electricity in India is extremely expensive. AIIS estimates that the typical CLS student uses 6,000-7,000 rs.
of electricity per month (~$92-$107 USD). It is very poor manners to leave lights or appliances (including
fans and air conditioners) on in an unoccupied room. Host family members will go into rooms, including
your bedroom, to switch off unattended appliances and avoid unnecessary electricity expenditure. Do not
“pre-chill” your bedroom – rather, you should turn on the air conditioning or fan when you enter your room.
Finally, Indians typically do not sleep with blankets during the summer due to the high summer
temperatures. To be considerate of electricity costs, do not turn your air conditioning on at night just so you

may sleep with a blanket. If you are uncomfortable sleeping in the heat, use your air conditioning or fan to
achieve a temperature that is tolerable, but not so cold that you need a heavy blanket.
Considerations for Female Students

Differences in gender roles and expectations might be shocking or make you uncomfortable. For example,
there is a mandatory 10:00 pm curfew for all students to be home. However, host families will sometimes
enforce this policy more rigorously for female participants, or insist that they be home earlier. From the
perspective of your host family, they are demonstrating concern for your safety.
Other considerations for female students:
• Some Indian religions follow a rule that menstruating women should refrain from entering worship
spaces.
• Tampons and sanitary pads should be wrapped in newspaper, tissues or bags before going in the
trash. Do not flush them, as Indian drainage systems are not equipped to handle them. Your
household’s trash can often end up on your street’s trash pile, so keep in mind that things you
throw away could later be on display for a few days.
• Consider looking into environmentally friendly alternatives like the DivaCup or LunaCup.
Eating with your Host Family

Feeding people is one of the ways Indians show affection. Here are some tips that may help you better
understand and adapt to eating with your host family:
• Always wash your hands before and after each meal.

• Your family will appreciate it if you offer to share snacks and fruits with other family members,
especially with children.
• Eat only with your right hand. The left hand is considered to be perpetually unclean.
• It is customary in India for the host to insist on more helpings and for the guest to politely refuse.
As it is, the guests sometimes refuse out of politeness and then accept the food. Although AIIS
orients host families with information on American cultural norms and advice in this matter, you
will still need to learn how to convey that you absolutely do not want any more food. You may ask
the RD or institute staff to share convincing Urdu expressions which communicate this.
• That said, check with your host family before taking an extra helping.

• If you find yourself at home on a weekday during lunch, your host family may want to feed you.
However keep in mind that host
families are not compensated for
this, so if you do eat this
additional meal, you should
consider contributing by bringing
home fruit or other food.
• You should try to appreciate the
food your host family makes and
be sensitive to their feelings, but
it is also important to
communicate your needs and
wishes. Tell your host family
which of their dishes you
particularly enjoy, and tell them if
you the portions are too big or
too small.
• If you have a serious dietary issue
with a common ingredient in
Indian food, or a serious dislike, consider expressing the issue as an allergy. Be ready to advocate
for your dietary needs, and ask the RD for assistance if needed.
• If you do have actual food allergies, they will be accommodated by your host family. Be sure to go
over your allergies with them before you eat (you can use your CLS-provided allergy card).
Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian Food

India is particularly accommodating for vegetarians. Most, if not all, menu items at the AIIS institute will be
vegetarian. A typical meal has two vegetable dishes, one bean/lentil dish, fresh fruit and vegetables, bread
or rice, and a dessert. Students may participate in the 'mess committee' to create the weekly lunch menus.
Packaged vegetarian food in India is labeled with a green dot. Food with meat is labeled with a red dot. If
you do intend to eat meat in restaurants, be sure that it is a place where you see plenty of locals eating, and
only eat piping hot food. Because meat is prepared and served less frequently, and food sanitation and
refrigeration norms can be different, eating meat comes with a higher risk of foodborne illnesses.
Street Food
While you may be tempted by the variety and affordability of Indian street food available, please exercise
extreme caution. Even if you have been to India many times and are familiar with street food, please be
cautious recommending it to other American travelers who may not have the same exposure levels. Almost
all CLS students experience diarrhea, vomiting and other gastrointestinal ailments during their time in India,
some of which can be serious stomach infections requiring antibiotics or other medical treatment. Here are
some general guidelines:
- Examine a food stall’s surroundings and water source before deciding to eat there.
- Meat and fried food products can be contaminated by bacteria, especially if it has been sitting out.
- Dairy products like milkshakes, ice cream and lassi are generally safe.

- If your CLS Institute staff bring you to a restaurant or food stall, it means they trust it to be safe for
American stomachs.
Cultural Differences and Norms

Detailing all of the cultural differences between India and the U.S. is too much to address in just a
handbook. All CLS participants experience culture shock, which can be frustrating and rewarding in equal
parts. The following are some common cultural differences that CLS students have found challenging in the
past.
Male – Female Relationships

A common category of culture shock for CLS students is gender relations. In India, it is not considered
appropriate for a man to touch a woman in public or to talk in an informal friendly manner to a woman he
doesn't know (e.g., to ask about their school/work, ask out for coffee, etc.). Be wary of making or receiving
inappropriate advances. Members of the opposite sex should not enter your room unsupervised. Keep the
door open, or meet them in the living area of the house. It’s not uncommon for Americans to engage in
encounters that seem normal and friendly, which are then perceived by Indians as flirtatious or
promiscuous. Smiling is a classic example
of this; Americans tend to smile
drastically more than Indians. If you smile
at someone, it can be perceived as an
invitation.
Because drinking and smoking can be

associated with promiscuity for women, if
you are going to drink/smoke, you should
avoid doing it in public or in places where
people from your neighborhood can
observe you. While you may not care
what your neighbors think of you,
associations of promiscuity may incite
harassment so avoid this association for
your safety. If women find themselves
being harassed or groped in public while
in the company of other women, they should protest as loudly and vociferously as possible. Attracting the
attention of people in the crowd can lead to public embarrassment for the perpetrator, which may make
him think twice before he harasses someone again. Remember that the majority of people on the streets do
not condone such behavior. Do not hesitate to call your RD for advice or help if you are in an uncomfortable
situation.
It is extremely important that male students understand the gender expectations placed on their female
counterparts, and be prepared to fully participate in keeping all their CLS peers safe. This often involves
dropping off any female students to their homes first, escorting female students home, and generally using
the buddy system. As a male student, your mere presence with other female CLS students will deter
harassment. Don’t be shy if you have to speak up to defend your peers.

Friendship and Romantic Relationships
Romantic relationships with members of the local community should be avoided. Western concepts of
casual dating can collide with Indian expectations, with drastic consequences. If you have plans to hang out
with locals of similar age, pay attention to the gender ratios. Bring a classmate with you to ensure there are
equal numbers of men and women. If you’re not sure about any social interactions that occurred, talk to
your Resident Director or peers for clarification. This is for your safety.
Communication Styles
Many American mannerisms and greetings are not commonly practiced in India, like saying thank you
excessively, hugging or shaking hands as a greeting, or smiling excessively to be friendly. Smiling simply to
make friends does not work in India, especially for women. A smile is considered a valuable expression in
India that should not be abused by offering it to everyone and to strangers all the time. It may also attract
unwarranted attention and be perceived as a welcoming gesture. It is important to trust yourself and avoid
uncomfortable conversations. You don't have to talk to people who are forcing conversation on you in
public; you may walk away even at the risk of seeming rude.
Personal Space & Privacy

Population density is high in India, and people tend to stand closer together and to (sometimes) nudge or
touch strangers. It is highly unlikely that anyone will be aggressive with you; but, for example, if you are on a
crowded bus, someone may edge past you without saying “excuse me.” This is relatively common in a place
where residents are used to constantly being surrounded by people. You may also experience that while
waiting in lines, others get in front of you or edge their way in. This can be frustrating, but keep in mind that
people are used to interacting in a certain way and are (generally) not trying to be aggressive.
Privacy likewise also operates differently in India. With more than 1.3 billion people, the habit of privacy is
not the norm. The absence of privacy creates a much deeper intimacy between people than exists in the
West. Such intimacy is unnerving to many Westerners and it takes getting used to. You may find family
members more inclined to enter “your” space than you would like or expect. Try to be tactful in dealing with
issues of privacy. If you have personal belongings that you don't want people to see, keep them in a locked
trunk or bag.
Beggars
You may sometimes encounter people on the street (or, they will encounter you) asking for money.
Sometimes they can be quite aggressive, getting close to you or even grabbing your arm or leg. You will
especially be targeted for being a foreigner. It is up to you whether you want to give money; however, be
aware that giving money to one beggar may attract more. Additionally, you may see beggars with children.
Please know that sometimes these children do not belong to that person, and are “loaned” out for that
purpose. Also, giving money to a beggar does not ensure that the beggar gets to keep that money. Giving
food is a better option than giving money. If you want to avoid beggars, the best method is to avoid eye
contact and to walk quickly past them.
Courtesy & Cleanliness

Some common rules of courtesy apply in any culture, but you will find that many actions associated with
courteous behavior and cleanliness in the U.S. do not have the same meaning in India, and vice versa. Here
is a preliminary list of dos and don’ts that you may want to modify depending on your location and
experience:

• Do your best to be respectful and culturally appropriate to the people associated with the CLS
program. The future of the program and its continued good relationship with its surrounding
community depend on this.
• When in someone's home, sit cross-legged or with your feet folded under you; sprawling casually
or pointing your feet at anyone, especially someone senior to you, can be construed as an insult.
• Try not to hand anything (i.e. money, a gift, food, etc.) to anyone with your left hand.
• Always eat with your right hand, never with your left. It is perfectly acceptable, however, to use
your left hand to pick up your glass, etc., once your right hand is soiled with food.
• Don't share food from your plate while eating a meal. Once you’ve started your meal, the food
will be considered jhutha (unclean/used/not fit for consumption by others). Taking a “taste” from
another’s plate or glass is a taboo, and if you intend to share a bottle of water with others, drink by
pouring the liquid into your mouth (you will observe all Indians practicing this learnable art)
without touching the bottle to your lips.
• Water washes away all, especially when accompanied by soap. The Indian toilet is considered by
many to be much cleaner than the American toilet-paper system, and some Indians find it funny (or
disgusting) that people in the West use toilet paper. You can certainly find toilet paper in the
markets, but it may be more abrasive than you are accustomed to, and you may find it more
comfortable to adopt the toilet practices of your hosts.
• The use of courtesy formulas such as thank you and please for routine interactions is often jarring
to Indians, and commonplace compliments—such as praising someone’s clothing or the beauty of a
child—may embarrass them or make them nervous (since such praise is thought to connote
covetousness or to invite the “evil eye”). Your language teachers will help you to learn idioms
appropriate for everyday social interactions.
• In India’s age-ranked hierarchy, younger people are expected to initiate greetings first. When
addressing or talking about those who are chronologically or socially senior to you (e.g., a landlord’s
wife or a teacher), it is appropriate not to address them or talk about them by their first names.
Socially appropriate honorific prefixes or suffixes or kinship terms should be learned.
• Do not blow your nose into a napkin or handkerchief in the company of others. It is best to go aside
to do this. On the other hand, belching (especially after a satisfying meal) is not generally
considered discourteous in Indian society.
Religion & Faith

Religion plays a major role in the lives of most Indians. The people of India predominantly belong to the
Hindu faith. Other religious populations include Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and Christians. Atheism
and agnosticism are relatively uncommon, so if you mention atheist or agnostic beliefs you may experience
additional curiosity or awkwardness. If you are interested in attending religious services during the CLS
Program, talk with your Resident Director about where services may be available.
When visiting Hindu Temples (Mandir), Muslim Mosques (Masjid) or Shrines (Dargah), Sikh Temples
(Gurudwaras) and other places of worship, you will be asked to remove your shoes and possibly cover your
hair. It is a good idea to have a scarf with you for this purpose.
Holidays
During your summer in India, you will experience several national and state holidays. These are great
opportunities to learn about Indian traditions and celebrations. During holiday celebrations, be aware that

extra crowding, traffic, and travel restrictions may occur. Leading up to Indian Independence Day on August
15, airport security measures will be tightened and additional checkpoints will be in place.
Appropriate Dress & Clothing Guidelines

When taking care to be sensitive of local customs and safety, clothing can pose a particular dilemma for
CLS students in India. In general, we recommend that clothing for men and women cover their legs and the
torso fully, with varying lengths of sleeves, and be loose rather than form-fitting. Shorts are uncommon but
tolerated for men, but seen as inappropriate for women. Because the difference in clothing for women is
more extreme, maintaining proper dress is especially challenging for American women.
When deciding between Indian or Western clothing, either option should be adopted with sensitivity to
Indian cultural values. For example, some female students might feel more comfortable in Western clothes,
but these women should make sure that their clothes are loose and appropriately concealing. “Dupattas,” or
scarves, are often worn by women and are symbolic as a sign of modesty in India. Wearing scarves is
extremely helpful for covering up to be less conspicuously foreign and discouraging unwanted attention,
and is also a highly practical option for sheltering from the sun and dust/pollution. Men should also adhere
to accepted conventions of decency, e.g., no “lungi” (sarong). When visiting a temple, mosque, church, or
someone’s home, you should be especially respectful in what you wear. Neat, clean clothing is a marker of
social status and respectable people tend to “dress up” rather than wear a very casual and relaxed look.
Typical CLS Female Outfits Typical CLS Male Outfits
Casual: Full-length jeans with a loose T-shirt Casual: Full-length jeans with a loose T-shirt
and dupatta (scarf)
Classroom: Full-length jeans with a button Classroom: Full-length pants (jeans, khakis, etc.)
down shirt or kurta/kameez (tunic) and with button-down shirt (short-sleeves or long
dupatta (scarf) sleeves)
Classroom: Kurta/kameez(tunic) with Classroom: Kurta (tunic) with pants, churidar

churidar (leggings) or salwar (loose pants) (leggings), or pajama pants (loose pants)
Special occasion: Fancier Salwar Kameez, Sari Special occasion: Fancier Kurta Pajama, Sherwani
or Anarkali (long dress with leggings) (long coat/tunic with buttons, leggings)
In the past, participants have worn completely western clothes, kurtas and jeans, and/or completely Indian-
style clothing. At the end of the day, it is your personal preference. Fortunately, you can obtain basically
anything you want or need in India. Although you may not find your particular name brand of clothing or
toiletries, you can find comparable Indian products in both the malls and bazaars. Here are some things to
keep in mind:
• Daytime temperatures are typically in the upper-90s or higher. Some homes and businesses do
not have air conditioning. Pack mostly for hot weather, with a few layers for cool nights.

• The monsoon season will arrive approximately halfway through the program. Although clothing
usually dries quickly after the rain passes, bring shoes that dry quickly to avoid soggy shoes. You
can bring an umbrella, or purchase an inexpensive one once you arrive.
• Men and women in India almost always have their legs covered with pants or leggings. Jeans
(untorn) are acceptable for both sexes, as are
varying lengths of sleeves. Shorts or capris
should not be worn on the institute premises and
tend to be inappropriate in most formal settings.
• You should bring a business casual outfit with
you for the pre-departure orientation, where you
will be addressed by U.S. Department of State
officials. A sufficiently formal Indian outfit is also
fine. Try to choose shoes and clothes that you
can also use in India for dressy occasions.
• Many CLS students purchase Indian clothing in
their first weeks. salwar-kameez suits can start at
600 rs. (~$10 USD), and increase with the quality
of fabric. Individual kurtas can be even cheaper.
Although ready-made salwar-kameez suits and
kurtas are available, most students purchase the
fabric and bring it to a tailor to have the suit
stitched. Be prepared to haggle for the price of
the fabric and tailoring.
• Tailoring is very cheap and widely used, and is great for making new outfits or copying old ones. A
tailor will typically take a few days to stitch your clothing, and then you will return to try it on for
any final adjustments.
• “Fab India” and “Anokhi,” though a bit pricy, are chain clothing stores that offer fashionable outfits
with set prices (no haggling necessary).
• Inexpensive laundry and dry-cleaning facilities are widely available. Your host family may not have
a washing machine and dryer, and clothesline drying is common. Bring clothing that you can easily
wash in a bucket, or plan to employ a dhobi.
• You may be walking more than you usually do, in streets that may be dirty and dusty. Bring
comfortable, sturdy shoes.
Please note that a general suggested packing list is included in the Appendix.
Classroom Expectations
The AIIS language curriculum will focus on improving your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills
while teaching you about Indian culture. Courses will be taught by teachers trained in the pedagogy used by
AIIS. AIIS teaches CLS students in small class sizes (7 students maximum), and teachers rotate their
classes throughout the summer. Each level (beginner, intermediate, advanced) has a cohort of teachers
who teach your various classes. They will prepare a flexible curriculum that will be finalized during the
second week, after they have had the opportunity to assess the levels of the students in their classes. You
will also have “personal tutorial” classes where you can explore your areas of difficulty or interest one-on-
one with a teacher. The AIIS language curriculum is dynamic, and exposes you to a variety of sources of

Indian culture including local excursions in the city, weekly guests in your classes (i.e. snake charmer,
rickshaw driver, etc.), films and more.
It is important to remember that the CLS

Program selects students from diverse
fields of study and degree fields.
Therefore you will have anthropology,
engineering, history, religion, and other
students in your class, who are naturally
interested in a variety of vocabulary and
conversation topics. Try to be respectful
of your peers’ interests while also
pursuing your own, and don’t be
disappointed if you spend more time on
general vocabulary that may not be
relevant to your studies in the U.S.
Remember that the goal of CLS is to
teach you to effectively communicate
with people of other cultures.
Finally, generally speaking, your language classes will be more low-tech in that you will use pen/pencil &
paper, flashcards, markers, etc. Technology that is used in the classroom can be outdated by US standards,
so be patient and respectful of your teachers when they use these teaching aids. While you will receive a
calendar for the program and information about individual courses, you may not receive what you know as
a syllabus in the U.S.—a detailed daily description of the planned activities and material for each class.
Classroom Etiquette
Indian classroom culture is generally more formal than American classrooms. The following are academic
etiquette expectations that may differ from American classroom culture:
• Food and beverages are not permitted in the classroom, except for water.
• Wear clean, neat clothing and do not wear hats in class.
• Putting your feet up on seats is highly disrespectful, as resting your head/upper body on your desk.
• Do not use your laptop, tablet or cell phone in class, unless granted permission. Be sure to silence
all devices.
• Students should raise their hands before speaking in class.
• If arriving to class late, students should knock on the classroom door before entering.
• Students should ask permission to leave the classroom, even to visit the restroom.
• While backpacks or bags may be placed on the ground, never place books, notebooks or learning
materials on the ground. Indians find this very disrespectful.
Respect for Teachers: It is highly inappropriate to address a teacher by his or her first name only, no
matter how young they might be. Teachers should be addressed with the appropriate target language
honorifics following their first names. Across India, a recognized honorific is “Ji” (attached to the person’s
first name). Students are encouraged to ask questions but always in a respectful manner. AIIS instructors
receive orientation about their students’ expectations and many have had long experience working with

foreign language students. They are therefore friendlier; however, when in doubt, it is better to err on the
side of politeness and formality to avoid offending someone.
Sensitive Topics of Conversation: Classroom topics of conversation are set around various themes by
your teachers to pursue specific vocabulary and learning goals. Discussing sensitive topics of conversation
such as political beliefs (US and Indian), identity, or abortion may make your teachers uncomfortable (and
your peers as well). Be respectful when discussing these topics and speak generally rather than
emphasizing your personal beliefs (“Some people in the US think that…”). Getting involved in discussions
(or arguments) that are not related to the class topic is not appropriate, and teachers may redirect the flow
of conversation. Remember that you are a representative of the United States and expected to play an
ambassadorial role in representing US culture. As always, it is best to get to know people before discussing
personal beliefs or sensitive topics with them. Finally, please do not make disparaging comments about
Indian politicians, political parties, or systems. AIIS is authorized by the Government of India to issue
educational visas to foreigners, and therefore want to keep their emphasis on learning.
More information about academic expectations for the CLS Program can be found in Section II: Academics.
Local Transportation
It is not common in India, especially outside of urban areas, for women (and sometimes men) to travel
alone. Therefore, suggestions for traveling are given below, in order to make the process of travel safer and
more pleasant, especially for women. It is usually wise to arrive before dark if you are going to a new place
or have not yet arranged for a place to stay. If you need to travel after dark, someone should accompany
you. Women traveling alone should take special care to watch their surroundings and behavior. When
traveling alone by train, women should try to book a women's compartment, or ask people to shift seats so
they can sit with other women.
If you are a male student, you should always pay attention to the impact that your behavior may have on
those sitting near you while traveling. If a male student travels with a female student, it is considered
inappropriate for him to display acts of public affection (touching, holding hands, kissing) when among
groups of people. Such behavior would be seen as indicating the “bad character” of the woman with whom
he is traveling. Again, male students can also make life easier for their female counterparts by taking
opportunities to travel together. For example, a male student could sit next to an unknown man in a theatre,
thereby saving the female student from doing so. Also, be aware of the fears of elder family members – they
might feel uncomfortable if a male student takes a seat next to their daughter, in which case a female
student could assist. Generally, in public, women should sit with women, and men with men.
Trains
There are several options to keep in mind when traveling by train. First, many women buy train tickets to
travel in the ladies’ compartment. This second-class seating (or berth) puts the woman in a part of the train
that is limited entirely to women and children. Some students have found this is a pleasant way to travel,
although the women’s compartment can sometimes be more crowded or noisy (because of the children)
than other parts of the train. Second-class air-conditioned is generally a safe, comfortable way for women
to travel alone, if the train is a corridor train with berths along the side, not separate compartments (not
always the case on trains in South India). If a woman who prefers to travel first-class arrives at the train and
discovers that her compartment (coupe) is full of men, an option is for her to find the conductor and politely
ask to be moved to a coupe with women or a family. This is considered a perfectly reasonable request. It is

usually a good idea for a woman to get an upper berth, instead of a lower one, if possible, in order to be
inaccessible to unwanted attention during the night.
When traveling on an overnight train, one should wear clothing that keeps one’s body covered. One is
sleeping in a public space, rather than a private one, so a salwar-kameez, for example, is often both
practical and appropriate for a woman. Also if a man acts overly friendly, it is probably better for a woman
to move or at least not respond to his overtures, keeping in mind that this kind of friendliness is not one
which he would be likely to adopt toward an Indian woman. It is always appropriate for a woman to request
that a man stop uncomfortable or inappropriate behavior, because this shows her to be a moral human
being and implies that he is not acting in a morally appropriate way. If a woman finds that a man is
constantly staring at her, she can use her dupatta or the end of her sari to drape her head and cut off eye
contact. (It is perfectly acceptable to ask a train employee for a change of seats if you feel intimidated or
harassed.)
Buses
There are many different kinds of buses, public and private, local and long-distance. In most parts of India,
neither city buses nor long-distance buses have special sections for women, so it is important for a woman
student to try to sit or stand near other women whenever possible. Most of the instances of harassment
experienced by female students occur on these undivided buses, especially when they are very crowded.
Most Indian women try to avoid grazing against the bodies of men, as this is sometimes taken as an
invitation to sexual attention (although in certain kinds of crowded situations one does not have much
choice about where one stands). Male students on buses should take extra care not to graze against the
bodies of women standing on the bus, as such an act is considered far more offensive than it would be in
the United States. If you have any control over the times of day that you travels, you may want to try to
avoid the rush hours.
Some women who ride the buses in Delhi to and from work each day carry safety pins in their handbags. If
they feel a man’s hand in a place where it does not belong, they first comment out loud about the situation,
thus inviting reprimand of him by other travelers. If this fails to work, they do not hesitate to use their safety
pin in defense. It is helpful to remember that foreigners are not the only ones to experience these intrusive
acts. Given how crowded buses sometimes can be, some amount of accidental jarring or bodily contact
may be unavoidable, but repeated actions need not be ignored. Many students do not know at first that
they can resist such attacks. Indian women in these situations often respond as soon as inappropriate
behavior begins, rather than waiting until it gets out of hand. It is considered appropriate to do so in a polite
but firm way.
Rickshaws & Taxis

Most students use auto rickshaws or cycle rickshaws for traveling short distances. When getting into a
rickshaw, it is important to act as though you know where you are going and the shortest route to that
place. For major cities such as Delhi and Kolkata, detailed street maps are available. If you are traveling to
someone’s residence, ask them for specific directions when coming from a generally known landmark
(cinema, hospital, government building, temple), and you may also want to be in contact by cell phone.
Navigating by landmarks is common, as sometimes street signs are obscured or nonexistent.
Some women consider cycle-rickshaws a good form of transportation because they cannot travel fast, and
so it is unlikely that the driver would do something undesirable; it would be quite simple for the passenger
to jump out. One student made a useful suggestion about traveling in an auto rickshaw. If the driver stops in

order to pick up one of his buddies, especially at night, it is perfectly reasonable to tell the driver not to do
so and to threaten to leave his rickshaw if he refuses. If a man and a woman are traveling in the same
rickshaw to different places, you should always drop the woman off first. All CLS students should be aware
of this, and should compensate each other accordingly for their rides.
Here is a helpful procedure for female students traveling home

alone at night by rickshaw or taxi. Have someone accompany you
to the rickshaw or taxi stand. Make an explicitly public act of
writing down the license plate or car number and give it to the
person who accompanied you before getting into the vehicle. You
can also loudly tell the person that you will call when you arrive
home. (If the driver is accompanied by a friend and insists on him
coming along, do not hesitate to contest this as this against
protocol and is a potential threat.) Drivers in taxis that have a
central office reached by phone often know that a passenger can
lodge a complaint if their behavior is offensive. Also, several
Indian professional women who regularly have to work late
caution against offers of rides from single or married male
colleagues whom one does not know well. It is always better to
travel with another woman. As in any urban area, a woman
waiting at a bus stop late at night should never engage in
conversation with the drivers of cars who may pull up and offer
her a ride.
Communication and Technology
Mail
Mail to India takes 3-6 weeks, so you might suggest that family and friends do not send you anything during
the program, as mail and packages cannot be forwarded to you in the U.S. after the program. Mail coming
from India to the U.S. can be very slow, but usually takes between 2-3 weeks to arrive. Post offices can be
found throughout your host city.
Cell Phones
All CLS students will receive a basic cell phone capable of texting and calling upon arrival in country. All
phones must be returned to the institute at the end of the program; it is the student’s responsibility to pay
for any lost or stolen phones. The CLS Program will provide you with a minimum number of minutes on the
phone, but it is your responsibility to keep minutes on the phone once these initial minutes run out. To add
minutes to your phone plan, you simply have to visit a cell phone store or kiosk and purchase additional
minutes. You can also choose to add international texts or calls to your phone plan. Receiving calls and
texts is free in India; cell phone users only pay to make calls or send texts. The cost of a phone call depends
on many factors, such as making calls to users of different companies, calling outside of the city where your
phone is registered, and receiving versus making calls.
Tips and rules regarding cell phone use:
• You should keep your phone charged and on at all times so that you can receive emergency calls. If
anything happens to your phone, notify your resident director immediately.

• You can use your phone for personal calls, but you should always keep money on the phone’s plan
in case you need to use it in an emergency.
• Calling the U.S. on your cell phone is extremely expensive. It may be better to ask friends and family
to call you, or use Skype or other options. Calling from the US to India is cheaper than calling from
India to the US.
• Note: If you plan to bring a cell phone with you from the U.S., it must be tri-band (GSM
900/1800/1900) and unlocked. Ask your provider for unlock codes. If it is not unlocked, your
phone will not work in India.
It is up to you on whether or not you would like to bring your personal cell phone with you on the program.
Some students have found it useful to connect to Wi-Fi in the host country even if your phone is not
connected to a cell phone provider. The CLS Program is not responsible for replacing your personal phone if
it is lost or stolen during the summer.
Landlines
Your host family may have a landline telephone that you can use to make local calls and/or receive
international calls. Check with your host family for permission to use their phone, and do not use it to call
long-distance or internationally unless you have made an explicit agreement ahead of time to pay for it.
Even if you purchase a calling card, you should get your family’s permission before using it with their phone.
In case of emergency, relatives and close friends should contact the CLS Program office at 202-833-7522.
Finally, the AIIS Institute does have several landline telephones. Students can receive calls at the institute
but must arrange to receive calls only after class hours.
Calling Internationally
Calling from US to India, you need to dial 011 first for international calls, and 91 (area code for India), 522
(area code for Lucknow), and then followed by regular phone number. If calling an Indian cell phone, the
area code is not needed and you should drop the beginning “0” in the phone number. Calling from India to
US, you should dial 001 (area code for US), and then the phone number.
Wi-Fi Access
Wi-Fi will be available at your CLS institute, at internet cafés and coffee shops, and may also be available in
your host family. If it is offered in your host family, be sure to ask your host family for permission to use the
Wi-Fi, and ask if they have any restrictions (such as no movie or music streaming). Unlike the unlimited
internet plans that most US households have, Wi-Fi in many Indian households is sold by data amounts.
Therefore, for instance, it is possible to use up all of your host-family’s data for the month if you are
downloading large amounts of data.
Many students opt to purchase their own internet hotspot so they do not have to worry about using too
much data. Mobile hotspots are relatively inexpensive to purchase, and can be found at any cell phone store
or kiosk. Just as for your cell phone, you will purchase a plan for your hotspot, or purchase data as you go.
It is important to keep in mind that electricity, internet, and land-line phone service may not always
be available. Anything is possible, so try to plan more time than you might usually need to accomplish even
the most humdrum of tasks on the internet. Try to cultivate patience and an ability to roll with the
unexpected.

Laptops
Many students bring laptops to India, however it is not a required item for your classes. If you bring a
laptop, keep the following in mind:
• Check if you can insure your laptop under your homeowner’s insurance policy, or another policy.
• Most laptops have built-in, automatic electricity converters. If your laptop has this, you will need
only a plug adapter. You may also want to buy a surge protector, as the electricity supply in India
can fluctuate. Finally, a protective case or cover is helpful since the dust and climate in India can be
hard on computers.
• Avoid purchasing illegally copied software because it can come with viruses and other problems
and cause customs problems upon re-entry into the US. Be sure to have anti-virus software on your
computer.
For more information about electrical appliances and adapters please see the “To Do Before Leaving the
U.S.” section of Section IV: Pre Program Information.

Section VIII: Maintaining Your Identity Abroad
As you research the politics, attitudes, beliefs and values of people in your host country, you will notice
different opinions regarding race, religion, gender and sexual orientation. You will most likely encounter
attitudes and beliefs that differ from those typically found in the United States, some of which may seem
prejudiced, discriminatory and/or personally offensive or threatening. CLS participants come from diverse
backgrounds across the United States and you should be prepared for differences of politics, attitudes,
beliefs and values within your CLS peer cohort, as well.
Cultural differences, references to racial stereotypes, assumptions about gender roles or religious
observances, and openly expressed attitudes towards LGBTQ individuals can be jarring for CLS participants.
There is also the added challenge of being a student of color, a member of a religious minority in the host
country, a female student, or an LGBTQ-identified student overseas.
Despite these challenges, many students report that they enjoy learning about their host culture. Students
are encouraged to keep an open mind about their new host culture while remembering that no culture is
wrong, just different. Through these interactions, host country nationals will also learn to break their
stereotypes about Americans. Remember that as a CLS participant, you play an important role in the State
Department’s mission of increasing mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the
people of other countries.
Your Safety
For interactions with CLS peers as well as host country nationals, respectful communication is key.
However your physical safety is our first priority.
For your safety, in all new environments you should:
• Refrain from discussing sensitive subjects, including politics, religion, gender norms and sexual
identity, until you get to know your conversation partner(s) better. Begin by speaking in general,
rather than personal terms, to measure the potential responses of the person you are speaking with
in your host culture.
• Understand the local context, including the history of various identity groups in your host city and
country, including key legislation that impacts these groups, and common cultural norms.
• Strategize about having such conversations with your Resident Director or other CLS peers who are
familiar with the host city or country.
In addition, you may stand out as a foreigner and experience unsolicited attention or exchanges. Regardless
of whether these are positive or negative, we encourage you to think of your safety first.
• Be aware of your surroundings, and immediately remove yourself from a situation if it feels
uncomfortable or something seems strange.
• If you encounter someone who is being aggressively offensive, the best course of action is to ignore
them and move on quickly.

• Contact your Resident Director immediately if you need assistance.
American Diversity & Racial Stereotypes

Being an American student abroad can bring about reactions from among members of the host community
that range from overwhelming curiosity to complete apathy. These reactions can manifest in various ways,
and are influenced by the local notions of what an American “looks like,” as well as general attitudes
towards foreign visitors.
In many overseas countries, an “American” is understood to be Caucasian. For non-white CLS students, this
can be a unique challenge. Local people may be less familiar with Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, Native
American or African American heritages, which means they lack knowledge and context about
acceptable/unacceptable terms and historical contexts of these identities in the United States. As a result,
they may ask questions or provide commentary that would be considered offensive or discriminatory in the
United States.
Reactions to African Americans, Hispanic/Latino, Native American or Asian Americans (or those assumed
to be African, Hispanic/Latino, Native American or Asian) can range from additional curiosity, such as
staring or asking unwelcome questions, to expressing hostility or initiating demeaning interactions.
Objectionable as these attitudes are, students of color should be prepared to encounter them occasionally.
Previous CLS participants have noted that during such occasions of harassment or discomfort due to racial
attitudes, talking to other racial minorities in the country or CLS cohort is beneficial.
Attitudes toward race vary widely and, of course, Indian society encompasses a full spectrum of skin colors.
However, the high valuation of light skin and “fairness” (evident in the ubiquitous advertisements for skin
lighteners) is part of a cultural complex that often includes negative attitudes toward the many students of
African and Asian descent who study in Indian universities, and tourists of African or Asian descent.
The CLS program works with local staff to prepare for a diverse range of students on the program. Your in-
country teachers and staff are accustomed to seeing a great diversity of student identities, and are invested
in providing support to all students on the CLS Program. Even so, it can often be hard for them to
understand the nuances of American culture, and how Americans perceive various aspects of diversity. We
would urge you to be patient with your host family, Language Partner or other local people you interact
with, to help them learn more about cultural differences and the complexities of American society.
Sometimes CLS students can feel that they are responsible for representing their entire race or identity to
their host culture, which can feel unrealistic and/or burdensome. We encourage you to seek opportunities
to realistically portray American diversity, however any CLS students who experience awkwardness or
discrimination, inside or outside of the institute, should seek out their Resident Director. Fellow CLS
peers who have spent more time in the host country can also be a resource for discussing how to handle
these situations. Please do not hesitate to reach out to CLS Program staff if you have any questions, or if
you would like any additional resources or support (before, during or after the program). Alumni from
previous years are also available through the CLS Mentoring Program to discuss these issues and
experiences.
Heritage Students
Heritage students can also experience identity challenges or feel misrepresented in their CLS site, because
they could be visually identified as being a host-country national. For many heritage students, the level of
comfort they have with the local culture, languages and traditions is extremely nuanced and based upon

their upbringing. However, it can sometimes feel that others expect you to know much more about your
CLS country and language than you do, or you may find that your background differs from what they expect.
Discovering that their assumptions about your background and experience are incorrect can sometimes
surprise or frustrate others, which in turn can
feel unsettling or frustrating for you.
There are many stereotypes in India about

“NRI’s”, or non-resident Indians, especially in
regards to wealth and opportunity. This can
prompt uncomfortable questions about
marriageability and availability of visas to the
United States. Redirecting the conversation to
the goals of the CLS Program can be helpful,
and the Resident Director can also help
emphasize to host families or Language
Partners that these questions are
inappropriate.
If anyone asks you questions about your

heritage or family’s heritage, or immigration
history, you can redirect them by explaining
that you are on a scholarship to study
language, and that you are a university student
focusing on studies. If you have any concerns
about your heritage identity during your CLS,
reach out to CLS alumni on the Facebook
page, CLS Alumni Ambassadors, CLS staff,
your RD and other CLS peers.
Gender Roles
As highlighted in this handbook, we recommend that both male and female participants expect
adjustments to their typical routines and behaviors to ensure their safety. We advise you to be aware of
your presence as a foreigner in your host country, and how your behaviors can be perceived differently.
Keep in mind that as college and university students, you are most likely quite independent. However, you
may find that the host country’s ideas of the roles of men and women and the proper amount of
independence granted to them is different than what you are used to. These roles might feel restrictive or
discriminatory to you. If you experience anything unsettling, don’t hesitate to contact your Resident
Director, or speak to your CLS peers. It is likely that they have had similar experiences. You should seek
opportunities to engage in dialogue about traditional gender roles, but be aware that teachers, Language
Partners or host family members may be uncomfortable with the topic.
In many parts of India, great emphasis is placed on the concept of izzat, or honor. For men and women,
preserving and defending izzat through cultural norms of appropriateness dictates many social interactions
and obligations. In particular, women’s izzat can be preserved by dressing respectably, traveling in groups
and avoiding activities typically reserved for men (e.g. drinking). Men can obtain izzat likewise by acting
respectfully towards women.

The CLS Program asks participants to be cautious in their behavior and dress for this period, but you should
still feel encouraged to engage with the culture on as many fronts as possible. In particular, spending time
with your host family members, Language Partners and local people of the same gender is a great way to
continue to engage. If engaging with members of the opposite sex, we would recommend that you do so
with an additional set of considerations in mind (Please refer to the sections on Relationships and Gender
Roles & Relations in Section VII: Living in India). If you have any questions about gender roles, expectations
and staying safe, we encourage you to speak with CLS Program staff, CLS Alumni Ambassadors and other
CLS peers who have been to your CLS country or city before.
Sexuality
You will find that societal attitudes and perceptions about sexuality, sexual orientation, and gender identity
overseas may differ from attitudes and perceptions in the United States. Laws and legal decisions differ as
well. Religious beliefs and observances may also impact these attitudes and laws.
We encourage you to be discreet regarding your sexuality, at least in your first meetings with local people,
until you have had a chance to get to know the person. You should also be extremely sensitive about the
identities of any local friends you make who identify as LGBTQ, as they may be relying on your
confidentiality.
Although in some parts of India, homo-sociality is much more common (e.g., male friends walking hand-in-
hand on the street), overt expressions of gay, lesbian or transgender identity may elicit awkwardness or
confusion. In 2013, the Supreme Court of India overturned a previous decision and affirmed that same-
gender sex is punishable by law. Furthermore, cities and states within India have their own laws regarding
homosexuality.
Local norms and expectations of dating, marriage, spouses, etc. can emerge during conversations with your
host family or Language Partner. If you feel uncomfortable with these questions you can decline to answer,
or you can redirect the conversation with a general answer. If you have any concerns before, during or after
the CLS program, please contact CLS program staff. Alumni Ambassadors and alumni in the Alumni
Resource Directory have volunteered to share their experiences and perspectives as well.
Topics of Conversation
Norms about appropriate questions to ask strangers also vary from country to country. Topics which are
general off-limits for Americans, like weight, physical beauty, marriage status or skin color, may be
common conversation topics when meeting someone for the first time. Be sure to familiarize yourself with
the topics listed in Section VII: Living in India, as this will help you prepare for many conversations in the
host country.

Section IX: Returning Home
Arriving in the U.S.
You will have to pass through customs when you arrive in the United States. You are responsible for
familiarizing yourself with U.S. customs regulations (see www.cbp.gov).
Re-Entry Resources
One of the most unexpected challenges of studying abroad is the process of returning home. Even if you
have been abroad many times before, returning home can still be a challenge. The CLS Program provides a
variety of resources to help you overcome these challenges and make the most of your CLS experience as it
relates to your personal, academic, and professional development. These resources include:
• An in-country workshop on re-entry that will be facilitated by your RD
• A re-entry webinar hosted by our staff in Washington, D.C.
• A comprehensive re-entry guidebook that will be sent to all participants
More information about each of these activities/resources will be provided at the end of the summer.
Joining the CLS Alumni Community

Alumni Activities
After successfully completing all CLS post-program requirements (see Program Policies section), you will
have the opportunity to participate in a variety of CLS alumni initiatives including those designed to
contribute to the success of future participants. More information about these activities will be provided
upon your completion of the CLS Program in the aforementioned re-entry webinar and guidebook. We hope
that you will choose to stay involved with CLS for many years beyond this summer!
International Exchange Alumni

As an alumnx of the CLS Program, you will be joining a community of alumni of U.S. Department of State
programs, a distinguished network of individuals from all over the world. You can explore the additional
resources and opportunities available to you as a member of this community on the International Exchange
Alumni website at alumni.state.gov.
Non-Competitive Eligibility
Under Executive Order 13750, alumni who successfully complete the CLS program are eligible for 12
months of non-competitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government, with the possibility
of an extension up to three years if certain criteria are met. Alumni of the CLS program will automatically be
issued a letter confirming this status upon successful completion of their post-program requirements.
If you are interested in working with the U.S. government and want to take advantage of your NCE status,
more information is available through the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs,
at https://alumni.state.gov/member-resources/job-center/non-competitive-federal-employment.

CLS Alumni Society
In addition to alumni activities and opportunities organized by American Councils and the U.S. Department
of State, alumni of the CLS Program are actively engaged in the process of launching an independent
association, tentatively named the CLS Alumni Society. This association will facilitate activities and
opportunities for networking by alumni for alumni. Keep posted for more news about the launch of the
Alumni Society this fall!
Staying in Touch
CLS alumni play an important role in maintaining and demonstrating the success of the CLS Program.
Please remember to keep us updated about new jobs, fellowships, continued studies, and any other big
news.
The Department of State and American Councils also reach out to alumni for opportunities to represent
CLS with important U.S. and foreign government officials, speak at special events, and to be featured on
Department of State and CLS promotional materials and websites. If you change your email address,
relocate, or change your name, please make sure to let us know by emailing us at cls@americancouncils.org
so that we can contact you about relevant news, events, and opportunities!
CLS also offers opportunities to stay connected and network with other CLS alumni online:
• Join the Critical Language Scholarship Official Alumni Facebook

group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/clscholarshipalumni/
• If you haven’t already, join the Critical Language Scholarship Facebook group for participants and
alumni of your target language:
• Arabic: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CLSArabic/
• Azerbaijani: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CLSAzerbaijani/
• Bangla: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CLSBangla/
• Chinese: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CLSChinese/
• Hindi: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CLSIndic/
• Indonesian: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CLSIndonesian/
• Japanese: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CLSJapanese/
• Korean: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CLSKorean/
• Persian: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CLSPersian/
• Punjabi: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CLSIndic/
• Russian: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CLSRussian/
• Swahili: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CLSSwahili/
• Turkish: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CLSTurkish/
• Urdu: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CLSIndic/
• Join the Department of State’s International Exchange Alumni website

at https://alumni.state.gov. There, you will have access to job postings, grant opportunities and
online journals and newspapers.
• Practice your language on the Joint Language University site at https://jlu.wbtrain.com/

• Join the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program – Official Alumni Group on LinkedIn
at https://www.linkedin.com/groups/3126138
Transcript Requests
Bryn Mawr College will provide one official transcript to each CLS participant who successfully completes
the program and has requested academic credit. If you require additional transcripts, you will need to
request them directly from the Bryn Mawr College Registrar:
Eugenia Chase Guild Hall

One Stop Desk, 1st Floor
101 N. Merion Ave.
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
Phone: 610-526-5500
Fax: 610-526-5520
transcripts@brynmawr.edu
While Bryn Mawr will award academic credit for successful completion of the program, participants are
responsible for arranging credit transfer to their home institution. As each college and university has its
own regulations regarding credit transfer, participants should contact the registrar or study abroad office at
their home institution to determine how much of this credit may be transferred upon completion of the
program. CLS participants are strongly encouraged do this before leaving the United States. There may be a
delay between the end of the program and the issuing of official transcripts by Bryn Mawr College. If you
are a graduating senior, this delay could cause problems if arrangements have not been made in advance.

Appendix: Essential Contact Information
American Councils Program Staff
Rhea Vance-Cheng, Program Officer for Indic Languages

Email: rvance-cheng@americancouncils.org
Cell Phone (for emergencies only): 434-987-1786
For more information on the role of the PO, see Section I: Introduction.
General CLS Program email: cls@americancouncils.org
Jeanette Owen, Project Director

Email: jowen@americancouncils.org
Phone (for emergencies only): 703-232-7112
Andrew McCullough, Assistant Project Director

Email: amccullough@americancouncils.org
Claudia Anderson, Program Assistant

Email: canderson@americancouncils.org
Main American Councils phone: 202-833-7522

*Available Monday-Friday, 9:00am—5:00pm EST
American Councils Emergency phone: 202-498-3481

*For emergencies ONLY, if you cannot reach CLS Program staff directly.
Local Institute & Staff

CLS Lucknow Program Address:
American Institute of Indian Studies
46/3- Wazir Hasan Road
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226001, India
In case of emergency, students can contact the below AIIS staff:
Institute Director: Dr. Ahtesham Khan (“Ahtesham-sahib,” eh-teh-shaam saaheeb)
• Office telephone: +91-5222209306 (on working days/9am to 5pm)

• Mobile phone: 9838979440 (7 x 24)
• Email: languageprograms@aiis.org.in
Administrative Head: Mr. Prempal Sing Chauhan (“Chauhan-ji”)

• Office telephone: +91-5222209306(on working days/9am to 5pm)
• Mobile phone: 08273714712 (7 x 24)
• Home phone: 91-7054166840(7 x 24)
• Email: aiis.ulp@gmail.com
Head Teacher: Mr. Mohammad Asad

• Office telephone: +91-5222209306(on working days/9am to 5pm)
• Mobile phone: 09336136853 (7 x 24)
• Home phone: 91-8604092226(7 x 24)
• Email: urdulp@aiis.org.in
For more information on the role of the Institute Staff, see Section I: Introduction.
Embassy & Consulate Info

US Embassy in New Delhi
Address: Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021, India.
Phone: +91 11 2419 8000. For Emergencies: 11-2419- 0017
India 911 equivalents: (Police) 100, (Ambulance) 102, (Fire) 101, (Emergency Disaster Mgmt) 108

Appendix: Healthcare Facilities
Hospitals/Clinics close to the CLS Institute:
• Mayank Hospital: Wazir Hasan Road, ph. 05222204206
• Balrampur Hospital: Golaganj, Lucknow, 0522-2624040
• Sahara Hospital: Virajkhand, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, 24-hour Helpline: 0522-6780001, 6780002,
6780003; Emergency: 6780014, 6780015; Ambulance: 6780001; OPD Registration: 6782159/63
(recommended hospital, may have experience with ASPE)
• Apollo Hospital: Sahara Hospital, VineetKhand, Gomti Nagar, Contact: - 0522 3251057
• Fatima Hospital: Mahanagar Colony, Lucknow
• Nishat Hospital: 5, J.C. BoseMarg, Lucknow, Phone Number - 0522 2629674
• Zainiss Hospital & Research Centre, Vivek Khan-2 Gomti Nagar, Lucknow- 226010, Mobile
9415789036
Mental Health Resources:

Dr. Rajesh
Hello Psychologist Counseling Centre
C-109, Sector- J, Aliganj, Lucknow- 226024
Mobile Number: 9369160546
Dr. A.S. Rajput

Consultant Neuropsychiatrist
Noor Manzil, Psychiatric Centre, Lalbagh, Lucknow-226001
Mobile Number: 8418995515

Appendix: Packing List
CLS Program staff have compiled a list of suggested items to take for the CLS summer based on feedback
from past participants and input from local staff. Please note: the below is not a comprehensive list, rather a
useful starting point. Please be sure to read the Section VII: Living in India.
When planning what to pack, you should also do some independent research on your host country, such as
local weather. You might also consider reaching out to CLS Program alumni to ask for further advice on
clothing and packing.
Clothing
Bring clothing items that can easily be mixed and matched with each other. This will allow you to pack
fewer items while maintaining flexibility and variety. Remember that airlines maintain weight limits on
checked luggage.
□ 1 business casual outfit for the pre-departure orientation in Washington, D.C.

□ Shoes: Many past participants have commented that they walked more during the CLS Program
than they do in their daily lives in the U.S.
o 1 pair of dress shoes that can be worn during the pre-departure orientation or for a formal
event in your host country
o 1 pair of good walking shoes, preferably with water-resistant soles
□ Socks and undergarments
□ 3-4 country-appropriate tops/shirts
□ 3-4 country-appropriates pants or skirts
□ 1-2 sweaters or sweatshirts
□ 1 pair of modest pajamas/loungewear
□ 2-3 sets of country-appropriate workout clothes
□ 1 jacket /raincoat
□ 1 country-appropriate bathing suit and cover up
□ 1 small, sturdy bag for weekend trips
□ 1 light-weight scarf
□ Hat
□ Sunglasses
Medical
□ A complete supply of all necessary prescription medications in its original packaging
□ Copy of your prescriptions and a letter from your doctor explaining any prescription medications
□ Contraceptives (including condoms)
□ Digestive aids such as antacids, anti-diarrheal, laxatives
□ Multivitamins, if you usually take them
□ Cold and allergy relief medicine such as decongestants, cough suppressants, throat lozenges,
antihistamines, nasal-spray, etc. (In general, if you favor particular brands of over the counter
medications, you should pack those with you in the original packaging.)
□ Band-Aids and antibiotic ointment
□ Prescription glasses/reading glasses/contact lenses and contact lens solution
□ Over-the-counter aspirin or other pain reliever (some U.S. brands not available)

□ Hand sanitizer and wipes
Personal
□ Deodorant/antiperspirant
□ Toothpaste/toothbrush/floss
□ Shaving supplies
□ Sunscreen
□ Insect repellent (50% DEET or higher)
□ Tampons, sanitary pads, menstrual cup (these products can be more expensive or difficult to find
overseas)
□ Bath towel (if not provided by your host country accommodations)
□ Travel-size umbrella
Electronics
□ Adapter, converter, transformer (if needed)
□ Camera, cables, memory cards, charger
□ Travel size flashlight or headlamp
□ Headphones
School Supplies
Many of these items can be purchased in your host city. However, they may be more expensive and/or
difficult to find.
□ Textbooks issued by American Councils at the pre-departure orientation (not all sites will issue
textbooks at orientation)
□ Book bag/shoulder bag
□ Small target language dictionary and/or phrasebook
□ Pens/pencils and notebooks
□ Journal
□ Other study aids, such as index cards, highlighters
Identification & Finances

□ Passport
□ Driver’s license or official state identification card (if you do not have alternate government ID,
contact us)
□ Photocopy of your passport
□ Credit card
□ ATM/Debit card
□ Some cash
□ Money belt or pouch, if desired
□ Medical insurance card
□ ASPE Medical Benefits card (provided at the pre-departure orientation)
Miscellaneous
□ Up-to-date guidebook
□ Small gifts for your host family/Language Partners/teachers

□ A luggage lock, not only for the flight, but to secure any items you do not want anyone else to touch
in your room (original passport, cash, or any other very personal items should be secured in your
suitcase at home)
□ Water bottle
□ House slippers or shower sandals
□ Zip-lock bags
Do Not Bring
□ Pillows and bed linens (these will be supplied by the CLS Program)
□ Valuables that cannot be replaced if lost or stolen
Packing your Carry-On

□ Passport, copy of the face page of your passport, and additional ID
□ Keys
□ ASPE card and emergency card (issued at pre-departure orientation)
□ Copy of your itinerary
□ Prescription medicine and prescription documents
□ Personal financial items
□ 1 full change of clothes, pajamas and hygiene items (This may help you feel more comfortable in
the first few days on the program in the event that your luggage is lost by the airline.)
□ Check airline restrictions on allowable liquid sizes and banned items
Final Packing Considerations

• Please pack light. One comment we have heard over and over from a vast number of past
participants is that they wish they had packed lighter.
• Overseas travel can be hard on luggage. We recommend that you use tough and durable bags.
• Your CLS participant stipend includes modest funding to bring home books, music, movies, and
other language materials that will aid your continued study. You will need room for these items.
• Your CLS participant stipend does not include funding for overweight bag fees at the beginning or
end of the program; you may budget for this by spending less elsewhere, but remember that they
can be very expensive. (An overweight or extra bag can cost over $100).
• It is likely you will want to purchase at least some souvenirs. Consider the size and type of
souvenirs you’d like to buy and remember that you will need room for them as well.
• Finally, you should save extra room for a few items to take with you from Washington, D.C. to the
host country, such as your CLS t-shirt, textbooks and smoke detector, which may be distributed at
the pre-departure orientation (PDO).

Appendix: Sexual Harassment Policy
The CLS Program expressly prohibits sexual harassment and sexual violence in all of its programs and at all
of its locations, including homestays and social settings where students gather as part of their participation
in the program. This policy applies to the conduct of all students, staff, and third parties that work with CLS
Program participants.
When CLS Program staff know of possible sexual harassment, including sexual violence, it will take
immediate and appropriate steps to investigate or otherwise determine what occurred. If an investigation
reveals that a violation of this policy occurred, CLS Program staff will take prompt and effective steps
reasonably calculated to end the harassment, eliminate the hostile environment, prevent the harassment
from recurring, and, as appropriate, remedy its effects.
Definitions
Sexual Harassment is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, which includes unwelcome sexual advances;
requests for sexual favors; and other verbal, nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates a
hostile environment, including rape, sexual assault, and sexual exploitation. Conduct is considered
“unwelcome” if the student did not request or invite it and considered the conduct to be undesirable or
offensive. Participation in the conduct or the failure to complain does not always mean that the conduct
was welcome. This policy prohibits sex-based harassment by peers, employees, or third parties that is
sufficiently serious to deny or limit a student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the CLS Program and
activities (i.e., creates a hostile environment). Harassing conduct may take many forms, including verbal
acts and name-calling, as well as non-verbal behavior, such as graphic and written statements (including
the use of cell phones or the Internet), or conduct that is physically threatening, harmful, or humiliating.
Unwelcome conduct does not have to include intent to harm, be directed at a specific target, or involve
repeated incidents. The more severe the conduct, the less need there is to show a repetitive series of
incidents to prove a hostile environment, particularly if the conduct is physical. Indeed, a single or isolated
incident of sexual violence may create a hostile environment.
Examples of sexual harassment include: making sexual propositions or pressuring a program participant for
sexual favors, touching of a sexual nature, writing graffiti of a sexual nature, displaying or distributing
sexually explicit drawings, pictures, or written materials; performing sexual gestures or touching oneself
sexually in front of others; telling sexual or dirty jokes; spreading sexual rumors or rating other students as
to sexual activity or performance; or circulating or showing e-mails or websites of a sexual nature.
Sexual violence is a form of sexual harassment and refers to physical sexual acts perpetrated against a
person’s will or where a person is incapable of giving consent (e.g., due to the student’s age or
incapacitation). A number of different acts fall into the category of sexual violence, including rape, sexual
assault, sexual battery, sexual abuse, sexual coercion, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking.
Consent is a voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity. Someone who is incapacitated cannot
consent. Incapacitation can occur due to the use of drugs or alcohol, when a person is asleep or
unconscious, or because of an intellectual or other disability that prevents the student from having the
capacity to give consent. Past consent does not imply future consent, and silence or an absence of
resistance does not imply consent. Consent to engage in sexual activity with one person does not imply
consent to engage in sexual activity with another. Consent can be withdrawn at any time, and coercion,
force, or threat invalidates consent.

Gender-based harassment is another form of sex-based harassment and refers to unwelcome conduct
based on an individual’s actual or perceived sex, including harassment based on gender identity or
nonconformity with sex stereotypes. This policy protects all students from sex-based harassment,
regardless of the actual or perceived sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity of the alleged perpetrator or
complainant. Sexual harassment, including sexual misconduct, may occur between persons of the same or
opposite sex.
Reporting
Program participants who are victims of sexual assault or harassment, or who witness or learn of assault or
harassment, are urged to inform CLS Program staff. In addition to their resident director, local program
staff, or program officer in Washington, D.C., who can be reached 24-hours per day, participants are
encouraged to contact the following staff, who have been designated as Coordinators under this policy, at
any time, to report harassment or assault:
Jeanette Owen, Project Director, Critical Language Scholarship Program, American Councils for
International Education: jowen@americancouncils.org
1828 L St. NW
Suite 1200
202-833-7522
Andrew McCullough, Assistant Project Director, Critical Language Scholarship Program, American
Councils for International Education: amccullough@americancouncils.org
1828 L St. NW
Suite 1200
202-833-7522
The Coordinators have responsibility for compliance with this policy.
If a student reports to CLS Program staff that he/she has suffered sexual assault or harassment on the CLS
program, or if CLS Program staff otherwise learns of sexual assault or harassment, staff will provide
immediate support and assistance, including access to professional medical care and on-line or on-site
counseling, depending upon availability, as requested by the participant. CLS Program Staff will report the
incident to the U.S. Department of State.
Participants who wish to access confidential resource personnel should contact the Rape, Abuse & Incest
National Network (RAINN) at https://ohl.rainn.org/online/ (live on-line chat with crisis counselors offered
24 hours per day) or the Americans Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center at https://sashaa.org/
(international call center with crisis counselors who can be reached 24-hours per day from abroad).
Contact information for these organizations is also provided to all participants in CLS Program materials
and during pre-departure orientations. These confidential resources will not report information to the CLS
Program or U.S. Department of State. More information about confidentiality is provided below.
The CLS Program will provide students with information about how to seek medical treatment during pre-
departure orientation. In the event of a sexual assault, it may be important to obtain immediate medical
treatment and to preserve evidence in order to press charges against the assailant.

However, participants who seek to report incidents of harassment or assault to local police should be
informed of local laws, investigatory procedures, and courtroom rules governing such cases, as these may
differ significantly from those of the U.S. and in some cases may compound the victim’s trauma. The CLS
Program recommends contacting the U.S. Embassy or consulate in the host country to learn about
local laws and procedures before making a decision to report incidents of harassment or assault to
local police.
Participants may further report to CLS staff concerning behavior, such as general catcalling, or actions or
statements that they believe may constitute harassment, but which are difficult to fully define. In such
incidents, CLS Program staff will also provide immediate support and assistance to the participant.
American Councils will contact the U.S. Department of State at the participant’s request.
Non Retaliation and Amnesty

The CLS Program prohibits retaliation against program participants and other members of the CLS
community for filing a complaint of discrimination or harassment, for assisting in the filing of a complaint or
advocating for another person’s rights under this policy, or for participating in an investigation, hearing,
proceeding, or the resolution of a complaint. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, threats, intimidation,
coercion, and adverse actions in relation to evaluation or program participation. The CLS Program will
investigate allegations of retaliation and will take strong responsive action if retaliation occurs. The CLS
Program may grant amnesty from drug, alcohol, and other student conduct policies for complaints of sexual
harassment, including sexual violence, made in good faith.
Investigating Complaints
Upon receiving a report of sexual assault or harassment, the CLS Program will take immediate, interim
measures as needed to ensure the safety and freedom from retaliation of all parties. Examples of interim
measures include separation of the parties, no-contact directives, and alternative arrangements for housing,
classroom locations, class schedules, and other program components. Such arrangements will be made to
the fullest degree possible while recognizing the reasonable limits imposed by each program’s financial
resources, faculty and staff availability, housing availability, and visa requirements.
To initiate the formal investigation of an incident, participants should submit a written complaint, including
a detailed description of the conduct, any supporting documentation, and the names of any witnesses or
others with relevant information to one of the Coordinators for this policy:
Jeanette Owen, Project Director, Critical Language Scholarship Program, American Councils for
International Education: jowen@americancouncils.org
1828 L St. NW
Suite 1200
202-833-7522
Andrew McCullough, Assistant Project Director, Critical Language Scholarship Program, American
Councils for International Education: amccullough@americancouncils.org
1828 L St. NW
Suite 1200
Washington, DC 20036
202-833-7522

The CLS Program may also begin an investigation on its own initiative depending on the severity of the
incident and the need to mitigate a significant risk to an individual or the community. While pursuing
resolution through CLS Program internal processes, complainants may also file a criminal report with the
local police department or other appropriate law enforcement agency (see above recommendation for
contacting the U.S. Embassy in the host country to learn about local laws and procedures). The CLS
Program will not delay its investigation if criminal charges are filed. However, the investigation may be
temporarily delayed while criminal investigators gather evidence.
Informal Resolution
The CLS Program encourages but does not require informal resolution when possible in cases of sexual
harassment that do not include sexual violence. Informal resolution, such as mediation, will never be used in
cases of sexual violence. In addition, the informal resolution process may be bypassed in sexual harassment
cases depending on the severity of the allegation or the complexity of the complaint. A student who brings
forth a complaint is under no obligation to engage in informal resolution and will not be pressured to do so
under any circumstances.
The goal of informal resolution is to resolve concerns at the earliest stage possible, with the cooperation of
all parties involved. This may include inquiry into the facts, but typically does not include a formal
investigation. Informal efforts to resolve the incident may include mediated dialogue between the
complainant and the respondent or other fora in which the complainant addresses the respondent directly.
Possible conclusions for the informal resolution process include but are not limited to: the creation of a no-
contact environment between the two parties, the referral of one or both parties to counseling, targeted
trainings for one or both parties, or other remedies for the individual harmed by the alleged discrimination
or harassment.
If the matter is resolved informally to the satisfaction of all parties, the CLS Project Director will maintain a
record of the complaint and its resolution.
Formal Investigation and Resolution

If informal resolution is unsuccessful or inappropriate given the nature of the complaint, a formal complaint
may be filed in writing to one of the Coordinators listed above who will conduct an investigation or
designate an investigator who will conduct a thorough, impartial investigation. More than one investigator
may be assigned. Depending on the nature of the allegations, the formal investigation may include
interviews with the complainant, the respondent, and any witnesses; review of written documentation and
policies; and any other reasonable steps necessary to investigate the allegation to the fullest degree
possible. (However, the CLS Program does not have the resources to collect forensic evidence as part of
any investigation or inquiry.) During the investigation, the complainant and respondent will have an equal
opportunity to identify witnesses and provide evidence. The investigator will not consider evidence about
the complainant’s prior sexual conduct with anyone other than the alleged perpetrator. In addition,
evidence of a prior consensual dating or sexual relationship between the parties by itself does not imply
consent or preclude a finding of sexual misconduct.
Once the investigator has completed the fact-finding, the CLS Project Director will consult with the
Executive Vice President for Higher Education Programs (“review committee”) and determine a) whether
there was a violation of this policy; and b) the appropriate response.

The complainant and respondent will both have an opportunity to identify potential conflicts of interests
related to the investigator and/or review committee. If there is a conflict of interest, an alternate individual
will be designated.
The review committee will use a preponderance of the evidence standard when evaluating the facts and
making a determination regarding violations of this policy. A violation of this policy may be found based on
a majority vote of the review committee.
The CLS Program will seek to complete its formal investigation within 60 calendar days of receiving a
written complaint and the review committee will seek to complete its determination within 14 calendar
days of receiving the results of the fact-finding. However, all of the timeframes stated in this policy may be
extended solely at the discretion of the CLS Program.
At the conclusion of the investigation, the committee will notify the concerned parties simultaneously in
writing of the outcome of the investigation and the option to appeal, as described below.
The CLS Program will take prompt and effective steps reasonably calculated to end the harassment,
eliminate the hostile environment, prevent the harassment from recurring, and, as appropriate, remedy its
effects.
Sanctions
Potential sanctions include, but are not limited to, verbal or written warning, mandatory counseling, ban
from location or area, loss of privileges, probation, suspension or dismissal from program. Sanctions are
determined at the discretion of the CLS Program and there is no requirement of progressive discipline.
Appeals
Appeals may be filed in writing to Lorne Craner, President, American Councils for International Education
at:
1828 L St. NW
Suite 1200
Washington, DC 20036
202-833-7522
Either party may file an appeal within 14 calendar days of notification of the review committee’s decision.
Appeals may be filed only when there was a material failure to follow procedures or when significant
evidence was not considered that would have altered the outcome of the investigation. The other party will
be given an opportunity to respond to the appeal within 7 calendar days. The President will make the final
decision regarding the appeal and may decide: 1) to support the full results of the investigation and
resolution; 2) support the results of the investigation but recommend different corrective action; 3) reach a
different result and/or corrective action; or 4) require additional fact-finding.
False or Frivolous Charges

This policy shall not be used to bring false or frivolous charges against employees or participants. Those
bringing such charges may be subject to disciplinary action.

Confidentiality and Obligation to Respond
The CLS Program encourages students to talk to someone about what happened so they can get the
support they need and so CLS can respond appropriately. The CLS Program recognizes that reporting
sexual assault or harassment is a painful, deeply personal matter. However, CLS staff are not confidential
resources. CLS staff must report incidents of sexual assault or harassment to the U.S. Department of State.
CLS Program staff will preserve a student’s confidentiality to the fullest degree possible consistent with the
need to respond appropriately to allegations of sexual assault or harassment. When a student reports to a
CLS staff member about an incident of sexual harassment or sexual violence, the CLS Program will take
immediate and appropriate steps to investigate what happened and to resolve the matter promptly and
equitably. Unless required by law, the CLS Program will not report an incident to law enforcement without
a student’s consent.
Students who wish to maintain complete confidentiality should contact the Rape And Incest National
Network (RAINN) at https://ohl.rainn.org/online/ (live on-line chat with crisis counselors offered 24 hours
per day) or the Pathways to Safety International Crisis Line at https://pathwaystosafety.org/ (international
crisis line with crisis counselors who can be reached 24-hours per day from abroad). If a student reports
only to one of these confidential resources, then the CLS Program will be unable to conduct an investigation
or pursue disciplinary action against the alleged perpetrator. Please note that, while confidential counselors
and advocates may maintain a victim’s confidentiality vis-à-vis the CLS Program, they may have reporting
or other obligations under state law, such as mandatory reporting to law enforcement in case of minors;
imminent harm to self or others; or requirement to testify if subpoenaed in a criminal case.
During the investigation of an incident of sexual assault or harassment, confidentiality will be maintained to
the fullest degree possible and within the limits imposed upon the CLS Program by its duty to ensure a safe
environment for all program participants.
Records
Records of all complaints will be maintained by the Project Director for the CLS Program. Disciplinary
actions will become part of participant’s record.
Prevention and Education

The CLS Program informs students of this policy and available resources through its orientation program,
which is conducted at the beginning of the program.
Training
CLS Program staff are trained on this policy. Those who respond to, investigate, and adjudicate complaints
under this policy also receive training.

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Lucknow, India

Summer 2018 Participant Handbook

Special thanks to the American Institute of Indian Studies (AIIS)

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• U.S. Department of State’s publicly-available social

CLS Program Overview

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U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

American Councils for International Education

American Institute of Indian Studies

CLS Program Staff

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Jeanette Owen Project Director

Program Officer (PO)

Resident Director (RD)

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Excursions and Activities

Throughout the summer, you should be

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Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI)

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Academic and Classroom Expectations

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o Words in English you want to use in

o Unfamiliar words you have heard in

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• Things you encountered for the first

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CLS Award Termination

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Cell Phone Policy

Rules regarding cell phone use during the CLS Program:

Please note that no international travel is allowed, and

Travel to any area deemed unsafe or off-limits by the U.S. or

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Host Country Visas

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Dependents and Visitors

The Language Policy

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• Foreigners are subject to all host country laws.

Other Program Policies and Requirements

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Additionally, even if you did not elect to

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Withdrawing from the Program

Post Program Requirements

All post-program requirements

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Financial Considerations Abroad

Tips on Bringing Money

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Tips on Bringing Money to India

Dollar: $0.01 $1.50 $3.00 $7.50 $15.00 $30.00 $75.00

To Do Before Leaving the U.S.

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Pre-Departure Orientation in Washington, D.C.

Full PDO Day