India SVYM Global Service Learning Program
Since 2011, the ILR School has partnered with the Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement (SVYM) in Karnataka state, India to develop the India SVYM GSL Program. SVYM is a community development, non-religious, non-political organization working for the benefit of indigenous and rural people in southern India through effective education, accessible healthcare and sustainable empowerment initiatives.
The organization boasts several academic initiatives, including a Master's degree in Developmental Studies offered through a local university as well as housing a grassroots policy research institute (GRAAM) in collaboration with the Cornell Institute of Public Affairs.
In 2015, SVYM was named the #1 NGO in India.
Together with Cornell Global Health students, ILR students will participate in 2-weeks of courses at the Vivekananda Institute of Indian Studies to prepare for work in their service-learning placements. For more information about the courses of study, visit the Courses page. Students will then participate in 4 or 6-week service learning projects in SVYM project sites that are both interesting to the students and beneficial for the organization.
This unique engaged-learning opportunity gives ILR students the chance to use their classroom learning and professional skills to collaborate with SVYM to improve the community. This cross-cultural exchange & learning and growth in global citizenship can be a life-changing and transformative experience for many students.
Cornell Global Hubs
Cornell Global Hubs bring together faculty, students, alumni, and local communities—to collaborate, learn, and discover. Learn about Global Hubs in India.