Puducherry (previously known as Pondicherry), a French colonial settlement in India until 1954, is now a Union Territory nestled in the southeastern state of Tamil Nadu. Pondicherry has a fascinating mix of Tamil cultural heritage and French colonial history. The historic neighborhood of the French Quarter is known for its tree-lined streets, colonial villas and chic boutiques. A seaside promenade on the edge of town runs along the Bay of Bengal and is host to cafés, restaurants and parks. Pondicherry is a three-hour drive from the metropolis of Chennai and 20 minutes from the alternative intentional community of Auroville.
Host Institution: The French Institute of Pondicherry (IFP) is a research institution under the joint supervision of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and international Development (MAEDI) and the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS). The institute hosts research projects spread over ten orientations: •Indology (including Indian analyses of Sanskrit language and literature, history of religions, Tamil studies) •Social Sciences (includes topics such as health and societies, economy and societies, environment and societies) and • Ecology (with researching focusing on the palaeoenvironments of South India, application of new information technologies for strengthening of taxonomic expertise, biodiversity elements in the Western Ghats, Usage of biodiversity and ecosystems modified by human activity.
Mentor: Students will be placed with mentors based on reserach interest, after they have been accepted into the program. Students will be able to create their own research project related to above topics, or participate in field work already being conducted.
Program Dates: Between June 1 - August 11
Program Length: 8 Weeks
Housing: Students will find their own housing. SAC can assist in the search.
APPLICATION DEADLINE January 24, 2020 @11:59PM.
APPLY here! For questions contact Amelia Carter, Assistant Director, at ameliaca@upenn.edu.