Adelphi Students from the US Learn and Connect During the Unique, Comprehensive Bhise Global Learning Experience in India

Garden City, NY (01/31/2024) — From January 9 to January 21, 2024, eight students from Adelphi University in Garden City, New York, US, traveled halfway around the world to visit three iconic cities in India as part of the University's Bhise Global Learning Experience. The intensive experiential education program-which incorporates visits to businesses, colleges, non-profit organizations, and historical landmarks while immersing the students in Indian culture-was established and funded by Adelphi alumnus Bharat Bhise, the CEO and founder of Bravia Capital, to explore critical global issues.

Given the unique, expansive nature of the travel experience, the selection process for participants was extremely competitive-drawing highly qualified, engaged juniors and seniors from a range of backgrounds and academic disciplines. The 2024 cohort includes undergraduate students majoring in subjects ranging from management, international relations and criminal justice to nursing, biology and health sciences.

The eight Adelphi students, accompanied by Adelphi faculty and administrators, traveled to Delhi, Goa and Mumbai, making stops at St. Stephen's College, the Center for Social Research and SchoolNet in Delhi to meet with peers and administrators, among other destinations. Cultural excursions will include a visit with classical dancer Sonal Mansingh, tours of the Red Fort and the Taj Mahal, a crocodile safari, multiple concerts and walking tours of each city. The students had numerous opportunities to sample Indian cuisine at renowned restaurants and clubs, and were hosted by Mr. Bhise and his wife, Swati, for a special breakfast at their residence in India.

"Now, more than ever, it's critical for young people to have direct exposure to different countries and cultures to broaden their horizons and gain new perspectives. It's a critical part of being able to make the right decisions to succeed," says Bhise.

The students documented their trip on the University's social media channels, including photos and videos of their experiences. During the 12-day excursion, each of the students engaged in research related to their individual experiences and academic interests, and they will present their projects at Adelphi's annual universitywide research conference in the spring.

The first Bhise Global Learning Experience took place in January 2023 with a similar itinerary. The participants shared their life-changing, transformative experiences through social media, photos and videos and through their research and interviews following the trip.

"I was able to fully immerse myself in India's rich culture and history, learn from its emerging technological advancements in education and business settings, connect with people from all different backgrounds, and learn from each and every perspective," said Carolina Chaves, a management student at Adelphi. "The beauty of this trip, in my opinion, is that it is way more than a 12-day trip to India. It is a lifelong opportunity that not only has made me grow as a person but has given me the knowledge to take what I've learned and make a difference!"

Thanks to the success of the first Bhise Global Learning Experience and Bharat Bhise's generosity, Adelphi launched a comprehensive new initiative in September 2023: the Bhise Global Understanding Project. In addition to underwriting student travel experiences, the project funds two faculty fellowships as well as faculty research, curriculum development, and a speakers series.

"Through greater education, this project will address the root causes of the breakdown of globalization, with the goal to reverse this recent trend," says Bhise. "Understanding the different perspectives and roots of these issues is critical for our next generation of global leaders and ultimately could address the divisiveness we see in the world today."

About Adelphi: A modern metropolitan university in the United States with a personalized approach to higher learning

Adelphi University, New York, US, is a highly awarded, internationally ranked and powerfully connected doctoral research university dedicated to transforming students' lives. It is recognized for small classes with world-class faculty, hands-on learning and innovative ways to support academic and career success. Adelphi offers exceptional liberal arts and sciences programs and professional training at the undergraduate and graduate level with particular strength in its "Core Four" academic areas: the Arts and Humanities, STEM and Social Sciences, the Business and Education Professions, and Health and Wellness.

Recognized as a Best College by U.S. News & World Report, Adelphi is Long Island's oldest private coeducational university. It serves more than 7,250 students at its beautiful main campus in Garden City, New York-just 23 miles from New York City's cultural and internship opportunities-and at dynamic learning hubs in Brooklyn, the Hudson Valley and Suffolk County, as well as online.

More than 119,000 Adelphi graduates have gained the skills to thrive professionally as active, engaged citizens, making their mark on the University, their communities, and the world.

NOTE: Interviews with Mr. Bhise or student participants can be arranged; additional photos and video of the 2024 trip are available on request.

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