Policies

These policies were created with students’ health, safety, and quality of experience in mind. Some reflect laws that must be followed, others reflect cultural norms, others are safe practices to minimize program or individual liability. These will be elucidated and explained further during program orientation, but please be aware that they are non-negotiable, and violation may lead to dismissal from the program. We ask that they be respected not only for students’ own well-being, but also for the sustainability of the program in its ability to continue offering the same quality of experience to future generations of students.

• No consumption or possession of illicit drugs.
• No operating motorized vehicles of any kind.
• No consumption of alcohol in Madurai.
• No smoking in Madurai except on the SITA Center roof.

Guidelines

Choosing a homestay experience in South India is one of the most challenging study-abroad options possible. Not only are students dealing with striking cultural differences on levels of interpersonal interaction, diet, personal habits, and domestic dynamics, but they are also integrated into the family and the culture in such a way that requires adaptation to a profoundly different lifestyle than that of students in the States.

The SITA Program has created these guidelines to help give students an idea of what will be expected. By following these guidelines, students will both enhance their experience by gaining greater access into the culture, and also continue to pave the way for other students to follow. It is the quality and behavior of our students that have earned SITA the trust and respect of the Madurai community, and that enable SITA to offer our students the most intimate access into South Indian culture.

1. Dress appropriately to Indian contexts. For women, Indian dress is best, but Western clothes should be opaque, loose-fitting, covering the shoulders, brushing the ankles, with a modest neckline. Hair, if long, is worn back. For men, no shorts, neat appearance, short hair. For both, try to minimize visible piercings (pierced nose for women is fine, even encouraged!) and tattoos.
2. Behave appropriately to the Indian context, especially with members of the opposite sex. No touching in public or any displays of affection. With host families, no visiting alone with members of the opposite sex. This could seriously compromise a family’s standing in the community and create problems for them.
3. Be discreet about aspects of your personal life in the States that may not be understood or approved in Madurai culture, and be sensitive to the needs and feelings of your host families.
4. Ask a member of the SITA staff if you have any questions about cultural appropriateness!

We go over the details and nuances of these guidelines during pre-departure preparation and orientation, but we want prospective students to have an idea of what they’re getting themselves into! SITA is a challenging program, but its rewards are rich. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you’d like to discuss further whether SITA is the right fit for you.