Application Guidelines & FAQ
Program Fee:
USD 1000 (The fee includes accommodation, food, organizational costs as well as training fees. Each participant is responsible for their own travel arrangements, including visas.)
Application Deadline:
The EXTENDED DEADLINE to apply for The Caux Scholars Program - India is October 18, 2023.
Applicant Requirements include the following priorities:
• Open to persons between the ages of 21-35 from globally diverse geographies, backgrounds and experiences - applicants from all parts of the world are welcome. Age exceptions may be made for outstanding candidates.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Leadership qualities and a commitment to public or community service.
• Passion for the ethical, equitable, and just dimensions of world relations.
• An openness to a multicultural learning experience.
• A high level of academic achievement.
• 2 letters of recommendation.
• A 500 word essay detailing why you are applying for this program.
Academic Credit
While CSP India is not affiliated with a university and does not offer credit, it is often possible for participants to secure credit through their own institution, in consultation with professor(s) and pursuant to their requirements. The program is willing to assist with the university credit process if notified within a timely manner.
FAQ
Is there a lot of reading and writing as part of this course?
More reading than writing. We send a pre-reader to the Scholars before the course begins for preparation. A manual, a curated collection of articles, is given to scholars during the first days of the program to form an ongoing part of their toolkits. Often CSP faculty hand out additional readings that expand the learnings of their lectures. Mid-way through the program, Scholars are asked to turn in a journal or experience essay and a shorter reflection and evaluation is requested at the end of CSP.
I would like to acquire independent credit. How do I go about this?
Students should contact their own universities, or work with professor(s), to see if credit can be achieved through an independent study course at CSP. There are usually additional requirements for such a specialized study, such as heavier reading and detailed paper(s). The deliverables for this kind of course study must be shared with the CSP Program Director to ensure implementation between faculty and the participant Scholar.
Does the Caux Scholars Program offer scholarships?
Through fundraising efforts, CSP India offers merit-based and need-based scholarships that are given to scholars who have made important community contributions and who demonstrate leadership skills and a clear commitment to furthering the mission and values of CSP and Initiatives of Change in their chosen professional field. Please submit one page essay to cauxscholars@iofc.org
We also encourage all accepted applicants to fundraise their participation. Some students have been able to get funding through their universities. Others have been sponsored by NGOs, faith based communities, and civic organizations such as the Rotary Club.
Does CSP India help with travel expenses?
We do not have money for Scholars’ travel expenses, but infrequently, we have been able to link up scholars with other members within our network who provide in-kind and financial resources for participation.
What is the age range of the CSP India cohort? How many Scholars are still in university?
The median age for Scholars is the mid-to-late twenties. About one third of the class is in their early twenties.
What is life like in Panchgani?
Busy! Scholars attend class from the mornings through evenings along with service hours. Scholars also get to spend time in quiet reflection in nature, under the stars, and sometimes hike at dawn or early evening.
How diverse will the class be?
Since diversity is of the utmost importance towards achieving global peace and social cohesion, we aim to be as inclusive of Scholars within similar and varying contexts within the global South and North, as possible. A class of twenty (20) participants often comprises 15 different country backgrounds.
