A temple in Belur, Karnataka. Stony Brook University Summer Study Abroad program students will be taken for excursions to Mysore, Belur, Shravana Belagola and Halebidu. The region is known to have 900-year-old temples.

The Center for India Studies at Stony Brook University, New York, is expanding its Summer Study Abroad program in Bangalore this year. The 6-week program includes a first week in Stony Brook (May 23-27), and 5 weeks in India, from May 27 through July 3rd, a press release said. The program offers 4 courses: Art and Architecture of India; Indian Democracy; Social Change in Modern India; and Language and Culture in India.

“Taught by outstanding faculty from the U.S., and India, these courses earn 12 SUNY credits, which are accepted by most universities. Weekend excursions to Mysore, the city of graceful palaces, Belur, Shravana Belagola, Halebidu, boasting 900-year old temples, and Hampi, seat of the Vijayanagar empire are included,” S.N. Sridhar, professor of linguistics and India Studies chair, Department of Asian and Asian American Studies, said.

Bangalore, with its cool summer, rich culture, friendly people, high-tech globalizing excitement, and cosmopolitan lifestyle offers an ideal Study Abroad experience,” the release said.

Students will get to attend a traditional wedding; study life in three villages; visit a wildlife park; mingle with local students; attend cultural events; visit people in their homes; interact with leading artists, writers, and intellectuals, and see first-hand both traditional and modern India.

“The campus of New Horizon College of Engineering, where students will live and learn, boasts air-conditioned classrooms, state of the art internet facilities, rooms with attached baths and linen service, varied cuisine, and safe transportation,” it said.

The fee, including tuition, room, board, airfare (roundtrip JFK-Bangalore), all trips, insurance and visa, is $6,510 for New York state students ($9,466 for others).

That is less than what it costs to study at home campus. Students in good standing from any college are eligible. Students can stay back after the course to visit relatives. The India Studies Foundation, the fund-raising arm of the Center for India Studies at Stony Brook has raised $10,000 in scholarships for students going to India on this program. The $1,000 and $500 scholarships on a merit/need basis.

For details and application forms, visit www.sunysb.edu/studyabroad, email: indiastudies or call .