Lydia Maendel
  • Sustainability Science; Innovation and Entrepreneurship
  • Class of 2018
  • Alliance, OH

Lydia Maendel embarks on Baldwin Wallace University's "Discovering India" program

2017 Mar 14

Lydia Maendel of Alliance was among 22 students who participated in BW's "Discovering India" program, a transformative learning experience in Bangalore, New Delhi and Agra, during the fall 2016 semester.

As one of the fastest growing economies in the world, India is in the midst of tremendous social and economic change. Maendel, a graduate of West Branch High School majoring in sustainability with a focus on science and innovation and entrepreneurship, completed a semester-long course providing an in-depth understanding of India's culture, social institutions and business environment before going on the 14-day trip led by BW sociology professor Jill Stephens Fleisher, Ph.D. and business professor Narasimha Mohan, MBA.

The time in India exposed students to sustainable practices in educational, business and community settings. Students also had an opportunity to visit many cultural and historical sites, including the ISKCON Temple in Bangalore, the Mahatma Gandhi Museum, Humayun's Tomb, the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.

BW senior William Anastasiadis had this to say about the trip, "Discovering India was quite the immersive experience. I was not only able to apply my knowledge about Indian public health disparities, gender stratification and family structure - but I was ultimately given the opportunity to see these sociological concepts."

The BW Study Abroad Center engages students through global exploration and off-campus study that enhances personal growth, educational enrichment and career development as part of the university's liberal arts effort to cultivate contributing and compassionate citizens. Through faculty-led and independent study abroad opportunities, students can build strong communication skills, enhanced critical thinking and personal confidence from trekking the unknown.