Western Michigan University Students Gain Firsthand Experience in India

By Jace February 23, 2025
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A group of 30 undergraduate and graduate students from Western Michigan University (WMU), United States, travelled to India in December for a study abroad programme focused on sustainable development, justice, and social entrepreneurship. Led by Dr. Timothy Palmer, a business professor, the two-week trip provided students with a deeper understanding of business and social impact beyond traditional classroom teachings.

Organised by WMU Study Abroad, in collaboration with the College of Health and Human Services, College of Education and Human Development, and the Haworth College of Business, the programme aimed to immerse students in India’s economic landscape and social issues.

Transformative Learning in India

For Hollywood Watkins, a graduate student at WMU’s School of Communications, the biggest lesson was witnessing how passion and empathy drive business success. “The trip challenged the traditional profit-driven mindset and showed me that business can be a force for meaningful impact,” Watkins said.

Katherine Marshall, a graduate student in the School of Social Work, found the immersive experience particularly valuable. “We visited businesses, schools, and mental health services in a way that average tourists wouldn’t. In India, people focus on those they are helping rather than those they cannot. This shifted my perspective on my future career as a social worker,” she shared.

Exploring India’s Economic and Social Landscape

During their visit, students engaged with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and corporations, discussing topics such as gender violence, corporate responsibility, and sustainable energy systems.

Dr. Palmer highlighted India’s global significance, stating, “As the world’s fastest-growing free market economy and the largest democracy, India hosts over 100 Fortune 500 companies. However, it also faces major challenges like air pollution, poverty, and gender inequality, which impact its development goals.”

The study abroad programme gave WMU students a unique perspective on India’s business environment and its social impact initiatives, enriching their academic and professional outlook.

Source: SHIKSHA

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