History

The Seattle University Calcutta Experience was started in 1985 by Professor Neil Young of the Psychology Department. Dr. Young taught a student at the University of Dallas who had traveled to India and worked with the Missionaries of Charity at Kalighat, Mother Teresa's home for the destitute and dying. Inspired by his student's bold endeavor, and having relocated to Seattle, Washington, Dr. Young decided to also offer Seattle University students the opportunity for service, travel, and education in India. Dr. Young did not travel to India himself until 1987 (and again in 1991), but he started the Calcutta program after over 30 students vied for a scholarship to India that very first year. What is now known as the "Calcutta Club" is the university group that helps organize and financially support each new group of students that embarks to experience life in Calcutta.

In 1985, a single student, Todd Waller, participated in the fledgling program. He was in India for a little over 5 weeks. Each year since, gradually more students have traveled to India and stayed for longer periods of time. This year, 1997, 10 Seattle University students (some of them recent graduates) will carry on the program that began as the "Calcutta Internship" and today simply calls itself the "Calcutta Experience." Other American Universities have international volunteer programs (Fordham and Wake Forest Universities have programs to India), but Seattle University is believed to be the only school with something as structured and long-standing as the Calcutta Experience.

Structure

The Calcutta Experience has for most of its existence been under the auspices of the Seattle University Volunteer Center. Recently, due to restructuring, the program has gained a more autonomous position in the University community. As an official campus club, the Calcutta Experience receives guidance from a part-time advisor. We receive annual tax-deductible donations and hold meetings and slide shows in campus facilities. However, the University only acts in the role of advisor and accountant for the Calcutta Club. Our status as an international volunteer program is independent from Seattle University sponsorship and supervision.

No college credit is gained by participating in the Calcutta Experience and each member takes a one quarter (10 week) leave of absence from classes. Volunteers leave for India once a year in the Fall (thereby avoiding the Summer's heat as well as the monsoon season's rain). Typically, volunteers offer 8 weeks of service in Calcutta over a three month period of time. Some volunteers stay longer, but each individual is left on their own to decide their limits and capabilities. Upon returning from Calcutta, students are expected to be active in sharing their experiences with the Seattle University and broader community, and to take an active role in service to the community here at home. By January of each year, when most volunteers have returned, preparations begin for selecting the next year's group.

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