STUDY ABROAD IN INDIA
Study abroad at UN-accredited Govardhan Ecovillage (GEV), an award-winning model community in India implementing green initiatives and working with the neighboring indigenous villages in sustainable development to empower and energize rural communities.
ABOUT GOVARDHAN ECOVILLAGE
With its rural development initiatives and focus on sustainability and research, GEV facilitates training and livelihood through organic farming, women empowerment, skill development and rural education for tribal youths, water resource development for drinking and irrigation, rural education, micro-enterprises for landless farmers, and health care. GEV also runs a free food distribution program.
GEV is accredited by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), the UN Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC), and the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). GEV is being studied by high-level institutions such as Yale and Harvard Universities as a model for ecological sustainability and rural development.
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PROGRAM AND ACADEMICS
Through its welcoming vibe and depth of scientific approach, GEV sets itself apart from a traditional study abroad experience. Study abroad at GEV offers a dynamic, creative learning environment and cultural immersion in a living lab where students learn theories of sustainability, environmental justice, social impact, and spirituality. Courses explore eco-sustainable technologies, rural community empowerment, green buildings, organic farming, soil bio technology, waste management, water conservation, alternative energy, ecology, manufacturing of environmentally-friendly products, climate change, environmental justice, social justice, theology and religion, philosophy, yoga, and the intersections therein.
study abroad tracks
Exploring key global challenges, students studying abroad at GEV experience hands-on experiential learning, a transformed mindset and a holistic view of sustainability as a way of living. They become empowered as “social impact pollinators” to inspire and share sustainable living with their communities and beyond, while actively contributing to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
SUSTAINABILITY & ecology
sOCIAL development
indian culture immersion
Through its welcoming vibe and depth of scientific approach, GEV sets itself apart from a traditional study abroad experience. Study abroad at GEV offers a dynamic, creative learning environment and cultural immersion in a living lab where students learn theories of sustainability, environmental justice, social impact, and spirituality. Courses explore eco-sustainable technologies, rural community empowerment, green buildings, organic farming, soil bio technology, waste management, water conservation, alternative energy, ecology, manufacturing of environmentally-friendly products, climate change, environmental justice, social justice, theology and religion, philosophy, yoga, and the intersections therein.
our mission & vision
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about us
UnivAssist has been a leader in global student recruitment since 2010. We support higher education institutions and high school counselors worldwide through programs geared toward developing and implementing international engagement so that students worldwide can find their right-fit higher education institution.
mission
To enable educational institutions to engage meaningfully with their key stakeholders globally, leveraging in-person and virtual tools and events
vision
We aspire to be the leading organization that guides and supports higher education institutions, enabling them to successfully plan and execute their international initiatives
In-Country Representation
UnivAssist has provided India Country Coordinator services for 13+ years. Our program features a qualified, informed, and dedicated person who will serve as your institution's single point of contact and lead on-the-ground engagement.
LEarn MoreIn-Country Representation
UnivAssist has provided India Country Coordinator services for 13+ years. Our program features a qualified, informed, and dedicated person who will serve as your institution's single point of contact and lead on-the-ground engagement.
LEarn MoreLEARNING OUTCOMES
Exploring key global challenges, students studying abroad at GEV experience hands-on experiential learning, a transformed mindset and a holistic view of sustainability as a way of living. They become empowered as "social impact pollinators" to inspire and share sustainable living with their communities an beyond, while actively contributing to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Situated about two hours from Mumbai, India's financial capital and most populous city, study abroad at GEV also offers exciting excursions that facilitate higher learning and personal growth through exploration of culture, history, architecture, food art, and more in the surrounding region.
In-Country Representation
UnivAssist has provided India Country Coordinator services for 13+ years. Our program features a qualified, informed, and dedicated person who will serve as your institution's single point of contact and lead on-the-ground engagement.
LEarn More
digital marketing
UnivAssist works with trusted local public relations and strategic communications consulting firms to support media relations activities in India. We work with global universities to understand their PR goals, craft strategies, and choose between various media communication platforms, including press conferences, press releases, and one-on-one interviews. We help prepare institutional spokespersons and equip them to deliver key messages at media forums.
learn more
strategic consulting
UnivAssist’s consulting service supports higher education institutions by enhancing their global engagement strategy and implementation. As a data-driven organization, we can help your institution assess new opportunities, solve critical issues and drive the effectiveness of existing initiatives.
learn moreour services
UnivAssist offers a range of services that support international engagement for both global universities and high schools.
Digital Marketing
Strategic Consulting
facilities
Spread over 100 acres, GEV was set up in 2003 as a model farm community to create social, environmental, and economic impact. GEV features platinum-rated green buildings built with 400K locally-made compressed stabilized earth blocks, use of renewable and alternative energy sources including solar and biogas, water conservation and rainwater harvesting, biodiversity conservation, sewage processing and soil biotechnology.
The grounds include outdoor living labs and indoor classroom spaces, accommodations/living quarters, exquisite temples, dioramas, a 25-acre forest, a biodiversity park, farms, an animal shelter, a yoga school, an ayurvedic center, a community area and geo-tourism site, ecotourism facilities, and the Yamuna River flowing through.
Indoor classroom spaces comprise an auditorium and halls (80-100 capacity), a studio (200 capacity), seminar halls and classrooms, study areas, and a library. Accommodations are equipped to provide students with the experience of living in nature without compromising the basic comforts of modern life. Rooms are fully air conditioned and feature two beds, a closet, table, private bathroom, and WiFi. Meal plans are available, with a focus on the best quality ingredients. Onsite hospital and medical services make health and safety the highest priority for students.
Study abroad programs at GEV have been taken by Princeton University, Indiana University, the University of Utah, Utah State University, University of Notre Dame, CUNY College of New York, and others, and was cited as “Best Study Abroad Program” by the Consul General of India to New York.
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testimonials
utah valley university
I got to learn about sustainability, supporting the environment, and creating a better environment for the world around us.
UTAH VALLEY UNIVERSITY
I love it here ... people are focused on the community as a whole and not as an individual. Here at the Eco Village, we take care of the earth through all the different ways to manage waste and resources.
UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME
It was amazing to see how a whole village, and a whole community, can be built on sustainability. It was really great to see that there's a lot of technology here, a lot of science, and a lot of people working together.
CUNY
I now see how traditional wisdom and modern technology can co-exist. We participated in hands-on activities that emphasized eco-friendly practices such as organic farming, water conservation, and waste management. The experience highlighted the importance of living in harmony with nature, compared to our fast-paced world. Overall, my time in Govardhan Eco Village has been transformative, providing me with both practical skills and renewed perspective on sustainable living. It's been a refreshing experience that I look forward to carrying with me through my future.
CUNY
Our stay at Govardhan Eco Village was really beautiful; being surrounded by nature and being able to walk and immerse yourself in the culture was phenomenal. I had an amazing time. The food was great; the service and hospitality were amazing. The fact that we were able to go explore, learn about our bodies, learn about our minds, and learn about the culture itself was really beautiful.
CUNY
My experience here at Govardhan Eco Village has been incredibly interesting. The people have been very warm and inviting. I really enjoyed the biodiversity here, getting to learn from the farmers, and getting to learn about the sustainability efforts to incorporate the village people has been really enriching.
SNOW COLLEGE
Do you want to go on a recruitment tour and worry about next to nothing while visiting a large variety of high-quality high schools? GO WITH KIC!
NEW YORK FILM ACADEMY
The UnivAssist tour was great; the team was highly helpful & supportive of all our needs.
DRAKE UNIVERSITY
Great school selection. Professional yet fun staff. Love the school visit format. UnivAssist knows what they're doing.
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