The echo network is a community of over 2000 individuals from 45 countries who have dedicated their lives to building a more sustainable planet.  Each of these members is an expert in their own field - be it a champion farmer, an intrepid filmmaker, or a CEO. Over the past 3 years, over 371 individuals have helped develop the projects and concepts you will be researching during the Sustainability Ambassadors Global Exchange  (SAGE) Senior Ambassadors Program.

The SAGE program is an opportunity to activate bright and motivated minds to consider current issues in global sustainability, with India as the target. Rather than a typical course reading list, we offer you a human library where the books are the hearts and minds of our network members.  

1. Choose a focus area below

2. Click on book image to see details and available times

3. Reserve the "book" for the scheduled time with your name and email

4. Reserve AT LEAST TWO books per week

5. You will receive a Google Meet link to meet the book and listen to their stories and information about the given topic

6. At the end of each week, please fill out the "Human Library Book Report"  HERE

1. When and where are the program activities happening?
   See the calendar and agenda HERE

2. What are the course assignments and due dates?
   See Course Assessment HERE

3. What is the purpose of these assignments?
   There are three reasons for these assignments:
   a. This is a credited course and grades are required to justify credit
   b. The research assignments are important to provide information for our community outputs- these are not assignments as much as active research outputs.
   c. The class participation outputs such as the questionnaires offer insights as to the value and relevance of the content for your learning.  They are as much a check on participation as they are a course evaluation strategy

4. How do I get assistance with my research?
   a. Your personal mentor will meet with you several times to assist you in your research plan
     b.  The implementation partners can help ensure your research is applicable to the community goals
     c.  The echo network team can provide resources through our Okas Experiment and Explorer platforms (more info to be provided during Orientation) 

5. Where will I be staying during the in-person program in Bengaluru, India?
   All students will be provided with campus housing and meals at the Bangalore Life Sciences Campus that houses the Tata Institute of Genetics and Society.  Students can arrive 1-2 days before and after the in-person program from July 31-August 13, 2023. Accommodation may be shared with another student of the same gender. Please let us know at sageprogramme@nordiccentreindia.com when you plan to arrive so the necessary arrangements can be made and a pickup for you from the point of arrival in Bengaluru can be organised. 

6. How do I apply for travel visas?
   Information has been sent to you concerning travel. We would prefer that you obtain  a student visa for your travel to India as that is the appropriate visa for your purpose of travel to India. The paperwork provided by TIGS supports the same, and we can assist you though the process as and when you choose to apply.You can also email contact@nordiccentreindia.com for questions or concerns about travel.

7. I've never been to India.  What do I need to prepare for?
   Please check out this helpful advice at:
   https://www.nordiccentreindia.com/study-abroad/prepare-for-your-studies
   and
   https://www.nordiccentreindia.com/study-abroad/orientation-package 

8. What do I need to pack for the in-person program?
   General Information:
   NCI recommends that students travel light without any items of great value. It would be useful to carry a laptop for the purpose of the course but otherwise, we recommend that you stick to a minimalist style of packing. Personal hygiene products and toiletries of various international brands are cheap and easily available in India so it would not be necessary for you to pack these items. A pouch or money belt that can be easily hidden would be useful for carrying money, passport, credit cards and other valuables.

Clothing:
On TIGS campus students can wear whatever they are comfortable in; it is a very safe and open space.  However, elsewhere off campus (if students plan to travel in India). students should dress conservatively while in India. For both men and women, all kinds of trousers/jeans/slacks with loose half/full sleeves shirts/t-shirts would be the best option.  Women should be careful to choose clothes that do not show much cleavage and that are not too body hugging as it could attract unwanted male attention whether in the form of staring or downright harassment. For the summit, business casual attire might be preferred for your presentation and the banquet. 

Other items (useful especially for BR Hills field trip):

• Water Bottle and Mug for coffee/tea breaks

• umbrella

• raincoat / waterproof pants (in case of heavy rain)

• a wide-brimmed hat for sun

• sunglasses

• a shawl/sweater/light jacket or otherlayers for cool evenings

• sturdy walking or hiking shoes

• mosquito repellent

• torch light (flashlight)

• personal towel (this is also needed for campus accommodation)

• Optional: sleeping bag for warmth and comfort

Students coming for the summer program will arrive during the monsoon season and need to be particularly prepared for heavy rainfall.
For more information, please read:  https://www.nordiccentreindia.com/study-abroad/prepare-for-your-studies 

9. What is the Network Summit?
   In the last days of the course, the Ambassadors will interact with some of the leaders of the echo network.  Each ambassador will present their research and work with the network experts to determine key project ideas for future research.  This is also a chance for students to explore potential career opportunities with these organizations. 

10. More questions?
    Write to akshata@echonetwork.in