All students who are going to India through the ILR India Global Service Learning (GSL) at SVYM Program are required to attend a weekly pre-departure meeting, on Wed from 4:30 to 5:30 pm.  The meetings prepare students for life abroad, appreciating cultural diversity, health and safety, gender issues, politics and issues surrounding development work.

In addition to the meetings,  students are encouraged to enroll in the language class KANAD 1100: Elements of Kannada Language and Culture.  This class will meet once a week, typically on Mondays, 3:00-3:50pm, during the spring semester.