The plan

I have been awarded a Fulbright Specialist Grant to teach and consult with Engineering faculty at the National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK) which is located in Surathkal just north of Mangalore. Karnataka is the Indian state in light blue on the map. Some key dates:

• January 5: depart
  
• January 7: arrive in Bangalore at 0120, Mangalore at 1650
• January 9: first day of work
• February 9: Kathy arrives
• February 13: last day of grant
• February 14: we begin vacation travel in Karnataka and Kerela (the state south of Karnataka)
  
• February 27: depart
• February 28: return

While at the Institute I will give guest lectures in several classes, consult with faculty on curricula, consult with students on their studies and research, and attend the National Convention of Environmental Engineers in Mangalore. The University is located on the coast and I will be staying in their Guesthouse.

Preparations include Fulbright paperwork, obtaining a visa (15 passport photos), booking travel, obtaining medications, reading, preparing potential lecture material, packing, and probably more I have not thought of yet.

Based on discussions with many people, I am looking forward to experiencing new people, ideas, culture, and food in addition to the challenge of teaching and learning in a different culture.

I hope to have the time and energy to maintain this blog during my travels.