Student Exchange Programs in India

To allow students to grow and gain experience, universities around the world invite interested students and researchers to study for a semester or conduct research at their institution. These programs enable global cross-pollination between different people, practices and industries, which can lead to astonishing results. For instance you might be surprised by how many student exchange programs allow people to study in Finland, Austria or Japan! Or even more different learning experiences like taking part in online studies from diverse destinations such as USA, UK and Australia. Through this blog we will take a look at some of the incredible student exchange programs open for applications now.

How do Student Exchange Programs Work?

There are many things that go into choosing the right student exchange program for you like timing how long you want to stay overseas, determining your living situation (living with a host family or in a dorm), and trying your best to find an agency with reputable connections. To make sure you make the right choice, it’s best to plan ahead of time.

Start by researching what kind of exchanges are available that adhere to the desires for when you’d like to travel abroad and how long you’ll be staying. Once you’ve done that, then narrowing down further to finding an agency which has good reviews because they will act as your middleman in finding all the information about cultural activities happening around where you’ll be staying during your time abroad.

Cost of Student Exchange Programs

Any student looking to start a student exchange program should be aware of the costs involved. Of course there are scholarships to cover travel costs and accommodations, but most students have to come up with part of the money themselves. We offer a comprehensive overview of the most common types of funding, explaining their advantages and disadvantages in detail, so that you know which is most suited for your needs.

Student Exchange Programs in India: An Overview

If you are interested in participating in a student exchange program in India, you have to understand that the process has several steps to complete. First, you need to gather information and find two or more universities willing to enter into an agreement with one another.

Second you need to see if there is a space for another student from your school and thirdly, you must retro-actively apply for this opportunity at least 8 months before the beginning of your semester abroad. Students should be aware that it is their responsibility to follow-up on matters such as whether they will be able to take the same exams as they would at home university and what grades they might need in order not to fail automatically if their grades do not match those of the home university.

Japan Student Exchange Platform Program

The Japan Student Exchange Platform is a collaboration of the premier educational institutions in India and Japan. The list of universities includes IITs, IIITs, University of Delhi, etc. Students wishing to do student exchange programs can check out topics ranging from Human Resources, Engineering, Energy and Sustainability, project-based learning amongst others. Below are the six leading research universities in Japan included by JSP.

Japanese Institutions For Student Exchange Program:

• Hokkaido University
• Hiroshima University
• The University of Tokyo
• Nagaoka University of Technology
• Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
• Ritsumeikan University

Rotary Youth Exchange

Offered by the transcontinental Rotary International, the Rotary Youth Exchange is one of the lesser-known student exchange programs in India specially designed for students within the ages of 15-19 who are interested in experiencing a new culture and environment. Students must first contact their local Rotary club to apply on behalf of themselves. The period of exchanges varies between short-term (around 3 months) and long-term exchange programs which may run up to a period of a year. While accommodation & lodging and school fees will be cared for by Rotary International, students themselves will be responsible for travel, insurance, visa costs etc.

ISEP Student Exchange

ISEP is an independent not-for-profit organisation which has fostered student exchange programs in India and abroad through partnering with close to 300 leading institutions around the world. In India, the list of universities include Chitkara University, Lovely Professional University, Symbiosis International University and University of Petroleum and Energy Studies. In addition to ISEP Exchange, it also offers volunteering opportunities, summer programs and much more and the eligibility criteria vary from one program to another. In order to know more about dates & deadlines, additional fees, eligibility and application procedures, visit the ISEP website.

Fulbright Foreign Student Program

The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is one of the most well-known study abroad programs in select universities in both India and the United States. Over 200 persons have already been awarded with this prestigious exchange program that provides students with six months to a year-long education or research opportunity at top US universities if they are based in India. Additionally, the only basic eligibility criteria you need to fulfil in order to apply for this scholarship are being a citizen of India if you are studying here, have completed an undergraduate degree.

University of Chicago Exchange Program

The Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago has partnered with three institutions in India, namely, IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore and Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai to facilitate student mobility and research in areas of business and urban poverty respectively. These programs will offer a window for graduating students from these institutes a chance to study abroad for a duration spanning anything from a few weeks to a couple of years depending on the program they chose. Though only IIMs Ahmedabad, Bangalore & TISS students can apply for these scholarship programs.

In addition to the above, if you’d like to travel after leaving college, you can also think about applying to study abroad at DAAD , an organization that offers a variety of funding options for students who are interested in studying in Germany. Another program that may interest you is Erasmus Mundus, which is an organization with various opportunities pertaining to international exchange and short-term programs.

Reasons: Why You Should Try for a Student Exchange Program?

Studying abroad can be a rewarding experience, but it’s not easy to get the chance. Luckily for you there are student exchange programs run through colleges and universities in India where you can apply for an opportunity to study abroad while still earning credits while working on your degree/diploma back home in India! Here are 5 reasons why it’s worth considering this option to study abroad :

• The major reason that student exchange programs are so popular with students is their extremely low cost. Enrolling in student exchange programs can provide you with the same exposure and experience as studying abroad.
• A person’s personal development is determined by how they manage the daily difficulties of their life. Additionally, it helps increase and improve your self-esteem as well as boost your self-confidence. Independent thinking skills can also be fostered through living on your own in a foreign country.
• Adapt to the global economy’s demands: The business world is always seeking professionals with a broad understanding of global economics. Every student who goes on a student exchange program is prepared to deal with the global economy and knows it better than others.
• Learn how each country teaches and instructs: Every country is different. While studying abroad, students from any country are exposed to alternative methods of imparting and absorbing knowledge. Students gain valuable knowledge in the process.
• Learning from new people: Studying abroad helps you make new friends while getting to know new people. Your new country will remain a part of your heart forever because of the relationships you form there. Students also become global citizens by understanding the way of living of others and respecting it.

Summer Exchange Programs in India

With the western education system encouraging more and more of an out-of-the-box approach, several colleges and universities in India are now providing summer exchange programs specifically for their students. This gives students a chance to broaden their horizons and allows them to escape from the confines of their university setting and gain personally enriching experiences that will help them grow into stronger individuals with higher levels of self-confidence and self-esteem.

Summer Immersion Program, Flame University, Pune

Flame University, located in Pune, has two weeks worth of training programming for high-school students who wish to experience liberal education. The course is designed with both academic and non-academic modules aimed at enhancing teamwork and leadership skills in students.

Young Scholars Program, Ashoka University, Sonipat

Ashoka University offers students a blended liberal arts and STEM education through a one week residential programme. This immersive college experience aims to introduce students to new fields such as history, psychology and computer science, all of which are emphasized through faculty conducted projects and group discussions, presentations and workshops.