Student Exchange Programs in India

To encourage student mobility across borders, universities around the world invite interested students and researchers to study a semester or conduct research in a diverse range of fields via exchange programs. These programs are an ingenious way of gaining international exposure and learning from remarkable faculty and peers. In particular, student exchange programs in India are not only limited to established study abroad destinations such as USA, UK and Australia but are increasingly being conducted in partnership with leading but relatively less-explored universities in Finland, Austria and Japan as well. Through this blog, we will take a look at the varied student exchange programs in India and the key perks they offer.

How do Student Exchange Programs Work?

To get enrolled in a student exchange program, you will first have to get in touch with a student exchange agency and browse through the programs they are offering. The exchange agency will help in guiding and choosing the exchange program that suits you the best and also helps in finding a host family for you in the host country. 

Cost of Student Exchange Programs

The cost of student exchange program depends on the school, university or organisation as applicable. The cost of student exchange programs also varies according to your host country, duration of study and other individual factors. There are also many scholarships offered by institutions, colleges and universities which help in covering travel expenses and accommodation.

Student Exchange Programs in India: An Overview

Student exchange programs in India generally involve pre-existing association between two or more universities, amongst which respective students can study. Further, movement of students is also generally two way barring a few. As for the application process, students need to express their interest at least 8-10 months earlier in order to be considered for the exchange program. Students are advised to seek information beforehand with respect to exams at the exchange semester, credit requirements, language conditions and any other criteria that they might be required to fulfil. 

Japan Student Exchange Platform Program

A multi-university collaboration between well-renowned institutions in India and Japan, the Japan Student Exchange Platform offers a huge repository of student exchange programs in India. The list of institutions includes IITs, IIIT, University of Delhi, etc in India and six leading research universities in Japan [mentioned below]. Interested students can peruse topics ranging from Human Resources, Engineering, Energy and Sustainability, project-based learning, amongst others.

Japanese Institutions:

• 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 and is specially designed for students within the ages of 15-19 who are interested in experiencing a new culture and environment. The period of exchanges vary between short-term (around 3 months) and long-term exchange programs which may run upto 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. In order to apply for Rotary Youth Exchange, students are advised to consult their local Rotary Club in the region. 

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

Implemented by the United States-India Educational Foundation, the Fulbright Foreign Student Program offers prestigious student exchange programs in India and abroad. Selected students gain the opportunity to study or conduct research at prestigious US universities for a period of 6 months to a year. Additionally, students, hailing from Indian institutes which do not sponsor candidates, can apply as a private exchange or ‘non-degree seeking’ student as well. Moreover, the only basic eligibility criteria you need to fulfil to have a bachelor’s 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. The offered student exchange programs in India provide graduates and research scholars to gain a multidimensional perspective in their respective field of interest. Further, these programs can only be availed by those studying at IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore & TISS, Mumbai.

In addition to the above, students must also explore opportunities at DAAD, Germany and Erasmus Mundus, both of which offer a variety of study abroad, international exchange and short term programs.

5 Reasons Why You Should Try at a Student Exchange Program

If you study at a college or university in India and want exposure and knowledge from abroad, there is an alternative for you apart from applying full time in a university abroad. Mentioned below are five reasons why you should study in student exchange programs:

• Study abroad at half the cost: Student exchange programs are extremely low cost, and it is one of the primary reasons they are so popular amongst students. The same exposure and experience you get in studying abroad can be achieved by enrolling in student exchange programs.
• Personal development:  Living on your own and managing everyday life is the best teacher in life. Not only does it help in boosting self-confidence but also helps in increasing and improving your self-esteem. Living all by yourself in a foreign country helps in encourage independent thinking skills as well.
• Prepare for the global economy: The business world is always on the lookout for professionals who understand the global economy. All students who go for student exchange programs are ready to function in the global economy and know it better than others. 
• Get exposure: Every new country has its own methods and ways of teaching and instructing. When any student from any country travels abroad, he/she is exposed to alternative and other ways of imparting knowledge as well as imbibing it. It helps in enhancing their knowledge.
• Long-lasting friendships: Studying abroad for a program leads you to interact with new people and make new friends. The relationships and bonds you make in a new country stay with you forever. It also helps the student understand the way of living of others and respect it, therefore becoming global citizens. 

Summer Exchange Programs in India

With the western approach of education inspiring us more every day, several colleges, universities are now providing summer exchange programmes to students. It helps in their overall personality development and improves self-confidence and self-esteem. Mentioned below are some famous and prestigious summer exchange programs in India. 

Summer Immersion Programme, Flame University, Pune

Flame University in Pune has a two-week programme for students belonging to high school who wish to experience liberal education. There are academic and non-academic modules present in this course that aim to enhance and improve teamwork and leadership skills in students. 

Young Scholars Programme, Ashoka University, Sonipat

Ashoka university offers a one-week residential programme during the summers. It aims to introduce students to liberal arts education through an immersive college experience. Different disciplines such as history, psychology and computer science are exposed to students via projects, group discussions, presentations and workshops. 

Summer Leadership Programme, The Doon School, Dehradun 

Headed with a leadership training module, The Doon School offers a two-week residential programme which aims to enhance and improve reading skills, debate, critical thinking, team work and empathy. Students who perceive themselves as aspirant leaders, social activist and influencers can benefit a lot from this programme. 

Thus, student exchange programs in India offer an exciting way to experience the learning environment in a foreign setting. It helps students gain a multidimensional outlook and a better exposure into their chosen field and its corresponding issues at an international level. If you are looking to apply for a similar program, consult our experts at Leverage Edu for a free 30 minutes counselling session and take the step towards a rewarding study abroad experience.