An India study abroad program will take you into an amazing land full of history, intrigue, spirituality and natural wonders.
No matter where you study in India you will discover the beauty of a country that remains loyal to its culture and history.
If you are in India in the month of November for a semester abroad, you can visit the small town of Pushkar for the world’s largest camel festival. Not only will you get to see the women dressed up in colorful saris, the traditional Indian female garment, but you’ll also get to see campfires lit up along the dessert sand as people prepare for the nightly feast.
A summer study program abroad in India just wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra, which is one of the most beautiful monuments in the world. A dome-shaped monument made of white marble and stone, it has become an inspiration for poets and painters for its fine detail and design.
Pack light as laundry services are available in most student accommodation, organise your visa (very cheap!) before you visit, and visit a travel clinic for inoculation advice. Right, with the practicalities out of the way, onto the fun stuff!
Best Universities in India for International Students
When you study abroad in India you get to experience a totally new education system, meet new people, learn a new language and explore a fascinating region.
With a population of nearly 22 million, Delhi is one of the busiest and most bustling cities in all of India. If you join a study abroad program at the University of Delhi, you’ll be able to experience a highly established teaching and research institution that attracts students from every country.
With programs in everything from medicine, law, education and technology to music and sciences, you’ll also get a top-notch education from a very distinguished list of faculty members. And when you’re finished with classes, you can stroll out into the town for some fine Punjabi cuisine, shopping and parades.
You can also enroll in classes at Jawaharlal Nehru University, which is located in the southern portion of New Delhi, the capital of India. The university has over 5500 students and is organized into 10 different schools such as International Studies, Languages, Computer Science and Biotechnology. Located among a forest that spans 000 acres, there are also over 200 species of wildlife you can see while you’re on or around the campus.
Other Indian institutions where you can find good study abroad programs are at:
• Jamia Milia Islamia University
• Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi
Study in New Delhi
New Delhi, the capital city of India and one of the most popular destinations for foreign students. While there you can visit:
The Nehru Planetarium, where you can see spectacular shows of astronomy from a dome-shaped screen made of fiber glass.
Tombs of past Sayyid and Lodhi dynasties at the Lodhi Gardens.
The Lotus Temple, which is made of white marble, sand and cement and actually shaped like a lotus. It is a symbol of purity and is open to anyone from any type of religion.
The Akshardham Temple, a massive Hindu shrine made entirely of Pink Sandstone and Italian Marble, which features an IMAX, a musical fountain, sixty acres of gardens and a 12-minute boat ride.
The Indian market of Chandni Chowk, which is a massive outside market is loaded with merchants selling everything from food and electronics to clothing and jewelry. Some of the shops have been around for a hundred years, so you know that you are bound to find something that is the perfect souvenir from India.
Guide to Studying in India
Scholarships
For more India study abroad program information and for ideas to help pay for your experience see How to Finance Your Study Abroad Experience.
India Transportation Options
India is the second largest country in the world, so you can imagine how many people populate the country. With millions of citizens traveling across the country daily, there are several different modes of transportation that keep the cities busy.
For a long trip across the country the best way to travel is by railway. India has one of the largest railway systems in Asia, but since trains usually run from 50-60 km per hour, it may take a few days to reach your destination. But if you don’t mind relaxing and enjoying the beautiful countryside pass you by, a trip by train will be the perfect way to see the sites of India.
The next best way to travel through India is by bus. Almost every city in India has a well-developed bus system that is cheap, easy to follow and very convenient. And since pollution has become an important issue in India, the government is even encouraging people to take the bus to reduce the amount of vehicles emitting carbon dioxide into the environment.
One of the most popular modes of transportation in India is the auto rickshaw. An auto rickshaw is sort of like a taxi, but with three wheels. It is composed of a tin roof with a small cabin for the driver, and it can usually sit three people. The rickshaws in India usually have no doors or seatbelts, and they have a meter attached to them that accumulates charges. Auto rickshaws have become so common in India that they can even be seen driving loads of children to school!
There are also taxis in India, but they are a bit on the expensive side, so only take them if you have no other convenient options.
Finally, there are always bicycles and cycle rickshaws you can rent while in India. A cycle rickshaw is like a big tricycle where two people can sit on an elevated seat while a driver pedals in the front. Both bicycles and cycle rickshaws are perfect for traveling short distances and for truly enjoying the sites around you.
Safety
No matter how you travel in India, always follow study abroad health safety info guidelines to ensure that you are safe wherever you go. Anything can happen while in India, so just be wise about where you go and how you get there. Keep a list of important numbers with you in case of an emergency. Also, be sure to check with your school or program for any additional information you might need.
Money and Budget
Indian currency is known as the rupee. The rupee is also used in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Indonesia.
Here’s what you need to know about the rupee:
Coins = 5, 10, 20, 25 and 50
Bills = 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000