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Study Abroad Programs in India

About Study Abroad Programs in India

Does your university offer study abroad programs—programs that allow you to study courses towards your degree while living overseas for a year or academic semester?  Most colleges and universities do, and if you qualify for this type of opportunity you should strongly consider participating.  Study abroad programs not only offer the prospect of cultural enrichment and exciting fun, they also look great on a resume when it’s time to apply for employment or graduate school.  They are offered in scores of different countries, including India, the second largest country in the world by population.
 
India has an excellent system of higher education, and although as a study-abroad participant you’ll be studying your own program in your native language, performing these studies at an Indian university will help you gain a fresh academic perspective, and will enable you to mingle with Indian students and professors and learn how higher education is conducted in this massive country.  While studying in India you’ll have a variety of options with regards to your accommodations, but whether you choose to share a nearby apartment, live in a university dormitory or stay with a generous host family that supports the study abroad program, the scope of education you’ll receive while in India will extend far beyond the classroom and academics.
 
According to students who have taken advantage of a study abroad opportunity here, the entire experience is akin to an “awakening”—a chance to see the world from a more global perspective and learn to appreciate a new culture.  From the language to the food to the sights, the proud country of India is a welcoming host and a must-see for the adventurous at heart.  And while there are hundreds of Indian cities that could potentially sponsor programs such as these, two of the most popular destinations among students are Mumbai and Delhi, India’s two largest cities.
 
Mumbai, the most populous city in India, is a bulging metropolis with a wide array of places to see and things to do when taking a break from your studies.  One of these sights is the Gateway of India, Mumbai’s most recognized monument.  Constructed in 1920, the monument was erected to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to the city.  The Gateway is the first thing visitors will see when coming into Mumbai, and was ironically the last thing the British troops saw, as the last of them departed India marking the end of the British Raj era.  Today, hundreds of locals and tourists gather at the Gateway of India, where vendors sell food and trinkets to eager customers.
 
Mumbai is also the center of Bollywood, India’s booming film industry.  One of the resplendent architectural treasures of India is located here, the Eros Cinema, a theater where guests can take in a great movie or schedule a guided backstage tour of the production facilities.
 
Delhi, the capital city of India and second largest, also features a number of interesting diversions and thought-provoking sights, including the Red Fort, Delhi’s most famous monument.  The Red Fort, constructed in 1638 and stretching 1.2 miles in length, is a powerful reminder of the Mughal emperors who once ruled the country.  It was originally built to keep out invaders, but unfortunately it proved insufficient for this purpose, as it was eventually captured by the Sikhs.
 
Qutab Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world and a favorite sight among tourists and locals.  While the reason for its construction back in 1206 still remains a bit of a mystery to the Indian people, many here claim it was built to proclaim the Muslim rule, while others say it served as a call to the faithful for prayers. Regardless, the site is truly majestic and a must-see when visiting Delhi.
 
Finally, if you decide to study abroad in Delhi, you may want to pay a visit to the Gandhi Smriti, a historic, albeit solemn site marking the exact spot where Mahatma Gandhi, affectionately known as the “Father of the Nation,” was assassinated on January 30, 1948.
 
Collectively, the cultural sights, friendly people and delicious food in India make the country an ideal place for a study abroad adventure, providing a memorable experience filled with enriching and exciting activities that will broaden your horizons.