Exchange Program for Indian Students: Funding and Scholarships

Here are some of the top student exchange programs for Indian students:

International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience (IAESTE)

This institution offers Indian students paid internships in different countries in technical fields. These internships help you get new perspectives and explore new cultures.

Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE)

With this, you can study for an academic year or a semester in another country. The courses are offered in various disciplines, and you will get adequate support to make the process easy.

AFS Intercultural Programs

This is a not-for-profit organisation that offers cultural exchange programs for students who are in high school. Students live with a new host family in another country and go to a new school in that country.

Rotary Youth Exchange

This is a student exchange program for Indian students between the ages of 15 and 19. Students live with a new host family in another country and go to a new school in that country to understand different cultures and broaden their horizons.

Semester at sea

This is a foreign exchange program where students visit multiple countries and study when they are onboard a ship. Indian students can enrol to explore various countries and also practise interdisciplinary coursework.

Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Program in Science (Sakura Exchange Program in Science)

Indian students visit Japan under this education exchange program for 2 to 3 weeks and participate in scientific research or different culture exchange events and activities. The aim is to promote cultural diversity and scientific advancements.

The cost of different student exchange programs depends on different factors, such as the institution and school and the organisation of the exchange program. The cost also differs as per the duration of stay, the country of the program, and any other conditions.

Additionally, students do have the right to apply for scholarships and pay the same fees that they pay to the institutions in their home country. In this case, the institutions subsidise the fees.

Here is the list of scholarships and funding for students exchange programs in India:

Government scholarships

The Indian government offers several scholarships for studying in another country:

Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarships

The government provides these scholarships for students who plan to go abroad for undergraduate, doctoral, or postgraduate studies.

Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) scholarships

The government provides these scholarships for students who plan to go study in some of the partner educational institutions through different programs like the Study Webs of Active-Learning for Young Aspiring Minds (SWAYAM) and Global Initiative for Academic Networks (GIAN).

National Overseas Scholarship Scheme for SC/ST

The government provides these scholarships for SC and ST students who plan to go abroad for undergraduate, doctoral, or postgraduate studies.

**University scholarships **

Many universities offer scholarships to Indian students and you can check the application process and the requirements to get the scholarship. There are different scholarships based on educational requirements, coverage, application process, etc.

**External scholarships **

There are some foundations that offer scholarships for students going to foreign exchange programs like:

Tata scholarships for Indian students

You can find many different scholarships for postgraduate and undergraduate studies provided by Tata Trust.

Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation scholarship

You can find many different scholarships for research, postgraduate studies, or specialisation for Indian students going abroad.

Non-governmental organisations

Many NGOs offer financial assistance to students who plan to study at a foreign university. Some of these are KC Mahindra, Azim Premji, etc.

Scholarships specific to exchange-program

Some scholarships are specifically for international student exchange programs. Usually, the host institution partners with other educational institutions to provide these scholarships. Check with the foreign exchange program that you are applying to in order to understand more about the scholarships.

Here are some of the top reasons to get enrolled in an international student exchange program:

• Living in another country gives you a chance for cultural immersion, broadening your horizons, and getting out of your comfort zone.

• Studying in a foreign country engages you in language learning. It helps you learn a new language, and when you are constantly exposed to the language, you will become better at it eventually.

• Your academic perspectives also broaden when you go and study at a completely different educational institution.

• Going for a cultural exchange program enables you to step out of your comfort zone, enhance your understanding of the world, and give you a new perspective on life.

• You can also enhance your levels of employability if you travel for a student exchange program.

• You can also learn to face challenges, survive alone, and manage things independently when you travel to another country for an education exchange program.

This is some of the basic information regarding education exchange programs and from where you can secure funding and scholarships for these programs. Travelling to another country will change you as a person. You will learn so many new things, broaden your capacity to handle adverse situations, and, most importantly, learn to survive when the going gets tough.

Thus, exchange programs are often an opportunity to upgrade yourself, add new experiences to your life, and make you a better person. Also, you will have a chance to make friends worldwide and meet like-minded people who will make you feel comfortable about being in another country.