Student Exchange programs work on the basis of an agreement between two partner universities.
Student exchange programs allow you to pursue education abroad for a period of six months to one year while your credits are transferred to your home university.
Some popular student exchange destinations for Indians are the USA, Australia, the UK, Canada, France, Singapore, and Japan.
What is a Student Exchange Program?
So, you have been selected for a student exchange program, but wondering how it differs from a regular study abroad. First, Let’s examine how the student exchange differs from the ordinary study abroad form.
Let us demystify this concept.
A student exchange program typically lasts between a specific number of weeks to one year to study in another country. Thus, as opposed to a regular study for programs abroad, which traditionally encompasses a complete degree program, a student exchange program is relatively for a shorter period.
An exchange study program helps you to master a foreign language, come in contact with a foreign culture, and study under a foreign curriculum that you might not be used to. Such programs are very much in demand, giving students the chance to be exposed internationally and receive a vast array of education. Be it a few weeks or an entire academic year, such an opportunity could be very rewarding and enlightening.
Type of Student Exchange Programs
There are two main types of student exchange programs based on their duration. They are:
1. Short-term exchange programs
The short-term exchange programs usually last between one week to three months. Students within these exchange programs mostly focus on cultural immersion, language skills, and community service rather than formal academic study.
Here are some of the examples of short-term exchange programs:
2. Long-term exchange programs
Long-term exchange programs usually last between six months to a full academic year. Within this program, the students attend classes at a partner institution in the host country and require a student visa.
Within this program, you can also attend local community work and stay with the host family, expanding your cultural and language proficiency.
Here are some of the long-term exchange programs for Indian students:
Also Read: Study Abroad Guide for Indian Students 2024
Benefits of a Student Exchange Program for Indian Students
A student exchange program is a pathway to innumerable experiences and opportunities.
Opting for a student exchange program for Indian students can help you:
- Raise your global awareness.
- Increases your practical knowledge in communication, aptitude, leadership, and skill sets.
- Helps students make global connections.
- Student exchange programs are also a wonderful way to build your personality.
- It is also bound to create extensive exposure to academics and general information.
Suggested Read: Why Study in USA: Top Reasons
Applying For Student Exchange Programs: How to Apply for Student Exchange Program?
- To become an exchange student, the primary step is to contact a student exchange agency.
- You could also seek contact with the international relations department of your university.
- You can apply for a student exchange program for a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s, or Doctorate.
To elaborate further on how to apply for exchange programs, let’s look at the process and the detailed application details you will have to fulfill.
To Apply For An International Exchange Program:
- Conduct your research on the country and university you aspire to study in.
- Visit an agency or international relations department at your college that can place you in a good exchange program.
- Check the program duration, course availability, qualifications, and eligibility criteria of the university to which you wish to transfer as an exchange student.
- Visit the websites of the exchange program and learn about the participating universities.
- Jot down the application dates and apply before the deadline.
When you apply for the exchange program, you will have to produce the following details:
- Details of the home institution and information on the person opting for the exchange person.
- Details on the host institution.
- Description of the exchange program and related details.
- Certification of authenticity proving that the information provided is valid.
Interest in the student exchange program for Indian students should be displayed by the student several months in advance.
A professional can guide you in the best way possible on how to apply for a student exchange program.
Meanwhile, you will have to work towards scoring credits and merits while proving your value and candidature because several students apply for an exchange program, and only a few are accepted.
How To Find Student Exchange Opportunities?
Scouring the internet to apply for a student exchange program for Indian students can get tiresome.
To assist you with scoring the best student exchange program for Indian students, we have listed some of the best portals to help you find the right student exchange program:
1. The DAAD: German Academic Exchange Service
An acclaimed German higher education organization with the motto ‘Change By Exchange’ has helped over 100,000 foreign students by making their dream of studying abroad come true.
2. EF Student Exchange Program
This page has everything from an incredible list of year-long exchange programs to diplomas. You can choose programs by age, language, course, and destination. So, with the EF Student Exchange program, Indian students can fulfill their dream of studying abroad.
As an International student, you will constantly be tied to travel, so you must possess an internationally accepted student card. What’s that?
A globally accepted student card like the ISIC card will benefit you as an exchange student.
ISIC Card For International Exchange Students – An Essential
The ISIC card is the only card endorsed by UNESCO since 1968.
Universities, academic institutions, student unions, national governments, financial institutions, and ministries of education worldwide recognize this card as proof of bonafide student status.
Assuming you are going abroad as an international student, applying for the ISIC card will help you in the following ways:
- Proof of student status globally.
- Access to student discounts in over 130 countries.
- Easily save money.
- Easy access to student services and global facilities.
You can apply for the card online and use the student discounts available.
Cost of Student Exchange Programs for Indian Students
The cost of a student exchange program for Indian students varies on the agreement established between the partner universities.
The cost also varies according to the duration of the course, type of program, and country of study.
Some institutes and universities also offer scholarships as part of the student exchange program for Indian students to help them manage their travel expenses, accommodation, and other utilities.
Tip: Apply for FundRight’s Scholarships and easily achieve your dream of studying abroad.
Assuming you now have a better picture of a student exchange program for Indian students abroad.
With the above-listed portals, benefits, and pathways, you still need to learn how to apply for a student exchange program.
Diving into just that, you can apply to any of the best student exchange opportunities worldwide. But, a few top ones are listed below.
Also Read: Top Exams For Studying Abroad [Comprehensive Guide]
Top 5 Student Exchange Programs for Indian Students
As mentioned above, a student exchange program for Indian students works based on pre-existing agreements between two universities.
Now look at the top 5 student exchange programs for Indian students.
1. Japan Student Exchange Platform Program
Several universities in Japan and India have to give students the ultimate learning experience.
The participating universities from India include various IITs, IIIT, Symbiosis International University, Birla Institute of Technology & Science, and Delhi University.
Students with a zeal for topics like Human Resources, Energy and Sustainability, Engineering, and project-based learning can apply for this program.
The participating universities from Japan are the six leading research universities. Which are:
- The University of Tokyo
- Nagaoka University of Technology
- Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
- Ritsumeikan University
- Hokkaido University
- Hiroshima University
2. Fulbright Foreign Student Program
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is implemented by the US–India Educational Foundation, providing unique international education and a cultural exchange program.
This program is for graduates, young professionals, and artists from India and other countries who wish to study in the USA.
The duration of the program is from 6 months to a year.
It is specified that the applicant must be an undergraduate or hold an equivalent degree.
Participants are chosen based on academic merit and leadership potential.
This program is an initiative by the US government and foreign governments to jointly contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns.
3. University of Chicago Exchange Program
Partnered with three Indian institutes – Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, and Tata Institute of Social Science, The Chicago Booth School of Business offers a short-term and full-term International Business Exchange Program (IBEP).
This exchange program provides a unique opportunity for MBA students to expand their educational experience and learn Business from a foreign perspective.
The program offers the development of international social welfare and experience in the field by taking part in experiential learning in other countries, such as India and the US, and vice versa.
Studying in both countries allows students to gauge a broader perspective on Business studies.
4. ISEP Student Exchange Program For Indian Students
With over 50 countries participating, ISEP is an independent non-profit educational community whose mission is to make study abroad accessible to anyone who wants it.
This program has encouraged exchange programs in India and abroad by partnering with more than 300 institutions around the world.
Exchange students are allowed to select from ten ISEP universities.
Students continue to pay fees to their home institutions.
The universities participating in this program from India include Chitkara University, Lovely Professional University, Symbiosis International University, and the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun.
5. IIM Indore Student Exchange Program For Indian Students
Partnered with several European business universities such as Alba Graduate Business School, Greece, SDA Bocconi Italy, EDHEC France, ESIC Spain, Neoma Business School, France, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand, and many more, IIM Indore offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to business students to gain international exposure.
As an exchange student, a student of IIM Indore must undertake full-time study for one or two semesters at a foreign partner institute.
The student exchange programs for Indian students listed above are some of the best to pursue if a student is interested in studying abroad.
These programs offer students a tremendous opportunity to build their confidence and self-esteem.
These exchange programs also allow you to participate in international events, thus providing you with full exposure.
In addition to exploring the world, you learn amongst the best and build life-long friendships and connections.
Now that you know about the process for applying for a student exchange program and the costs involved in being an exchange student, it’s equally important to choose the right program and secure the necessary funding when you fall short of any help. To help you, we have listed some key steps that will navigate your journey:
How to Choose the Right Program
If you have opted for a long-term student exchange program, then you will need a student visa. But before applying for a student visa, one has to first decide on the destination and the course that she/he is going to take overseas, and when there are 5 and 10 times more such courses overseas, that is quite a puzzle.
That’s where SelectRight helps. SelectRight uses an AI-enabled algorithm to generate a range of programs and universities based on your profile. Here’s how SelectRight works:
- Sign up for SelectRight by providing details about your academic background, career goals, and more.
- Once you create your profile, SelectRight matches you with universities and programs as required.
- You can evaluate and shortlist the programs based on location, tuition, curriculum, and employment opportunities.
- You can also seek professional advice from SelectRight experts, who can help you navigate your program selection process and help you make informed choices.
- You can also connect with the university’s faculty and alumni to build relationships and learn more about your chosen program and the university.
After you shortlist some high-ROI programs, the next big milestone is to get funding for your expenses in pursuing the exchange program.
Many student exchange programs provide financial funding and scholarships for your stay abroad. However, if you have certain plans or further expenses, you can apply for an education loan.
Many private banks and NBFCs provide education loans for Indian students choosing to participate in student exchange programs. However, the choice can be overwhelming, and many students can end up paying more interest on their education loans than what they could have found with more research. Here’s how FundRight can help:
- Create a profile on FundRight by filling out your details like university name, annual tuition fee, loan amount required, etc.
- Once you create a loan demand on FundRight, within 2 days, you will receive competitive loan offers from over 15 top lenders, including banks and NBFCs with favorable loan terms.
- Compare loan terms like interest rates and repayment terms, and shortlist the loan offer that perfectly fits your requirements.
- Seek financial advice from a financial expert from FundRight, who will guide you through the loan selection process.
- Once you select the loan offer, submit the necessary documents and the loan application form and, within 10 days, get your loan amount in your bank account.
So, with the right program and the right education loan, you can have an enriching exchange experience.
Also Read: Education Loan Eligibility Criteria Guide For Indian Students
So, hurry and talk to SelectRight professionals about a student exchange program for Indian students that would be right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions:
The cost of student exchange programs varies depending on the university, course, and agreement between the two universities. So, student exchange programs are not free but are relatively cheaper than pursuing a course abroad.
It is fairly common for exchange students to live with a host family during the course. However, several exchange students opt for pre-arranged accommodations such as hostels, campus residences, etc.
Exchange programs are usually 6 months to one year. Extending your stay would require a visa extension, for which you must provide valid reasons.
The best way to apply for student exchange programs from India is by visiting the official websites of exchange program agencies/providers or contacting the international relations department, if available at your university.
To apply for student exchange programs in Japan, you can visit the Japan-India Exchange Program Platform and discover details of the participating universities and their agreements. After you’ve conducted your research, approach the university in your home country for the same.
