Student Exchange Program for Indian Students

A student exchange program allows students to explore the cultural, social and educational landscape of another university/college/school located within the same or different location while remaining enrolled on their original degree/course. It is a great opportunity for students to broaden their perspectives and think with clarity of a bigger world.

What is a Student Exchange Program?

An international student exchange program is a program that allows students to study abroad at one of the partnered institutions of their high school or college/university within their home country. Student exchange programs enable the holistic growth of students and give them a taste of diverse cultures, education systems, teaching styles, work atmospheres, and life outside of their home countries; which may not be possible within one’s own home country.

A student exchange program requires students to travel abroad but not necessarily mean that the students have to complete their remaining education abroad. A student exchange program may last only for a few months to up to a semester’s length within their home country. On returning, the students have to complete the rest of their course of study and semesters within their original college/university in their home country. 

Participating in a student exchange program is not mandatory for all students of the eligible class of a school and the interested ones get many opportunities to make friends and network outside to establish a strong foundation for their study abroad or career abroad journey. 

However, the international exchange program doesn’t get executed in its literal meaning as there may be no counterpart for the student going abroad to the participating foreign universities. 

In most cases, the students are given credits for their course through the international student exchange programs after returning to their home country. In such cases, students are required to retake the university/school exams (if any that had happened during the course of their student exchange program journey) as and when they return to their home country. However, some host countries may themselves provide an academic credit/score for the exchange students based on their performance, code of conduct and participation in the host country’s diverse programs. 

Benefits of Participating in a Student Exchange Program

The following is the list of the benefits of participating in a student exchange program; note that the list is not exhaustive and there may be many more advantages of a student exchange program.

• Student Visa: Some international exchange programs for undergraduate students may provide student visas to the participating students so that they can study and work in a foreign country later. 

• Enhanced Social Perspectives: Exposing students to a diverse culture, place, people and even education system may broaden their thinking horizons and enhance their social perspectives which can be beneficial for them in getting their higher education and jobs abroad.  Most top universities abroad and even companies remain on the lookout for such students who have previously been on a student exchange program for this helps them understand that the student is flexible and trained to adapt to new cultures, situations, and people and to whatever it takes to survive in a foreign studying and working environment without going through a cultural shock. 
• Getting to Know How Things Work: While being on a student exchange program, a student has ample time to understand how different countries and their social and economic things work. This is also the time for foreign students to understand the strong differences in the work cultures and the education systems in the host countries. This enlightens their ways in terms of whether they want to continue their higher education and work in their host country, their home country or in some other country. 
• Personal Development: Students returning after successfully completing their exchange programs from a foreign country feel more confident in their home institution as they have gained clarity over several issues and topics that were not possible in their home country. 

Types of Student Exchange Programs

Based on the program’s length, there are mainly two types of international student exchange programs:

1. Short-term Student Exchange Programs
2. Long-term Student Exchange Programs

Short-term International Exchange Programs: Short-term exchange programs (STEP in short) are the summer programs that focus more on language immersion courses, cultural activities or community services. Several governmental and non-governmental bodies can help you participate in one of the best student exchange programs for Indian students. 

The short-term international exchange program for undergraduate students lasts from a few weeks to up to 3 months and students may not be required to actually study the subjects of their due course in India; but the students are exposed to an intensive program that enhances their understanding of different communities, cultures, and languages.

Long-term International Exchange Programs: The long-term student exchange programs may last from a period of 6 months to up to a year. These semester or year-long exchanges help exchange students gain in-depth academic experience and cultural immersion while also earning academic credit towards their home degree. During their long-term student exchange program, students can integrate more deeply into the host culture, develop stronger language skills, and complete a significant amount of coursework.

How to Apply for a Student Exchange Program

The applications for various student exchange programs begin either a few days or a few weeks before the actual commencement of the program. Students above the age of 13 are allowed to participate in these international exchange programs. 

Institutions abroad may accept your application in two ways - either you submit a preliminary application along with the application fees and submit a detailed application later after getting your interview scheduled or you submit a detailed application form right in the beginning. The choice of application entirely depends on the host and country’s style of accepting the applications. 

The host institution screens these applications closely and then the shortlisted students are selected after conducting a round of interviews, interviewers are on the lookout to learn about the exchange student’s aspirations and future study plans. 

Here are a few steps that you must follow while applying:

• Identify Your Goals: Consider academic interests, desired program duration, and preferred location.
• Research and Choose a Program: Utilise resources like school advisors, program websites, and exchange organisations.
• Application Requirements: Gather typical documents (no objection certificate, essays, academic transcripts and letters of recommendation) before the deadlines.
• Financial Aid and Scholarships: Explore funding options (like student loans and scholarships) offered by programs, universities, and external organisations. Some universities like Oxford University may organise funding for students.
• Visa Application Process: Discuss visa types and application procedures for the chosen country with your home country’s supervisor beforehand. 

How to Prepare for Your Student Exchange Program?

Travelling abroad for an immersive program like a student exchange program calls for a lot of preparations, a few of which are given below:

• Research: Choose your program type (length, location, focus) and research the host university/country. Consider factors like budgeting, costs involved (cost of living), weather, etc.
• Academics: Ensure course credits transfer to your original course in your home country and discuss course selection with your home university.
• Documents: Gather necessary documents like transcripts, visas, and health insurance.
• Finances: Budget for expenses, explore scholarships, and consider opening a local bank account.
• Culture: Learn about customs, etiquette, and daily life in your host country to avoid cultural faux pas. Learn basic phrases in the local language and take language courses or use online resources to improve your communication skills.
• Packing: While packing, focus on practical items and adjust based on climate and cultural norms.

This was all about the student exchange program meaning, the student exchange program benefits, types of student exchange programs, and how to apply for student exchange programs. If you have any doubts, feel free to drop your queries in the comments below. 

Also Read: How to Improve English Communication Skills?

If you wish to study abroad, then you can get assistance from Shiksha Counselling Services for free.