IFSA/Alliance: Pune - Contemporary India

2 recent reviews
This program is not currently active
  • Location(s): Pune, India
  • Program Type(s): Study Abroad, Internship, Research
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Study abroad with the Institute for Study Abroad in Pune, India! Explore contemporary India as a complex yet unified multi-cultural, multi-linguistic, religiously pluralistic democracy, and rising economic superpower through 15 credits of coursewo... read more

All Reviews

OVERALL RATING 2.8
Based on 2 Reviews
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Overall Experience
It was definitely worthwhile in the sense that not only do you get a great value for what you pay, but you make unforgettable memories. I really learned how to be independent here in the sense of curating my time abroad to match me. I also learned that there's always more to learn - you're going to leave feeling unfinished becau... - Kenyon College View Entire Review
I learned about Indian culture both in and out of the classroom. But most importantly, I gained amazing relationships with my host family who made the whole semester worthwhile. - Brandeis University View Entire Review
A student studying abroad with Alliance for Global Education: Pune - Contemporary India: Development, Economy, Society
I definitely learned so much about India, especially considering that I knew nothing going in. On a more personal level, going abroad gave me a new perspective on how to live my life. I think that living in India made me realize my own mortality, so I will lead a more mindful life for the rest of my days. Going abroad was extrem... - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I am so thankful that I chose this program. Looking back at all of the positive experiences I had, I truly learned how the locals of Pune lived on a daily basis, even though it is such a completely different culture. The academic component connected the larger social and development issues of India into my understandings as we... - American University View Entire Review
I definitely stepped out of my comfort zone, which allowed me to appreciate such a vibrant culture. It was very worthwhile! Don't be afraid to try something new, as this often brought me the most memorable moments. - Franklin & Marshall College View Entire Review
I learned more about myself than I thought I would have. I learned how to deal with conflict, how to stand up for myself, and how to handle being different. I loved (almost) every minute of it. There were times where it was really, really difficult for me to step out of my comfort zone and experience something different, but I f... - Bethel University View Entire Review
The experience of being in India was incredibly worthwhile and amazing. However, choosing to go with a more put together program would have made my experience in Pune infinitely better and much less frustrating. The internship component was very rewarding and educational. However, the internship began late in the program and las... - Trinity University View Entire Review
Yes. See the world. - Brandeis University View Entire Review
Past Review Love Pune!
Was a great experience-felt very integrated - Brandeis University View Entire Review
That no matter where you go in the world happiness depends on the people you're with and the attitude you have/ - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I learned a lot about India, and a lot about how I handle situations. And it was absolutely worthwhile. - Tufts University View Entire Review
Past Review An Indian Summer
I definitely became a much more culturally sensitive person and gained an interesting perspective on the fields of education and sociology. The program is challenging and allows you to gain work experience while learning about Indian history and culture. - Brandeis University View Entire Review
It was great - between the classes, cultural expression, and internship components, the program is well run. - University of Hartford View Entire Review
Having no expectations and taking life day by day takes away stress and gives you experiences and opportunities that are so worth wild. - American University View Entire Review
I learned a lot about myself and my interactions with people: how I adapt, make new friends, learn to live in a new country. I learned a lot about culture and the its evolution from one generation to the next. I definitely considered this experience to be worthwhile. - Georgetown University View Entire Review
Past Review Pune!
Living in Pune was quite an experience. It sounds corny, but I learned a lot about myself while traveling abroad. I learned about my values and goals, both academically and professionally, but also individually. I would absolutely travel back to India again. I loved living in Pune, but traveling around the country during free we... - Smith College View Entire Review
Studying abroad was definitely worth it. I learned about Maharasthran culture, international relations in South East Asia, particularly about the USA's relations with India, plus I learned about myself- my strengths and weaknesses as a person- especially in communication! - Georgetown University View Entire Review
It might sound cliche but I learned a lot about myself. Living in such a different culture is really challenging and rewarding. Pune is an amazing city. It is large but a great place to study abroad. Traveling through India is a must, and some of my best memories are from traveling to different places like Mumbai, Delhi, Goa, a... - Macalester College View Entire Review
I learned to be more patient and I gained long lasting relationships with other program students and my host family. I was worthwhile because the country is beautiful and the culture is rich. - Trinity University View Entire Review
Yes India is worthwhile, it's one thing to see and hear about another way of life and a completely different thing to live it. - Trinity University View Entire Review
I learned to be more independent, to speak up when something is not right, and to respect people who devote their lives to a craft, a religion, a way of life. - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I learned a tremendous amount about myself, gained lifelong friends, and a lifelong love of India! My semester with the Alliance was one of the most formative and important experiences that I've had in my life--certainly worthwhile. - Smith College View Entire Review
I learned a LOT about how dynamic Indian society is. It was VERY worthwhile. - Brandeis University View Entire Review
A student studying abroad with Alliance for Global Education: Pune - Contemporary India: Development, Environment, Public Health
Yes. It taught me a lot of personal things about myself, my limits, my abilities, my strengths and weaknesses...it challenged my limits definitely. It increased my independence. I have always been interested in fighting for women's rights and gender equality but that interest has been magnified by my experience. It helped me to ... - Providence College View Entire Review

About

Study abroad with the Institute for Study Abroad in Pune, India! 

  • Explore contemporary India as a complex yet unified multi-cultural, multi-linguistic, religiously pluralistic democracy, and rising economic superpower through 15 credits of coursework.

  • Pursue your own academic interests and distinguish yourself professionally by completing an internship, directed research project, or documentary film on a topic of your choosing.

  • Engage with Indian culture through co-curricular classes in traditional Indian vocals, instruments, or dance.

  • Participate two weekend excursions to see a different side of India.

  • Live like a Pune resident with an Indian host family and commute to campus via auto rickshaw.

Pune, a vibrant, bustling city that has long been considered India's academic center, offers students a stimulating exposure to the best and most intriguing elements of contemporary India. Only a short train ride from the booming metropolis of Mumbai, Pune is home to many of India's top academic institutions and has a thriving student scene. Pune hosts many of the country's most forward-thinking NGOs and is a striking example of the "new India," with technology and international business rapidly bringing a new, fascinating dimension to its multi-faceted urban landscape.

Visit our website for more information about our Contemporary India program, including course syllabi, co-curricular activities, student housing, and previous internship placements.




Program Type(s):
Study Abroad
Internship
Research
Program Length(s):
  • Fall
  • Spring
  • Academic Year
Instruction Language(s):
  • English
  • Hindi
Relevant Study Subject(s):
  • Environmental Studies
  • Asian Studies
  • Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
  • Communication and Media Studies
  • Global Studies
  • Economics
  • Political Science and Government
  • Sociology
  • Film, Video, Photographic Arts
  • Public Health
Minimum GPA:
3.0
Year Founded:
2007
Website
N/A

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IFSA Scholarships

Any student applying to an IFSA-Butler program can apply for our general scholarship awards, which are $500 for a summer program, $1,500 for semester study, and $2,000 for the full year. We also offer special opportunities such as First Generation College Student scholarships and a Fill the GAP study abroad savings program that matches contributions up to $1,000. Plus, any student attending a public institution or an MSI (minority serving institution) is automatically eligible for either the IFSA State School Grant or the IFSA MSI Grant. Both are worth $2,000 off the program price.

$2,000

Deadlines:
Coincides with program deadlines

Guidelines/Requirements:
Any student who applies for an IFSA-Butler program may apply for a scholarship by completing a scholarship application. This is separate from the general IFSA-Butler program application.

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