During your exchange in India, you will live with a volunteer host family, attend a local school as a domestic student, participate in AFS orientations and activities, and make incredible memories. Go for a year, semester, or short programme (availability varies), check your eligibility and other requirements below, then enquire now to start your adventure of a lifetime!
Eligibility Requirements
- You must be between 15 years to 17 years and 5 months
- Enrolled in an NZ school
- Language requirements: Basic English
- Yellow fever vaccine required
What's included in your experience
- Airfare
- Airport Pick-up
- Host Family Placement
- Housing
- Meals
- School Placement
- Medical Insurance
- 24/7 Emergency Support
- Assistance with Application Process
- Visa Application Assistance
- Pre-Departure Orientation
- Orientations during your time abroad
- Access to Alumni Network
- Continuous Support
- Worldwide Presence
- 70 Years Experience
What you are responsible for
- Vaccinations
- Cultural Tours
- Visa and Passport Fees
- School Uniform
School
India has one of the largest education systems in the world! Education is quite demanding in India. You will most likely attend the 11th grade at an Indian public school (which are considered private schools around the world). Depending on which state you are placed in, your school year may start in March (Delhi) or in June (South India). You will choose one of the four tracks of study: engineering, medical, commerce or (liberal) arts. Exchange students usually take (liberal) arts track, where they learn economics, history, philosophy, psychology, sociology etc. You should also try out one of the extracurricular activities offered in schools, such as drawing, games, group discussions, cricket or basketball.
Family and Community
Indian families are close and multi-generational – you could have your grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins all living close to you. Family is very important in India, so expect to spend a lot of time participating in your family’s life. Your family will likely be vegetarian, and can show you their religious and cultural festivals, how to cook delicious foods, and how to participate in Indian culture.
Language and Culture
Humility, nonviolence and respect for the elderly tend to be universal values in India. People in India usually focus more on the needs of the group over an individual. The Indian communication style tends to be rather indirect, and you will rarely hear someone saying an outright no to an invitation. Hindi and English are the official languages, but you can expect to speak English during most of your exchange in India and should know it before the program. There are 22 different languages that have been recognised by the Constitution of India, as well as other local languages and dialects depending on the area.
