Spend a school year attending high school in amazing India!
India is a vast country, occupying most of south Asia, which offers diverse cultures, languages, customs, traditions and people. India has it all – historical monuments, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, sun-kissed beaches, age-old mountains, traditional attire, mouthwatering cuisines and much more.
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.
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.
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.
Kick-start your future with AFS and discover who you really are, make new lifetime friendships and immerse yourself in a fascinating intercultural experience.
In the months before your departure, AFSers have the opportunity to participate in various preparatory activities, including an online Student Learning Journey, which is an interactive course that brings AFSers from around the world together to learn how to develop essential global skills, intercultural communication techniques, and practice social impact. This journey will help you maximise your experience, cope with the challenges of navigating a new culture and community, and gain knowledge, skills, and a global understanding throughout your time abroad and as you return to your home country. AFS volunteers will be there to support and guide you and your host family the whole way through.
