Internships & Global Leadership Development in India
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are language skills needed?
- How does housing work?
- Who can participate?
- Will I receive academic credit?
- When are applications due?
- What is the length of the program?
- When will I know where I will be doing my internship?
- What costs and procedures are involved?
- Under what circumstances can I receive a full or partial refund?
- How do I get to and from Bangalore?
- Is it safe?
- Will I experience culture shock?
- Will I be able to explore India?
- What if I have an emergency?
If you do not find an answer to your question below, please feel free to contact us.
Are language skills needed?
No, not beyond the English proficiency skills of an accomplished U.S. college student.
While Hindi is the national language of India, English enjoys associate status and is the
most important language for business, national and political communication.
How does housing work?
IndiaInternships.com may assist in securing appropriate housing upon request. Housing options include
living with a family or renting a service apartment.
Homestays typically include a single bedroom with breakfast. Students have the opportunity to experience India as a local by living with a family and participating in daily rituals. Service apartments typically include a bedroom with two beds, desk, lamp, private bath and common facilities. When possible, staff will arrange opportunities for participants to discussing sharing accommodations. This has proven popular as it provides an immediate support network with whom to share your India experiences.
Who can participate?
Business, IT, engineering, science, and political science/pre-law students who will be
juniors or seniors at the time of the internship, graduate students in these programs,
or graduates (undergrad or grad) from, or with experience in, these areas. Ideal
candidates will have relevant work and/or internship experience, a record of academic
excellence, intellectual motivation and interest in exploring a new culture.
Will I receive academic credit?
Your home institution has the option to grant academic credit for the IndiaInternships.com
program as either an internship or as an independent study course. We have adopted the model
used at the University of Southern California for their political science internships. Based
upon 250 hours of internship work, our Internship/Business Studies program would qualify for
five credit hours. Participants may also pursue 3 academic hours of academic credit based
upon six courses of eight hours each, or the equivalent of .5 credit hour per class.
In addition, following the end of the semester, you will be required to submit a 15-20 page
paper to the IndiaInternships.com Academic Dean, which should describe your experience and
evaluate its contribution to your knowledge. The Director of Internships and Business Studies
must also receive a detailed letter of evaluation of your performance from the company or
office in which the internship was completed. These two items are used to determine your
final grade. Ultimately, however, the decision of granting academic credit will be reserved
for your home institution.
When are applications due?
Applications are due by the dates set forth on the
Application/Enrollment Form. Early application is
encouraged, as applications are reviewed on a first come, first served basis and space for
the program is limited. Notice of acceptance is usually made within three weeks of
our receipt of your completed application, transcripts and resume. Late applications
may be accepted if space is still available.
What is the length of the program?
Each program is 10 weeks in duration. There are three sessions:
- Winter/Spring January - March
- Summer June – August
- Fall September – November
Additionally, companies may elect to offer a project specific internships that may not conform to the above schedule.
When will I know where I will be doing my internship?
As soon as the employer confirms a position, you will be notified. The placement process is lengthy and takes anywhere from two weeks to two months from the time of your acceptance.
What costs and procedures are involved?
Applicants to the IndiaInternships.com semester programs are required to:
- Send in a completed application, most recent transcript and resume, along with a non-refundable application processing fee of $75.
- Participate in a personal or telephone interviews with IndiaInternships.com and host company representatives.
- Review and accept an offer detailing the specific job, compensation, benefits and expectations associated with the internship.
- Upon acceptance, a $400 confirmation deposit must be paid to IndiaInternships.com to secure your position and to prepay education expenses.
- IndiaInternships.com will work with students on pre-departure activities, such as securing travel documents, identifying travel health professionals, making transportation arrangements, etc.
- Check into your assigned accommodations, and attend orientation classes, meetings and tours the first weekend.
- Begin your internship and continue with your internship through the end of the semester.
- Begin classes and continue with your studies through the end of the semester.
- Attend special meetings and functions arranged by IndiaInternships.com.
Under what circumstances can I receive a full or
partial refund?
For Internship/Business Studies programs, see the Withdrawal and Refund Schedule
page.
How do I get to and from Bangalore?
There are numerous flights and airlines that service India, both over the Atlantic and
Pacific. IndiaInternships.com will coordinate with your host company to secure safe
and timely travel arrangements on your behalf.
Is it safe?
Yes. Bangalore and almost all areas of India are not only friendly, they are as safe
as the U.S. and Europe, and perhaps safer. Violent crimes are much less prevalent
than in large cities of North America, and as to foreigners are almost unheard of.
The same precautions that one would take in any city should be taken in India.
Safeguard your possessions, purse, wallet, etc., from potential pickpockets. Keep
your passport with you, or stored securely, at all times. When getting around the
city, which has quite congested traffic and can be dangerous to the locals walking on the
crowded streets, take a taxi, preferably one arranged by IndiaInternships.com. Travel in
pairs or groups, especially at night.
Will I experience culture shock?
Life in India, as in any new country, is a unique experience for first time visitors and
even seasoned travelers. We offer an intensive orientation program focused on
assuring your easy transition into daily life in Bangalore. Additionally, we will
introduce you to common business practices and give you tools on how to integrate
successfully into the Indian business community.
We will also facilitate opportunities for you to discuss and share your experiences with fellow participants and faculty during weekly India Business Studies courses, social functions and excursions.
Will I be able to explore India?
There will be ample opportunities on weekends, and before and after our programs, to
explore as much of India as you desire. Between the beaches of Goa, the street life of
Mumbai, the Taj Mahal north of Dehli and beyond to the Himalayas, a lifetime could be
spent absorbing all that India has to offer.
What if I have an emergency?
During the orientation, participants will receive emergency cards (laminated cards with
directions and 24-hour contact numbers for IndiaInternships.com staff and recommended
clinics.) The staff will be available to assist in securing appropriate medical
care.
There are numerous clinics and hospitals in Bangalore, with some of the top doctors in the world located there, and you will have medical insurance coverage during your entire stay. For legal matters, besides local legal counsel that we work with in Bangalore, the American Consulate has a warden system that assists Americans who find themselves in difficult situations. One of these volunteer wardens is our Director of Indian Programs and Studies, and is available to help in most any area. If you have to return home for an emergency, flights leave Bangalore and Mumbai (Bombay) daily, and you can typically be home within 24 to 36 hours.
