Innovative Study India Programme launched

King's College London and the University of Birmingham are organising a unique new summer programme for students: The partly government funded Study India Programme (SIP) will sponsor 200 British students to spend three weeks in India this summer to study Indian society, culture and language. The deadline for applications is 30 June 2009 at 17.00.

SIP is organised by King's College London's Centre for Indian Cultures and the University of Birmingham's International Office and is funded by UKIERI, the UK India Education and Research Initiative.

The 200 successful applicants will be selected to go to either Mumbai or New Delhi, with King's managing applications and organising the programme for Mumbai, and Birmingham doing the same for Delhi. The programme will run from 24 August to 12 September 2009.

Participants will have the opportunity to visit India, attend lectures on various aspects of Indian society such as history and commerce, take language classes and be immersed in Indian cultural through a colourful programme of social activities. A preliminary itinerary for both Mumbai and Delhi is available on the Study India website. The programme is open to undergraduate students currently studying in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

Tayyeb Shah, Head of the Short Course Unit at King's College London Business, and coordinator of the programme at King's, says: 'This fantastic initiative from the UK Government is a once in a lifetime opportunity for students to learn about India and Indian culture first hand in the country, with substantial financial support. India is one of the world's largest and fastest growing economies and a country with increasing global importance. This programme will equip students with the skills and awareness necessary for a successful future in the global economy.'

A very similar programme for China was established in 2007 and has received great feedback from participants. Sarah Wing, a student from the University of Salford, said about her experience on Study China: 'I really had the time of my life and loved every minute of it'. Douglas Haynes, a student from the University of Hertfordshire said: 'By being on this trip it has made me a better person and has given me more clarity on the path that I lead in life.' Felicity Minns from the University of Exeter agreed: 'This programme was enormously worthwhile and I feel privileged to have been selected'.

Costs and accommodation
Students accepted onto SIP only need to cover the cost of their airfare, visa, vaccinations and insurance plus spending money. The SIP organisers will cover the cost of the programme, accommodation and meals.

In New Delhi accommodation will consist of a YMCA or YWCA Hostel with air conditioned twin rooms. In Mumbai students will stay in a three-star hotel in twin, triple or quadruple rooms with en-suite bathroom, television and air conditioning.

How to apply
To apply for SIP, students need to fill in the online application form and ask a member of staff at their University or Higher Education College to fill in the online reference form. The reference can be provided by any member of academic staff.

More information
For more information, students are advised to visit the SIP website (www.studyindia.org), which will answer most questions. In addition, a Facebook group has been created for all who are interested in this summer's programme. It is strongly recommend that applicants join this group as they can meet other applicants and exchange information about the applications. Students will also be able to meet other participants online before departure once the successful candidates have been announced.