Why you should study abroad in Bengaluru, India
Imagine walking through a bustling, colorful market lined with flowers, listening to vendors selling their wares, and smelling the delicious scents of street food. In Bengaluru, India, that can just be a normal day.
The University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) offers affordable, authentic study abroad programs in non-traditional locations around the world, and our program in Bengaluru is no exception. In fact, Bengaluru is arguably one of the most unique and dynamic program locations we offer.
If you talk to any USAC Bengaluru alum, you’ll quickly learn that study abroad in India isn’t for the faint of heart. This city of 84 million people is bursting with rich culture, colorful history, vibrant people, and roads filled with sacred cows, motorbikes, and auto-rickshaws called “tuk-tuks” that creates a unique and transformative study abroad experience.
Experience a day in the life in Bengaluru
No two days abroad are the same in Bengaluru. You can discover a new adventure around every corner in one of India’s most modern cities — from bargain shopping centers and sarees shops to sipping fruit lassis and soaking up some sunshine at one of the city’s many parks… which is where the nickname “Garden City” came from.
As one of USAC’s most affordable programs, your dollars can stretch farther in Bengaluru than in many study abroad locations. Three meals a day at the campus cafeteria only costs $4, public transportation is cheap, and general cost of living is low, plus housing is located on campus making it easy to get to and from class. These savings provide you with the extra allowance to fully immerse yourself in the culture and gain once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Engage in high-quality academics
Study at the lovely, tree-lined Christ University alongside 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students from every state in India, as well as international students from around the world. USAC students have full access to all campus amenities like the library, cafeteria, and computer labs. There are a variety of exciting courses to learn about topics relevant to Indian society such as caste, class, gender, and religion, as well as unique courses like Hindi and Bollywood dance and film.
Bengaluru is also the hub of India’s technology and business outsourcing revolution and is sometimes referred to as the “Silicon Valley of India,” so it’s a great place to learn firsthand about economic issues that the world faces today. Students can take courses such as Economic Development in India, Contemporary Political and Economic Issues in South Asia, and India in the Media.
Christ University also offers non-credit, optional workshops where you can learn to cook Indian cuisine or do yoga.
Build a crazy-amazing bucket list
From taking a Bollywood dance class to enjoying the most authentic Indian food you’ll ever eat, Bengaluru offers endless activities, events, and sights to add to your bucket list. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
- Explore Bangalore Palace and grounds.
- Visit unique religious locations like ISKCON Temple and Bull Temple.
- Take a stroll along the flower lane at KR market.
- Participate in Holi (the Festival of Colors) in the spring or join in Diwali (the Festival of Lights) in the fall.
- Check out the vibrant art on Church Street for free.
- Connect with an international buddy and meet local students.
Join USAC field trips and tours
USAC offers a selection of exciting field trips and tours, included in your program fee, so you can explore India and immerse yourself in the culture without spending another penny. Bengaluru is a USAC Specialty Program, which means that there’s a Resident Director (RD) who organizes field trips and tours and will be there to help every step of the way.
Past field trip destinations have included the mountain region of Coorg to visit a golden temple and take a jeep excursion to a waterfall, a heritage excursion through the city, and a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hampi.
The multi-day guided tours to Northern India (fall terms) and Southern India (spring terms) have recently had all fees waived and are now included in your program fee. In Northern India, check out everything from the Lotus Temple and Tiger Fort to the Taj Mahal. In Southern India, explore Mattancherry Palace, Blossom Park, and then take a houseboat cruise.
Convinced yet?
If you’re seeking a culturally rich study abroad experience, then Bengaluru is just the program you’re looking for. Soon, you can be strolling through a colorful market and sampling authentic Indian cuisine. What are you waiting for? Learn more about the program highlights here, including course options, activities, and deadlines.
Explore your options
- Bengaluru, India
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