When you study abroad in Bengaluru, India, you are immersed in a vibrant, colorful culture unlike anything you’ve experienced before. From studies in culture, society and global perspectives to volunteering and internships, there are a thousand — no, a million — ways to make your international experience unforgettable. Keep reading to learn about study abroad in Bengaluru.
Life in Bengaluru
Bengaluru is the third-largest city in India, and it has a rich history dating back to the 16th century. Today, it is one of India’s most modern cities with malls, bargain shopping centers, espresso shops, nightclubs and multi-cuisine restaurants. Bengaluru is at the heart of the information technology and business outsourcing boom in South Asia and features many multinational high-tech companies. It provides the perfect mix of old traditions and modern amenities.
Its abundance of parks and gardens, many built by the British Raj, has earned it the nickname, “Garden City,” leaving lots of green space for you to enjoy in between classes or on weekends. The city is booming with restaurants and cafes, and the markets, landmarks, and nightlife in Bengaluru will keep you busy once the sun goes down.
Resident Director for Bengaluru
Each USAC Specialty Program has an on-site Resident Director (RD) who is responsible for the overall operations of the program, such as student housing, organizing exciting field trips, student support and more. Meet Smriti Chhabra, the RD for the Bengaluru program.
Pre-departure, you will work with the Program Advisor for Bengaluru, Belen Figueroa. As a USAC Bengaluru alumna, Belen uses her personal experiences in India to help students prepare for their study abroad.
Host University & Academics
USAC courses are held on the Christ University campus, where USAC students have full access to all campus amenities including a library, cafeteria, sports facilities, computer labs and more. USAC courses are taught by local professors at Christ University.
Academic Focus
Students studying in Bengaluru will take courses in culture, society and global perspectives to dive deep into India’s culture and history.
In-person and virtual internships are also available in Bengaluru. If you choose to participate in an internship, you will be placed with a local organization in one of the following fields:
- Business
- Computer Science and IT
- Digital Marketing
- Grant-Writing and Crowd Funding
- Graphic Design
- Human Resources
- Journalism and Communications
- NGO and Social Services
Field Trips and Tours
You didn’t think we would let you travel all the way to Bengaluru without taking you to explore other parts of India, did you? Through included field trips and optional tours, USAC staff and professors take students on exciting excursions to popular destinations and locations off the beaten path. Possible destinations include*:
- Mysore and Coorg
- Hampi
- Bengaluru Heritage Excursion
- Northern India Tour
- Southern India Tour
*The following are possible destinations, view term calendars for specifics. Due to continually evolving COVID-19 regulations some tours and field studies may or may not be available during the term you choose to study abroad.
Immersion Activities
One of the best parts about study abroad in India is the opportunity to immerse in a culture so unlike what you’ll find in the U.S. To help, the Bengaluru Program and Christ University offer a variety of activities to help you dig deep into Indian culture and better connect with your host community. These activities include:
- Meeting up with your local “buddy” to learn about Bengaluru, India and its culture. Buddies are local students who volunteer to pair with USAC students to show them the ropes and help orient them to the university and surrounding areas.
- Visiting a local slum, organized by the Center for Social Action.
- Volunteering at a local village or hospital through the Center for Social Action.
- Attending cultural festivals and celebrations like Diwali and Holi.
- Participating in student clubs, like sports and theatre, at Christ University.
What Alumni Have To Say
“My time in India was the highlight of my college years. Studying abroad is about soaking up the world around you while learning who you really are. My study abroad experience in India allowed me to reinvent myself–reflect on who I was and who I wanted to be… I couldn’t even begin to tell you how many times I’ve almost booked a plane ticket back in the six years since I left.” – Sydney, USAC Bengaluru alumna
“India is not for everyone. This is not the place to have the poster child European study abroad trip, however, if you want to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience India is more than capable of providing it. It is a country full of warm people and even warmer food. Every day was a new adventure with challenges to be met and surprises around every corner. It is truly the land of unity and diversity. Every state has its own language, dress, food, and geography. There is always a festival to be celebrated and hundreds of people to celebrate with. India will grow you in ways that a Western study abroad trip can’t. India will change you.” – Victoria, USAC Bengaluru alumna
“Two words. Life Changing. It had always been my dream to visit India and instead I got to live and study in this beautiful and colorful country. The program itself is amazing not only because they have the greatest Resident Director (Smriti) but also the beautiful host university, the many cultural traditions, volunteer opportunities, and temple visits. All of these things you get to do while in this program and you will be fascinated by the different smells, colors, and hundreds of cows walking on the street. India is chaotic and noisy but in the most beautiful way. I already miss it and can’t wait to be back. If you are looking for a program that will excite you and bring you out of your comfort zone in the best possible way, this is the program for you. This program offers many social science and health science opportunities and teaches you the differences between Indian and American culture. Thanks to the USAC Bengaluru program and all that it offered, I am now 110% sure of my passion in life that is to work abroad (hopefully in India) with my Public Health Degree.” – Brittney., USAC Bengaluru alumna
Interested in study abroad in Bengaluru, India? The USAC Bengaluru Program is offered in summer, semester and yearlong sessions, as well as a part of our new Spring Accelerated model.
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