Gap Year Programs in India

Gap year programs in India are full of rich colors, exotic mannerisms, exquisite cuisine, and.. fresh coconut curry and warm naan bread. We all know that everyone digs those. Lose yourself in the beautiful markets where the locals sell their savory spices and hand woven cloths. Take a canoe along the Ganges River, one of the holiest places for in the Hindu religion. India is one of the best gap year locations due to its vast diversity and unique traditions. So go on, take a gap year in India!

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A Guide to Gap Year in India

Popular Locations

You have the big picture… a gap year in India, but now comes the exciting, yet tricky part. Where do you want to live on your year abroad? There’s so many options of holy hindu areas, gigantic cities, and sweet, simple rural towns. Venture out to the great wide somewhere near the Bay of Bengal, where you can work and study the sea life on the coast. Or, if you’re a big foodie, explore the south of India where you can find the best culinary courses to make delicious Biryani. Here are the top spots for your gap year programs in India!

Mumbai. Nothing welcomes you to your India gap year more than the Gateway to India, located in Mumbai, one of the most popular cities here.. This detailed monument faces out to the Mumbai Harbor and is a symbol of welcome and power to the British rulers who conquered India in the 1920’s. Love Hindu movies? Visit the Bollywood area, where all of the famous films and musicals are made. Mumbai is one of the best India gap year locations because of its Hindu history—it hosts temples around every corner. Some gap year work programs allow you to study the holy religion and assist other tourists by becoming a tour guide. Interested in something else? No worries, Mumbai is full of opportunities for your gap year in India.

New Delhi. Make the capital your new crash pad during your gap year programs in India. Why is New Delhi one of the best gap year locations? Because there’s tons of enriching opportunities to work with children in need. Give back during your gap year abroad in one of the most popular cities in India! Check out the Chandni Chowk, aka Moonlight Market. Built in the 1600’s, this marketplace was separated by canals so its shoppers and visitors could view the reflection of the moonlight. Swing by Humayun's Tomb, which was the inspiration for the Taj Mahal (only three hours from New Delhi). Created in 1540, this mausoleum was made for Mughal Emperor Humayun and was the first flower tomb known in India.

Bangalore. This alluring city is home to genuine locals and endless sights to see. Take a stroll or go for a run in Cubbon Park. About a half a mile long, visit the grand fountains and greenness of what Bangalore has to offer. Can’t get enough of the delightful gardens? Take an excursion to Lal Bagh, the Red Garden, which hosts India’s most tropical plants and flowers. Hopefully your gap year spans January or August (or both!) so that you can check out their incredible annual flower shows.But you're not on your gap year in India just to play and pick flowers, right? Consider signing up for an au pair work program here. As an au pair, you'll live with a family and offer childcare. It's a great way to get to know the culture more deeply while not breaking the bank on gap year travel costs.

Popular Activities

What’cha wanna do on your gap year in India? There’s so many different options to choose from and it’s tough to make a decision. Best advice is to find your passion and run with it. Work with animals in a national park, care for kids in an orphanage, or gain experience in your field of study and perform an internship. Here are some of the common gap year programs in India activities.

Medical. India is paving the way into the medical fields and are growing in therapeutic discovery. Catch yourself on gap year volunteer programs, serving those who are in need of help. You’ll get hands-on training from those who are at the top of their game AND a peek into the medical systems of a foreign country. Want to specialize in children’s medicine? Ask to be place with a pediatrician and aid children within the area. Are these paid gap year programs, internships, both? Maybe! Ask your advisor for your gap year program in India to find out more.

Study Abroad. Take a gap year abroad while finishing (or starting!) your degree. You don’t need a major to study abroad, but you just might find it while traveling. Take Hindu courses to make it easier to get around and barter in the markets. Have a fascination for art? Study the ancient architecture of India on your gap year and learn how these awing domes were built with such great detail centuries ago. Make friends with other English speakers and grow your circle of connections by meeting Indian locals.

Volunteering. Looking for the best volunteer projects in India? Give back, share your skills with this dazzling country, and make it a better place. Volunteer on your gap year in India at the Kanha National Park by helping preserve the precious land and adorable animals. Have you ever seen a golden langur? It’s a rare monkey that only lives in India and is super friendly (how cute would that instagram photo be?!). Give your time to share your love and service to those in rural areas. With little access to the latest technology, the extra set of hands is greatly appreciated. Show the world how big your heart is by doing a volunteer project in India.

Everything else you need to know about gap years in India

Costs. You’re probably asking, how in the world will I fund my gap year in India? Save, save, save as much as you can before you go, or, alternatively, you can filter your interest so you’re only considering paid gap year work programs in India. Look for something you’re passionate about and make some money while doing it! Here’s a good place to start: FundMyTravel.

Accommodations. There are plenty of housing options in India: hostels, apartments, host families, etc. But what’s the best fit for you? Chat with your gap year in India advisor to see what they will offer you. They have the best hook up and give the best advice on where you can live during your gap year in India.

Visas. No matter where you go, you will need a year long visa. Without it, you can’t go anywhere. There’s a variety of visas out there, but it’s best to talk to your supervisor for you gap year program in India. Once you know what you need, apply online, print of the necessary documents, and schedule an appointment at your local consulate to apply for the visa in person. Not sure where the consulate? Find it here in the GoAbroad embassy directory.

Safety. Looking both ways before crossing the street is always a good thought, especially if they drive on the opposite side of the road. Even though India is one of safest places to travel, gappers have to be extra safe since these drivers are on the other side of the road.

We all saw the Jungle Book—could i really get eaten by a large red ape dubbed King Louie? Well, maybe not Louie. India is known for it’s venomous snakes, you know, like the cobra? If you are in the rural areas, make sure you listen where NOT to go. Snakes are common within those parts and very deadly.

GoAbroad's Inside Scoop

Never left home for more than two weeks and you’re freaking out about what you’re going to pack? No need to fear, GoAbroad is here! Look at where you’re going on your gap year abroad. What’s the weather like all year round? India can get pretty toasty, so light clothing is highly advised. Obsessed with your green pants with the pink pineapple’s on them? Sadly, it’s best not to bring them. Pack as many solid colors as you can. This way it’s easy to mix and match them.

The one thing that should take up the most room in your suitcase are shoes. If you don’t have a solid pair of safe walking shoes, buy them before you go. No one likes blisters and painful feet. Make sure you’re prepared for your gap year programs.

Breathe in… breathe out. You can do this. It’s time for you to bust out of your comfort zone and sign up for your gap year abroad in India. Once all your planning is done, you will feel proud of yourself as you take your first step onto Indian soil. Make your wishes come true before you row down the Ganges River. Can you smell the curry in the distance?

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Latest Program Reviews

So educational and unique

January 04, 2025by: Alexis Barcombe - United KingdomProgram: 6-week Spring India Course

I had a great time with Art History Abroad in India and I would recommend it. I am happy I chose to go with a course as I think I got more out of India with the help of the tutors and local guides. I would recommend this course to anyone with a desire for learning and adventure!

So educational and unique

January 04, 2025by: Alexis Barcombe - United KingdomProgram: 6-week Spring India Course

Worth every moment!

January 04, 2025by: Sean Robertson - United KingdomProgram: 6-week Spring India Course

On this trip, I learnt, tasted, walked, talked, made friends and experienced so many things. Thanks AHA for enabling and guiding me and my course mates through the wonderful country that India is. I hope to join another one of your courses ,whether in India or Europe, soon!