Ashoka University

Ashoka University has been an amazing place to learn and grow. As an International Relations student, I enjoyed interesting classes, learned from inspiring professors, and met people from different backgrounds. The experiences, friendships, and opportunities I found here have helped me grow both personally and academically, and I will always value my time at Ashoka.

Ashoka University has been an amazing place to learn and grow. As an International Relations student, I enjoyed interesting classes, learned from inspiring professors, and met people from different backgrounds. The experiences, friendships, and opportunities I found here have helped me grow both personally and academically, and I will always value my time at Ashoka.

Ashoka University has provided me with a stimulating academic environment and valuable learning opportunities. I appreciate the diverse community, diverse choice of courses and faculties available and the opportunity to participate in an international exchange programme. Overall, it has been a meaningful experience.

My time at Ashoka University exposed me to diverse perspectives and broadened the way I think. The flexibility to choose courses across disciplines, combined with exceptional faculty, encouraged me to explore interests beyond my primary field of study and develop a wide range of skills. Beyond academics, campus life is vibrant and engaging. The student body and administration organize events almost every weekend, creating a lively and welcoming community. The campus also places a strong emphasis on safety, ensuring a secure environment for students. I would highly recommend Ashoka University to anyone looking for a world-class academic experience while immersing themselves in a vibrant and unique cultural environment.

What I like most about Ashoka is the balance between academics and campus life. The university encourages you to think critically, explore new interests, and engage with people from diverse backgrounds. The professors are accessible, and there are many opportunities to gain practical experience through internships, research, and extracurricular activities. Overall, it's been a very enriching experience.

Ashoka University is a great place to come for a semester abroad. It offers a unique liberal arts education that encourages interdisciplinary learning, critical thinking, and close interaction with faculty. Beyond academics, its vibrant campus life, student-led clubs, and diverse community make it an enriching place to experience Indian culture while building lifelong friendships.

Ashoka University is a great choice for a semester abroad. The huge range of interdisciplinary courses makes it easy to try subjects outside your main field, which keeps academics interesting. Campus life is just as exciting, with guest speakers, cultural events, club activities, and something happening almost every day, so there's never a dull moment. The community is also one of the best parts—everyone is friendly, welcoming, and open to meeting new people. Overall, Ashoka offers a fun, engaging, and well-rounded experience that makes a semester abroad both memorable and rewarding.

The student life at Ashoka alongside the curriculum which is in line with the latest happenings in the world makes it a standout institution in India. There are so many collaborative research opportunities that one will find themselves in. It's a vibrant community for a summer programme.

It was such an incredible opportunity to study at Ashoka. The faculty at Ashoka University is incredible and helpful. They're very approachable and help you navigate the academics. If you're thinking of doing a semester abroad, I'd say just go for it and apply to Ashoka University and make India your study abroad destination.

I had an amazing time during my semester at Ashoka. I was able to take very different courses from different disciplines and further explore my interests. The classes were also unique and interactive with a focus on critical thinking. Campus events are truly an experience, along with plenty of sports activities available to participate in. The top-notch infrastructure and residential campus meant that I didn't have to worry about accommodation at all. I am grateful to have had the chance to experience this and visit India. 10/10, would recommend.

Incredible faculty, facilities, and exposure. Truly a dream come true. People from all backgrounds, I got the chance to interact with. Incredible place, would suggest all! No regrets. Food was incredible too. The office of global affairs was great as well!

All the courses and classes are different from usual classes here. Its interractive, interesting and each class feels like something new. The campus is a safe place to express yourself safely and there is help available everywhere for everything. Students are really helpful and I did not have a hard time settling down even a bit. The office assists in everythinga nd solves all problems for us. There is always something new happening on campus- clubs, society events, fests concerts and talks. It is an all round experience which I 100 percent reccommend to everyone qho is condsidering.

Study Abroad Report In general, I can recommend contacting your university or faculty early on about a semester abroad. I had already spoken to the RUB's Student Advisory Service and International Office in spring 2023 about spending a semester abroad in India. They weren't able to help me much, but in the end, a professor of mine helped me. He put me in touch with a professor friend at Ashoka University. This wouldn't have been necessary, but since Ashoka University is very new, I wouldn't have applied there without the contact and the experience. I also applied to IIT Delhi, but they didn't seem particularly interested in international students. In addition, I believe there were other reasons that spoke against IIT Delhi. Since I had serious reservations about both universities, I flew to Delhi in March 2024 and visited both Ashoka University and IIT Delhi. I then applied to Ashoka University as a visiting student. My visa application was very complex, and I think it can be helpful to re-register within Germany to apply for the visa at a different consulate. Theoretically, the process should be the same for all consulates, but this doesn't match the consulates' own statements and my experience. In general, the earlier you apply, the better. However, there are absolutely no guarantees, and it's entirely possible that you won't be allowed to enter or leave the country in time. With a tourist visa, however, you can enter the country very easily and, in my experience, get a visa quickly. Since I paid all the fees within one calendar year, which amounted to over €10,000 within one calendar year, I had to report this payment to the Deutsche Bundesbank. I only had to call once. It was very easy. I completed three modules in the monsoon semester: In the Probabilities and Statistics module, I attended slightly less than half of the lectures and discussion sessions, which definitely put me among the more engaged students. My impression is that at Ashoka University, few students generally voluntarily attend classes that start before 10:10 a.m., as was usually the case with the Probabilities and Statistics lectures. Nevertheless, I was shocked at how many mistakes most students made and how easy it was to pass with just a little work. In the Introduction to Comparative Politics module, I was taught the basics of comparative politics. It essentially focuses on how different forms of government (e.g., autocracy/democracy) and their resulting consequences for the population interact. The Introduction to Political Theory lecture focused on selected influential theories in political theory, with the topics of state theory, Marxism, feminism, and racism taking up the most space. Since there were only about 40 students in the lecture, there were many lively discussions, which I enjoyed. The people also came from extremely different countries and backgrounds, which I think enriched the discussion. In the spring semester, it was significantly more difficult to find suitable courses. As a result, I only took the Nature and Nation and Social and Political Thought in Modern South Asia courses. In the Nature and Nation course, almost all of the work involved reading texts and writing essays. I found it striking that, compared to my experience at Ruhr University, neither the lecturers nor the students adhered to deadlines. Since I had already attended school in Amritsar Punjab for a year during my high school years, many things that are different in India already seemed familiar to me. I lived on campus, and all students shared rooms. The dorms are segregated by gender. However, members of the opposite sex are allowed to enter the dorms until 1:30 a.m. after registering. I rarely left campus during the semester. Most students who didn't have family in the area did the same. While there was a kitchen and two refrigerators, which I shared with 25 people, for these reasons, among others, it made more sense to eat three meals a day in the cafeteria. While the food there was cheaper than in Germany, there was also much less choice and very often the same food. I ate mostly bread, rice, cucumbers, and carrots. There are very few proper supermarkets, but food delivery services are much more common and cheaper than in Germany. In general, I I didn't spend much money during that time, spending about €250 a month on food, drink, and accommodation. It was also difficult to spend much more than that, as shopping and going out involved considerable effort. Since not many houses have been built yet in the new development where the university is located, there aren't as fast delivery services as is usual in India. Tuition fees for six months of lectures were approximately €13,000. That's a lot in the Indian context. However, considering that many professors hold degrees from Ivy League colleges or German universities, it's relatively inexpensive. One should be aware that an extremely high number of people are emigrating or have emigrated from some parts of India, and the other people there are also very likely to be directly or indirectly dependent on remittances. This is especially true in the big cities, but also throughout Punjab and Kerala. For many of my fellow students, in particular, it was a conscious decision not to emigrate. What I personally find very impressive is the speed with which India is changing. I can only really speak for the last five years, but based on reports from my host father, I assume it's been this way for about 20 years. Even though I don't have the impression that most people are earning more for their work or that there are fewer poor people, it is striking how quickly the big cities are growing, how much more crowded and larger the streets and trains are, and how much higher the quality of life is in the centers of the big cities. What I personally found challenging was that many of the students came from wealthy families. They generally also expected that they could still achieve a good degree with very little effort. Organizing the stay abroad was very exhausting, and I also believe that I wouldn't have been sick as often in Germany during the same amount of time. Nevertheless, I believe the stay was worthwhile. There are simply so many people living in northern India and Bangladesh that the experience can be profitably applied in so many places. I also believe there are very few places where you can learn so easily in an interdisciplinary way.

I spent the monsoon semester 2022 at Ashoka University and even now 3 years later, I can't think back without a big smile on my face! Applying to Ashoka was an emotional process of hope and the fear of living this dream, so when I landed in Delhi, I was more than ready for what was ahead. The university was a great support with travel planning and arrival and made sure that I was picked up from the airport and brought to campus. The room allocation was a bit chaotic but after a week of moving back and forth I had my room and roommate for the term! The first couple of days were busy with understanding campus dynamics, finding food places and course elections. However, they were also a bit lonely so I was happy once the classes started and I finally got to meet people. As we were only 6 or 7 internationals, we became a group that especially in the beginning did a lot together, still at some points I had wished for more guidance and support from the university when it comes to settling in and planning weekend and free-time activities. With the help of some local friends I soon made sure to not miss any of the amazing things that Delhi has to offer! The campus life was vibrant and many student organizations make sure that there is no boring afternoon or weekend! We had Halloween parties, movie events, dance groups, fashion shows and many many more! Besides that, the university offers a variety of sports classes and additional clubs that students can pick up. The student mess offers four meals a day and many restaurants on campus offer additional options, like food from different parts of India, Pizza, Subway, Ice Cream, Coffee and so on. The classes are quite demanding timewise but definitely doable regarding the standards that are set. The teaching style is more similar to school compared to German universities that I was used to. That means classes were mostly only 20-30 people, there were group works and creative projects and mid-term and finals were mostly based on in-class exams or take-home essays. The international community offered day-trip and weekend-trips so I got the chance to have a guided tour to Delhi and visit Mahmudabad, which was definitely one of the highlights of my time at Ashoka! At the end of the semester, I had many new friends, countless memories and a heart full of love! I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to study at Ashoka and learn from and alongside many inspiring people. When I left, many questions on the personal and academic level got answered. However, I also lived and studied in a new context and surrounding. Especially as a European student, many things I took for granted in academics were challenged and I learned to see things from a non-Eurocentric perspective. I studied Indian political thought and basically every class opened up a new window that I did not realize before. So when I left, I also left with a lot of new questions, partly on things that I thought answered for a long time. I am grateful for that as well! Overall, my time at Ashoka was challenging in the best of ways because I never had to meet a challenge alone. I made friends for a lifetime and just this summer shed some tears watching my batch mated graduate in the live stream on youtube. Ashoka changed me and all the experiences and people became a part of who I am. So I would recommend everyone to take the courage and apply! But don't just take evrything in. Stay critical, stay open, stay reflective! Meet people, go on the adventure, learn, teach and grow. If that sounds like you, Ashoka is your place to be!

Note: when you visit in the summer, a large portion of students return home so the campus can be a little empty (e.g. no student clubs are operational). Nonetheless, the staff and remaining students tried their best to make us feel comfortable and launched a bunch of fun activities for us. Campus facilities are great and I felt very safe. The academic workload is also quite manageable so it’s quite easy to travel (e.g. long weekend trips)

When I think back to Ashoka and my incredible exchange in India, it’s faces that come to mind first. I was lucky enough to meet some truly exceptional people at Ashoka—people as kind as they are talented. Some of them became real friends, and I can’t wait to see them again. Others—especially the professors—taught and inspired me greatly. And then there are those I never really got to know, but who still made my year brighter just by being there—many students, but also staff members, who were consistently kind, thoughtful, and ready to help. Their everyday kindness left a lasting impression on me. // The places come back to me too. From my little shared room to the lawns where I loved to study, from the mess hall to the spacious pool, from the modern classrooms to the outlets where I’d often meet friends over a chai—there are few spots on campus that aren’t tied to a memory. Over the months, Ashoka truly became a home. As much as I loved escaping on weekends to travel, I was always happy to return. // And then there are countless moments that flash through my mind: the Garba Night, the unforgettable Indian Ocean concert, the breathtaking performances by Abhinaya and other student groups, the food festival organized by the international students’ association, and so on. It’s impossible to get bored at Ashoka, where cultural and sporting events happen nearly every day! // A month after coming back, I now fully realize just how much my year at Ashoka gave me—not just in terms of knowledge, but in experiences and human connections. I wish everyone could know the joy I experienced there! I can only recommend this university, for its academic excellence, its beautiful setting, and the unique atmosphere that defines it. // So, to all the students considering an exchange—at Ashoka or anywhere else: moving abroad alone, thousands of kilometers from home, isn’t easy—it can be really tough, honestly. But it’s so, so worth it. Amazing experiences, friendships, and discoveries are waiting for you! Go for it—I would give anything to be in your shoes and do it all over again :)

I truly loved my time at Ashoka university. The student body was so welcoming and all the friends I made are friends I will stay in touch with for a lifetime. Summer session is truly so much fun and the educational opportunities are plentiful and rewarding!

Ashoka was great at student involvement, clubs and events (music, sport, drama, literature, political etc etc). They were also great with taking care of international students - dedicated staff team for a few abroad students.

I've visited India several times, but this is the first time to stayed there to study. No one enterned the program around me so I was nervous how to register, study and live in Asoka. However, every Ashokan were kind and easy to spent life in there! In my country's university is not an english medium so I was nervoused to study in english medium school but the university's help desk was very helpful and hopefully I could manage to study in there. Also, I made many unforgettable memories and friends! It was a nice days studying and hang out with my friends. Even though stay there just a semester, I still a feel like I'm a part of Ashokans. Thank u so much!

I am delighted with Ashoka University. Anupama was there to assist us in preparing for our stay and was always available to offer advice and support. The university provided a captivating programme with dedicated, experienced professors. I particularly enjoyed the wide variety of food available on campus. The numerous events that took place on campus helped to break up the rather strict student routine. Guest professors were frequently invited to speak on interesting topics, or doctoral students reported on their exciting research findings.

As a French student, I spent four month in Ashoka's Visiting Students Programm. It was one of the best experiences of my life ! Everybody was so nice, classes were very intersting ,campus facilities are good, and I visited so many amazig places in India ! Of course it required a little cultural adaptation at the beginning, but everything went right and I very enjoyed discovering the Indian culture. Had it been possible I think I would never have left !

The teachers/lecturers were well equipped, well informed and taught the necessary content very well in an understandable manner. I completed the Cognitive Psychology course and acquired an A grade. Moreover, the questions by other students posed during lesson, as well as interactions with other students empowered my learning and critical thinking skills. These are very useful. Thank you for the experience.

Being a visiting student at Ashoka during the summer was a tremendous experience! I took a very insightful and rigorous course on post-colonial Indian history and politics and met many other great students from around the world, but particularly from India, of course. Even though it has been 3 years, my roommate and I are still in touch, as I am with various other friends I made while at Ashoka. It is a beautiful campus with many great amenities and opportunities to explore nearby towns and cities, particularly Delhi on the weekends. I would definitely recommend the program to other students from all different backgrounds and academic fields!

My year at Ashoka enabled me to discover new horizons, both academic and cultural. I was able to study environmental sciences and Chinese studies , something that i could not do in m home univeristy. Being at Ashoka also allowed me to discover the various Indian cultures and to travel across the country. Whenever I stayed on campus, the community life, especially the basketball team for me, enabled me to meet friends and integrate better. I've had a wonderful year at Ashoka and I hope you'll have a great experience too.

My semester at Ashoka has been marked by the originality and professionalism of the courses I have been given to choose from. However different they may be, all the courses combine theoretical teaching and practical application with a rare efficiency and availability of teachers that I have rarely seen elsewhere.