Women's Studies Study Abroad Programs in India

Going to Bengaluru was an amazing time. I truly enjoyed the classes, the campus, and all of the inclusive cultural immersion that was included in my program. My program director was a great help at all times, and I truly consider him a great friend now. I wish I could have done an entire semester instead of just the summer program. It was a wonderful trip but it really felt too short!

I graduated from high school a semester early, and the only way I wanted to spend my semester was by being abroad. I've known about Semester at Sea for around 6 years and I wanted to take advantage of this opportunity. I searched up the requirements to be accepted and luckily fit all the requirements most importantly being 18, so immediately I applied. I then got an email back the next morning saying I got accepted into the program and that email brought me to tears in the middle of one of my classes. I couldn't wait to board the MV World Odyssey and embark on this journey of a lifetime. On the ship, I gained so much knowledge about different cultures and I was able to be fully immersed in them, not just sticking to the touristy things offered. Semester at Sea does an amazing job keeping the students' safety in country as a priority with having mandatory “Pre-Port meetings” the night before arriving in a country, and offering field programs which are ship run excursions with ship faculty leading them. The community on the ship was nothing I have ever experienced before. We were so close knit and it felt like I was truly in a connected, caring, and welcoming environment. I met the people I never imagined I'd connect with, and they ended up becoming the best connections I've ever made with people. Semester at Sea also helped me get out of my comfort zone which led me to have experiences I would have never imagined I'd have, best example being running a half marathon in Vigo, Spain even though I'm not a runner and have never been a runner. Semester at Sea has given me the world and the opportunity to appreciate it to its fullest. I left the ship with my passport full, but my heart is even fuller with people, memories, and connections I will forever cherish. Semester at Sea was truly the best experience I have ever had and would recommend it to anyone as it was life changing.

One of the most underrated aspect of semester at sea is the ship campus itself. Being able to live so close to your friends and just walking a few flight of stairs to your classroom and being able to sit down with your professors for lunch is such an amazing experience. It's eternal sunsets, it's endless travel stories from your friends, it's lifetime of memories. Highly recommend. One of the best decisions I made. And still day dream about this experience, still talk and travel to meet my SAS friends 4 years later.

I have not experienced anything like semester at sea before, therefore giving me a whole lot of different lenses to look at the world with. I completely enjoyed my experience and understand the importance of understanding others concerns, communication, communities, and countries. A overall wonderful experience that has changed my views as well as the way I live and who I am as a person.

I understand that studying abroad in India is unconventional, that it doesn't strike Westerners as appealing as France or England. However, it is India that will teach you more about your knowledge, yourself, and your realities. It will test you, but it is a life-changing experience. Through my experience with SIT, I was thoroughly supported, cared about, and loved by all faculty. I was stimulated academically, linguistically, and culturally. The most incredible learning outcome from this experience was ISP period, doing research and field work was invaluable and is another building block for my career in public health.

I had a great time studying abroad with SIT India. I was able to apply my interests in Environmental Studies and Public Health, while learning about global inequality from an Indian context. The homestay was a valuable part of my experience, and I would definitely recommend this program to future students.

Studying abroad in India was the best choice I could have made! India may not be a "traditional" location, but it should be with its historical monuments, diverse culture, delicious food, and generous people. I was surrounded by love and supported from the second I was picked up from the airport by program staff. The academics are engaging with many site visits and excursions. There is also built-in time for additional travel. I learned a lot about myself through moments of discomfort, unfamiliarity, and adaptation. There is also an opportunity for a month-long research project, which could include clinical exposure--great for pre-med students!

I was originally so nervous to take on this experience. It was my first time living abroad and even my first time living in a city, since I come from rural Ohio. I wanted to join this program because the academic topics matched my interests perfectly. When I got here, I was scared as anything, but the SIT staff and faculty became the best support system I could ask for. The academics are rigorous, but they don’t take up all of your time. Much of the coursework builds on itself, and it will prepare you so well for your ISP. In Delhi, you’ll spend most evenings with your homestay families, but during excursions you’ll have plenty of time to explore, hang out, and grow close with your fellow students. Most of my time was spent with the other students, since opportunities to make friends with locals were limited. This is an incredible program, but it’s also what you make of it, you’ll have to push your boundaries and step out of your comfort zone, but that when I learned the most about myself. This experience will stick with me for the rest of my life, and I honestly wish I could do it again. The program gives you the perfect balance of independence while still being a safety net whenever you need it. Also, you will never go hungry here. If I could give one last piece of convincing evidence to join this program, let the food be it!

This program was absolutely incredible! While studying in India is less common and there are many prejudices against the country, I’ve found it to be the most welcoming, safe, and impactful place that I’ve visited. The classes are engaging and are integrated into day- and week-long field excursions across India. The opportunity to live with a host family is a rare chance to truly experience the culture outside of the classroom setting. While the experience was daunting at first, I found myself becoming a part of their family and community. The Independent Study Project, which I completed at the end of the semester, was a great way to get hands-on experience with research and working in a clinical setting (as I partnered with a healthcare organization). This program challenges you in all the right ways, pushing you to learn about yourself, step outside your comfort zone, and truly become immersed in the Indian culture. You should absolutely apply!

Thank you, SIT India, for helping me learn and grow during my semester abroad! From the moment I arrived in Delhi, I felt supported and loved by the entire staff. They helped us navigate this new country seamlessly and introduced us to all of India's wonders. I enjoyed shopping for new kurtas and jewelry, learning Hindi, trekking in the Himalayas, tasting delicious meals, living with a wonderful host family, strolling on the beaches in Goa, visiting the Taj Mahal, volunteering at a rural health organization in Maharashtra, exploring Ellora Caves, and conducting independent research on a topic I’m passionate about. I will never forget my experience in India or the beautiful people I met and the amazing places I was fortunate enough to see.

I truly evolved and grew as a person during this semester abroad. The program staff were my favorite part of the program. I would do it 1000 times again. Don’t let anyone stop you from traveling the world! India is so diverse, expansive, and I truly felt so safe during my program year. You are well equipped, prepared and even have the opportunity to travel around India during your time there! On top of that, you get to delve into a research topic of your choice that you’re passionate about for the last month of the program. I made so many connections and friendships that I will cherish with all my heart. It was academically thought-provoking and I look at the world with bigger heart and more curious mind. Don’t second guess it, apply to this program with SIT in India!!!

Transformative experience! I learned so much about what people are capable of. I saw so much, travelled so much and suddenly writing my college essays just came so easily because we were living all of those experiences.

I just studied abroad with SAS in spring of 2025. To say this experience changed my life would be an understatement. I cannot recommend this enough. The learning opportunities are amazing, the staff and faculty do everything they can to make this your home away from home, and the traveling experiences are ONCE IN A LIFETIME!

When I completed Semester At Sea in the fall of 2024, it was my first time traveling over seas. Growing up going on cruise’s I was super excited to start this new journey on the floating campus. Going in knowing no one else I was nervous but soon felt so welcomed, the community on the ship is amazing. Getting to travel the world with other college kids that have the same interest as you is such a wonderful experience. The professors and other staff members are there to make your learning come to life and it was magical to watch that happen, exploring your learning in each country was eye opening. Not only getting to explore a country but 10 countries allowed for a broad variety of cultures that we get to dive into and explore was so rewarding. I would 1000% go on Semester At Sea again and would recommend it to everyone if you’re deciding to study abroad.

I don’t even know where to begin! Semester at Sea was truly a life-changing experience. There’s no other program where you can see so many different places in a single semester. For example, I visited 10 countries across Asia, Africa, and Europe, experiencing diverse cultures and meeting people from all over the world. Semester at Sea also gives you incredible freedom: while docked, you can join field programs or explore each country independently. Through this journey, I not only learned about the world but also about myself. I became more independent, more confident, and gained a global perspective that has completely changed the way I see the world.

North India is much more well-known than its southern counterpart, but I truly believe every student should experience living in Bengaluru and the beautiful South India. This is not necessarily a beginner-friendly nation to travel or live abroad in, but if you have travelled alone before or if you are looking for adventure and challenge, this is the place. India has many religions, cultures, languages, and medicinal systems sharing space and co-existing peacefully. It's colorful, full of flavor, and easy to find vegetarian or even vegan options (that actually taste amazing!). Money-wise this is the most affordable program you will find. The most expensive part will be the plane ticket over, but after that most meals are maybe 2 US dollars, and you can get any souvenirs or clothing for very very inexpensive prices if you practice bargaining like a local! Don't miss out on this chance because India seems overwhelming or intense. Instead, embrace the unknown and learn something new about yourself and India. The locals are always excited when people are in South India to genuinely experience and ask questions about the culture, so you will have so much support!

Semester at Sea was truly the most enriching and inspiring experience of my life. It was invaluable being exposed to so many beautiful cultures, connecting with students, faculty, and staff from around the world, and learning that the world is so vast and yet so interconnected. Because of SAS, I am a more empowered, empathetic, and curious person—and I will forever be grateful for my voyage.

Semester at Sea was by far the best experience I’ve ever decided to do in college! I got to travel to places that I never thought I would visit in my lifetime while also taking college courses. I also created so many lifelong friendships that I will cherish forever.

Studying abroad with Semester at Sea was hands down the best semester of my life. I had the chance to travel the world, meet amazing people, and experience so many different cultures (all of which helped me grow in ways I never expected). Every stop along the way challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and grow in ways a classroom never could. If you’re looking for a sign to just commit and do it, this is it. You won’t regret it!

Almost three years ago, I decided to apply for SAS and give this once far-fetched idea a try. As I covered logistics with my study abroad office, watched tons of videos about it, and read every handbook I could find, I thought I had it all figured out. But little did I know what would await. From newfound confidence in social situations, I learned many life skills, that have had a significant impact in personal growth. Today, whenever people ask me how my semester at sea was, I give them the biggest smile I can and attempt to summarize an experience that no words will ever do justice. I use adjectives like “amazing” and “life-changing” to describe something that was truly more than that. The thought of what this program was and what it did for me brings back so many memories, and I can’t even begin to describe them all in just 30 seconds. I instantly think of the daily bing bong announcements, Berlin story times, and never knowing what day of the week it was. Semester at Sea wasn’t just studying abroad, and traveling the world with some awesome friends. It was an experience built with challenges that translated to how I now view the world, and to me, that’s one of the greatest beauties of this program.