Ashoka Semester Abroad 2021-22: Discovering the world of Academia and Culture

Ashoka Semester Abroad 2021-22: Discovering the world of Academia and Culture

Travel restrictions and visa delays could not deter Ashokans from exploring the world through the Ashoka Semester Abroad Programme. During the Academic year 2021-22, 15 Ashoka students spent a semester abroad at partner universities. Their enriching experience has motivated a larger student body to pursue Summer and Monsoon 2022 abroad.

The Spring Semester 2022 started in the month of January 2022 where students participated in one of the host universities for studying Spring Semester Abroad 2022.  The GESP office presented an opportunity for Ashoka students to study at international universities for the spring semester in 2022. In particular, six students were nominated to the partner universities King’s College London & Trinity College Dublin & one student went on self-funded to UC Berkeley making a total of 7 students who were abroad.   

The students completed spring semester 2022 at host universities successfully. Here are some of their experiences.

King’s College London

“A semester in London as an English major allowed me to experience the discipline more broadly. Whether it was watching an adaptation of Hamlet at the National Theatre or walking through the street where Herman Melville used to live while reading Moby Dick for class. The faculty at King’s showed a deep investment in the students’ learning and the class sizes were small to ensure everyone participated in the production of knowledge. I am grateful to the GESP and the English Department at Ashoka for this opportunity.” Saadia Peerzada – UG 22 at KCL

“Being a student in London is allowing me to firsthand discover more about the world and its diverse cultures. Simultaneously, it is giving me the humbling chance to represent our Indian culture abroad…My semester at King’s College London is positively challenging me both academically and personally, and is helping me grow into an informed, free spirited and happy individual.”  Shireen Kalra – UG23 at KCL

University of Berkeley, California (UC Berkeley)

“My time at Berkeley has been so rewarding and enriching! Along with premier academics where professors support different thought processes, the campus has such a bustling culture that invites you to experience the whole world in one microcosm!” Hemanshi Agarwal – UG 22 – at Berkeley University

Trinity College Dublin, Ireland

“Being an exchange student at Trinity College Dublin has been immensely rewarding, both academically and personally. TCD’s model of self-study complements Ashoka’s academic rigor perfectly – it builds upon a foundation of critical thinking while allowing students to delve deeper into their own interests. I am exploring untrodden paths, bit by bit, everyday here in Dublin!””                                           

Isha Dasari – UG 22 at Trinity College Dublin

“A few months ago, I had no foresight that I would be studying abroad. However, as this marvelous opportunity to study at Trinity – with a waiver on tuition fee- came along, I was quick to grab it! Here, as a Psychology student, I am pursuing rigorous courses in the Biological domain. During break times, I love sitting in the aisles of the historic Long Room and other academic libraries. Arguably, the best part of my experience, however, has been making friends from all parts of the EU and discovering threads between our cultures.” Vaidehi Gupta- UG 23 at TCD

“Attending Trinity for a semester not only allowed me to experience a multicultural classroom but also provided me with a euro-centric perspective to view economic issues. It’s been enthralling to study in the heart of Dublin with beautiful seaside towns a stone’s throw away. I’ve deeply enjoyed and learnt during my time here and would highly recommend interested students to apply”. Atisha Mahajan- UG22 at Trinity College Dublin

Sciences Po, Paris

“Studying abroad for me was a journey towards exploring a life filled with possibilities and liberating experiences.” Sanjay Sudarsan at Sciences Po, Paris

University of Sheffield

“I experienced a moral, spiritual, and intellectual awakening because of one of my modules… I am genuinely grateful for the support I found at the Department of Philosophy at the University of Sheffield.” Dewansh Matharoo at University of Sheffield.