Study, Explore, and Grow: Ashoka University’s Summer Study Abroad Programme

Ashoka’s Summer Study Abroad Programme provides students with a unique opportunity to build on their semester learning by taking courses at partner and other international institutions while gaining hands-on global exposure. Each summer, international summer schools offer a diverse range of undergraduate courses across various disciplines. These courses enrich the undergraduate learning experience and can be transferred to the total credits. Ashoka students have been making their mark worldwide, embracing exciting opportunities and transformative experiences through specialised courses, research internships, and immersive, unique summer programmes.

The most popular institutions for Ashoka students for summer include University of California Berkeley, Stanford University, UC Berkeley, Yale University, UCL, King’s College London, London School of Economics, HEC Paris, NTU Singapore, Sciences Po, Yonsei University, University of Zurich, LMH Oxford, Utrecht Summer School, and UAB Barcelona to name a few.

Last summer, the Office of Global Education played a key role in nominating students for various prestigious summer schools, including King’s College London (KCL), HEC Paris, Utrecht, and Hult Business School. The summer abroad not only helps students explore new interests, gain international perspective, build confidence, and live independently but also stand out to universities and employers, get transfer credits, get intercultural insights, gain lifelong friendships and create a lasting international network.

The students also get the opportunity to avail partner benefits in many international universities, which include tuition fee discounts, application fee waivers, language test waivers, priority acceptance, etc. They can also apply for research internship opportunities abroad to get practical experience in their fields of interest. These research internships are also eligible for internship credits. The courses students take during the summer enrich the undergraduate learning experience and can be transferred to the total credits at Ashoka with faculty approval.

Under the new NEP guidelines, students can now pursue summer research internships and earn credits that contribute towards their degree. Last summer, Ashoka students embarked on research internships at prestigious institutions like the University of California Santa Cruz and Max Planck. Another standout experience was the Hatchery & Mountaintop programme at Lehigh University, a research-blended learning experience where four Ashoka students participated through a joint scholarship.

Highlights from the Summer Study Abroad Programme 2024

In 2024, over 130+ Ashoka students spread their wings, attending summer courses, unique programs, and research internships across three continents and 15 countries, including the UK, USA, Singapore, Austria, Italy, Germany, France, and Switzerland.

A popular destination remained the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), with 50 students from Economics, Finance, Political Science, Psychology, and PPE majors heading there. Purvi, a third-year student, says, “LSE’s summer school goes beyond the classroom. Learning from students worldwide, exploring London’s vibrant culture, and accessing the massive LSE library with over 4 million books—it’s been incredibly enriching.”

The Office of Global Education nominated eight students for King’s College London (KCL) Summer School, two students for HEC Paris, one for Utrecht Summer School, and one for Hult Business School, ensuring that Ashoka’s presence continues to grow on the global stage.

Student Testimonials

One standout story is that of Mridul Malani, a second-year Economics & Finance major, who attended the Corporate Finance Course at HEC Paris Summer School.

“Attending the Corporate Finance Course with Professor Patrick Legland at HEC Paris Summer School was an enriching experience. The programme not only deepened my understanding of finance but also provided an extraordinary opportunity to connect with brilliant people from around the world. The evenings were filled with unforgettable moments, from lively karaoke nights to delightful barbecue gatherings, fostering a truly international community,” Mridul shares. He even went backpacking across Europe during the course.

Gautami Sharma, a first-year student, describes her LSE experience as “life-changing.” She highlights the networking opportunities and social events that contributed to her professional and personal growth.

Aanya Malik adds, “For someone who loves to network, LSE was a dream. The campus in the heart of the city offers endless opportunities to upscale oneself. The faculty and summer school department are extremely helpful and welcoming. Truly a summer I won’t forget.“

Looking Ahead: Summer 2025

Building on the success of 2024, the Office of Global Education is already gearing up for an even bigger summer in 2025. With plans to expand opportunities for research internships, scholarships, and collaborations with new partner universities, the next year promises to be even more transformative for Ashoka students. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to empower students to explore, learn, and excel on the global stage.

Helping Students Realise their Study Abroad Dream

Ashoka students can apply for summer financial aid from the Office of Global Education to support their study abroad plans for the summer. This aid helps students pursue international opportunities and gain global academic experiences.

During the Summer of 2024, Ashoka University’s Office of Global Education awarded summer financial aid totaling INR 18 lakh to 24 undergraduate students, enabling them to gain invaluable international exposure and hands-on learning experiences. Additionally, Ashoka nominated one student for the Utrecht Summer Session with a full tuition waiver and another for the Hult Summer Bootcamp, where the student received a full tuition waiver along with coverage for room and board by Hult. Neha Gajbhiye is one of the students who benefitted from this initiative.

“Spending a summer at Lehigh University’s Hatchery ’24 Baker Institute was more than an academic endeavor; it was a deeply personal journey of discovery, innovation, and resilience. Thanks to the unwavering support of Ashoka University, I found myself in an environment where unexpected ideas sparked and flourished, allowing me to engage in meaningful work while forging lifelong connections. None of this would have been possible without Ashoka University’s Office of Global Education. From navigating the intricate processes of applications and visas to securing crucial financial support, the Office of Global Education team ensured that this opportunity was within reach. As part of the joint scholarship, Ashoka covered my flight and programme fees, while Lehigh University provided room and board, eliminating financial constraints and making this transformative experience possible. This is a testament to how institutions, when truly invested in their students, can open doors that redefine futures.“

– Neha Gajbhiye (UG 2023)