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q & a

Some commonly asked questions about the Semester in India Program:

Q: Can I receive financial aid?

A: At the moment IISAC does not offer financial aid or scholarships to enrolled students in the Semester in India Program at Pondicherry University. If you require financial aid, consult your respective study abroad advisors for details on available scholarships from your home institutions as well as visit some financial aid and scholarship resources online. Here are a few:

Q: What about my health and safety abroad?

A: IISAC takes many measure to ensure you are well informed and taken care of. The IISAC Pre-departure Handbook , Student Handbook and a detailed pre-orientation will acquaint you with all necessary preparations and precautions prior to departing for India. The India-based orientation will cover all critical information regarding safety, proper dress, cultural behavior and norms, etc.

You should also check the Department of State's traveler's website for updated information on necessary health precautions and immunizations when traveling to a particular region in the world. Traveler's insurance and health care can be purchased before departing on your trip and there are a number of programs which provide these services, though there may be options which can be supported by your primary health insurance or home institution.

If students have particular or pertinent questions regarding this they are always welcome to contact IISAC directly.

Q: Where can I get travel insurance?

A: IISAC requires students to purchase travel insurance that covers travel, medical, baggage, and travel accident protection in addition to emergency assistance services. Therefore we recommend the following two popular student travel insurance providers:

Q: What is your cancellation policy?

A: We hope of course that you decide to fully enroll and partake in IISAC's Semester in India Program. However if you must cancel prior to departure, we return all costs with the exception of the $25 application fee and the $350 deposit paid to reserve your position at the Indian institution.

If written notification of withdrawal is received by IISAC after the program starts, the following refund policy for partial attendance applies. Please not that the $25 application fee and deposit are non-refundable.

  • Withdrawal up to 7 days after the program start: 50% refund
  • Withdrawal after 7 days but before day 14 of the program: 25% refund
  • Withdrawal any time after 14 days into the program: no refund

Q: How can I get information regarding my Visa application to travel to India?

A: You need to have a valid US Passport to travel abroad, which can take time to process and it is recommended that students who do not currently own a passport obtain them as soon as possible to avoid additional fees or an inability to participate in the study abroad program of their choice. India requires that all foreign nationals visiting the country posseses a valid passport and a valid Indian visa. Since you will be studying at an Indian university, you are required to obtain a Student Visa before departing the US. Please note that visa regulations can change without IISAC's consent or knowledge.

Q: Am I able to travel to India in a group?

A: Travel to India can be organized through a group or individually according to your personal preference. In this case, the group consists of all students accepted the same IISAC study abroad program. Visit these websites for India travel planning information:

Q: Will I know who else will be going?

A: After obtaining individual permission, IISAC will distribute the e-mail list of all enrolled students. At that point, you will be free to interact with the others and can make preliminary connections, share questions or thoughts on their travel, as well as get to know each other.

Q: Will there be a pre-travel orientation?

A: IISAC's pre-travel orientation will be conducted over the phone one to two weeks before your departure to India and will prepare you for your stay in India.

Q: Are there any additional travel plans in India?

A: IISAC offers the Experience South India tour for all enrolled students of the Semester in India Program. You are also encouraged to take the opportunity to explore many other wonderful parts of India's vast landscape and culture.

Q: What kind of documentation do I need to travel?

A: It is necessary that the student have a valid passport and visa if the student is a citizen of the U.S. However, a visa is not required if you are a permanent resident of the U.S. with an Indian passport. For students who are permanent residents from other countries, proper visas and valid passports are required.

Q: What kind of clothing should I bring to India?

A: For Indian climate, particularly in the South, only spring/summer type clothing is required. The cultural norms within India do tend to be different from those in the U.S., and revealing clothing (regardless of the temperature) can often be seen as inappropriate. You will receive adequate information regarding this in their pre-travel and arrival orientations. One popular option is to purchase traditional Indian dress which is inexpensive and comfortable, and easily obtainable in major towns and cities (such as Pondicherry).

Q: If I have any questions once I reach India, whom should I contact there?

A: Prior to your departure, IISAC will give you contact information for the Peer Advisor and Foreign Student Advisor, as well as any other representative. At the same time, students are always able to contact IISAC directly with any questions or concerns they may have.