This interview answers to some general queries of aspirants for exchange program.
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Why should one choose to go on exchange program?
Exchange program serves as a medium of exchange of not only academic and cultural intellect, but also ideology, traditions and values. Meeting people of global persona helps one hone his/her personality and clarify one's vision for the world.
But before choosing to go for exchange, one should be clear about his future plans. The exchange program is not meant just for an international exposure to research and education system, since a period of 4 months is just not enough for it, but it’s more precisely a cultural exchange. It’s meant for people open to discussions, those who like to interact with people, those who enjoy living different cultures and those who love to travel. This is a wonderful platform for you to get an insight into a completely different university culture, share your ideas with others, understand differences between a developed and a developing country, widen the horizons of your thoughts and to represent India and its values. The responsibility you get while on exchange, to completely plan your stay yourself, and that too in a completely new environment will help you groom your personality, management and communication skills. This can also be a very good chance for you to learn new languages. If you’re not much interactive then the only thing you would end up enjoying would be high speed internet.
Do we miss on anything here like internships and all in 3rd year because of exchange?
Yes definitely, we miss out on the companies that recruit for internships during the 5th semester and most of the non-core companies like ITC, UBS, Barclays, Schlumberger etc. come for on campus selections in 5th semester. But many more come in second semester, and I think that this trade-off is worth it.
However, some companies might also take telephonic interviews, so one can apply for those even while on exchange.
As far as second year internships are concerned, the students going to France need to stay back in Delhi during summer vacations for French language classes at Alliance Française, which are compulsory and France happens to be the destination for most of the exchange students. But in case, you choose to go to Hong Kong, Sweden or Canada then you can go for a summer intern after your 4th semester.
How much value does it carry on your CV for final placements?
I feel Exchange program comes across as a very good achievement in your Resume as student exchange is an official process and the selection after a rigorous interview process counts a lot. International exposure and better interaction skills are always liked by the companies. More importantly, the off-line value addition that you incur, which may not be visible in general, is easily seen by the company recruiters in the interviews, if one has really done justice with his foreign stay.
Do you think the cap on CGPA for exchange eligibility is justified?
I think a minimum CGPA requirement is justified, since otherwise its not easy to manage the academics in foreign institution, given that the language in which courses are taken is also different and one might end up failing the courses.
However, contrary to what happened last year, short listing for interviews must be done on the basis of applications and not simply on the CGPA basis, once a minimum cut-off has been decided.
What's the one best thing about exchange?
Everything’s great about exchange and it translates to one of ‘THE’ best experience of life so far. You’re care-free; you’re in a new world and travelling like never before. I still miss my exchange days and the memories are as fresh as yesterday. A break from the hectic life of IIT, the awesome food and exploring new places make it all memorable. I’d say don’t go on exchange if you want to go there and stay in your room or mug up again. It’s for flying free and getting a change.
We have heard that students don't study when on exchange because grades don't matter their and hence some of the super bright IITians end up failing in a course of two??(Any Statistics)
I think that the administration has been thoughtful enough in auditing courses as students on a cultural exchange are not supposed to worry about academics. They’re encouraged to take open courses and humanities courses which help them know better about the culture of the host country.
And since, there’s a lot of language problem, people might not get very good marks but that’s not because of them being lazy or not studying.
Is it true that the level of studies there is very easy?
I think the work load is quite less as compared to that in IIT and examination procedure is relaxed with only 1 or 2 exams per subject. In spite of this, students remain quite involved throughout the semester. There’s a lot of focus on practical education over theoretical which makes it more of a fun.
How's the attitude of professors?
Professors are very helpful. They know exactly about the problems faced by us coming to a new academic and social culture and hence always lend a helping hand.
We have also heard that students usually get equivalence of about over 30 credits while in a usual semester they only can do max 26 credits, So How many credits does or can one person get in the semester spent for exchange?
I’m not sure since I haven’t got equivalence yet but Dean, UGS has said that we won’t get equivalence of more than 28 credits which happens to be IIT Delhi’s limit for allowed credits. The equivalent credits are calculated based on number of contact hours so taking a lot of courses with one or two lectures won’t help in getting a lot of credits.
How's the lifestyle over there and especially night life?
As far as France is concerned, the lifestyle is completely different from that of Indians. French are not as hard-workers, and enjoy life to best of their capacity. They have completely different food and clothing habits. Most of the markets close quite early as French like to spend time with their family. Students are quite open minded. Drinking is a custom, and French wine is world famous. There are frequent night parties, and people go crazy and dance nightlong, and still attend the early morning classes the next day. Population is much lesser, and cities are calmer. Most of the things around, like in shopping malls, streets etc are automatic, and it’s fun to see things happening all by themselves in the beginning.
France is a country where one can get a glimpse of millennium’s best art wherever you go; and needless to mention the natural beauty. Being home to some of the renowned pieces of art, it’s a dream destination.
Do you suffer any kind of racial bias or how's the treatment of people over there?
No, Not at all. The people are very friendly. People are always ready to help with a smile and in fact, keen to know about India - especially "Bollywood" and are fans of Indian actors and actresses. Most of them I talked to always said that they wanted to visit India, and were eager to know more about Indian culture. These universities have a diversified exchange program and we get to meet people from other countries on a similar program.
There are forums to represent your country, like we had International student's week in Toulouse. Even in my humanities course, my French team mates wanted to choose the some Indian topic for our final presentation, so that they get to know more about it.
How's the food specially keeping in mind the vegetarianism in India?
If you’re non-vegetarian, you get to eat one of the best delicacies in the world as European food is indeed tempting. If you’re a vegetarian and don’t know cooking then you might have a hard time because even a McD burger or sandwich has non-veg in it. However if you know cooking then you can get all the stuff in the various super markets and kitchens are readily available in the hostels to cook. I had some friends who were vegetarian and cooked their own food so I don’t think it’s really something impossible but may be a bit uneasy. In the beginning it can take time to adjust but one learns to get used to it soon, and that what it means to be on exchange.
We also see that there is tremendous potential for travelling to different countries when on exchange, is it true??
The biggest reward of going to Europe is that you get to travel as many countries as your budget allows. The students get a Titre de Longue sejour (equivalent to Schengen Visa) which allows you to travel freely across the whole of Europe. The network of trains throughout Europe is quite good, and if you buy a Eurail Pass, the travel becomes very easy and cheaper.
What was asked in the interview for the exchange program? What do you think made the cut for you? Any advice to the students applying for exchange
Interview for exchange is a very casual talk about you and your interests. Basically what the panel wishes to see in you, is that how diverse and versatile personality you are, whether you are fit enough to represent IIT and India. They will scrutinize how genuine you are. And they would see if you will be able to adapt yourself well in the new system.
Most of the time, the interview revolves around what you have written in your application form, about your interests and other activities apart from studies. There’s a lot of cross-questioning to make sure if you mean what you say. So it’s safer to be honest with your answers. You can write anything you have ever done worth mentioning in your life, be it music, sports, writing, reading, dance, singing etc., but make sure that if you say it’s your hobby, then you better be ready to answer some trivia related to that.
Having a general knowledge about the various countries that are covered under exchange is also helpful.
Your SOP (Statement of Purpose) is quite important and should be carefully written and structured well in a way to present clear thoughts about what you expect from exchange and why should you be selected. So take time to think before you fill your application form.
And finally, keep your cool and be yourself. It always works.
