OVERVIEW
Convened by the Department of Political Science at Jamia Millia Islamia — A Central University and the Esya Centre, the International Summer School (ISS) is a six-week academic, professional and cultural experience facilitated in the heart of India’s capital city, New Delhi. Since 2013, the program has brought together students from across the globe to dive into India’s remarkable development journey and gain hands-on experience with top organizations driving meaningful change in the country.
Throughout the program, students explore how India’s foundational values, rooted in Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of Swaraj (self-reliance), Satyagraha (commitment to truth), and Sarvodaya (welfare for all), inspire the country’s ability to harmonize tradition with modernity. The course modules are designed for an undergraduate learning experience centred on innovative, sustainable and inclusive models of development that are of relevance to the Global South.
Students also connect with inspiring thought leaders and build a worldwide network of peers while gaining the opportunity to intern with some of the most reputed organizations from India. As a part of the ISS, students immerse themselves in India's rich culture and heritage through visits to historical and cultural landmarks, introductory Hindi language lessons, and daily yoga classes.
The program aims to inculcate a ‘strategic temper’, empowering students to become changemakers and transformative leaders with the ability to tackle real-world global challenges. Through the intensive coursework and professional experience, students develop essential leadership skills like critical thinking, collaboration and communication.
OUR VISION
We aim to inculcate a ‘strategic temper’ in students, empowering them to become changemakers and transformative leaders with the ability to tackle real-world global challenges.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
India’s economic and cultural growth is a powerful story of innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity — offering a unique environment to understand the contemporary challenges of the Global South.
The ISS follows a multidisciplinary exploration of India’s foundational principles through a six-week program divided into two components:
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Lectures will explore India’s approach to sustainable growth, resource conservation, social equity, and environmental stewardship. The discussions will highlight the impact of public policy and the efforts of purpose-driven businesses to tackle environmental and social challenges.
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Lectures will focus on how India is adapting to rapid technological advancements, fostering innovation and preparing for the future of work. The discussions will highlight how emerging technology such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being harnessed ethically and inclusively to enhance education, health and governance.
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An internship and service learning component will complement the program with the opportunity to intern with organizations across tech firms, non-profit and community-based social enterprises, retail brands, legal services, and more.
A. A four-week academic session with two course modules conducted in Delhi across venues such as the Teen Murti House, the official residence of India's first Prime Minister; Jamia Millia Islamia, a pre-eminent Central University; and Sanskriti Kendra, a notable cultural centre dedicated to preserving and promoting India's rich artistic heritage.
B. An internship and service learning experience held in Delhi/NCR in conjunction with leading business and non-profit organizations. Students can extend their internship by two weeks should they wish to continue the program beyond the first four weeks.
GLOBAL PARTICIPATION
We have welcomed students from over
50 countries across six continents.
Since 2013, the ISS has had representation from over 50 countries spread across six continents. In addition to India, these include Afghanistan, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, China, Colombia, Congo, Denmark, Fiji, France, Germany, Haiti, Indonesia, Italy, Iran, Iraq, Japan, Lao PDR, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Myanmar, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Palestine, Paraguay, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, Turkmenistan, the United Kingdom (UK), the United States of America, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Yemen.
