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 and explore innovative solutions.

Convened by the Esya Centre and affiliated with the Department of Political Science at Jamia Millia Islamia University — A Central University, the International Summer School (ISS) is a six-week immersive academic and professional experience facilitated in the heart of India’s capital city, New Delhi.

We bring together students from across the globe to dive into India’s remarkable development journey and gain hands-on experience through internships at top organisations in the country driving meaningful change. Students explore how India’s foundational values, rooted in the philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of Swaraj (self-reliance), Satyagraha (commitment to truth), and Sarvodaya (welfare for all), inspire India’s ability to harmonise tradition with modernity and learn about the country's sustainable and inclusive models of development.

We connect students with inspiring thought leaders and build a worldwide network of peers and colleagues while gaining the opportunity to work with leading organisations and leaders from India to drive social impact at scale. Students also visit sites of historical and cultural significance over six weeks, including excursions to Agra, and participate in introductory lessons on the Hindi language and yoga classes.

Since 2013, we’ve had students from 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.