The Brandeis-India Fellows Program offers limited funding to conduct research or volunteer with a local organization in India. We are especially interested in proposals that can build ties between Brandeis University and Indian alumni, partners, and organizations. Awards generally range from $500 to $2,000.

Full-time Brandeis undergraduate or graduate students in all majors/programs are eligible to apply as part of the following activities:

• An internship, volunteer, study, or service program of more than three weeks
• A semester-length, summer, or year-long study abroad program
• A research fellowship or project

Students must provide a letter of commitment from the organization/program they will be working with, or other proof that they have applied for a program (such as a study abroad program), with their Brandeis-India Fellows application. Funding is contingent upon acceptance/invitation into the program or organization.

The deadline to apply for a summer 2017 or academic year 2017-2018 Fellowship has passed. The application for summer 2018 and the 2018-2019 academic year will be available in March 2018.

Please see our Frequently Asked Questions section or contact southasianstudies@brandeis.edu with any questions about the program or application process.

Check out a list of possible internship and project sites and see a few examples of how the program works below:

For study abroad:

Sponsor/Office: Office of Study Abroad
How it works: Students should apply for their 2017-18 study abroad program, or their summer 2017 study abroad program, in the usual manner by following the policies and procedures of the Office of Study Abroad. The Brandeis-India Fellows funding, in this case, serves as a modest award to help with travel, living, or project expenses. It is contingent upon full acceptance into a study abroad program for 2017-18.
Examples of projects you might undertake: While studying abroad in Delhi, a student works with our partner, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), to develop an arts-based approach to understanding climate change and the management of natural resources.
Typical funding level: $500 – $2,000

For summer internships:

Sponsor/Office: Hiatt Career Center, International Center for Ethics, Justice and Public Life
How it works: Students can apply for the WOW, Sorensen, or other international internship program as they typically would, in addition to applying for the Brandeis-India Fellowship. In this case, funding will be limited to $500 – $1000 and will only support the Fellows project (travel, expenses, additional time in the country, etc.), not the internship itself. Ideally, your India project should be directly connected to the substance of your internship.
Examples of projects you might undertake: While interning with a NGO devoted to children’s education in Mumbai, a student works with our Mumbai-based alumni to host and document a gathering of Mumbai educational leaders.
Typical funding level: $500 – $1,000, if already awarded WOW or similar fellowship

For research:

Sponsor/Office: Individual academic departments, Office of Academic Services
How it works: Again, students should apply through normal channels (i.e., their department or Academic Services). The funding in this case will support some public display or extension of that research project, in order to communicate findings to a wider audience.
Examples of projects you might undertake: While conducting research on health care delivery in Patna, a student produces a short video about local health issues to be posted on YouTube and presented to the Brandeis community upon return.
Typical funding level: $500 – $2,000, depending on amount awarded for the research fellowship

For a volunteer, service, or independent travel program:

Sponsor/Office: Visit the Global Volunteering and Service Learning website for ideas, or check with the Office of Study Abroad or Hiatt Career Center for additional resources.
How it works: In some cases, we will consider other creative projects that build upon a volunteer or service abroad program, for example during the summer, or independent work. However, preference is given to students who secure a formal or sponsored program. Funding is limited to $1500 maximum.
Examples of projects you might undertake: While volunteering in Pune, a student works with our local high school partners and admissions counselors to raise awareness of the Brandeis social justice mission through a creative publication or social media web site.
Typical funding level: $500 – $2,000