Mobility
Bachelor South Asian studies
In the programme B.A. South Asian Studies, the "mobility window" is an integral part of the curriculum. In the context of the same-titled module ("Mobility window", 12 weeks, 18 CP), students are given the opportunity to complete an internship, a study exchange programme or a fieldwork. In justified cases (classical or linguistic and literary specialization), the fifth term may also be completed in Heidelberg. The mobility window will then be reduced to 8 weeks and 12 CP and will be completed during the semester break between the fifth and the sixth term.
The "mobility window" is an important step for the students' employability as they are given the chance to gain insights into the South Asian everyday life, to concretize their career objectives and plans for the future and to prove their acquired theoretical knowledge in on-site practice. An internship might also give suggestions for a subsequent Master's programme and a combination of internship and fieldwork might provide data for the Bachelor's thesis.
For information on financing the mobility window and on living in South Asia, please refer to this page.
An internship in South Asia offers prospective graduates of SAI the unique opportunity to receive an insight into the on-site work. With a duration of at least 12 weeks and an evaluation of 18 CP, the internship respresents an essential part of the studies. Generally, it takes place during the fifth semester and is completed in a private or public institution in South Asia. It must last at least 12 weeks and be concluded with a written Internship Report.
In order to start the internship, all required course assessments of the first four terms must be verified. Moreover, the internship needs to be approved by the examination board in advance. The intern will be mentored by a contact person.
In justified cases (classical or linguistic and literary specialization), the fifth term may also be completed in Heidelberg. The internship will then be reduced to 8 weeks and 12 CP and will be completed during the semester break between the fifth and the sixth term.
Internship research
The internship guidance assists in the research and placement of internships as well as in contacting the branch offices in South Asia.
In the context of the mobility window of the B.A. South Asian Studies, the internship may also be replaced by a study exchange programme. Besides programmes at colleges/universities in South Asia, an ERASMUS-programme is also possible. However, the ERASMUS-programme must be completed at a university that offers comparable disciplines to the B.A. South Asian Studies or that has a thematic focus on South Asia. Otherwise, course certificates will not be recognized.
Please check all formalities regarding course registration and acceptance of course assessments with the office of the registrar of SAI beforehand.
If you have any questions study exchange programmes, please contact the ERASMUS representative of SAI or the International Relations Office of Heidelberg University.
Another opportunity to gain insights into the on-site work is offered by fieldwork, which may as well replace the internship in the context of the mobility window of the B.A. South Asian Studies. However, the fieldwork must take place in South Asia and in the context of a project that is run by a lecturer or professor. This lecturer or professor will be responsible for the mentoring of the student.
Such a fieldwork or a combination of internship and fieldwork might also serve as a basis for the Bachelor's thesis.
First contact persons for research projects are the module coordinators of the disciplines offered at SAI or at the HCTS.
For the purposes of preparation and follow-up of the internship, several modules are offered at the South Asia Institute that prepare the students systematically for a stay in South Asia and that allow for a reflection and reprocessing of the experiences gained in South Asia. The participation in these courses is optional and especially recommended for those students who have not yet had any relations to South Asia.
Modules:
- Reflected Practical Experience I + II
- Intercultural Training
Master programmes
Students are encouraged to study abroad or do an internship, although it is not a mandatory part of the master programmes. The university offers exchange with several universitys in South Asisa like Delhi University, Jawaharlal Nehru University or the University of Hyderabad. The Office of the Registrar and the internship guidance assist the students during the application process. Besides programmes at colleges/universities in South Asia, an ERASMUS-programme is also possible. If you have any questions study exchange programmes, please contact the ERASMUS representative of SAI or the International Relations Office of Heidelberg University.The internship guidance assists the students during planning, search and preparation of internships or with fieldwork as basis for the MA thesis.