People tend to call China the world's hardware factory and India the world's software factory. Starting off in the mid-nineties, India's IT industry has evolved from simple data entry and basic programming services to highly sophisticated tasks in many areas. At the same time, the volume of IT-related exports has grewn exponentially and today represents an important branch in India's economy. But not only the IT and outsourcing-related industries (ITES, BPO, KPO) are booming. With the general economic upswing also the automotive, biotech, pharma, engineering and banking sectors are recording high growth rates. India has many faces. Although the economy is booming with annual growth rates of roughly 8%, massive problems have to be faced with insufficient Infrastructures (esp. traffic, power), the poverty problem (considerable progress has been made here) and environmental issues.  As a foreigner during an internship in India, you will most likely face intercultural challenges, also in the workplace. India still remains a bit in the shadow of China where much more foreign students are pursuing an internship today. But considering the growing importance of India, students which pursue an internship there now will be able to add considerable added-value to their CV.  

It might be a bit more difficult for a foreign student to find an internship in India than in China. However, especially companies in IT-related areas are open to provide assignments to foreign interns. In some cases, your university at home will have information on institutions which facilitate study-exchanges and probably also internships for students. If you have a lot of time available, you can search the numerous jobsites and corporate websites on the internet for internship possibilities in India. 

From our experience, we can say that ad-hoc applications to multinational and local companies in India will provide the best chances to gain an internship if you are a foreign student. Especially in the cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune and Chennai, you have a large number of companies to send your application to. Moreover, many companies in India are used to the concept of internships because more and more students in India have to complete one in the course of their studies.

You should be clear about the value you can bring into the company as a student. Candidates for local companies are often successful if they suggest e.g. to carry out market research studies or language services connected to their home country. Be clear and communicate consistently in your application for an internship position in India. If you already gained international experience in other countries, point that out. Adjust your application documents, or at least your covering letter, individually to the company and division you want to do your internship in. Explain the reasons why you want to do your internship in India.

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