What Does a Teen Study Abroad Program in India Include?

A teen study abroad program in India is more than just an educational trip—it’s an opportunity to explore one of the world’s most culturally rich countries while gaining leadership skills, global awareness, and unforgettable life experiences.

At Broken Earth, our India-based student program is designed specifically for teens aged 15–22 who are ready to step outside of their comfort zone and grow. From volunteering with local communities to engaging in mindful reflection in the Himalayas, the journey is as meaningful as it is transformative. 

Experiential Learning in a Real-World Setting 

Set in Dharamshala, a serene Himalayan town known for its Tibetan spiritual influence and scenic beauty, our program emphasizes experiential learning. Rather than sitting in a traditional classroom, students step into real-world situations where learning unfolds through action, observation, and reflection. 

This could mean helping facilitate an English class for local youth, discussing Tibetan refugee history with a local monk, or journaling about the impact of environmental changes in the Himalayan region. With every interaction, teens begin to connect global issues to real people and places, making learning relevant and deeply personal. 

Experiential learning helps teens:

• Develop emotional intelligence. 

• Gain problem-solving skills in unfamiliar settings. 

• Cultivate adaptability and self-awareness. 

• Learn how to navigate cultural differences with empathy. 
  

Our team ensures each activity is guided and supported, offering teens both freedom and structure to explore, ask questions, and grow. 

A Curriculum Rooted in Local Culture 

We believe that meaningful travel is rooted in deep cultural understanding. Our India program includes a rich educational framework where teens explore local culture, history, and social issues in context. 

The curriculum includes interactive workshops and seminars led by local educators, activists, and cultural practitioners. Topics include:

• Sustainability and climate change in the Himalayas 

• Social justice and gender equity in rural India 
  

  

• The history and resilience of Tibetan refugees 

• Mindfulness and spiritual practices rooted in Indian traditions 
  

Students are encouraged to journal daily, engage in group reflections, and participate in guided discussions that challenge assumptions and expand perspective. This reflective structure encourages not only learning, but deep personal insight. 

By the end of the program, students don’t just “know” more—they understand more, think more critically, and feel more connected to the global community. 

Service Learning with Real Community Impact 

Unlike many travel programs where volunteering can feel surface-level or performative, Broken Earth’s community service projects are mutually beneficial partnerships with long-term local impact. 

Teens work alongside grassroots organizations and NGOs in Dharamshala and nearby villages. Projects may include:

• Supporting educational workshops for under-resourced schools 

• Leading conversational English sessions 

• Participating in environmental clean-up or sustainability projects 

• Assisting with the creation of learning materials or community awareness campaigns 
  

This real-world collaboration is best illustrated in stories like this one from Gorkhe, where students and teachers came together to overcome education-related challenges in a remote village. Such moments demonstrate how purposeful service can create deep, lasting community impact—and unforgettable learning. 

Each project teaches students how to create change with empathy, humility, and cultural respect. 

Life with an Indian Host Family 

One of the most impactful aspects of the program is the homestay experience. Teens are matched with carefully vetted and trained Indian host families who warmly welcome them into their homes. 

Living with a host family allows students to: 

• Experience daily Indian life firsthand 

• Practice local customs and learn respectful communication 

• Shares meals, stories, and laughs with local siblings or parents 

• Form lifelong cross-cultural friendships 
  

This authentic cultural immersion breaks down stereotypes and helps students see humanity in cultural differences. Many alumni say the connections formed during their homestay became the emotional heart of their experience in India. 

Host families receive support and oversight from our local team, ensuring safety, comfort, and a nurturing home away from home. 

Hands-On Cultural Experiences 

India’s diversity of art, spirituality, and tradition is awe-inspiring—and our program makes sure students don’t just witness culture but live it. 

Activities vary by session but often include: 

• Indian cooking classes with local chefs 

• Introductory yoga and meditation sessions 
  

  

• Visits to Buddhist monasteries and Hindu temples 

• Bollywood dance workshops or classical music lessons 

• Market visits and artisan craft demonstrations 
  

Experiences like these come alive in reflections from students, such as those captured in this blog about first impressions, where teens shared the emotional impact of their early encounters with Indian life. These cultural moments shape not just memories but perspective. 

Outdoor Adventures and Mindfulness 

The location of Dharamshala, in the foothills of the Himalayas, offers a natural environment perfect for reconnecting with oneself and the world. 

Outdoor adventures are woven into the program, including

• Group hikes through Himalayan forests and mountain trails 

• Quiet journaling sessions with breathtaking views 

• Meditation and mindfulness sessions led by trained facilitators 

• Weekly yoga practices to support physical and emotional well-being 
  

These elements allow students to slow down, tune inward, and reflect on their experiences. In a world of constant digital distraction and pressure, this time in nature fosters mental clarity and resilience. 

Students often leave with improved emotional regulation, reduced stress, and a deeper sense of purpose—tools they take home into their academic and social lives. 

Building Global Leaders from the Ground Up 

Broken Earth’s program is not just about cultural exposure—it’s also about empowering the next generation of changemakers. 

We embed leadership development throughout the journey. Teens are challenged to:

• Take initiative in group activities. 

• Facilitate discussions or presentations. 

• Lead aspects of their service projects 

• Reflect on their personal leadership styles. 
  

Through these experiences, students build key skills like: 

• Communication and active listening 

• Conflict resolution 

• Collaboration in diverse teams 

• Ethical decision-making 
  

By the end of the program, students often feel more confident, assertive, and inspired to lead—not only in school or extracurriculars but in causes they care about. 

Safety First: Our Commitment to Wellbeing 

We understand that sending your teen abroad comes with questions and concerns—especially when it comes to safety. At Broken Earth, student safety is our highest priority. 

Here’s how we ensure a secure experience:

• All staff are trained in youth safety protocols, first aid, and emergency response. 

• Our on-the-ground teams include local coordinators with deep knowledge of the region. 

• We offer a comprehensive pre-departure orientation for students and parents. 

• The program includes 24/7 emergency support and access to quality healthcare facilities nearby. 

• Students are supervised and supported throughout the trip, while still encouraged to grow independently.  

From airport pick-up to final departure, we take every step to ensure your teen is safe, healthy, and cared for. 

Conclusion: A Life-Changing Journey Starts Here 

A teen study abroad program in India with Broken Earth offers far more than travel—it provides a launchpad for self-discovery, leadership, and global empathy. 

By combining meaningful service, cultural immersion, emotional wellness, and experiential education, this journey transforms how teens understand the world—and their place in it. 

Whether it’s cooking a family meal with their Indian host mom, meditating on a Himalayan mountainside, or leading a classroom session for local students, your teen will return home with a broadened worldview, new friendships, and a deeper connection to themselves and others. 

If you're seeking an opportunity for your teen to grow in confidence, compassion, and global understanding, Broken Earth’s India program is the perfect place to begin. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  Q: Is this program suitable for students who haven’t traveled internationally before?  

Absolutely. Many of our participants are first-time travelers. We provide pre-departure orientations, local chaperones, and daily support to help them adjust and thrive. 

Q: Will my teen be safe staying with a host family?

Yes. All host families are screened, trained, and regularly evaluated. They’re selected based on their ability to provide a safe, inclusive, and educational environment. 

Q: What kind of supervision will my teen have during the program?

Broken Earth staff and local coordinators are with the group daily. Our team is available 24/7 and trained in youth safety, emergency procedures, and cultural support. 

Q: Does my teen need to speak Hindi or another Indian language?

No language requirement exists. Our program is conducted in English, and cultural workshops often include basic introductions to local languages for fun and awareness. 

Q: What’s the best way to prepare my teen emotionally for the experience?

We recommend open conversations about cultural differences, independence, and homesickness. Our team also includes emotional wellness check-ins throughout the program.