Ahmedabad University Students Discover New Ways of Thinking at SNU Summer Programme

How can discussion transform a classroom, practical activities make difficult concepts more accessible, or a diverse group broaden one’s understanding of a subject? Six students from Ahmedabad University were encouraged to look at learning from a broader perspective during a five-week summer programme at Seoul National University (SNU).

When Aayushi Dave, BA (Hons) Class of 2028, found SNU’s International Summer Programme and shared it with her friends, six of them applied and eventually found themselves in South Korea. Students selected courses aligned with their academic interests, exploring familiar disciplines through fresh perspectives. The summer programme complemented their coursework at Ahmedabad University by integrating distinctive experiential learning exercises and insights from a diverse global cohort spanning Asia, North America, and Europe.

Dhruv Solanki and Aashka Choksi from the BSM (Hons) Class of 2028, picked Game Theory. Both experienced that the learning extended well beyond textbook readings. Interactive tasks and discussions with international peers introduced fresh analytical viewpoints. Dhruv noted a shared drive among students to challenge assumptions and think critically, while Aashka valued evaluating her insights alongside peers from diverse academic disciplines.

The international academic environment proved equally transformative for BSM (Hons) Class of 2028 students Dhwani Rupani and Vishakha Singh. Dhwani focused on Corporate Finance, gaining a global perspective on accounting principles that will directly inform her upcoming coursework and form a valuable foundation for her future studies. Vishakha enrolled in Business AI: Machine Learning, Generative AI and Strategic Impact, where she explored the real-world applications of AI in driving everyday business strategy.

Students Aayushi and Vidhi Shanklesha also deepened their specialised interests through their summer coursework. In Navigating Self, Identity, and Digital Interfaces, Aayushi analysed real-world digital platforms to examine how interface design influences self-esteem and self-perception. Meanwhile, Vidhi Shanklesha (BA Hons Class of 2028) enrolled in Psychology and Law, delving into criminal and forensic psychology, an area of interest she had been eager to explore since she was introduced to it at Ahmedabad University.

Bringing their own academic backgrounds and perspectives from Ahmedabad University, they had a solid foundation as they stepped into SNU's classrooms. The programme allowed some to build directly on their current fields of study, while offering others a path into new areas of interest. What made the experience distinct was the opportunity to place these interests alongside perspectives from students from South Korea, China, India, the United States, and across Europe.

Then there was Seoul itself.

Classes occupied their mornings, leaving the afternoons for the students to explore the city. They learnt to navigate the city and discovered unfamiliar neighbourhoods. A weekend trip to Busan added another dimension to the experience, with the group cooking together and exploring the city. Being together made the unfamiliar feel more manageable.

By the time they returned to Ahmedabad, the students had brought back more than memories of South Korea. Their time spent in a new educational setting allowed them to engage with peers globally and appreciate the dynamics of an international learning environment. Ultimately, these five weeks expanded upon their foundation at Ahmedabad University, equipping them with fresh insights, cultural awareness, and nuanced perspectives to enrich their ongoing academic pursuits.