Aaron Quass
Aaron Quass, 26, student in the Master of Arts in Creative Direction, did a study abroad at the National Institute of Design, in Ahmedabad, India
Aaron attended mainly courses in furniture&interior design, and exhibition design. He went to India to step out of his comfort zone and discover more about himself through new perspectives.
“India is rapidly developing and has rich, diverse cultures – I was interested in experiencing new perspectives during my time there, and I wasn't disappointed!”
"Preparation You can’t fully prepare yourself – you can only adapt once you’re there. It helped me to have no specific expectations, allowing myself to be surprised and proactive. However, here are a few tips for a good start:
• Visa: I received all the necessary information from the Indian embassy in Germany, and the visa was issued quickly
• Health: I visited a tropical institute at a clinic for health advice, including vaccinations
• Take some cash to exchange at the airport
• Bring more than one credit card for flexibility
• Get a SIM card at the New Delhi airport – it’s more complicated afterwards
• Pack an extra piece of luggage for items you might buy
• Don’t overpack – you can buy clothes there
• Take advantage of local handicrafts and shops (I had several clothes made to measure)
• The flight is the most expensive part; living costs are low (e.g., a vegetarian meal in the canteen costs about 60 rupees, roughly 60 cents).
NID Campus Life on campus is similar to a boarding school, only Master students live off-campus. The campus is centrally located in Ahmedabad and is enclosed by a large wall. Inside, you’ll find a beautiful oasis with everything you need for studying: canteens, sports fields, a gym, two small shops, various workshops for different design disciplines, and plenty of green spaces with parrots, monkeys, dogs, and more. Guards at the entrances keep track of who enters and exits. The students are open and helpful, making it easy to find assistance and make new friends. There were also several other exchange students during my time there.
Hostel Information For the hostel, you need to get a mattress and bedding upon arrival. I arrived late in the evening and didn’t have time for this, but fortunately, I had my hammock with me.
Studying I recommend arriving a week before your studies begin. In my case, this wasn’t well communicated, and I felt quite stressed at the start due to jet lag, course selection, and settling in while classes had already started. I had a lot of freedom in choosing courses across disciplines, but it was challenging to get a good overview in a short time. Through many discussions, I eventually found good courses. The workload varies from course to course, but a lot is expected from students, and the days can be long. What I particularly liked is that the program combines different crafts with design, teaching both theory and practice.
Off Campus in Ahmedabad and Beyond Ahmedabad is located in the state of Gujarat in north-western India. This region is more traditional compared to the south. As a European, I was a rare sight for some locals. The city offers a lot, from typical western stores to unique markets with their own style of organized chaos. I never got bored to explore the city during my six-month stay, always discovering something new. I highly recommend choosing courses that include field trips to gain deeper insights into the country’s incredible variety. Weekends are perfect for short trips to the surrounding areas or beyond.
Conclusion For me, to go to India was one of the best decisions of my life, and I wouldn’t want to miss this experience. However, it may not be the same for everyone. It’s important to be open, flexible, and willing to lower your standards. You’ll immerse yourself in different cultures and ways of life, discover great contrasts (rich and poor, technological levels), and see how different people react to you. If you’re planning to go to India, I’m curious to hear about your experiences, as the country is undergoing rapid changes."