In April 2026, six high-performing second-year Salford Business School students travelled to India for a transformational international cultural immersion visit designed to broaden global horizons, strengthen intercultural confidence and deepen international collaboration.
Delivered in partnership with Bharatiya Vidyapeeth University (Deemed to be University), Pune, and Marwadi University, Rajkot, the Global Horizon Programme combined academic learning, cultural immersion and industry engagement during the visit.
Throughout the week, students explored India’s economic, educational and cultural landscape through a series of lectures, collaborative workshops, cultural visits and industry experiences.
Students attended academic sessions focused on global business and international collaboration, including a keynote lecture from Yes Bank, which provided insight into India’s economic growth, financial systems and entrepreneurial landscape. A collaborative business challenge brought Salford and Indian students together to develop and present start-up ideas, fostering teamwork, friendship and intercultural understanding.
Alongside the academic programme, students immersed themselves in Indian culture through traditional dance performances, a mindfulness and spirituality session, and visits to various historical and cultural sites such as Shaniwarwada Fort, Mahatma Gandhi National Memorial Society and the ISKCON Temple.
Students also gained practical insight into innovation and industry through visits to Brinton Carpets Manufacturer, Balaji Wafers and Helical – largest actuator manufacturer in India, where they explored responsible manufacturing, cutting-edge technologies, and sustainable business practices.
At Marwadi University, students immersed themselves in spiritual learning and experienced purpose-built infrastructure on the campus, including Moot court facilities, while at Bharatiya Vidyapeeth, students visited on-campus incubation and ideation centre and took part in a tree-planting ceremony alongside local students to symbolise the growing partnership between the institutions.
Charlie Seager, Salford Business School’s Student Experience and Engagement lead, who supported the programme, said: “Experiences like this are invaluable for students because they bring internationalisation and cultural learning to life. Seeing students collaborate across cultures, adapt to new environments and grow in confidence throughout the week was incredibly rewarding.”
Mikhyla Rubio was one of the students who took part and said: “The most memorable part of the trip was learning about India’s culture and customs through the lessons, visits, and performances.
“I loved being able to fully immerse myself in the experience and learn more about the country firsthand.
“This trip taught me to not let fear of the unknown hold me back from saying yes to new opportunities. I went to India with five strangers and I came back with friends for life.”
Professor Vish Maheshwari, Associate Dean Student Experience at Salford Business School, said: “The Global Horizon Programme gave our students the opportunity to step beyond the classroom and experience India’s culture, rich history and diversity, innovation and academic environment, through real-time and purposeful immersion.
“The programme challenged students intellectually and personally, helping them build personal capital, global awareness and new international connections.”
Students returned from the programme with new friendships, greater cultural understanding and valuable international experience to support their future personal and professional development.