Bridging Classrooms, Bridging Futures is the Nordic Centre in India’s teaching practice placement programme for teacher-education students from NCI member universities.Developed through NCI’s collaboration with the Early Childhood Education and Care and teacher-education departments at Oslo Metropolitan University and educational partners in India, the programme is now open to eligible students from other NCI member universities.
The programme offers students an opportunity to engage with India’s diverse educational landscape through academic orientation, school-based observation, supervised teaching practice, mentoring, interaction with Indian educators and structured professional reflection.
Students gain experience of working with a different curriculum and within a new social, cultural and institutional environment. The placement is intended to strengthen students’ intercultural awareness, professional adaptability and ability to plan and facilitate learning in diverse educational settings.
Students participate through their own home university. The home university retains responsibility for approving the placement, setting academic and assessment requirements, providing academic supervision where required, and determining credit recognition.
The programme enables teacher‑education students to gain first‑hand experience of teaching and learning in Indian schools and institutions, while developing intercultural competence, adaptability, and reflective professional practice. By engaging with diverse curricula, pedagogical approaches, and classroom cultures, participants strengthen their ability to plan and facilitate learning in collaboration with Indian educators, enhance their communication and professional confidence, and broaden their understanding of how education is shaped by social and cultural contexts.
Academic recognition is determined by the student’s home university. Participation does not automatically result in a fixed number of ECTS; students must obtain approval before confirming their placement.
Final acceptance depends on academic suitability, safeguarding requirements, and placement availability.
Students should prepare a personal budget after their placement location and programme arrangements have been confirmed
Students are responsible for arranging and paying for their own accommodation in Kolkata.
NCI can provide general guidance on suitable neighbourhoods and commuting considerations. However, accommodation arrangements and contractual agreements remain the responsibility of the student.
Students are responsible for arranging and paying for their own meals.
Kolkata offers a wide range of dining and food-delivery options. Students should inform NCI and the placement institution in advance of any serious food allergies or dietary requirements.
Kolkata has an extensive public transport network, including metro services, buses, taxis and app-based transport.Students are responsible for arranging and paying for their daily commute and other personal travel.Travel time should be considered carefully when choosing accommodation.
Students should confirm the adequacy of their insurance with their home university and insurer before travelling.
Students admitted to the programme will receive relevant programme and host-institution documentation to support their Indian visa application.
Students are responsible for applying for and obtaining the appropriate visa before travel.
Visa requirements may depend on the nature and duration of the placement. Students must follow the guidance provided by NCI and should not make non-refundable travel arrangements until:
Ms Christabel Royan,
Email: christabel.royan@nordiccentreindia.com
Mobile: +91 9985 146729
