How to apply for sem-ex at IIT Madras?

IIT Madras has numerous great options for foreign exchange.  Here are the steps to follow:

1. Check out the list of universities that have signed an MoU with IIT Madras for the semester exchange.
2. Select a university that suits your requirements and review the course options. Make sure that the duration of the semester and the language of instruction are appropriate for you. 
3. Try to "map" your courses, meaning find courses at your chosen university that match your courses at home (particularly your core courses) so that you can transfer credits without any hassles and prevent yourself from having to complete your core courses in your remaining semesters. 
4. Once selection is done, get your courses approved by your HoD and Faculty Advisor and then apply through the Global Engagement Office. 
5. Once you are certain about which university you want to visit, express the same to the Liaison Officer, Outbound Students at the Office of International Relations, 
6. You will be required to submit a few documents as part of the exchange application: A letter of approval (with tentative courses for mapping, signed by the Faculty Advisor and Head of Department), official academic transcript and copy of valid passport. Some nominations also require letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose (especially those which offer a scholarship). For applications which require letters of recommendation, make sure that you ask the professors sufficiently early.
7. Once you receive confirmation from the host university and have obtained most of the required documents for the visa, it is essential to deregister from courses for that semester (tuition fees must still be paid) and from hostel facilities (no hostel fees required).
8. While scholarships are challenging to avail and are only available for specific programs, the Office of International and Alumni Relations offers a travel grant of up to ₹60,000 that students can use after the exchange. To avail the travel grant, students are required to submit a number of documents, including boarding passes and all bills of expenses, so remember to keep those handy.

Participating in an exchange program can be a life-changing experience. So, make sure to take advantage of this opportunity while studying at IIT Madras!