Role of Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) travel and tourism scheme in promoting international understanding: A study among international students in India

This research examines the role of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Travel and Tourism Scheme in promoting international understanding among foreign students in India. The ICCR Travel and Tourism Scheme serves as an effective method for enhancing students' intercultural communication, awareness of diversity, and international outlook. ICCR-funded travel enables international students to personally experience India's diverse culture, customs, and social norms, contributing to mutual understanding, breaking down cultural barriers, and fostering authentic cross-cultural connections. The researcher employed a combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies in the present study, utilizing a descriptive and explanatory research design to achieve the research objectives. The research conducted a random sampling of 373 international students in India. This research employed a questionnaire for data collection, analysed the data, and tested the hypothesis using SPSS version 25. The ICCR Travel & Tourism Scheme offers international students genuine cultural experiences, enhances their intercultural communication skills, and provides insight into India's rich cultural heritage.