The International Summer School for Jain Studies (ISSJS) provides an important link between the Jain community and the academic world by providing students and scholars the opportunity to study Jainism during an intensive summer program in North India. Despite its small numbers, the Jains have, and continues to have, a large impact on Indian religious and cultural life. Out of approximately 1000 colleges and universities in North America that offer courses at graduate and post- graduate levels in the academic study of South Asia, only 17 academics (in the estimate of Jain scholar Professor John Cort) are engaged in Jain studies. In light of this gap in the academic study of Jainism, the ISSJS aims to actively support scholarly inquiry by fostering an interest in Jainism in universities around the world.

The ISSJS is a program run by two separate but collaborating organizations; the International School for Jain Studies (ISJS) India and ISJS North America. ISJS North America is a sub committee of the Mahavir Vision Inc., a non-profit, (tax exempt,) 501 C (3) organization. ISJS North America works in collaboration with the Committee on the Academic Studies of Jainism in North America (ASJNA), the Federation of Jain Associations in North America (JAINA), the World Council of Jain Academies, U.K (WCJA), the Jain Academic Foundation of North America (JAFNA), University of Ottawa and the Pluralism Project at Harvard University.

Since its inception in 2005, three other premier academic institutes of USA, namely Eastern Connecticut State University, University of Hawaii (Manoa campus) and Loyola Marymount University California have been collaborating and participating in ISSJS programs.
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ISSJS follows the instructional approach in all courses which is based on the historico-critical method. Students are not obliged to become true believers, nor are they urged to adopt behaviors in conformity with rituals, religion and habits of any Jain sect, though they are expected to demonstrate respect in these matters to members of the community in which they live and study. Similar social sensitivity is encouraged for the larger Indian community in which they move. A unique asset of this program is its emphasis on cultural immersion and sightseeing. It is important that every effort be made to integrate the theoretical and experiential- spheres of knowledge. As an example, prior to the visitation of a site, or witness of a festival, ISSJS will first explain the historical, cultural, political/economic, and other elements that provide meaning and perspective to what is being viewed (experts in art, architecture, song/dance/drama, may serve as resource persons). The purpose of this component is to present Jainism as a living religion and not a relic of a forgotten past. Following the outing, students will write short essays on the event. In addition opportunities are made for students to talk one-on-one with monks, nuns, and with practicing Jains in secular positions, such as military, police, law, diamond, gold and silver merchants. There is a major focus on the family, highlighting the role and status of women, accompanied by home visitations. Students are asked to maintain up-to-date scrapbooks (photos, postcards, memorabilia, mementos etc).

From this year onwards, based on the growing needs of scholars from North America particularly, the ISSJS is structured around a two-tier system, designed to meet scholarly needs of all applicants. The goal of the first level is the understanding of the fundamentals of Jainism in the areas of Religion, Philosophy, History, and Culture. The Second level builds on the first in terms of scope, depth, and intensity, and aims at a proficiency of knowledge that qualifies the student to study at the M.A. level in a university. It is expected that first level students will, in the development of studies, become sufficiently competent to enter the second tier of studies. Requirements and brief particulars of each program are given below:

a.	a. One month program for bright undergraduate scholars who wish to learn about Jainism and take it up as a part of their graduate studies. University of Ottawa is offering this program through ISSJS under their course number SRS4107 with Prof Anne Vallely of Ottawa University as the program director. Scholars enrolled for this program can earn three credit hours from the University of Ottawa Canada. Similarly, Sarah Hadmack of Windward Community College in Honolulu, Hawaii is facilitating the evaluation and enrollment of students to this program.
b.	Two months program for undergraduates, graduates, PhD scholars and teaching faculty. Invariably all scholars enrolled for this program gets some sort of financial assistance from ISSJS. Mr. Vatsa Kumar TX USA heads Admissions.

ISSJS spends approx US$ 4000 per scholar under program ‘a’ and US$ 9000 under program ‘b’ to ensure comprehensive coverage of Jain history, culture, philosophy and way of life with field visits and social interactions. ISSJS also provides follow-up services to the alumni for their further study, research and other needs on Jain studies.