Amazing adventure through South India and its' local healthcare Past Review

By (Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services., Case Western Reserve University) - abroad from 01/17/2013 to 05/15/2013 with

IFSA/Alliance: Manipal - Global and Public Health

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was a very worthwhile program as I gained a huge insight into Indian culture in addition to their healthcare systems.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The teaching style is very different from the traditional American method. It took a significant amount of effort to relearn how to learn in the type of environment.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The hostels we stayed in were very comfortable and did a good job of integrating the international and local students.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The program was good at integrating us at first, but that did not persist for the semester. I would have liked to have been provided with more optional opportunities to divulge in.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $150 including weekend excursions and shopping

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Healthcare component
  • Travel Week!
* What could be improved?
  • More time for independent travel
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The program is very structured meaning you wont have a ton of time to travel around India.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'