Going abroad really changes my life Past Review

By A student (American University) - abroad from 08/11/2019 to 12/06/2019 with

IFSA/Alliance: Manipal - Global and Public Health

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

From my experience, I gained an opportunity to understand and appreciate the privilege life that I have. Having the opportunity to go to another country and explore it is not something that everyone can do. I not only learned a lot academically but also a lot socially and culturally as well.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	The courses were not too hard at the university but they did require effort to be put in.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	The program administration was excellent. Without them the experience would have not been the same.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	The housing was amazing, as I got to get my own room and bathroom with a maid service.
* Food:	Indian food is the best food in the world!
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	Being in Maipal, there are hospital everywhere and doctors everywhere. It is extremely easy to get access to healthcare if really in need.
* Safety:	Manipal is a very safe campus. There was never a time where I did not feel safe. There are guards at every checkpoint every mile or so.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes This program really help me understand a lot about myself but also about my culture, heritage, and religion which I always be thankful for.

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)	The currency exchange in India really helped make buying things very easy as it was relatively cheap. Max a week I would spend in 2 weeks would be $50
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	$20
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Nope

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language? 0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language	Not too much as EVERYONE spoke English. English was more commonly spoken than the native languages as there are so many.
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program?	Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program?	Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure?	I took AP Spanish senior year in high school
How many hours per day did you use the language?	0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants?	Go on youtube or download apps

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Hostel
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Local Students
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?	10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?	The directors The local people The food
* What could be improved?	Direct Research Curfew
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	That Manipal has an amazing gym

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 Outright Urbanite A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Epidemiology
Course Department:	Public Health
Instructor:	Dr. Sharma
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	It was a pretty basic course in Epi, The only issue with this class was that it was not that organized as the classes would always be taught in a different location and have different professors. The tests were easy and professor were willing to help
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Maternal and Child Health
Course Department:	Public health
Instructor:	Dr. Rao
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Dr. Rao is an extremely intelligent and accomplished professor and doctor. Her motivation and enthusing for the class really inspired me. Not only was the class engaging but she was entertains as well.
Credit Transfer Issues:

Course Name/Rating:	Direct Reserach
Course Department:	Public Health
Instructor:	Various
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	This class should not be offered in the Manipal. Not only is the class very disorganized but in turn, the requirements oaf the class are not possible to get done in the time spent there. Some other alternative should be found.
Credit Transfer Issues: