Antioch Buddhist Studies in India: life changing, I don't know where the ripple effects end Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Hefty work load, regular readings, essays, presentations, group discussion, homework, midterm and final exam, etc. Essays were usually written by hand because of the power outages. Grading was fair, teachers were relaxed and readily available. We also had an Independent Study Project (I.S.P.) where we chose our own topics, designed how we would go about the field research, and presented a 20 page paper or gave an hour presentation. I learned a lot. The program really helps you prepare. I won't comment on the individual classes, because the teachers tend to change from year to year. I took a Buddhist Philosophy class which helped us understand the complexities and differences between Buddhist schools of thought; I took a hindi class which I had very little skill for, but which allowed my peers to interact and communicate with the Indian natives ; a Meditation Traditions class which combined the history, folklore, lineages and practice of different traditions, and my I.S.P. on Tibetan childbirth.

On-site administration of your program

They had a great support system, a health advisor, they guided you through each step of the way in designing your I.S.P. and making it viable. Robert Pryor, the program director, has personally guided this program for more than 30 years thus providing very trustworthy advice. He advices freely, yet lets you discover things on your own.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We lived in a Buddhist Monastery, where Antioch students basically had a building to themselves yet had opportunity to talk to Burmese pilgrims, talk to the local staff and could interact with the local community. Bodh Gaya is an international pilgrim site imbedded in the poorest state in India, Bihar. Nightlife was practically non-existant, the services were manageable yet nothing luxurious (squat bathrooms, intermittent electricity, among others). No matter your economic situation you immediately become of the highest class in Bodh Gaya, which means people trying to sell you stuff for 4 times the price, hassling you, etc. But as I said above, its all manageable, you learn to move and integrate to the new environment, to find joy and laugh amidst it all. I can say Bodh Gaya is quite safe for foreigners. I never felt ill at ease or in any physical danger. We were treated as guests at the Vihar (the monastery) and at the hostels where people stayed for their Independent Study Project.

All vegetarian food (you would rather be vegetarian in India, trust me), we had great tea, filling meals, plenty of peanut butter and cookies, daal, naan, salads, etc. The kitchen management could fit in people with allergies, and as the semester moved on we grew confident enough to go out to recommended restaurants and finally find our own food during I.S.P. (the Independent Study Project, which can take place anywhere in India, as long as its a Buddhist community/topic). The program provides initial reference to students for dinning places.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We had lots of field trips, some guided by program instructors, some on our own with our peers. We went to Varanasi, Sarnath, Kolcata, vulture's peek, among others. For my Independent Study Project I went to Kalimpong, West Bengal and took a field trip with my friends over to Sikkim. We hiked in the mountains, we took bike rides, went swimming in a river creek, etc. Every other day there was a cultural event going on in the town of Bodh Gaya; lots of Bollywood music, fireworks, colors, festivities, enactments...

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

People definitely get sick, every year, everyone. Number one advice: take grapefruit seed extract!! Makes miracles. Get your vaccines, take malaria pills, DEFINITELY wash your hands (even your face) every time before you eat. There is some nasty things out there, including Typhoid. Don't Panic. The health advisor and buddy system is wonderful. The medical care might be quite poor compared to the States, but the program director is very experienced and trustworthy, and will send you back if need be. Follow the pre-departure advice sheets he will be mailing throughout the summer. As for physical safety, I never felt ill at ease or in danger. Some people feel intimidated or get angry at the staring that goes on, but know its a cultural thing which Indians think nothing of. They basically meet you at the eye, all the time. Meet them back and continue on your way. Be decisive, assertive and harsh if need be. They are a very social peoples and are as curious about you as you are about them.

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

I was honestly quite bad at the language. But I saw my peers getting better and better, being able to sustain simple conversations with each other and the Indian natives. We would practice among ourselves, with the teacher, with the workers at the Vihar (the monastery we were staying at). I could get by with my handful of hindi understanding since English is a national language and you find lots of people that speak it in your everyday interactions.

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