What an experience!! Past Review
By Martha A (Environmental Studies., Lawrence University) - abroad from 08/19/2014 to 11/30/2012 with
Associated Colleges of the Midwest (ACM): India - Culture, Traditions, & Globalization
I learned a lot about myself, and about my strengths and weaknesses. But I also learned a lot about other people as well, and the capacity for human kindness and understanding. I definitely gained a perspective on the world and on the my place in it as an American. Oh, and I learned how to cross the street, eat with my hands, and avoid monkeys as much as possible.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
|
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Wonderful staff with amazing resources in the community. If you had an interest, they could find someone to help you learn more about it. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Host families for the majority of the program. I was extremely happy with the host family who I ended up with. Most of the families in the program are upper class, and while this makes for a more comfortable stay, it does provide a slightly one sided perspective on the program. |
| * Food: |
Amazing. Always amazing. Started to get a little tired of the curry flavorings but food in Pune is from all different areas of India so there is always something new to try. Also, the best street food in the world. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
All of the classes were with the other students in the group but there is opportunity to branch out if you're daring. Interactions through host families and their friends was how I made most of my social connections. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did not personally have a health issue addressed but several of my friends did and the care was not excellent. However, issues are taken care of as best as they can be within the capabilities of the Indian health care system. |
| * 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? | Depending on the week, around 1000 rupees per week (about $20) |
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 |
|
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Talking with your host family and with random acquaintances can be extremely helpful and they are surprisingly patient! |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Being a white woman in India is hard. Be prepared for that, but you can do it. I worried a lot more about the academics and the independent study project than I needed to, and I didn't worry enough about keeping my head on straight and being safe. |
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 BlazerCraving 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.' |
