A Whole New World in India Past Review
By Karen M (Biology, General., Trinity University) for
CIEE: Hyderabad - Arts and Sciences
yes, definitely. I learned that I don't have to follow a certain path. I learned how to talk to people I've never met, how to haggle, how to meditate. I learned how to be calm and laid back when in a stressful event or when things do't go my way.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | University of Hyderabad |
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I learned a lot from my experience. It could have been more organized and I wish that the professors had been more on time, but this is not a reflection of the program, rather it is just the cultural environment and was part of the experience. I think the workload was just enough to give a challenge but not enough to restrict traveling. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration was very good. The only thing that I very much disliked was the lack of freedom. Students were required to plan trips and submit plans no later than 4 weeks in advance, and this was impossible since it was difficult to know the plans of the professors. This led to students leaving without involving the program at all which is more dangerous. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived on campus. Campus is awhile away from the city, but there are many things to do with the local students on campus. The staff is nice and very friendly and the dorms are very clean. Some downsides is that you can't have anyone of the opposite sex in your side of the building after 9pm. |
| * Food: |
The meals were buffet style and while it was mostly Indian food, there were also some western options each night. Breakfast and lunch were vegetarian and dinner had some kind of non-vegetarian option. I was very pleased with the food, and the efforts of the kitchen staff to make us as home as they could. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There was a trip to Hampi that was very nice and included seeing a lot of attractions and eating great food. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
the program was very thorough on all health and safety issues, and even my parents commented that they got emails immediately anytime there was any concern. The only reason I don't put 5 stars here is because I feel that sometimes |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | It could range anywhere from $5 (you could buy food for about .50 or less sometimes) to about $30 during the week. On weekends it really depends on you. Transportation and shopping expenses were my biggest expenses. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Things are much cheaper in India, but they still add up. Make sure you don't go overboard because you see how cheap things are. Also you will need a deposit for your phone and bike but you get it back at the end of the semester. Also be careful about your bank charging you a lot for withdraws. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Most people on the campus speak English in India. There is a choice to learn either Telugu or Hindi, and while knowing one of the languages is helpful and interesting, it is not necessary and locals will want to speak English with you. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | An academically minded student with an open mind would benefit the most. If you are wanting to travel every weekend, or you are wanting a large language aspect, then this probably isn't for you. |
