India: The Untold Story Past Review
By Jordan W (Philosophy., Wellesley College) for
CIEE: Hyderabad - Arts and Sciences
I love India. I want to go back for my honeymoon one day. I would even consider marrying an Indian man.
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. |
My favorite classes were the ones that were least American. I took a human rights class (direct enrollment) and that was one of my favorite classes. I also really enjoyed yoga: theories and practice, as well as my hindi class. But my philosophy class was not good. I felt bored for most of it and I'm a philosophy major. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I basically realized you can't really complain about anything in India because, well it's India. Everything gets done but a lot slower and a lot less efficiently. The program was great and I would do it again. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
everything was provided for us. If I was going home by myself I would make sure I was home before dark for safety reasons. |
* Food: |
I loved the food at my homestay |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I went to an Indian wedding! It was awesome |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
* Safety: |
Just like any city, Hyderabad has it's less more dangerous areas. As a woman it is important to travel in groups or with another male. I avoided traveling by myself once it was dark outside. |
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? | $20.00 |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | save money for traveling around the country with friends. |
Language
* Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | none |
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
Language acquisition improvement? |
I talked to my host family in Hindi. I did not need to speak Hindi proficiently but it was definitely helpful to know some key phrases. Most people do not speak English. |
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 |
|
A Look Back
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | anyone who is strongly independent and self motivated should go on this program. They also have to be very laid back and flexible |