Culture Shock Goes Great with Naan Bread Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I would say that for the classes I was taking outside of my major, the work was about the same load as my home college. However, my computer science class did not offer much homework; it was heavily lecture/note-taking oriented and then I would be given an exam.

On-site administration of your program

The teachers and study abroad advisors were good, they answer questions when I had them and when I need anything they were quick with following up. I would say, that there were few times where las minute inconvenient changes occurred (small things like class being cancelled for an Indian holiday that I wasn't warned about or having to reschedule some classes on weekly basis.)

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I live in a guest house, it was awesome. However, living in hostels with other students would have given me more of an Indian college experience but the hostels were under renovation so I lived inn the guest house. I got hotel treatment, it was great,

Indian food is the bomb.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I am a people person, I got involved with a lot of activities on campus at the university. I blended in pretty well and even tried to learn the language.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no health issues while participating in this program. I will say that some people may have trouble adjusting to spicy foods and could have some minor stomach irritation, but after about two weeks I had no issues with eating the traditional food. Also there was a hospital that was located on the school's campus so if you had any issues you could get immediate medical attention.

India is very high-populated so you will always be constantly surrounded by hundreds of people at any given time. On campus safety was great, there were 24 hour guards taking shifts around the entire campus. However, as stated before when out in the streets or in public you have to beware of pickpockets and make sure that you are not out by yourself past 10pm. Buddy system!

I chose this program specifically because it would have no real reminders of Western culture, I wanted to be completely submerged in a new experience. Even though I had some minor issues, overall I loved this program and wish I could have stayed longer. Most of my issues were First World problems, anyway.

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

1 American dollar = 64 Indian dollars, I was living the good life.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

I even took an elective to try to learn the language.

Select all that apply

• Hotel

Select all that apply

• Americans
• Other

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Other

• It was in India.
• The students are very welcoming to internationals/ foreign exchange students.
• The culture was completely different from what I am used to.

• It would be nice to live in a hostel instead of a guest house.
• More classes with local students

The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer