An Experience I'll Never Forget Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Hindi is the only challenging course in the program. In a large class, you can quickly fall behind. Be vocal about your needs as a student and the teachers will certainly listen. I found that classes at LSR were not difficult, which does give you time to travel (more of a cultural experience than an academic one). The LSR classes were interesting for sure, and I learned quite a bit through the lectures about Indian Foreign Policy and India's perspective on America. You are studying with some of the best students in all of India, and most of them are happy to engage in friendly debates or explain areas of Indian politics/customs/social life that you don't understand. Professors are happy to take time to explain things to you as well.

On-site administration of your program

I really like Vinita. She genuinely cared about all of us and our progress in India. She'll answer any question you have about India or Delhi – just ask! But frankly, the program is TOO small and can be very hands-off. Midd. needs to make this at least a two-person staff. In my experience, Vinita was not always able to handle your concerns. I had one particular issue, that took over a month for her to address, it can be very frustrating. I believe this could be solved with a larger staff. At one point (due to my own travel over break and a midd. event), I didn't see Vinita for almost three weeks. Another staff member should have been present in Delhi during that time. I really struggled with the small program size and lack of hands-on support provided. ALSO- The orientation was barely two days, which is unacceptable. India can be jarring for anyone and to expect a group of students (who likely have never been there) to adjust to Delhi in that amt. of time is reckless and irresponsible. This needs to change.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Things broke all the time, a fact of life, but also incredibly frustrating when they remain broken for nearly a month (air-conditioner broke during the summer heat, wasn't repaired until Vinita came to the apt). The apartment could be a little dark and stuffy. And some rooms didn't have any natural light.

Food is good. I was able to order mostly from Zomato (online ordering app) or go out to restaurants. Street food can be amazing but is risky at times, wait until your stomach has adapted. You can spend nothing (but food can be eh or make you sick) or spend the same amt. as in the US (and eat really well).

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I do not feel I was able to connect with the local culture in Delhi. There were four exchange students at LSR, and three of us were just friends with each other. You have to really exert yourself to make local friends. Join clubs and attend them (it can be daunting in 100 degree heat and with lots of Hindi homework – but if you don't do it from the start, you probably won't make local friends). I'd also recommend that you don't attend the program unless at least 4-5 other students are attending, check with Midd. office beforehand. Travel was integral for me. It was, if not the only, upside to the program. Travel as much as possible. I visited 3 countries in SE Asia and loved it. I also went to Southern India (a very diff. experience from Delhi and the North), and several Northern towns. If I hadn't been able to leave Delhi, I would have had a very very different experience. The city can be overwhelming and lots of pollution at times.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Health care is cheap in Delhi, and you will need it (probably). I became sick almost every other week on the program. I'd highly recommend seeing the counselor weekly or biweekly, as Delhi can be a stressor to mental health. Insurance provided by the program and covers everything, but reimbursement takes a bit.

Safety in Delhi is a serious concern. Especially for women. Be prepared to stay in the apartments almost every night. You can walk to the grocery store, but otherwise, you should probably ask a roommate to go with you past 8-9pm. I did have issues with sexual harassment while abroad. Harassment (most staring, but can sometimes be groping or yelling) is hard to avoid. Be firm with people and tell them to stop or say *NO*. Not much else can be done. Think seriously about whether or not you can handle this type of harassment before you go to study in Delhi. The city itself can be a lot, but the harassment can seriously affect someone's mental health. Talk to your study-abroad advisors about this prior. Grid app/Uber/google maps are life-savers.

I'd choose a program with a large staff and student body. Probably in South India or a multi-country/multi-location program.

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

I traveled quite a bit, but you can easily save money by staying in hostels or going in groups. Food can be dirt cheap or average. Spent about how much I would in a normal semester (or a little more) in the US, but got so much out of it.

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

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• Apartment

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• Americans

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• Local Students

• Travel opportunities
• Interesting classes

• Larger program staff
• Housing
• Orientation length and check-ups

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