Life-Changing Experience with SIT India: Public Health, Gender, and Sexuality May 10, 2025
By Lucy C (SIT India, Ithaca College) - abroad from 08/15/2023 to 12/08/2023 with
SIT Study Abroad: India - Public Health, Gender, & Sexuality
My experience abroad was unbelievably worthwhile—truly one of the most impactful chapters of my life. I find myself wishing I could go back and relive it every single day. I gained so much, both academically and personally. Inside the classroom, I explored public health, gender, and reproductive justice in a global context, especially through the lens of India’s healthcare system. What made it even more meaningful was the opportunity to take that learning outside the classroom—to visit health centers and NGOs and see firsthand how healthcare operates in practice. It was a deeply immersive and hands-on experience that brought everything to life. Beyond academics, I learned how to adapt, connect across cultures, and approach the world with greater empathy and curiosity. It challenged me, inspired me, and gave me a clearer sense of the kind of work I want to pursue.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
The program center has the most incredible cooks!! I miss their food!! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I never imagined myself going to India, but when I read about the SIT India: Public Health, Gender, and Sexuality program, it felt like it was created just for me. As someone deeply passionate about reproductive justice, I knew I had to go—and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. This program exceeded every expectation and completely transformed my perspective. Every single day felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn, grow, and connect in profound ways. The academic content was powerful and eye-opening, but what truly made this experience unforgettable was the people. The SIT staff were incredibly supportive, welcoming, and genuinely felt like family. They made the transition to living in a completely new environment feel smooth and manageable, always ensuring we were safe, healthy, and cared for. Travel has always been a major passion and priority in my life, but this experience pushed me to grow far beyond anything I’d done before. Immersing myself in India’s diverse cultures and communities ignited a deeper desire to continue stepping outside of my comfort zone. Inspired by my time with SIT, I went on to pursue—and receive—a Fulbright grant to teach English in Thailand. If you're passionate about public health, gender, or social justice, and you’re looking for an experience that will challenge you, shape you, and stay with you forever, I cannot recommend this program enough. |
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? | N/A |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | India is cheap, use your common sense! Pack light because you will want to buy a lot there. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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 |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | High school Latin |
| 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? | Use it out in public as much as you can! Use it to meet people on the train, getting food, etc. |
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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| 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? |
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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? | One thing I wish I had known before going on the program is that it's completely normal to feel a little uncertain beforehand—the program doesn’t give you a ton of information ahead of time, which was definitely a bit stressful during the summer before departure. But once you arrive, everything falls into place. The staff walk you through everything you need to know, and you quickly realize you’re in good hands. I also wish I had known to only get the vaccines required for entry ahead of time—many of the others are much more affordable once you're in India. Having that information earlier would have saved me some stress and expense. |
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.' |
