SIT India! December 06, 2025
By Ellie L (Amherst College) - abroad from 08/26/2025 to 12/08/2025 with
SIT Study Abroad: India - Public Health, Gender, & Sexuality
Confidence, curiousity, cultural sensitivity, and a sense of independence.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It was very enjoyable and engaging. I loved getting to hear from visiting lecturers, and seeing everything we were studying in the classroom in the field during our excursions. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everyone was so welcoming and nice! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The homestay experience was a wonderful learning experience. It definitely required flexibility to integrate into another family's routines and habits but it allowed for full cultural immersion. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Living with a host family, conducting an independent study project, and studying Hindi allowed for great cultural immersion. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Everything is so safe! There's a perception that India is unsafe but that's really just stereotypical. Living in Delhi is like living in any city in the US in terms of safety. Also, the Delhi metro is nicer than any other public transport I've ever experienced. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
This program was absolutely incredible! While studying in India is less common and there are many prejudices against the country, I’ve found it to be the most welcoming, safe, and impactful place that I’ve visited. The classes are engaging and are integrated into day- and week-long field excursions across India. The opportunity to live with a host family is a rare chance to truly experience the culture outside of the classroom setting. While the experience was daunting at first, I found myself becoming a part of their family and community. The Independent Study Project, which I completed at the end of the semester, was a great way to get hands-on experience with research and working in a clinical setting (as I partnered with a healthcare organization). This program challenges you in all the right ways, pushing you to learn about yourself, step outside your comfort zone, and truly become immersed in the Indian culture. You should absolutely apply! |
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) |
It was very easy to get buy without spending much money as all of the meals are included at the program center or at your host family. However, if you are a big shoper, budget in more money for that! |
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? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | None in Hindi |
| 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? | Start early and memorize everything you learn! |
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? | Prioritize studying Hindi! |
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.' |
