A semester of discovery! December 09, 2025
By Evelyn S (Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Seattle University) - abroad from 08/26/2025 to 12/08/2025 with
SIT Study Abroad: India - Public Health, Gender, & Sexuality
I learned about the vast diversity of India and how to be interact respectfully with the culture as a foreigner. It was very worthwhile--best decision!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The courses are informative and engaging without being too time intensive--there is still plenty of time to explore India! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program staff are incredible and will do anything to ensure your comfort, safety, and wellbeing! They help with transportation, give advice on activities, and lots of hugs (if you want!) |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The homestay families are very generous and want to host you in their homes. Mine took me around the city and out to dinner a few times! |
| * Food: |
The food at the program center and in the homestay was phenomenal. We ate such a variety of Indian food, and were able to safely try street food made by the program kitchen staff! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Living with a host family, learning the language, and using public transportation all added to a deep cultural immersion. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I only had minor healthcare needs during the program, but the staff were so helpful. They checked in on me multiple times a day and took me to the doctor when we decided it would be a good idea to go. They also helped me file a reimbursement claim with insurance. |
| * Safety: |
I generally felt very safe. As in any city, it is important to be aware of your surroundings/belongings and avoid walking alone at night when possible. That being said, I did not have any safety incidents. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
The program fee covers all costs of living. Any extra expenses are from buying gifts, going to restaurants, and planning extra tips. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 15 |
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 |
It was always encouraged but ultimately it is up to the student how much effort they want to put in. |
| 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 |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Speak to your host family in the language as much as possible!! |
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? | You might be uncomfortable at times but that is a critical part of growth! |
