Amazing cultural experience where I learned a lot about a lot Past Review

By Samantha L (International Relations And Community Health, Tufts University) - abroad from 08/27/2012 to 12/08/2012 with

SIT Study Abroad: India: Public Health, Policy Advocacy, and Community

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I learned so much and not only about public health. A huge part of going abroad is learning about yourself, what you like to do, who you like to be with, and what you might like to do later in life. It's important to be forgiving with yourself because it is hard to be somewhere totally new, with new people, and far away from everyone who knows you well. But being there for a semester gives you time to adapt and really settle in somewhere. In terms of public health, I learned so much that I constantly find myself referring to my experience.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	The classes didn't demand much work or time. There were several papers to write, most being at the end of the class period. Highly doable, leaving plenty of time for exploring.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	Teachers were incredibly helpful in every way. They did a fantastic job or orienting us to India, letting us discover on our own, and keeping us safe at all times. They know many people who are excellent resources in their respective fields.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I lived in a lovely apartment that was comfortable and safe. My family wasn't the most emotive towards us or the most inclusive. But they let us live our lives and were nice enough.
* Food:	I LOVE Indian food. Both at the school center and at my home stay house. If you don't love Indian food or handle spice well, think hard if India is the place for you. Food is comforting and if you can't tolerate it, it will be a long semester.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	The home stay is a great way to feel like you're really living somewhere. I wish though that we had an opportunity to meet and hang out with Indian people our age. I didn't really make any connections within my peer group and that would have made my experience better and my connections stronger.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	The teachers were the best in knowing what to do and when. I tryst them with anything.
* Safety:	I felt safe always and I was very aware always of where I was and who I was with. India can be extremely dangerous, especially for a blond, white, woman. Our teachers sufficiently prepared us and looked out for us. I never felt I was in a compromised position.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes

Finances

* 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)	All food is covered when with the program. One would never need to spend extra. Tourist expenses weren't that expensive and I felt compared to other locations and programs, this one was very low budget.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Walk, don't eat or drink out too too often, be smart

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language? 0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language	In Hindi class we learned a lot in a short amount of time. When conversing with our teachers it was fine to use English which was good for me. I wasn't going on this program to learn a language; I wanted to learn about public health. Being able to speak in English made this possible and I didn't feel like my learning was inhibited by my language ability.
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?	German 194
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?	Be willing to spend a bit of time with it and it will make so much sense if you stick with it!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Host Family
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Americans Host Family
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Americans
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?	Teachers Public health knowledge learned Ability to be in such a different country
* What could be improved?	Hindi program Size/gender ratio of group Meeting Indian peers
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	Not to be afraid to do things on my own because I want to do them regardless of what others in the group are doing.

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 Blazer Craving 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.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Hindi
Course Department:	Language
Instructor:
Instruction Language:
Comments:	I felt the teachers did a good job teaching, but didn't use the drill session time effectively. Some students learn faster than others. In the normal class period, all should learn together. But the students should be split in the drill session between those who need to review what was just taught and those who are ready to move ahead with the new material.
Credit Transfer Issues: