Incredible India: Without the Tourist Book and Backpack Past Review
By A student (Health: Science, Society, Policy BS, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/31/2013 to 05/15/2013 with
SIT Study Abroad: India: Public Health, Policy Advocacy, and Community
I gained a whole new perspective on the world, humanity, and our occupation and utilization of its resources--not just regarding health, poverty, injustice, but also what it means to be human. We are all merely humans, born into a particular country/situation, given the privileges and disadvantages that come with it. Living in Delhi has armed me with the street skills, knowledge, and perspective that will make visiting and living in any other place more immersive, comprehensive, and enjoyable--as well as the humbling knowledge to live in the moment and never take what I have for granted.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Not the most intensive coursework, but awesome resources, faculty, and facilities available! |
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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? |
The homestay was an incredible experience. I became a part of the family--do expect however, that not every homestay was awesome, and some of my peers had some difficulties (which the staff dealt with very well). |
| * Food: |
Its India---AMAZING FOOD! Although homefood is the best, after some time there you can start venturing out into the streetfood scene. Streetfood is everywhere and its always delicious (and cheap!). |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The staff filled us in on a lot of culture before we began traveling around ourselves and exploring, which was very beneficial. We knew what to expect and for much of the time knew what was happening. Its also India so the people are (generally) nice, so you can find someone on the street who speaks english to explain. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Woah!!! What a big question. Healthcare in India, although less complex and technical than that of the states has its pitfalls and problems. Not enough money is being given to healthcare and several barriers towards access (implementation, physical barriers, resources) prevent health in India from reaching maximum levels. |
| * Safety: |
I felt safe going out by myself anytime before 11pm. However, as I was one of only two boys on the program, I am sure my experience was much different than those of the ladies. |
| 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) |
It's India--everything is cheap. I became really good at bargaining too! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $10-20 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Buy as much as you can--compared to the states everything is significantly cheaper (and most of the time also cooler) |
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? | n/a |
| 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 Hindi--even if you can use english, practice your Hindi. Also people get very excited when you speak in Hindi. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | There would be only me and one other guy on the program (alongside 25 girls). |
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.' |
