Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An interesting and life alterning experience. Past Review

By (BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES., Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/31/2013 to 03/15/2013 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I can't answer that question in a box. If someone would like to hear my thoughts, they can email me and we can arrange to speak in person.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I would suggest this program if some changes were made. The program needs to tailor the classes to public health classes in the context of India, rather than just public health courses

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The staff was wonderful. However, the program director was a little bit too busy, and not easily accessible.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had a very mediocre housing experience.

* Food:

LOVE the food. However, it can get tiring to eat Indian food for three meals a day every day.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt integrated to a very specific segment of the local culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't get especially sick during the program. I visited a health facility because I needed form filled out for a summer internship. I needed many vaccines for this program. Specic vaccine guidelines can be found on the CDC website. I did not get the rabies vaccine or the JE vaccine because they were not covered by my insurance. People will tell you different things about whether or not you need to get the vaccines. If the program remains in Delhi, JE is not needed. It might be nice to have the rabies vaccine, but its just a luxery to buy you more time.

* Safety:

Delhi is a dangerous place, especially for women. You have to know that going in and take safety measures to keep you safe.

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)

During the independent study project, I was not given enough money. I almost starved. Living in the city is more expensive than living in a rural area. That needs to be readjusted.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 1,500
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Nope.

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

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? Spanish level 3
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? There was a HUGE language component to this program. If I had know that, I would not have chosen this program. I am not a language person, so this was definately one of my LEAST favorite components of the program.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • excursions
  • independent study project
* What could be improved?
  • courses
  • guidance from staff
  • host family situtation (many students were unhappy, not just me)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You can wear leggings in India. Bring them.

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.'