SIT India: An Experience You'll Never Forget Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/01/2019 to 12/14/2019 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The faculty make the program what it is. I've learned so much from each of them with regards to public health, social justice, and cross-cultural learning.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Very rarely, maybe Rs. 200 a week on snacks
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget & don't try to buy all your souvenirs at one place. There will be plenty of opportunities for shopping.

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? Beginner
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? Spanish
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Hotel
* 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?
  • The Excursions
  • The Independent Study Project
  • Guest Lecturers
* What could be improved?
  • More preparation can be given to students for the Independent Study Project.
  • There can be a better integration of the readings with the class material.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The best way to overcome trepidation is to throw yourself into new experiences.