I'm Already Homesick for India Past Review
By Rebecca G (Computer Science, Linguistics, Carleton College) for
SIT Study Abroad: India - Sustainable Development and Social Change
Honestly, I'm not sure yet. More patience, maybe, an ability to connect with people who are really different from me, a greater understanding of what poverty and development mean. Definitely had strong impact on cultural awareness, and most likely on future career. Still processing though.
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. |
Workload fair, grading fair, teaching involved less in-class discussion than I would have like, but did a great job of incorporating out-of-class academic learning. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
All strengths, except maybe teaching style in-class, which was pretty boring, since it was lectures, with maybe questions and no discussion. They did a good job trying to supplement it though. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
|
| * Food: |
Food was awesome. I became vegetarian for the duration, because there was no reason not to be and it was so easy. Vegans would have trouble--milk, cheese, & yogurt are everywhere. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Excursions were by far best part. Met children of nomadic tribesmen, Pakistani refugees, and tons more. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
Probably were all a bit too paranoid about safety. Program assistance great--if anything too supportive so we weren't independent. Got vaccines prior to arrival, but no serious health problems (minor stomach issues but that's it, and not even them until the last week). |
| 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? | None. Host family provided food, program provided stipend for travel. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Advice: since you'll only have to spend for gifts/things you want/travel you choose to go on, don't be squeamish about spending for travel. It's way cheaper than European or American travel, and it's worth it. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | none |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Host family, teachers, people on street other students. Didn't need to, but it helped. Some people spoke good English, most knew at least a little (numbers, greetings, etc.) |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you're willing to adjust to a very different culture, and maintain an open attitude, then this is a program that is absolutely worth it! |
