India was the most challenging experience of my life, but I also the most rich. Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I would like to point out that the majority of what I learned was out of the classroom, but facilitated by what was going on in the classroom. We did not have many assignments, and this was good. The amount of external challenges facing us on a daily basis made the amount of work given just enough. The staff gave us work to do internally as well, working on the self not just academics. This was the most rewarding, I would not change this method or curriculum if I could. I think we were often taught at a much more elementary level than we were used to at our American universities, but this can be adjusted very easily.

On-site administration of your program

The academics were lacking a little in difficulty, but the rest of the program was beautiful. I would recommend this specific program to anyone I thought could handle being in India. Things get done around the program center fluidly, the number of students was great. My expectations were met and exceeded. If there was a problem at all, it was executed immediately. Hats off to the SIT Jaipur staff.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My housing situation suited me wonderfully. There were obvious adjustments that had to be made culturally, but after this it was okay. I was treated as a family member and equal. My largest personal problem was that I was unable to cook in the house. This was only because I was in a very traditional family, but I understood these conditions and accepted the terms of the house. My family and neighborhood was safe, I felt right at home, everything was very easy with them.

I loved the food provided by my family and the program center. I was never sick during my stay. I often took risks, but never had a problem. I ate as much local specialties and fresh fruits as possible. I was never afraid to eat anything, and this made life a lot easier. I accepted the changes in my diet, and whatever changes that would be making to my body.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Our workshops, I went to a farm with six other students. I had never milked a goat. I asked our program leader if we could, he had every person in the NGO searching the village for a goat that we could milk simply because I asked. I finally was able to milk a random goat at a random persons house. Likewise we were helping on a farm, and we were almost finished our work. I saw some women across the road pulling garlic, without question I wandered into the field and helped them. Every other student followed me, soon someone appeared with fresh chai for us. It was fresh milk, made over a fire and served to us in bowls. I had tasted nothing like it in my life, and it was in the middle of a garlic field. No one said anything about this experience, we just left and continued our day as normal.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Jaipur as a whole is very safe. Being a Caucasian female is difficult in most places in India, but SIT helps you deal with any of these difficulties very well.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I had a very difficult time with my language classes. This was no surprise to me personally, but the staff was incredibly encouraging and willing to help me at any moment. I find myself wanting to use my Hindi now with people. I am grateful to have had the staff helping me the whole time!

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• Host Family

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• Americans