Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

India was the greatest experience of my life! - BCA Chennai - Madras Christian College Past Review

By (Social Work., Loras College) - abroad from 12/31/2011 to 04/30/2012 with

Study Abroad Programs in India

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about India, social work, and myself, and it was a great challenge and I know I grew from it so much! It was worth every moment and so much more!

Review Photos

Study Abroad Programs in India Photo Study Abroad Programs in India Photo Study Abroad Programs in India Photo

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? USD $5-$10
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Do research and know what the exchange rate is and anything you should bring with you versus buying there!

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? None
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? I was in an English Medium school so the Tamil language courses were more for informational and experiential purposes, so just take advantage of having friends that speak a completely different language while you are there!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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 Indian students that I bonded with, as well as the American students.
  • My social work field placement internship experience!
  • The food and travelling!
* What could be improved?
  • The program could be a little more organized as far as non-social work classes go.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I felt very well-prepared, but I definitely recommend keeping caught up on a blog and taking pictures of everything--these are the days you will never want to forget!

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.