Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Beautifully overwhelming - Field Study in India Past Review

By (Communication Disorders Sciences and Services., Brigham Young University) - abroad from 01/06/2013 to 04/14/2013 with

Study Abroad Programs in India

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned an immense amount about how even clear communication won't necessarily mean anything if you don't have the right cultural mindset. I also learned how to go with the flow and not get too bent out of shape when plans don't go how I hoped they would. I also learned the importance of being diligent and consistent, even and especially when it seems like the rest of the country is working in the opposite direction.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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?

We often felt nervous to really socialize with locals because of the stories we had heard that were meant to keep us from committing major social faux pas or getting into trouble.

* 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? $10 or less

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?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Make friends!!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?
  • Learning how generous Indians are.
  • Visiting various parts of India.
* What could be improved?
  • Encouragement to make friends, not just contacts.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known more about India as a whole. I might have refined my research topic or chosen a different one entirely. I also wish I would have known about all of the different resources that ARE available for my research topic in the area, rather than work SOLELY through the previously established contacts.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!