Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

India Lives in My Heart Past Review

By (Sociology., University of California - San Diego) - abroad from 07/20/2014 to 11/21/2014 with

Study Abroad Programs in India

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was the best experience of my life. I am obsessed with India. I cannot wait to go back.

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:

Just take all the precautions measures that need to be taken are a female in India, such as do not be out late by yourself, dress and act appropriately.

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? $20-$50 especially because I lived a luxurious live and splurged a lot.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Get acquainted to the country and the rates before you started spending because I feel I over-spent a lot of money. Even though my program guided me so much it is not the same because as a foreigner you get different prices than being a local.

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? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? There is no need for tips, you will practice it on the daily because almost everybody around only speaks the language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?
  • Food
  • People
  • Adventures
* What could be improved?
  • Maybe the cost of the program itself
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I think I was well prepared especially because IES paired me with an Alumni that helped me a lot.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.