Great introduction to a fascinating city Past Review

By (Bates College) - abroad from 01/06/2013 to 04/30/2013 with

Study Abroad Programs in India

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
As an anthropology student I was able to experience life in a place that was very, very different from anything I knew before.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 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?

* 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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? India is one of the cheapest places you can travel in the world

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

The program tried to encourage us to use the language but you would have to put a lot of extra effort to become proficient. The Tamil language is difficult.

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? N/a
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? Once you get to Madurai, practice with locals as much as possible and don't rely on the classroom teachings alone

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

  • 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?
  • Location
  • Host family
  • Cultural immersion
* What could be improved?
  • Social life
  • Language immersion
  • Academic courses
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You have to take care of yourself, but you also have to push yourself hard to get really valuable experiences out of the program. You should also aim to be as independent as possible and don't rely on the program.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'