India becomes your home Past Review
By Lydia W (Global Studies, University of the Pacific) for
Study Abroad Programs in India
I love India. I feel like through India I have gained an insight into both Asia and the Middle East. Truly different cultures don't just test your tastebuds and your language skills but they challenge your morals and fundamental beliefs. I became a much more patient person, and I became much more sympathetic towards the USA after this expeirence.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived at the organization for the second semester amoung co-workers. This was very common at the internship sites. |
| * Food: |
It was great! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I was able to catch all of the best festivals in Jaipur. I also took a folk dancing class which was a highlight! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Healthcare was available. I felt very safe in Jaipur and Udaipur. Illness was an issue for some people, but I was never seriously ill in my time there. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | In the city, anywhere from 10-25 dollars, and in the village 0. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Planes are hands-down the best way to travel around to different parts of the country. It saves SO MUCH time. You will learn to love them if in India for a long time. They are moderately priced, anywhere from 100-200 round trip. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
Most people spoke english so it was a little difficult to practice daily. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Start looking for internship sites as soon as possible. Relax. Only do weekend travel if it is somewhere very close. Enjoy street food and chai! Don't be afraid to use a face covering. Avoid public transportation if not going a long distance. Get your clothes made for you! Buy fresh fruit. Enjoy! |
