Past Review

By (Marketing and Leadership, SUNY - Binghamton) for

SUNY Binghamton: New Delhi - Technology, Economy, and Society in India

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, it was worthwhile. I learned a lot about other religions and cultural practices, as well as the many cross-cultural similarities that exist (as well as cross-cultural differences). I look at people from other countries and other countries in general in a new light now.

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place: Winter 2010

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I learned a lot in this class that you can't learn sitting in a classroom or reading a book. Even though while I was in India enjoying myself, and not necessarily studying or reading a textbook, I came home with a whole new wealth of knowledge about India and the global environment in which we live today.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Administration was satisfactory- I was reminded of things I needed and, for the most part, given ample time to get things in. The only thing I didn't realize in advance was that I needed a full week almost for one of the vaccines, and that it needed to be refrigerated beforehand.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Hotel <br /><br /> Because the standard of living (for instance, not having heat) is somewhat different, it was not perfect, but the location and service was very good.

* Food:

I didn't get sick, and thought the food was great.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We learned a lot and got to meet many new people.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The professor made us all feel extremely safe and comfortable

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? Not a lot. The cost of living is very low in India and our money was worth a lot, so I got by spending only about $200-$250 extra.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make sure to learn how to bargain/negotiate at the bazaars!!

Language

Language acquisition improvement?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The program offered a safe way to delve into another culture. We were able to go beyond what was in a travel advice book without putting ourselves in danger or wasting a lot of time. The different aspects of the trip (academic, business/professional, leisure/tourism) were well-planned and executed, and seemed to give us a 360 degree view of many of the different aspects of India.