Self discovery on an amazing trip. Past Review

By (University of Nevada - Reno) - abroad from 05/26/2014 to 08/01/2014 with

USAC India: Bengaluru – Culture, Society, and Global Perspectives

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that I have an adventurous side. When I got to India the idea that I want to gain as much experience as possible really clicked, and I was able to make so many great memories.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I had some pretty good Christ professors while I was studying there over summer session I&II. The coursework wasn't overabundant so it left a lot of time for me to experience India. I took service learning over the summer and it was not quite what I expected. It was harder to find my way to volunteer places, I believe the service learning would have been more beneficial if I had been there longer then just the summer.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

India is a third-world country so you have to keep that in mind. We did have our internet and power go out several times in the housing. They do the best that they can to fix it, but it is an issue that happens. There are other places you can find internet access though. The housing is spacious and there is a fan in every room, which was great. It helped keep us cool. You will have a bathroom in your bedroom and if you haven't looked at pictures yet you should because the toilet and shower is in one area, which is normal in case you didn't know. The laundry machine went out in a lot of the rooms, but you can hand wash them. My roommates and I did have a problem with the heater in the shower, we ended up having cold showers toward the end. Bu overall it was a nice place and within walking distance from a lot of places.

* Food:

PANI PURI! Get some while you are there. It is sold everywhere on the streets and it is delicious, filling, and cheap. I would give yourself a few days to get used to the food before you embark on this delicious food journey. Pani Puri is made with water and you may need a few days to get used to the water and other food. i didn't have any food related problems, but others have so bring pepo with you just in case. Overall the food is great, very flavorful. i also recommend trying dosa's while you are there. hey are like crepes and come with different feelings. There is a cart along the way to school at night called 99 Dosas and they are fantastic. Rule of thumb for street food, if you see that it is a popular with other people then it is probably good and safe for you to eat.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I met so many wonderful people there and they really make you feel at home. There are tons of places to go party at or grab a drink. I wasn't used to going to clubs, but the ones in Bangalore were a lot of fun. i recommend a place called Loveshack on Wednesdays they do a girls night and karaoke. Please go out and meet people, don't be afraid because you will feel more immersed if you make some friends to show you around. There are a lot of people you can meet on campus

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any problems, but those who did got assistant form the university coordinator. They help take you to the doctor and check up on you.

* Safety:

India is a different place hen America, but same rules apply. If you wouldn't feel safe doing an action in America then don't do it here. I was able to walk around in the day and night by myself, but I made sure I knew how to get back before traveling. I didn't have any problems with safety issues. be cautious of the drivers though make sure they aren't charging you a cray amount, you can ask around and see what the estimate of a trip should cost. Also they don't have a lot of crosswalks so look both ways before crossing, but sometimes you have to be daring and go for it. BE SAFE!

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)

Your American dollar will go far here.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? RP 500 ish

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • Meeting new people
  • Pani Puri
* What could be improved?
  • Classes
  • Service Learning
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? When you are originally exchanging your money try to get small bills. It is often hard to break a RP 500 unless you're buying something more expensive. For your daily food and driving you will want small bills.