South India is a Hidden Gem! August 14, 2025

By A student (History, French, Mandarin, University of Nevada, Reno) - abroad from 05/29/2025 to 07/10/2025 with

USAC India: Bengaluru - Undergraduate Courses - Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I gained a lot of new knowledge of India that I never had before (obviously). But I was surprised by how many things I wanted to implement when I got home, such as plurality of medicine, or sharing spaces with many religions and cultures, recycling, or just the ease of finding vegetarian options.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	I especially loved the Public Health in India course which gave an in-depth and hands-on experience into India's healthcare system and medical traditions. Really enlightening!
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	This program has an on-site Director who was incredible. It's amazing to have someone there who can anticipate some of the challenges you will have to help better prepare you to adapt!
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I loved the on-campus dorms. We lived actually in the seminary with the priests, but it was a quiet comfortable space where everyone got their own room. The only thing that felt lacking was the water temperature, but I think that may just be an India thing.
* Food:	The food in South India is incredible!!! So many people miss South Indian cuisine which is such a shame. Masala Dosa was a consistent treat for me, but I found so many other delicious dishes that I truly loved. Also it's super easy to find vegetarian options here!!
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	The campus was packed with local students, and it was very easy to get to know them because they were so open and friendly.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	I had only very minor issues abroad (thank goodness!) such as a short cold, or an upset stomach. I did have someone on my program who got very ill and needed to go to the hospital, but the on-site staff went with her every step of the way, checked in on her, made sure she had enough to eat, etc. It's also very easy to find nearby pharmacies that have daily needs for very cheap.
* Safety:	Bengaluru itself is incredibly safe. We went out at night and ate out every day and never had a problem. I would say basic caution is good, so don't jump into any stranger's cars and not every city in India is that comfortable of a space, but Bengaluru was fantastic.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes I have studied abroad before. But India is the experience every student is looking for when they think of study abroad. It's challenging but rewarding. Everything is opposite, from time zone to how people drive to how they eat. You really feel like you are learning about yourself and another culture constantly.

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)	Living in India is VERY affordable. I studied abroad before in Thailand, and comparatively India is just as if not more affordable (especially if you learn how to bargain properly!!) Meals on campus cost 75 cents, and meals off-campus for local dishes were maybe 2 US dollars. Clothing was easy to find and just as affordable (except for luxury items, those are still expensive).
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	Somewhere between 30-50 dollars. We ate out for every meal, bought new wardrobes for campus, and I love to shop for souvenirs.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Before you go, set aside money each week or month for the plane ticket. That really is the most expensive part of the program. When you are in India, eat local food (Not Western) and try to bargain for market items such as clothes, shoes, or jewelry. You won't be good at it at first, but the only way to improve is experience!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Dorm
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	International Students
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	International Students
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 Culture Adventure
* What could be improved?	Housing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	India is full of people that want to help you and are so excited to see you study abroad and fully appreciate the culture! Don't be nervous.

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 Academic or Linguist You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!