A truly amazing, eye-opening and life changing experience! Past Review

By (Health: Science, Society and Policy, Brandeis University) - abroad from 01/20/2013 to 05/15/2013 with

IFSA/Alliance: Pune - Contemporary India

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
That no matter where you go in the world happiness depends on the people you're with and the attitude you have/

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.

Classes were very basic and most of the teachers were not engaging. I think a lot more effort could have been into the academics and this would have greatly enhanced the program

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was extremely sweet, caring and hard working. They worked tirelessly to make sure we were safe, adjusting well and happy. If there was ever a problem they worked with us to solve it and overall made my abroad experience amazing!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

i lived with a host woman.

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $30-$50

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

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? none
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0

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

  • Host Family
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?
  • People on program
  • The locals
  • exploring and being independent
* What could be improved?
  • Classes
  • organization
  • schedule
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? bring more american clothes and how hard it is to plan trips

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.