If You Want to in Study India- Go to Pune! Past Review

By (Philosophy., Georgetown University) - abroad from 01/20/2014 to 05/13/2014 with

IFSA/Alliance: Pune - Contemporary India

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying abroad was definitely worth it. I learned about Maharasthran culture, international relations in South East Asia, particularly about the USA's relations with India, plus I learned about myself- my strengths and weaknesses as a person- especially in communication!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academic experience was enriching, engaging and edifying. The texts were rigorous, the professors were challenging, and the conversations encouraged intellectual exploration.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

One word: love!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family treated me better than my own family. They were so genuinely caring, and interested in conversing and getting to know each other, learning with each other.

* Food:

Despite an irrational skin rash, I ate with gusto, because every food was new for me, and was very yummy.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Home remedies for the win! Though I did find myself going to many doctors whose examination techniques were different than I am used to but who deduced my problems accurately, I ultimately found home remedies worked better for me than any other type of medication, and I tried many. I would say, keep an open and experimental mind regarding healthcare.

* 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? I probably spent about $30 a week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Only buy what you really want/ can and will use.

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
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Practice, practice, practice, and watch Hindi movies and films.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • Host Family
* 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?
  • Uttaraa
  • Travel Week
  • Classes
* What could be improved?
  • Pre-Departure Preparation
  • Advertising the Program to others
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known more Marathi.

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!