India: It's a Small World After All Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I never took a test, but I wrote 17 papers in 3.5 months. It became a bit overwhelming. The professors chose to teach these classes and have been doing it since the beginning of the program so they have become accustomed to teaching American students. They aren't hard graders and they want you to do well. Indian students at Fergusson College are invited into the classes but they usually don't fit into their schedules. I had 1 Indian student in one of my classes but it doesn't happen very often. There weren't any group projects and there were fewer class discussions than I'm used to. The internship period was short but I really enjoyed my placement- you request in the application what your area of interest is and they match you up with an organization who gives you choices of tasks.

On-site administration of your program

Size was perfect- 28 American students from all across the country. All but one of the staff was Indian (and they were locals), the American staff person was the alumni director who had been on the program and was needed to recognize our questions/concerns as Americans. The staff helped students in every aspect of their experience- including traveling which they had no obligation to do at all. They were almost always accessible- friendly and willing to help with just about everything. They understood us as American students and our home colleges' requirements/expectations. My expectations were met.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Housing was arranged for me- I received an email about a week before I left for India with my host family's information. I felt completely safe in my neighborhood. It was about a 45 minute walk from school or a 10 minute rickshaw ride- not too far. Most nightlife was in a completely different part of the city which is about a 25 minute rickshaw ride, but there was definitely things to do in a closer proximity to where I lived. I only had to buy my own toilet paper and toiletries. My host mom fed me dinner every night and all meals on the weekends when I was home. She overfed me and that was difficult to deal with at first and settle with her (that I couldn't eat that much food). She gave me space though, and the other American from the program living in our apartment had her own bedroom too. We shared a bathroom and our host mom had her own bathroom which was nice. Our host mom was kind and responsive to our needs if we asked her. She let us do laundry once a week and oriented us to our neighborhood.

I'm a vegetarian and obviously India has lots of vegetarian options- my host mom cooked what we liked and although she's not vegetarian, she cooked veg for us. Food was always fresh. Eating out is cheap- FC Road where we went to school had lots of great places to eat. There were also options for non Indian food too. My favorite restaurant is probably Savera on FC Road because it's cheap, delicious and has a lot of options.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We all went on a trip to Mumbai and a tribal village visit. They were both great and enjoyable.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

You need to learn how to cross the street but you'll master it with practice- then you'll feel safe. The doctor was nice and knows how to deal with American students. The program takes you to your first doctor appointment and encourages you to go if you are sick. They try to look after your health needs. The doctor visit only costs $2.50 and the pharmacy is right across the street, no waiting and cheap. I didn't need vaccines. I took malaria medication- it's really only needed when visiting rural areas.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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• Host Family
• Apartment

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• Americans
• Host Family

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• Americans