Amazing adventures in India! Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa) - abroad from 06/16/2014 to 08/02/2014 with

IFSA/Alliance: Pune – Summer in Pune

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to independently conduct my own research project in a completely new environment. This gave me confidence for my future research endeavors.

Review Photos

Alliance for Global Education: Pune – Summer in Pune Photo Alliance for Global Education: Pune – Summer in Pune Photo Alliance for Global Education: Pune – Summer in Pune Photo Alliance for Global Education: Pune – Summer in Pune Photo Alliance for Global Education: Pune – Summer in Pune Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved living so close to campus but my host family was always so busy with work I did not get to interact with them much. I only saw them when we ate dinner together most nights of the week.

* Food:

There was always something good to eat. Breakfast was a little disappointing though, not many options.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There were numerous options for interactions with the local community through our interpreters.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

When I got sick they took me to a doctor later that day where I received medication. I was also given homeopathic recommendations from various individuals to try.

* 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)

Most meals were provided for us except for lunch. It was possible to spend very little money throughout the week but most students chose to go out for meals frequently which can add up.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • Individual freedom to explore
  • The connections with locals for my research project
  • The city atmosphere
* What could be improved?
  • More interactions with the community
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known more phrases in the local language to help me communicate.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Contemporary India

Course Department:
Instructor:
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Excellent class that taught me so much about India in a clear ad structured environment.
Credit Transfer Issues: