Varanasi: The Traditional Indian Experince Past Review

By (Anthropology and Geography, University of North Dakota) - abroad from 08/20/2012 to 12/20/2012 with

IFSA/Alliance: Varanasi - The City, The River, The Sacred

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much from this experience both about Indian culture and myself. At times, it was really difficult, but this taught me to be independent and handle stressful situations. Your global understanding will expand tremendously.

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 Alliance stresses academics and the classes often require quite a bit of reading and work associated with them.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration is extremely concerned and involved. Sometimes too much so.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living with a host family is an amazing experience that gives you an inside experience of Indian culture.

* Food:

Program center meals are delicious and varied!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The administration were always very helpful with health issues. The one time I was very sick, I felt very supported and knew I could contact them for anything.

* 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)

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?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Keep at it! No matter how bad you might be, keep using it. Don't let people simply revert to English with you!

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

  • 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?
  • Travel Week
  • Meals
  • Location
* What could be improved?
  • Classes
  • Integration
  • Pre-Departure Prep
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Varanasi is a difficult city to live in. Expect some pretty drastic changes.

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.'