Learned to Meditate and Organize Travel Itinerary Effectively in India. Past Review

By (Buddhism, Berea College) - abroad from 09/04/2016 to 12/17/2015 with

Carleton Global Engagement: Buddhist Studies in Bodh Gaya, India

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to meditate, let go of stress and anxiety, manage travel itinerary, and have expanded my sense and understanding of both my own privilege as an american and global sociopolitical issues. I also understand my own american culture better in contrast with my first hand experience of Indian culture.

Review Photos

Antioch Education Abroad: Bodh Gaya - Buddhist Studies in India Photo Antioch Education Abroad: Bodh Gaya - Buddhist Studies in India Photo

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.

I wouldn't change anything about my experience. The program facilitated exactly what I was looking for in an abroad experience.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program's administration quality showed it's 35 years of experience. Everything expected and required of the students involved was very clear and feasible.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The environment was clean and the beds were comfortable. The only issue was that the only thing to cool you off during hot Indian days was the ceiling fans in each room.

* Food:

Nutritious, vegetarian (vegan friendly options), and good tasting.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

While some academic assignments required interacting with local culture, the amount of coursework sometimes limited one's ability to wander around and independently engage with the local culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Easily accessible, both the local doctor and basic medical supplies.

* 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? around 10 dollars
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget yourself with a weekly allotted spending amount.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • meditation
  • independent study and travel experience
  • food
* What could be improved?
  • more free time to explore
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? don't worry about grades

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!