Buddhist Studies in India: Most Amazing Experience of my Life to date! Past Review
By Hanna N (Religious Studies, Willamette University) for
Carleton Global Engagement: Buddhist Studies in Bodh Gaya, India
I changed from a Biology major to a Religious Studies major after attending this program. It greatly expanded my knowledge and awareness on how other parts of the world live in profound ways. I had never been to a third world country before and seeing all the poverty, and illness was really eye-opening. But also seeing all the intensity, and passion for life was amazing. It was amazing seeing how spirituality was such an important part of the daily life where we were living. It was truly amazing. I learned so much from this experience I could go on for days!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I loved the way the academics were set up. Learning was not just about in the classroom, it was very experiential as well. We had a decent amount of reading and writing assignments but it was also about learning from the host culture and the host teachers. For meditation traditions class an important part of our work came from the time we spent meditating with the teachers for each tradition and the lectures they gave. Due to this I feel that I gained a much deeper understanding of the traditions than I would have if it was just based on classroom learning. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The Host Country Program Administration was wonderful. I was so impressed at how smoothly things were run and how much support was in place. India is an intense place and having a support system in place is vital in my opinion and the program organized this wonderfully. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The housing was great. We stayed in a Buddhist Monastery that housed several monks and people passing through on pilgrimage. It was safe, comfortable, and modest. It was also a good learning environment. |
| * Food: |
The food at the Burmese Vihar was good because they didn't make it too spicy for those who couldn't handle spice. We ate a lot of the same thing over and over again but it was good, healthy, hearty food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We took a couple field trips that were just wonderful. We went up to a mountain near Bodh Gaya and hung prayer flags from the top and meditated in a cave. It was really magical and a special day. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The program assisted greatly with healthcare. We had healthy buddies and health advisors in case we became ill, which happens easily in India. It's hard to know how to advise for health while in India. It's much different than the United States. You just have to be careful and take your health seriously. Take lots of vitamins! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
I opted out of taking a foreign language even though both Hindu and Tibetan were offered so I am not qualified to answer this section of the review. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I would consider this program if you are sincerely interested in Buddhism and India. Make sure to read the student expectations about following the five precepts etc. Because the program will be so much more fulfilling and rewarding if you go into it excited, and committed. It's a once and a life-time opportunity and it goes by so fast and then is over. It profoundly changed my life and I am so grateful for this experience. |
