The most lovely sacred experience of my entire life: witnessing real compassion Past Review

By (Special Education, Brigham Young University) - abroad from 05/31/2012 to 08/09/2012 with

Brigham Young University: Bylakuppe - India-Tibetan Community

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I can't really write this on a survey in a tiny box. I learned so much about the value of human life, more than I could have ever imagined. I can reflect on so many aspects of my life: my career, my family, my future, etc. and realize where I need to make changes in order to make a more beautiful, fulfilled, peaceful. It was the greatest blessing of my life to have this experience with the Tibetans.

Review Photos

Brigham Young University: Bylakuppe - India-Tibetan Community Photo Brigham Young University: Bylakuppe - India-Tibetan Community 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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

We didn't have one...on site...just emailing while in the field.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived at Karuna Home for free while volunteering all day every day and donating over $500 in school supplies for the children and teachers.

* Food:

Same thing as housing.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* 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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? No
* Was food included in your program cost? No
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $30

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? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Study before you go.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Other
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people in India. Oh, how I love them.
* What could be improved?
  • The support and communication BEFORE signing up and during the initial phases.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about the courses I took before going on the program so I could take the ones that would truly be helpful and necessary.