India: The Untold Story Past Review
By Jordan W (Philosophy., Wellesley College) for
CIEE: Hyderabad - Arts and Sciences
I love India. I want to go back for my honeymoon one day. I would even consider marrying an Indian man.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
My favorite classes were the ones that were least American. I took a human rights class (direct enrollment) and that was one of my favorite classes. I also really enjoyed yoga: theories and practice, as well as my hindi class. But my philosophy class was not good. I felt bored for most of it and I'm a philosophy major. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I basically realized you can't really complain about anything in India because, well it's India. Everything gets done but a lot slower and a lot less efficiently. The program was great and I would do it again. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
everything was provided for us. If I was going home by myself I would make sure I was home before dark for safety reasons. |
| * Food: |
I loved the food at my homestay |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I went to an Indian wedding! It was awesome |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Just like any city, Hyderabad has it's less more dangerous areas. As a woman it is important to travel in groups or with another male. I avoided traveling by myself once it was dark outside. |
| 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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $20.00 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | save money for traveling around the country with friends. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | none |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I talked to my host family in Hindi. I did not need to speak Hindi proficiently but it was definitely helpful to know some key phrases. Most people do not speak English. |
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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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | anyone who is strongly independent and self motivated should go on this program. They also have to be very laid back and flexible |
