India: The most grand country! Past Review
By Ashley S (Elementary Education, Eastern Illinois University) - abroad from 07/27/2015 to 08/11/2015 with
Eastern Illinois University (EIU): Hyderabad - Incredible India: Creating Global Educators
Every bit of it was worth it. I learned so much about myself and about others that it blows my own mind. I have become more open-minded, sensitive, curious, adaptive, and so much more from experiencing India for two weeks. As for teaching, I saw first-hand an education system in which students are immensely motivated to succeed and to please their teachers and be the best they can be.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
If you participate in this trip your life will change, I'm sure of it. Seeing the world outside the confines of the United States forces you to adapt, be sensitive, be flexible, outgoing, and so so much more. As for the education part, the school experience over in India is amazing. You see things through a different lens and will have the ability to expect the unexpected in America and always be ready for any students that you encounter with confidence and kindness. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
All hotels were very nice with free breakfast every morning and Wifi. |
| * Food: |
I am not a fan of Indian food personally, but the meals I did step out and try were pretty good. Especially at our trip leader's mom's home. Her cooking was exceptional! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We stuck out like sore thumbs for obvious reasons. The people were really accommodating and welcoming to have "Americans" in their stores or to get a picture with us or anything of that nature. They were intrigued with us but they welcomed us with open arms. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
We did not need any vaccines. However, we all got sick with colds/sore throat/stomach issues/ etc. I think it was just a huge shift in our environment and food we were exposed too. I would advise bringing lots of Claratin or allergy medicine and cold medicine just in case, as we were not prepared to get sick. |
| * Safety: |
There was never a time when I felt unsafe or in danger in India. Sometimes the population intensity was really overwhelming but I never felt scared or unsafe where we were at. |
| 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) |
Most of the meals are included in the program fee but there are so many cool things to buy over there! That was my problem, I spent a lot of things for myself and family because hey your in India! Why not! |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't being too much money or you will be tempted to spend all you have. :) Try to decide what you REALLY want to buy if you see stuff. There are so many places to shop and you might find something better or more intriguing. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| 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? | None |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 0 |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I now know that people aren't as different as we expect them to be. Don't judge a book/student by its cover, because they all have personal experiences near and dear to them. I was fortunate enough to get to experience their world for a little while :) |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
