University of Hyderabad Experience. Past Review
By Paul C (Computer Systems Technology, Kansas State University) for
ISEP Exchange: Hyderabad - Exchange Program at University of Hyderabad
I learned a lot about myself and about different cultures from this program. There are many differences between American culture and Indian culture that I never really even thought could exist. For example, I saw that men in India seemed to form much closer and more intimate relationships with each other than America men. I get the feeling that this is at least partly because they don't become as intimate with their wives due to arranged marriage. After this experience, I definitely want to travel abroad again so I can see the differences in other cultures. It will give me better insights into my own culture.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Many students complained about poor teacher quality, such as arrogant or condescending teachers, teachers who do not know the material well, and teachers who did not fulfill their own time commitments. Personally, I experienced both good and bad teachers. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
It took a long time for the host country program administration to get me the course syllabi so that I could be sure the classes I took would properly transfer credits. I was told this was due to a lack of cooperation by the professors. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
All important things were provided for me right in the hostel. Hot water didn't work all the time though. The electrical outlet into which I plugged by laptop in my room was not properly grounded, thereby electrocuting me on a regular basis. |
| * Food: |
I liked the food pretty well. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
My program did not arrange very many programs except a city tour at the beginning and a cultural show near the end. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
A lot of people I know, myself included, got sick from food poisoning in various parts of the city. One person I know reported being forced to pay the police 5000 rupees (over $100) after they held her on false charges. There was a health center on campus that can take care of basic medical needs, but anything serious requires going to a hospital in the city. I neither requested nor received any health assistance from my program. |
| 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) |
|
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I think India is a place completed different from anywhere else in the world. It will definitely be a unique experience. |
