Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Highly Immersive Cultural Experience Past Review

By (Women's and Gender Studies, Wellesley College) - abroad from 02/01/2015 to 05/16/2015 with

SIT Study Abroad: India: Public Health, Policy Advocacy, and Community

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This program was absolutely worthwhile and provided me with opportunities and experiences that I could not have otherwise accessed.

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

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* 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)

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? Intermediate

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Independent Study Project
  • Host family
  • Lecturers
* What could be improved?
  • Personal academic feedback
  • Spacing out of academic assignments
  • More free time
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew about the intensity of the Hindi program. In retrospect, I am happy to have learned the language, but wish I knew in advanced how great of a time commitment it would be. I also wish I knew not to buy medicines (e.g. malaria and anti-diarrheal pill) beforehand...they're WAY cheaper in India!

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 Linguist
You 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!