Awakening Past Review

By (Political Science and Government., Wellesley College) - abroad from 02/01/2013 to 05/16/2013 with

SIT Study Abroad: India - Sustainable Development and Social Change

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes it was an incredible experience. I learned more about sustainable development in the context of India and was inspired on continuing this study in the future.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 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?

I had health issues twice and it was resolved with prompt care by the program staff. I was treated very well.

* 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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Intermediate Korean
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
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?
  • The community that the SIT staff fostered. I never expected such hospitality and warmth from them but they were a huge part of the success of the program.
  • The students and how inspiring they were. They inspired me inside and outside the classroom and it was encouraging to meet other like minded students.
  • The independence and alternative approaches to teaching. I felt that the program fostered students' freedom to challenge and question ideas and bring their own projects forward.
* What could be improved?
  • More time and space to process all that we saw and learned.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That knowing the language is a key part of the program and I wish I was more prepared for that.

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!