SIT India: an amazing traveling, learning, and engaging experience Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/04/2018 to 05/18/2018 with

SIT Study Abroad: India - Sustainable Development and Social Change

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Extremely worthwhile! I gained an understanding of Indian culture but more importantly, I learned on how to remain present and in the moment daily. I also learned how to be uncomfortable and to persevere through that discomfort.

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

There is a lot of programming, however the program travels outside of Jaipur which is amazing and offers incredible resources and opportunities with organizations and professors. The independent study aspect is also great because it allows you to travel alone and where you're interested.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $30

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? Beginner
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? none of that language
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Practice with your family and with people you interact with throughout the day. Try to speak in the language in cabs, or restaurants, etc.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Traveling
  • Food
  • Host Family
* What could be improved?
  • More structure and guidance for independent study
  • more freedom, such as the curfew
  • make the lecturers more consistent and spend less time in the classroom
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I realized how structured the program was and understood what would be taught specifically in the different classes.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'