Experiential Learning in India Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I was frustrated with how little information was given on what the faculty expected from students on assignments. Vague descriptions on all assignments were included in the course syllabus, but it was not enough to give the students a good idea of what was expected and how they would be graded. The faculty often seemed reluctant to provide more information on assignments and claimed that the description in the syllabus was enough, though most students disagreed. I know that many other students in my group felt this same frustration. Like I mentioned above, the teaching system was quite different than what I was used to in the U.S. Classes included much less discussion and time for questions. Also, given the breadth of the course, each topic was covered in only one day, preventing students from asking questions that may have occurred to them after the lecture. However, the faculty was quite enthusiastic and went to great lengths to ensure students' comfort and safety.

On-site administration of your program

The faculty and administration for this program were very well informed and integrated into the community. They were able to get most things done quickly and efficiently, and were generally quick to address problems that prevented themselves. I think that there was a certain level of cultural barriers between students and staff at times due to students' expectations about how things should and could be done. While I think that the staff is very capable, I think they could work on understanding students' backgrounds a bit more, especially the diversity of individual student backgrounds. At times it felt like the staff thought that because all of the students were American they shared a similar background. This was frustrating at times.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Due to family issues that arose, I ended up moving from my first homestay to a second homestay. Both families were eager to help me with Hindi homework at talk to me about life in India. I felt welcome in both homes. I would suggest to students that they bring a towel with them, as some families did not provide students with towels. I also had to purchase laundry detergent for myself at one homestay, while the other provided it for me. I would suggest to students talking about such things with their homestay family in the early part of their stay. My homestays were at varying distances from the program center, though I felt safe in both neighborhoods. Nightlife in Jaipur was quite limited, especially for women, so I never noticed the proximity to nightlife. For my independent study project, I stayed in an apartment with other American students from my program. The academic director helped us find an apartment in a safe neighborhood.

The food was very good, though there was less variety than is found in America. This required some adjustment on the students' part. Most of the food in India is vegetarian, due to dominant religious traditions. Though meat can be found, it is less common. Also, students should be careful, especially during their first few weeks in India, to check how food is prepared and make sure it is safe. Raw fruits and vegetables are washed properly and provided at the program center. However, outside of the program center, it is best to avoid most raw fruits and vegetables.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We traveled to Dharmshala, Mcleodganj, Dehra Dhun, Jodhpur, Bikaner, and New Delhi. I also had the chance over one weekend to visit the Taj Mahal. There were definitely ample opportunities provided for travel and to meet many different types of people.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Jaipur is a very safe city, though I would suggest traveling in groups in the late afternoon, evening, and night. I would also discourage students, especially female students, from traveling around the city at night. Healthcare is addressed during the program orientation and is very accessible for students in Jaipur. Though all students got sick with some diarrhea, mild fever, or stomach illness during the program, only one student became seriously ill. The best way to avoid illness is to come prepared with Pepto Bismol or the like, check how your food is prepared, and stay well rested and hydrated.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I was able to practice Hindi with my professors, fellow students, and my homestay family. I also practiced Hindi with people I met during course excursions to different areas of India. I used Hindi almost every day to communicate with shopkeepers, rickshaw drivers, etc. Though many middle to upper class Indians know Hindi, it was common to find that many shopkeepers and drivers did not. I ultimately found my Hindi instruction to be very useful.

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• Host Family
• Apartment
• Hotel
• Hostel

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• Americans
• Host Family

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• Americans