A challenging yet rewarding experience in the end! Past Review

By (Political Science, Santa Clara University) - abroad from 07/21/2014 to 11/20/2014 with

Study Abroad Programs in India

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I cannot say anything but good things about IES Abroad: Delhi. Delhi, India, although a challenging place to live for a little over four months, is possible with the right support system and guidance. Yes, I was apprehensive upon arrival, but after meeting the staff and experiencing life in Delhi for just a few days I knew it was possible. IES Abroad: Delhi does an amazing job of helping its students fee comfortable in the country they are studying in. Our first two weeks were solely learning what to expect during our time abroad along with site seeing and many firsts. We learned how to navigate around Delhi, took various field trips trying Indian food from different regions and much more. The IES Abroad: Delhi accommodated issues that arose with unsatisfactory home stays, student illness, and a variety of other concerns that came up during our time in India. Not once did I feel uncomfortable about asking my IES family about something and found them to be great recourses when traveling outside of Delhi or even when just looking for a nice place to eat or visit during out free time. Although many of the classes within the IES Abroad: Delhi center are available based on enrollment those that were offered enhanced my understanding of Indian society and culture. I found and love of India and all it has to offer its visitors with the help of IES Abroad Delhi! I learned that regardless as to whether your experience was harder than expected the learning that comes out of it is worthwhile.

Review Photos

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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.

The classes at the IES Abroad Center were challenging however some of the classes offered by their partner institutions were not.

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 20-40 dollars

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? College Spanish
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? Put yourself out there! There is not way to learn the language without making the effort to understand it!

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
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?
  • Activities
  • Host Families
  • Field trips
* What could be improved?
  • Course content
  • Travel opportunities
  • Course options
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Go with the flow its makes things much easier!