INDIA -- What I learned Past Review

By (Sociology and Photography, SUNY Purchase) for

Study Abroad Programs in India

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes I learned a lot about myself , the way in which others view me and my county.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

overall great - It was a flexible and intergrated work experience. If you felt as though the written work was too mcuh then you had to speak up, once you did they were very understanding.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

It was good. It was mostly Indians which I think enhanced the experience but in addition there was an American already intergrated within the American system but who completed the same program during her undergraduate year of study, which was good because she understood where we were coming from but she also functioned as a liason when there were cultural differences.VERY IMPORTANT!!! and this was very helpful A negative componet was the size - there were supposed to be more students coming but there was something wrong with the visa - So it was only the 2 of us. Which was good and bad - good because there was a alot of attention put on us - which was sometimes restricting but good also becuase I felt as though we could speak one to one and get change to happen.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I wish we were closer to the city - actually I wish that we were directly in the city.

* Food:

Great. No problems

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved Kerala - I wish that we were also able to roam more. I loved the city market. I wish that I was able to spend longer there. Also Visiting the various temples and doing volunteer work was important because I was not only able to gain a new experience but I was able to give a new experience to others as well. THe ASian Youth aassembly was great . I heard about problems within Asia - not just about India which helped to see the world in a more globalizzed interdependent way. VERY VERY important!!!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

it was a longer wait... You HAVE to speak up .

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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
  • Local Students
  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? BE Flexible Be understanding speak up someone who likes an alternative way of learning