Studing abroad in India was the best experience of my life. Past Review

By (Elementary Education, Marymount University) for

Study Abroad Programs in India

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was amazing. I learned what it was like to be an ESL student. I feel like I can relate to ESL students in my classroom now. I also have the cultural awareness to be happy with what I have. It is so hard to put into words how amazing the program was.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

This was one of the best trips I have ever been on. The group size was perfect. The best part of the program was the fact that we were fully immersed in the Indian culture. We worked, ate, shopped and lived like we were Indians. The weaknesses of the program was the support from the head of the study abroad department. Questions were not answered, and it took a long time to receive responses while abroad and during issues with snow. We were delayed a week because of snow and fog. He was not present, and our faculty adviser had to do all of the work, rather then the person in charge.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Hotel was wonderful. The staff was so accommodating and were able to help us with whatever we needed.

* Food:

Food was all so good! I do wish we had a list of the types of foods that we ate. Faculty adviser knew when we were going to get tired of Indian food and we got some American style food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The little girl that came to dance at the hotel. The cultural events at the Sandipani school were so memorable and amazing. Going to the Taj Mahal was one of the best experiences of my life.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

No one had any serious medical issues while on the trip. We never felt unsafe. The host students always made sure that we were safe and we knew how to get around when we were not with them.

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

If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The best student would be the type of person who isn't afraid to experience new things. The person would need to be flexible and and be able to go with the flow.