By far, this is the best opportunity to experience India. Past Review
By A student (Boise State University) - abroad from 12/29/2013 to 01/18/2014 with
USAC India: Bengaluru – Culture, Society, and Global Perspectives
I have developed a much deeper appreciation of the small things in life. I thought I had that before I went, but experiencing life outside our norm enables a degree of reflection and change that just can't always happen on our day to day lives.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
This program achieves the ideal balance - enabling students to experience the local culture while also providing the right amount of instruction to learn from and make the most of those experiences. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Rarely does an administrator provide so much enrichment to a study abroad program. You name it, they can do it - book a cab, form a cricket team, explain the psychology of cultural differences, see a religion from a different perspective, schedule a Bollywood lesson, wrap a sari, fry a poori...If I could give more than 5 stars, I would. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
|
| * Food: |
If you like spicy Indian food, you'll be a very happy camper. Also, eating out is far more affordable than in Europe. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I cannot fathom a program which does a better job of engaging participants in the local culture. The host university is one of the world's finer examples of creating opportunities for students to learn through service work. Participants in this program are able to engage with locals in a unique and deeply meaningful way. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Gastronomical upsets are common for us Westerners visiting India, but I experienced no illness at all. What I believe helped - take it VERY SLOWLY as you adapt to eating spicy and fatty foods, avoid room temperature foods, and avoid salads or other dishes that may be washed with unfiltered water. |
| * Safety: |
At no point did I feel afraid of any local person. Crossing the street...now THAT was a bit scary! But one adapts and learns how to navigate as a pedestrian with no right of way. Like all big cities, one needs to stay alert and avoid getting into high-risk situations. |
| 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
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Buying clothes in Bangalore makes far more sense than bringing them from home! |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
