SIT Study Abroad: India: Public Health, Gender, & Sexuality

I was originally so nervous to take on this experience. It was my first time living abroad and even my first time living in a city, since I come from rural Ohio. I wanted to join this program because the academic topics matched my interests perfectly. When I got here, I was scared as anything, but the SIT staff and faculty became the best support system I could ask for. The academics are rigorous, but they don’t take up all of your time. Much of the coursework builds on itself, and it will prepare you so well for your ISP. In Delhi, you’ll spend most evenings with your homestay families, but during excursions you’ll have plenty of time to explore, hang out, and grow close with your fellow students. Most of my time was spent with the other students, since opportunities to make friends with locals were limited. This is an incredible program, but it’s also what you make of it, you’ll have to push your boundaries and step out of your comfort zone, but that when I learned the most about myself. This experience will stick with me for the rest of my life, and I honestly wish I could do it again. The program gives you the perfect balance of independence while still being a safety net whenever you need it. Also, you will never go hungry here. If I could give one last piece of convincing evidence to join this program, let the food be it!

This program was absolutely incredible! While studying in India is less common and there are many prejudices against the country, I’ve found it to be the most welcoming, safe, and impactful place that I’ve visited. The classes are engaging and are integrated into day- and week-long field excursions across India. The opportunity to live with a host family is a rare chance to truly experience the culture outside of the classroom setting. While the experience was daunting at first, I found myself becoming a part of their family and community. The Independent Study Project, which I completed at the end of the semester, was a great way to get hands-on experience with research and working in a clinical setting (as I partnered with a healthcare organization). This program challenges you in all the right ways, pushing you to learn about yourself, step outside your comfort zone, and truly become immersed in the Indian culture. You should absolutely apply!

Thank you, SIT India, for helping me learn and grow during my semester abroad! From the moment I arrived in Delhi, I felt supported and loved by the entire staff. They helped us navigate this new country seamlessly and introduced us to all of India's wonders. I enjoyed shopping for new kurtas and jewelry, learning Hindi, trekking in the Himalayas, tasting delicious meals, living with a wonderful host family, strolling on the beaches in Goa, visiting the Taj Mahal, volunteering at a rural health organization in Maharashtra, exploring Ellora Caves, and conducting independent research on a topic I’m passionate about. I will never forget my experience in India or the beautiful people I met and the amazing places I was fortunate enough to see.