weitere Erfahrungsberichte für Indien
Land:
Indien
Universität:
IIT Madras
Semester und Studiengang:
4. Semester Bachelor International Management
Aufenthalt:
Sommersemester 2013
Über die Universität:
The IIT Madras is regarded as one of the finest universities in India. The management department is organized in quarters. The course list is fairly attractive and contains around ten courses to choose from every quarter. Attending subjects of other departments might round off your competences. The demand on the quality of work can be compared to the HDU Deggendorf. However, attendance is compulsory and classes include weekly presentations, assignments, and homework.
The campus is huge and reminds of a wildlife reservoir. Large parts are untouched nature. You will find deer and monkeys running freely on campus. You will reach the main gate and into the outer world by bus within ten minutes. I recommend a bike when going back and forth from your hostel to the department (5 min).
Betreuung vor Ort:
The accommodation is fairly simple. Students live on campus in different hostels with individual rooms and shared bathrooms. The rooms are sparsely furnished containing a bed, a wardrobe, a table and a chair. You will have to compromise in terms of hygiene and cleanliness. Hostels provide a washing machine for each floor. Cooking facilities are not available.
On campus are several dining facilities that bring you through the day. However, the offer is limited and can soon become very tiresome although the Indian food is very diverse and rich in taste. Alternatively you will find several local restaurants and fast food chains outside campus.
The support and guidance during the first weeks was splendid. We were picked up from the airport by students from our department. They helped us through all the administrative processes at the beginning of of our study period. The international office is very cooperative and supports you no matter how simple the issue might be. Occasionally they organize trips to get to know new people and discover the city.
The main necessities can be bought in a little shop on campus. An European-style shopping mall is within close reach. By taxi it takes around ten minutes to the city center.
Tipps:
India can be a huge challenge and yet a fascinating, life-changing experience. It will be what you make of it. That can be true for any country, but especially in a country as exotic as India you will be faced with yourself. Your inner mindset and thoughts will be displayed in your environment. Life can be very frustrating if you focus on the differences and keep comparing what you are faced with here to western standards. It could also be a daring adventure if you are able to adapt to the new surroundings and integrate in an unfamiliar and yet very rich new culture.
A key point is getting involved with local people. They will help you out and put things straight when you get frustrated. Prices for instant vary constantly and depend rather on the sellers mood than on their actual cost. A lot of everyday decisions and agreements are reached by negotiation and bargaining.
Locals are also the best way to get to know country and culture. Travelling in India is an exotic experience that nobody coming here should miss. As I am writing this I sit in a sleeper back to Chennai. I had the unique chance to see a Hindi wedding over the weekend. That was my cultural highlight so far!
Indians can be very different. Some are very conservative with lots of traditions and strict rules. Others are very open-minded and live a western lifestyle. Be open to differences when you engage with them!
I will not give a personal statement at this point. The decision is yours and should only be made by you.
There are no foreign lands. It is the traveler only who is foreign!