Exchange report - Student at KI
Home university: Tata Institute of Social Sciences
Study programme: Public Health Sciences (Master's)
Exchange programme: INK
Semester: Spring semester 2012/2013

Pre-departure

I have always been interested in meeting other cultures and learning about different ways of studying for example. An exchange semester at TISS was a huge opportunity for me to get exposed to south-east Asia, particularly to a middle income country facing many sort of challenges in regards with public health and re-inventing solutions.

The study abroad-information that I received was sufficiently detailed to allow me to be well prepared.

I was advised to get vaccinated but it wasn't a requirement to bring the certificates.

Arrival and registration

TISS required students to arrive before the start of the courses so that you can attend and participate in at least 75% of the lectures. There wasn't any introduction course or mentor programme.

Economy

 No suggestions.

Acommendation

The accommodation was not expensive and located within the campus, it was worth the price.

It might be good to mix international students with national students rather than exchange students living among themselves.

Studies in general

The study environment was lively. Most of the classes I took had 50+ students. Teachers were helpful, always willing to give any help when needed. The load of the work after lectures was quite high, which didn't give students time to digest and think deeply about what they have learned nor time for themselves. TISS had more mandatory sessions than KI

Courses during the exchange period

Courses corresponding to semester 4 at KI

In master programs at KI, semester 4 corresponds to the thesis project. But, as my thesis project was a systematic review and didn't require field work, I decided to take 3 courses at TISS in order to experience the teaching.

 

1. Health Policy and Systems Research: This was quite interesting but a little difficult to grasp. The teaching methods were a bit different than what I was used to at KI. At KI, the teaching insisted on research methodologies but this course was broader at a point where you get a bit lost and don't understand the objectives and application of what you are learning.

 

2. Health and population in transitional societies: The content was mostly a repetition for me.


3. Financing healthcare: This course enabled me to understand the different schemes of health insurance models and related challenges particularly in the Indian context.

 

Language and Culture

English was the teaching language but few times, during group work, students will discuss in their local language. 
I did not experience cultural clashes.  

Leisure time and social activities

TISS had a sport facility and together with students, they organized some events where all students were welcome to attend.
It was easy to meet other international students but not easy to mingle with Indians students apart from those in your class. And my courses took place only during 4 weeks. As Indians students had also to take exams after the courses, most of them had a high load of work and couldn't find time to spend with the exchange students.
The city is big, with many things to show, and fortunately, it was affordable. I was living in the university accommodation and I used rickshaw, taxi and train to get around in the city. The city has a unique architecture with a mixture of old and new buildings, and slums. I used mouth to mouth to know the places to see, not internet. I also had the chance to visit New Delhi and the outstanding Taj Mahal which you can visit in one day using the train.

Summary

I have enjoyed my 3 months time in India. And to me, this experience improved my understanding of one size doesn't fit all. Professionally, one always need to adapt to the settings and find solutions accordingly. I was also happy to feel a connected to the indian culture.