Study Tours
India Study Tour - Student Testimonials
2009 - Sam Dammers
Going on the India Tour with ECU was a huge opportunity and one that I would do all over again if I could. I met some great people, saw fantastic landmarks and got to experience India culture and cuisine, all at a subsidised price and as part of university degree.
As I had never been outside of Australia before, going to India was a great experience. I had an unforgettable time with the tour group. I have made contacts with students in India and we keep in contact via Facebook.
During the tour in addition to the actual Uni work, the tour organisers endeavoured to make our stay a memorable one. We visited a lot of tourist locations in each of the cities we went to, including the Taj Mahal, Museums, Botanical Gardens and India Gate. The Indian tour guides we had with us shared a lot of their culture and history behind all of the temples and landmarks we visited. Places like the Taj and the temples and forts where wonders to see, the style of building and detail into marble carvings are definitely something that cannot be properly portrayed through photos and videos.
The tour allowed us to see all India had to offer. It was great to go to Old Delhi, where the locals shop and really experience the kind of lifestyle they lead. Riding in a Took-took and a Rookshaw were great, and I was constantly amazed with the traffic rules in India. We all learned to bargain in the markets, Something that would start at 3000 rupees, would somehow drop to 100, and those that didn’t like to haggle parted for significantly more money than others.
The coursework as well was very interesting. We visited Indian universities in each City, and where able to see some of the great facilities they have. St Xavier’s in Mumbai showed us a truly impressive collection of plant specimens that have been collected and catalogued from all over the world. They showed with delicate care a magnificent book that was 300 years old, containing beautiful botanical drawings and sketches.
I loved going to India to experience the culture and especially the food. The cuisine was fantastic, and despite early reservations, no one caught any bugs aside from a flu that we probably brought with us to India in the first place. I loved the curries over there, though we did have to change it up a bit with a bit of Chinese, TGI Friday’s and KFC to keep some variety.
Overall India was just a really great experience. Going with the tour group made it a really enjoyable experience, everyone got on well and we all had a great time trying everything India had to offer. Even when it seemed like suicide to cross the road in what was Mitchell Freeway traffic travelling at 60km/h.
2009 - Wendy McKay
I was honoured to be part of the inaugural Ambassador Program to India.
I would like to express my appreciation for the excellent work carried out by Leisa Armstrong (ECU Mt Lawley) and to Abhijeet Barman of Paryatan World (Delhi-India) in organising the ECU Ambassador Program to India 2nd -18th February 2009.
The organisation was excellent and the whole tour is an experience I will remember for the rest of my life. There were a few delays with flights, but these delays were a result of fog or engine problems before take off.
At every location (Delhi, Agra, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Mumbai) the guides were very informed and took their time to ensure that we had a good appreciation of the history and culture of India. I was particularly impressed with the tour in Agra; the guide was very knowledgeable of the history of the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. The rickshaw ride through the streets of Old Delhi was also memorable. In Mumbai, as a member of a small group we were shown where the bombing had taken place last year around the Taj Hotel and the Gateway to India on the edge of the Arabian Sea. I was amazed that most of the repairs of the buildings attacked had been completed.
The accommodation that was organised by Abhijeet was above and beyond my expectations. The staff could not have looked after us any better. Nothing was too much trouble for them.
The welcoming to the hotels in Hyderabad and Mumbai will be in my memory forever. They were unexpected, and it was really amazing to witness this special part of Indian culture.
The IT universities and companies that we visited during the tour of India were very informative for a non-ICT student. I was amazed at the level ICT programs and products that they have to offer students and other companies around the world.
Again, I would like to thank Leisa and Abhijeet for there professionalism and organising an experience of a lifetime. The quality of services was well beyond anything that I could have anticipated. I have had the special privilege of travelling to India and discover some amazing places. It was impossible to see everything that India has to offer, therefore, I can see myself returning to India when I’ve finished my degree.