I wanted to thank ISAC and Hansal for creating such an incredible program. I learned so much and am amazed at all of the people I was able to meet. I would never get an opportunity in the US to meet so many filmmakers. I did learn so much in four weeks, not only from the scheduled meetings and such, but from getting over all that scared me and my initial culture shock.- Sarah Friedland, Brown University, USA
Film and Media Program

First of all, I want to thank everyone who helped make this program possible for me. It was such a unique and thrilling experience that in many ways, words fail me. I feel as though everyone went out of their way to aid me in my work and goals and I greatly appreciate that Neha Jain, Bard College, Canada
Film and Media Program

Observing in this facility brought one of the most glaring differences between India and the States to light: poverty here is beyond what most Americans can comprehend. While there is extreme poverty in the US, it cannot be compared to the Indian definition of the word. There are slums in Mumbai, the commercial capitol of the country, that lack running water, electricity, and sewage. The state provides free healthcare for the poor, but the system is so overwhelmed that it is impossible to provide truly adequate care to the patients who come to hospitals like Oshiwari Municipal. Since so many resources are poured into the treatment provided by these hospitals, little is left over for education and prevention. It's a truly frustrating cycle. On another note, the city of Mumbai continues to amaze me. I'm enjoying my time here. I do miss home, though, and many things I've found I take for granted (reasonably clean drinking water, English speaking people, lanes on the roads). Jacques Chouinard, University of south Alabama, USA
Clinical Rotation

I had the opportunity to observe a bypass surgery under Dr Goyal… and wow it was quite exciting. I've seen the beating heart inside the chest of a rat before, but it was completely astounding to see a human heart so close. I was standing right at the head of the bed, beside the anaesthetist, and was allowed to take pictures/video! I may be biased, but heart surgery is one of the most spectacular types of surgeries. This particular surgeon did not use a heart-lung machine, and instead performed the surgery on the beating heart with minimal invasion. It took two hours from open to close, but a lot of prep time before and a lot of skin sutures after. Mark Rockley, Queen's university, Canada
Clinical Rotation

Working with Dr. Datar (Academic Director, clinical rotation programs) has been very interesting. I have had an interest in OB/ GYN previously, so this week help me look at the pros and cons of the specialty. I have had an exposure to the speciality in the US, but here I was able to see much more. I saw a few surgeries and talking to both Dr. Datar and Dr. Parwate was very informational. There are many sub-specialties as well in OB/GYN and discussing the aspects of their practice gave me more insight. Sharon Reddy, Oregon State University, USA
Clinical Rotation

It is exciting for me to see what is done here in nursing care and compare it to nursing school system in America. It was an amazing experience in which I learned A LOT. Andrea Turner, Portland State University, USA
Rural and Public Health

The rural/public health program was absolutely amazing. Seeing firsthand the challenges people living in rural villages face regarding their access to fresh food and hygiene/sanitation practices really opened my eyes. Dr. Vijay and Suresh were a joy to work with, and they really taught us a lot, not only about their work but also about their culture. I will miss them! Cindy Clinger, Georgia State University, USA
Rural and Public Health