Host Families and Daily Life

SITA students live with Indian host families throughout the semester, a true cultural immersion experience. The families offer insider views on local customs and beliefs, and encourage students to take part in family religious and social activities. Students find the process of adapting to Indian family life difficult at times, yet most students feel that living in the midst of a Tamil family is one of the most valuable learning components of the SITA Program.

Most host families’ homes are within cycling distance, or an easy walk or bus ride from the Center. Morning and evening meals are taken with the family, a stipend is given for lunches at local eateries, and refreshments are available at the Center during class breaks. SITA’s own well-stocked library is at the Center, with student computers for paper-writing. Internet access is available at numerous cyber cafes around Madurai, which also offer inexpensive phone calls to the U.S.

Students may request the use of SITA bicycles for daily local transport, public transportation is also widely available, and hired rickshaws or taxis may be used for longer excursions. Free time is filled exploring the diverse neighborhoods of Madurai, visiting local temples and markets, and spending time at home or in the city with host family members and friends.
SITA students are treated like regular family members by their hosts. They are expected to dress and act in ways appropriate to the context of Madurai life. In keeping with local traditions, they are also "protected" in much the same way as Indian youth of their age. Host parents usually ask to be kept informed of daily activities, and prefer that family members return home before dark unless some scheduled event keeps them out later. This parental watchfulness, along with close social relationships within the community, goes a long way to ensuring students' safety.
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