<p>D is doing this program, January - May 2009. Anyone have any experience with this particular program, or any other IHP programs? She/we are very excited; we are also very nervous! She will be in India, China, & South Africa. Part of the time will involve homestays.</p>
<p>I hear good things about the program. In fact, Im looking to apply. I was wondering if you know how competitive it is? And if you have any tips for me? I plan to apply for Spring 11</p>
<p>My daughter did the IHP Cities of the 21st Century program. The IHP programs are fabulous. Very demanding, but definitely a life-changing experience being able to compare places on three continents is a semester. The academic workload is demanding, but it’s probably the homestays that require the most mental effort. My daughter loved her trip, in ways that it is difficult for her to even talk about. She has a strong bond with the other students on her trip, even several years later. They still get together a couple times a year.</p>
<p>In this economy, I don’t know if “competitive” is really the right word. It’s not like they have thousands of applicants – I don’t think. The process seemed to me to me more one of trying to find out if you can handle the program. They are looking for kids who can handle the cultural issues, contribute academically, roll with the punches on the homestays, and who won’t fall apart at the seams. </p>
<p>As far as tips, I would recommend finding the “letters home” section of the IHP website – these are the casual reports written at the end of each country from the last few years of each trip. These will give you a good idea of what the programs are like.</p>
<p>My daughter was able to link up with a guy from her college who had just come back from the IHP progam. They met for coffee one day and she was able to get a first-hand impression. She e-mailed him back just before she left on her IHP trip and asked if he had one piece of advice: “Take comfortable socks!” was his tip. See if the study abroad office at your school will put you in touch with anyone.</p>
<p>Thnak you. I will def. look into that</p>
<p>Just happened to check back here on the Study Abroad Forum. D had a phenomenal experience this past spring. She was gone from mid Jan thru mid May. She made great friends and had amazing homestay experiences. If you contact IHP they’ll put you in contact with alums. You have to go with an open mind and be willing to experience very different cultures. The biggest tip if you go? Pack lightly.</p>