GoAbroad

Alumni Interview with Veronika Macku

Here's what it's like to go on an IES Abroad program!

Veronika Macku

Veronika Macku

Participated in 2014Study Abroad | India

Veronika is a 24-year-old from the Czech Republic. She graduated from the University of Granada in Spain in 2014 with a degree in Political Science. Veronika is currently pursuing her masters in social and cultural anthropology in Amsterdam.

Share this interview









Monkeys in a tree

In nature.

Why did you choose to study abroad?

To study abroad means for me to get to know foreign culture from the inside, sharing a piece of my life with the local people, finding new experiences, and becoming more independent.

Why did you choose to study in India?

I have been fascinated with Indian culture, philosophy, and history for a long time, so I had no doubts about my study abroad location.

What let you to choose IES Abroad specifically?

I was selected by my University to receive the IES Abroad scholarship.

What were your housing arrangements like in India?

I loved my stay with my homestay family. All members of the family were lovely people and they took great care of us.

What was a normal day like as a student in India?

Normally I went to the IES Abroad Center for a lecture, twice a week I volunteered at a local NGO school, and during evenings I went to see some art performances, wandered the streets with a friends, practiced yoga, spent time with my family, or did some work and readings for the lectures. 









Man at a market in Old Delhi.

In Old Delhi.

What was the most memorable experience you had while studying abroad?

It is hard to say what was the most memorable experience I had because there were so many awesome experiences! A great experience was just the ordinary life in India because every day was so unique and special.

What was the biggest challenge you faced studying in India?

Just two weeks before I was leaving a fire spread over the impoverished community. It was hard to overcome this experience and seeing the ashes that remained from the school and nearby houses. 

What are the top three reasons you'd go back to India if you had the chance?

To see my local friends, to travel to the mountains, and to practice yoga.

If you could go on another IES Abroad program, which one would you choose?

I think I would go back to the same place, I would go back to New Delhi, because sometimes I miss it. My life there was so diverse that I do not have doubts about going back.  

Provided By:

IES Abroad
IES Abroad
9.32
1779 Reviews
Learn More

Recent Interviews

Eliana LaRosa

Eliana LaRosa

Participated in 2024

Alumni

I have wanted to go abroad since I was in high school. It's the best combination of school and travel. I am also pursuing an international studies degree, and the best way to learn is by experiencing new things in other countries!

Show Full Interview
Katie Brady

Katie Brady

Participated in 2024

Alumni

I started taking German classes in high school because three years of a foreign language were required to graduate. By the second meeting, it had become my favorite class, a preference which has yet to change even seven years later.

Show Full Interview
Lucy Minor

Lucy Minor

Participated in 2024

Alumni

To be completely honest, I wasn't very happy at my home university. I had been struggling to feel like I belonged for over a year by Fall 2023, and decided I needed a semester away doing something I was passionate about.

Show Full Interview

Recommended Programs

The Alhambra in Granada, Spain. A stunning architectural marvel.
9.58102 reviews
IES Abroad Granada – Liberal Arts & Language
IES Abroad

IES Abroad

Many travelers visiting Granada insist it's the must-see city in the country. With one of the clearest windows into Spain's unique historical sym...

Urban Port
9.5574 reviews
IES Abroad Nantes – French Language Immersion & Area Studies
IES Abroad

IES Abroad

Our French Language Immersion & Area Studies Program has two important goals: to improve your written and verbal proficiency in French through la...

A group of people smiling and posing for a photo on top of a building.
8.9372 reviews
IES Abroad Madrid – Language & Area Studies
IES Abroad

IES Abroad

The IES Abroad Madrid Program is designed for those who want to experience the vitality of Spain! Live in its capital city and through course enr...