My experience with Koenig and India was interesting to say the least. On one hand, I needed to focus on training without distractions and on the other; I wanted to experience India for the first time. It seemed at first these two objectives would be difficult to achieve in one visit. But I was able to accomplish both with great success. My 6 weeks in
Dehradun were exciting and rewarding.
My first goal was easily met by the staff at Koenig at the training facility. The class rooms are comfortable and work well to provide a good learning experience. My instructors were knowledgeable as well as personable compared to ones I've encountered in the US. Koenig has been doing this for quite awhile so they know how to cater to the professional student. However, to get the most out of any short term training session, you should study some of the material before you come. My
Cisco course work involved Cisco equipment and there was plenty of it to create a basic or complex lab environment. The labs were fun and if you want some flexibility in the curriculum, just ask for it. During my time here, I met students from over 14 different countries which is an educational experience in its self.
So what should you expect in India? Anytime you travel, there are differences compared to home and you must tolerate some inconveniences. India is the same as any place you visit for the first time and I think it ’s important to set your expectations correctly before coming here. The staff does a great job in helping you adjust to your new surroundings and can help you get anything you need quickly. Ibuprofen for a headache or something for an upset stomach is readily available. Need to ship a package back home or receive something via the Postal service, the staff here can help you. Just ask the staff and they will help you with a smile.
Things to do in Dehradun:
- Eat at "My Wife's Place", great food, or Pizza Hut if you want a taste of home
- Go to Rishikesh: only an hour and half or so away and on the Ganges river
- Stay at the Koenig Country House instead of a hotel to mingle with fellow students
- Get some custom tailored clothes, you can't beat the price
- Go to Clement Town to see the Tibetan temple and 185 ft Buddha
- Go shopping for anything you can fit in your luggage to take home
Things to watch out for in Dehradun:
- Always ask the tuktuk driver what the fare is before he takes you for a ride
- If you like rain, come in July or August, if you like it hotter, come in April and May, but Feb and March are a great time
- Cows are everywhere, including the streets, but since it would be risky for you to drive here, you don't have to worry
- Rich spicy food may not agree with you at first, so ease into the local diet, there are plenty of alternate menu items
It was a great adventure and if I get an opportunity to come back, I will not hesitate.
Tim
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