On this page we feature students who are either currently attending or recently attended a Boot Camp at Koenig. We encourage them to share their experiences in India with their friends across the world. If you are planning to join a Boot Camp at Koenig, you will find this section interesting. And, of course, you can hope to be featured here soon !!!
Koenig has turned out to be for me a great experience. India as they say in the commercials is Incredible, but so is Koenig.
The fact that you are reading my comments and probably as many comments that you can find on Koenig website means that you are tempted to come, but are a bit scared as well. I know I have been in your shoes a couple of months back. So I am going to try to put it as straight as possible.
First off this is not a scam, there will be someone waiting for you at the airport. I have to admit that when you will step out of immigration you will be overwhelmed: there will be more than hundreds of people with little board waiting. Don't try to find your name and just go to the meeting spot. The Koenig driver will find you.
Just a tip, every boards at the airport are white except for Koenig's. The Person that you will meet your first day at the center prepare Flashy pink boards with your name (it is just one example of how thoughtful they are).
Anyway the driver will lead you to his car and then drive you to your hotel. Usually it is on the road that it hits you: "I am in India.." Actually it will be more like a giant slap in the face. It is India, it is Incredible, but keep in mind that this is still a third world country. Things works a little differently here. Try to relax and let yourself take in the sights, the sounds of the horns and probably the perfumes of Delhi.
Ah yes the hotel. having stayed almost three months I have had the opportunity to talk with a lot of students and heard them comment of their hotel. Apparently do not waste you money on the Prince Polonia, it is simply not worth it. Better go for the budget hotel. All are pretty much in the same area which is residential and safe. Every body seemed to agree that the best hotel is Rangoli Park. In general rooms are clean spacious with AC, Cable TV and a fridge.
Restaurant wise the area is great, I would recommend the Metal Street Bar close to Domino's. Price is good and the food has always been perfect. From the hotel you can hop the train and go to Connaught Place for 9-10 rupees. I loved to get lost in the underground bazaar, an experience in itself (haggle haggle and haggle some more!) Ok, now let's talk about the center and training. They have a new center now which is awesome in each classroom you will find at least three PC and whatever equipment you need to train for your certificate. For my Pix class the trainer had me work with 3 Cisco routers, 2 switches, two PIX 501 and two ASA + a vpn concentrator for good measure.
Trainers are all very good to excellent. They knows the material like the back of there hand. Koenig have excellent trainers. For MCSE my trainer was an amazing source of knowledge.
Koenig Cisco trainers are so fast at setting up secured VPN or complex access lists.Of course even though the trainers are great, there is still a lot of personal work to be done. expect to work at least 3 to 4 hours each night. There is a lot of reading and memorizing. Do not expect to magically be able to sit for an exam and have all answers pop into your mind. It is hard work and you need to stay focused especially if you are doing the MCSE with its seven exams!
Talking about exam I have to put a special note for the charming lady that runs the Prometric center. If you are stressed out she will find the kind words to clear your mind before letting you sit for the test. But be warned she takes her job very seriously! Running a Prometric center is a huge responsibility and she manages hers flawlessly. If you need to change currencies, book a tour, see a doctor etc. Talk to Concierge desk at the center. They will take care of all the details and negotiate prices for you.
A final word of advice: come with a smile, an open mind and try not to judge. People in India are friendly and you will discover that they know probably a lot more about customer service than anyone. Coming to train in India is worth it and will be something you will never forget.
