Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Pre Medical Nepal Past Review

By (Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Temple University) - abroad from 12/29/2016 to 01/19/2017 with

A Broader View Volunteer Corp: Kathmandu - Volunteer Nepal 25 Social and Conservation Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gain many hours of shadowing, in surgeries and talking with local doctors, nurses about the health care system in Nepal

Review Photos

A Broader View Volunteer Corp: Kathmandu - Volunteer Nepal 25 Social and Conservation Programs Photo A Broader View Volunteer Corp: Kathmandu - Volunteer Nepal 25 Social and Conservation Programs Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Many surgeries and shadowing doctors and nurses

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Staff support in country was great – Sudir was extremely helpful in both orientating me to the city and helping to plan any outside trips. He’s is very dependable and whenever I needed anything he would accommodate. He’s super patient and has no problem sitting down and explaining anything I found confusing or needed help with.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was great, the rooms are spacious and there’s a locker in each room to put your personal belongings. Sudir and his family are super nice and gave us extra blankets. The doors all lock and I overall felt very safe.

* Food:

The food was tasty with a homemade traditional Nepalese dinner and a more western breakfast.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I’m glad I came and stayed with a host family so that I could really immerse myself in the culture. There are tons of options for sightseeing, trekking, and traveling and I very much enjoyed the experience.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

vaccinations typhoid and hep A

* Safety:

I overall felt very safe

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

It covered all my requirements, program, accommodation, meals, safety, price and freedom to take tours on the weekends

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Kathmandu is cheap, and tours too, $100 a weeks is fine

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? no this city is really cheap

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

5 ...all the time

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? non
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? learn basics prior traveling, use a google translator app

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • the hospital
  • doctors, nurses
  • host family
* What could be improved?
  • bring sleepingbag and warm clothes
  • nothing else
  • nothing else
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? LOTS OF WARM CLOTHINGS

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!