An eye-opening experience with lots of unique memories. Past Review

By (Economics., Rollins College) for

Rollins College: Traveling - Making Lives Better, Nepal

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, I learned a lot about the world, the US and myself. I think it is one of the greatest experiences I had in a foreign country so far.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

We did not take any classes while we were there but the refections we did were more educational to me than many classes I took in the past.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was very good given the fact that organizing things is very diffult in Nepal. However, the organizers did an excellent job.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We were living in a lot of different housings, reaching from very nice hotels to very simple hostels. Due to the country's development standard I would say that this is normal and totally acceptable.

* Food:

The food was very good. However, the difference to American food is big and caused a lot of students stomach problems.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We visited several Hindu temples, heard about the history of this religion, we went to muesums, on a mountain flight in which we saw Everest, we went elephant riding and on a safari, we went boating and canooing and we had a lot of other great experiences interacting with locals and learning about their lives.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt very safe. Health issues were addressed because a lot of students had to suffer from stomach issues due to the food which was so different from American food.

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

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent about $400 in 2.5 weeks including all shopping and food.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? there were none.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

It was difficult to go to a country like Nepal because the language barrier was very big. For the future I would recommend to have a requirement for some basic language class before going to Nepal.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans