Nepal: Incredible Opportunity to Explore (Yourself and Otherwise) Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

SIT Nepal's assignments certainly required a lot of thinking but perhaps most importantly, they required interaction with the environment. Many of my language assignments, for example, were oriented toward me getting to know my home stay family or my essays would require me to look critically into a local NGO to analyze its impact... It is important to know that the schedule changes quickly and frequently and that you won't get the same type of day twice. I found the language classes to be one of my most rewarding aspects to the semester and absolutely loved the three language teachers. While the ISP seems very intimidating initially and it can be frustrating to have to think about it so early on in the semester, the extended considerations really pay off in the end. The ISP really allowed me to pull together many threads throughout the semester and combine them into a final product I felt proud of.

On-site administration of your program

My teachers were continually supportive (especially my Nepali language teachers), however they make it clear that they want you to become very independent. Sometimes I felt like my academic director would be a little unclear in terms of expectations or delayed in distributing materials however he was always there when we needed him and did have the student's interests at heart. I loved the smaller size of my program because it allowed me to really connect with my classmates. Nepal is an incredible place to study abroad--the diversity of ethnic groups, of geography, of political parties, of tradition, of climate, of everything really is something I will never forget. The people are so welcoming. This program allowed me to push myself to the limits in a beautiful and welcoming environment.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My home stay was one of my most favorite components of my study abroad experience. My neighborhood felt safe and my family always made sure I made it home safely. I felt fully welcomed into their home and had my own, clean room. They invited me to all their family events and treated me as if I were their real daughter. I can't express how much I value my time with them!

Daal bhat (rice and lentils) is the staple and while it can get a little repetitive, you quickly learn to enjoy it! There are other food options as well.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Visiting various World Heritage Sites--Lumbini (birthplace of the Buddha), Pashupati (Hindu Temple)--living in a small village in the Annapurna region, trekking and staying in teahouses as a group, spending Dashain with my home stay, our final presentations

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

It is important, especially as a girl, to not be out alone at night in a taxi or otherwise. People do get sick in Nepal (often with gastrointestinal issues) but SIT has a strong health network (and access to a Western hospital) and is always willing to help. I did need vaccines.

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

I spoke Nepali everyday, even in the beginning when I could only speak a few words. I practiced with my classmates, my teachers, my home stay and every other Nepali person I spoke to. Sometimes some people speak some English (my home stay spoke no English) so learning Nepali becomes a hugely rewarding endeavor. When Nepalese hear you speaking Nepali, their view of you changes immediately and they are often honored to have you there--many will even invite you in for a cup of tea.

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Host Family

• The newness of the environment
• The personal reward
• The people I met

• nothing
• nothing
• nothing