Past Review

By Salome V (Psychology and Visual Arts, Rice University) for

SIT Study Abroad Nepal: Development, Gender, and Social Change in the Himalaya

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

My experience was definitely worth it; as is the case in any situation, it had it's ups and downs and getting accustomed to Nepali customs and culture was one of the hardest things I've ever done, but by the end of the semester, I never wanted to leave. I met some amazing people on my program and loved every last one of my teachers. I learned incredible amounts in my lectures, and even more outside of class. I would recommend this program to anybody who asked.

Personal Information

The term and year this program took place:	Spring 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	I learned a lot in my lectures, but the most of my learning took place outside of class. Living with a family and going on excursions taught me so much about Nepali history and culture.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	my program was going through some changes during my semester and we had a change of academic directors mid semester, which caused some confusion and administrative issues
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	I lived with a family in Bishal Nagar, Kathmandu <br /><br /> I had an amazing family, which was great about helping me as much as I needed, but also giving me enough space and privacy. They helped me practice my language and answered any questions I had.
* Food:	All lunches were prepared by program staff at the school and they did a great job of giving us a wide variety as well as high quality foods. My host family was in charge of my breakfast and dinner, which was of equal quality.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	the home-stay is a great way to really experience the culture. My family welcomed me into the family and most families took their host children to weddings, funerals and religious ceremonies
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	my program did a good job briefing us on health risks in the country
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	No

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)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	most people decided while abroad to spend more time after the program ended traveling through Asia, so save some money for that.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program?	None
Language acquisition improvement?	The home-stay aspect of the program really helped me learn and practice the language. By the time I left, I was fluent in basic conversational Nepali

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Host Family
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	go for it and go with an open mind and be ready for a complete culture shock and an even larger one when you get back