Nepal: I'm in Awe Past Review
By Viana C (Biology, International Studies, Illinois Wesleyan University) - abroad from 09/03/2019 to 12/16/2019 with
SIT Study Abroad Nepal: Development, Gender, and Social Change in the Himalaya
I am so thankful for the depth of cultural immersion in this program, such as living with Nepalese homestay families who spoke limited English and being able to develop my language skills so much that I scored an Advanced Low on the OPI. My love for Nepal was realized during the ISP period, where I lived in an Airbnb and was happily surprised with the family-oriented atmosphere and closeness, despite me not being Nepali. This experience further fuels my desire to learn more languages and connect with more people around the world. I also plan to participate in Peace Corps after graduation.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
My experience abroad was absolutely life-changing. I originally planned to do the SIT China program, but could not due to my peanut allergy. However, I do not regret traveling to Nepal. I had limited experience of doing independent activities, so going to a different country and living by myself was completely out of my comfort zone. Nepalese culture and language are completely different, but I have come to see and love the every aspect of this country, especially the easy social interactions I can initiate with anyone. |
Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $10 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | It may be better to have cash on-hand, because using debit/credit cards involve a transaction fee. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | Advanced |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Mandarin, in the high school level. |
| 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? | Go out and involve people in conversation! People are very open and willing to talk, and they are very appreciative when other people take their language. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Nepal has a very different pace of life than America. I experienced reverse culture shock and became overwhelmed when I resumed my studies in my home college. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
