Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Fulfilling July 13, 2025

By (Economics and International Relations, Hobart and William Smith Colleges) - abroad from 02/05/2025 to 05/19/2025 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I became relatively confident in Nepali (langauge), and passed an official language exam used by the Peacecorp and Fulbright programs. I learned a lot about Nepali culture, development issues and overall caste related issues. My internship was incredibly helpful in those aspects.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The SIT Campus, staff, and overall experience living in Nepal are some of the most fulfilling experiences provided by SIT. I enjoyed the program design and the emphasis on experiential learning.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

This was one of the personal highlights. My host family made the program extra special, and they treated me (and continue to do so) as my family which I am forever grateful for.

* Food:

The food provided by the SIT campus, host family and just in general Nepal is hard to beat. From the Daal Bhat to the Momo! anyone who goes here are in for a treat.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Because we were a part of the host family, I felt very deeply integrated into the culture. Additionally, the SIT Nepal program I was a part of was run largely by local staff, and we had many guest lecturers that were deeply embedded into the culture, which made for some incredible class lectures.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The health insurance was very good, and access to the hospital was also easy and I personally did not have any issues.

* Safety:

Felt very safe.

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)

Most of your accommodation and food is provided for until you go on your ISP/Internship period, where we were provided a generous stipend that left me with ample resources.

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

Learning the langauge is a huge bonus to getting to know the culture and the lifestyle of Nepal, and it breaks important barriers in terms of access to communicating with cool people in Nepal.

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? Intermediate
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? Do the homework, and practice with your host family (And do not be afraid to make mistakes in public - that is what makes you better at the end)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Host Family
  • Trekking
  • Internship
* What could be improved?
  • Communication between staff and students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The intensity of the language component.

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!