SIT Study Abroad: Nepal - Tibetan and Himalayan Peoples
SIT Study Abroad
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(For American Students)
The dynamics of Tibet and the Himalaya span from ancient times to the present day. Discover the history of the region’s border tensions, religious belief systems and politics. Learn about the Tibetan Government in Exile; CIA intervention in Tibet;... read more
All Reviews
I learned a lot about the Nepal/Tibet (China) border and the legal status of Tibetan refugees. I also learned about Himalayan culture and language. A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I gained confidence in myself and ability to connect with anyone, as well as in my skills as a researcher and writer. Isabella D - Gustavus Adolphus College View Entire Review
Learned how to adapt to a culture very far from my own. A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
I was able to learn Tibetan Buddhist perspectives on mental health through an independent project. I was even able to meet His Holiness the Dalai Lama! Teddy D - Brown University View Entire Review
On an academic level, I gained a deeper understanding of how Nepal fits into the broader Asian and global geopolitical context, as well as the forces that shape this. I also gained conversational proficiency in the Tibetan language. On a personal level, I made some unforgettable memories traveling and experiencing a beautiful cu... Dvij S - Davidson College View Entire Review
Yes. See review! Aidan - Rhodes College View Entire Review
It really helped me put being a US Citizen into perspective. I am incredibly grateful to have that. I loved being in Nepal and I made some incredible friends. I learned a lot about religion, and global politics and I am now passionate about politics in a way I never thought I would be. A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I learned extensively about another culture and was able to deconstruct some of the things I previously thought about Buddhism or South East Asian countries. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
Some students were disappointed or surprised by aspects of the program. For several, there was too much emphasis on learning the Tibetan language. They did not find it useful for navigating the Nepali context. Or they found it simply too difficult and mentally opted out. While I empathize with their concerns, I personally found ... A student - Whitman College View Entire Review
An entirely new worldview, life-long friendships, and a deep appreciation for cultural differences and human connections. Eben Yonnetti - University of Virginia View Entire Review
I greatly enjoyed my experience with SIT Nepal. It is hard to summarize an experience that proved so humbling, beautiful, and warm in a few words. I would highly suggest this program to anyone who is looking to challenge themselves, has a good degree of humility, and is easygoing. The staff of SIT NPT are exceptionally kind, tho... Rachel - Washington University in St. Louis View Entire Review
Instrumental knowledge, language knowledge, cultural knowledge. Benjamin Astrachan - Brandeis University View Entire Review
everything about myself, spirituality, the lesson of accepting the unknown. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
Again, it's difficult to summarize just how much I gained and learned. I feel I left the program a different person and with a greater understanding of my academic interests. From the combined experience of excursions and the independent study period, I gained greater confidence to live and conduct research in foreign places. Ul... Kath C - Davidson College View Entire Review
I learned how to operate freely but respectfully in a culture completely different to my own. I also learned how to think critically about complex issues without taking sides. A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
Aside from the obvious topics that I learned which was the focus of this program, one immediate gain that I can name was the ability to travel on my own. I had done some light travel on my own before but nothing to the extent of this program. During the program, you are required to be on your own for a month and study a topic of... Kalinda B - Skidmore College View Entire Review
Participating in the study abroad program in Nepal and India was a truly enriching experience. Beyond academics, it was a journey of personal growth and cultural immersion. Living with local families, I witnessed their resilience in preserving traditions amidst geopolitical changes, which deepened my empathy and understanding of... Lauren C - University of Richmond View Entire Review
Learned lots about myself and Nepal! Very worthwhile A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
I gained a profound insight into the lived experiences of a people who I had previously only read about, or could have pointed out on a map but did not consider in any real or meaningful sense. I had been abroad a small amount as a teenager with my family, and though I followed international events and cared about global politic... A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
Learning how to conduct ethnographic research; building the confidence to investigate questions in a foreign linguistic and cultural environment; making lifelong friends; exploring Nepal and India for the first time. Overall an incredible experience. A student - Stanford University View Entire Review
I came in fairly ignorant of Tibetan culture and history and left with not only a greater understanding of that, but also with friendships that I hope will last long after the 4 months of the program. This was the best decision I made in college. Trevor Goodwin - Lafayette College View Entire Review
I was confused about what I wanted to do with my life prior attending this program. With the help of the faculty, my path and career are now unfolding. Hadi El Rabbat - Stonehill College View Entire Review
I significantly improved my writing and research abilities, making it extremely worthwhile in for my future academic work and desired career field. Ariel Murray - Smith College View Entire Review
The SIT Nepal: Tibetan and Himalayan Peoples study abroad program was a remarkable highlight of my time in university. Through a refreshing taste of experiential learning, we engaged with communities across Nepal in productive, meaningful ways. Learning in the field instead of the classroom inspired us all to be more invested in... Jona Block - University of Colorado - Boulder View Entire Review
I learned so much about cultural exchange and living internationally A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
About
SIT’s program in Nepal offers the opportunity to earn a minor in Himalayan studies or South Asian studies. You will learn about Tibetan and Himalayan politics and religion and the issues faced by communities in exile.
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadProgram Length(s):
- Fall
- Spring
Instruction Language(s):
- English
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- Asian Studies
- Tibetan Studies
- Liberal Arts, General Studies
- Religion / Religious Studies
Minimum GPA:
2.5Website
Take me there!Statistics
SIT Study Abroad Scholarships
Students who are Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO) Scholars will receive a $2,000 award for SIT Study Abroad semester or summer programs.
$2,000
To recognize and support Experiment alumni who also participate in SIT Study Abroad programs. Experiment alumni will receive a $1,000 scholarship for semester programs and $500 scholarship for summer programs. A $400 scholarship is also available to students who indicate that they have an immediate family member who has participated in an Experiment in International Living or an SIT Study Abroad program.
$400 - $1,000
The Federal Pell Grant Program provides support to undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. At SIT Study Abroad, we are dedicated to breaking down financial barriers and enabling students to engage in international learning experiences. Our commitment is evident through our Pell Grant Match program, which matches up to $2,500 for semester-term students and up to $1,000 for summer-term students who receive Federal Pell Grant funding at their home colleges and universities. This initiative empowers students with financial need to engage in transformative experiences abroad, regardless of economic constraints.
$1,000- $2,500
To recognize students participating in this community service program. Upon receipt of confirmation from a student’s Bonner mentor, SIT will award $2,500 for semester programs and $1,000 for summer programs.
$1,000 - $2,500
To recognize students participating in the National Security Education Program (NSEP) funded award, which focuses on study abroad in areas of the world that are critical to U.S. interests and underrepresented in study abroad. Upon receipt of the student’s Boren confirmation letter, SIT will award a $1,000 scholarship.
$1,000
For students enrolled at Big 10 Academic Alliance universities. Eligible students demonstrating financial need will receive a $1,500 scholarship for semester programs and a $750 scholarship for summer programs.
$750 - $1,500
This is an automatic scholarship to recognize and support students who participated in one or more SIT Study Abroad programs, including alumni of short-term summer programs. The scholarship will be applied to a student’s second full term of study with SIT. The scholarship is $1,000 for a fall or spring semester program or $500 for a full-term, international summer program.
$500 - $1,000
For students with demonstrated financial need who enroll in any SIT Study Abroad program. The SIT Fund aims to help promote study abroad opportunities worldwide.
TBD
This is a scholarship to recognize and support students who participated a custom program at SIT. The scholarship is $1,000 for a fall or spring semester program or $500 for a full-term, international summer program.
$500- $1,000
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