INCREDIBLE NEPAL Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

A wide range of informative lectures, discussions and experiences led by experts in the field, which truly gave me a solid context from which to work when I began my ISP. The program staff was open to adding additional academic experiences if even one student felt they needed more information on a specific subject. Many individual meetings with all members of the academic staff fostered strong working relationships and made me feel confident about what I was learning. Staff encouraged us to focus on quality rather than grades, so we didn't receive letter grades during the program--only written feedback (a page or more per assignment). I really liked this model as it allowed me to really enjoy and experience my surroundings to the fullest without worrying too much about my coursework. I produced quality work as a result!

On-site administration of your program

Everything ran smoothly for the most part, and when it didn't (for example, I and two other students got stuck in India on a visa technicality for an extra week), a plan was quickly formulated and instituted to maximize our experience. I was so impressed with the planning and organization of the program. I felt truly supported.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I LOVED my main homestay, and plan to stay in touch with my Amala and Pala. I had such a good time with them. I didn't have such a good experience with my homestay in Dharamsala, but it was only for a week so it was manageable, and everyone else on the program liked their Dharamsala homestays. The staff is always willing to switch you to a new homestay or intervene on your behalf if you have a good reason for feeling uncomfortable there.

It will take time to adjust to the food (it took about a week for my stomach to settle), but the food at my homestay was really good and the food at the program house was amazing. When we had to eat out, the staff always chose good, authentic restaurants that were able to handle a large group, and everything was arranged ahead of time.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This program takes experiential learning seriously. I knew my way around Kathmandu fairly solidly within a month, and I quickly learned how barter for goods, take the confusing public transport system around, the best areas of the city, etc.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I have a mobility disability, so I contacted the Office of Disability Services at SIT before departing and they conveyed the accommodations I would need to the staff in Kathmandu. The staff were incredibly understanding and checked in with me often, so I felt fairly supported; however, I wish they had warned me beforehand about some of the more rigorous physical activities, as I often wasn't prepared with painkiller or other medical equipment on these days. Some people in the program, who got more seriously ill, felt that the staff didn't take them as seriously as they would have liked, but I did not personally have that experience.

Kathmandu is honestly much more safe than I expected. One should be vigilant about theft and don't give money to beggars, but all this was covered in the orientation.

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

Very minimal. Usually about 2 USD per meal.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

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• Dorm
• Host Family
• Apartment

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• Host Family

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• Americans
• International Students

• Community
• Excursions
• Instructors/Staff

• Disability Resources

The Academic or Linguist