Learning and creating memories at the same time July 10, 2023

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It was an incredible program, and I benefited greatly from SIT's experiential approach, where a lot of the learning happened outside the confines of the classroom through active discussion and research with community members. I personally thought the program provided a great mix of academic rigor balanced with ample opportunity and time to explore the new culture, and was particularly happy to learn and practice the Tibetan language, a chance I wouldn't otherwise have.

On-site administration of your program

The administration at SIT Nepal (Yantra House) is patient and dedicated to student success. They coordinated homestays very well, helped plan our independent study period, and were always available to meet and help with anything we needed, from academics to personal problems.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my homestay and continue to sporadically remain in contact with them. The program allows students to get quite close with their homestays, and I had the privilege of spending Tibetan New Year with them, for example. The housing itself was modest but perfect for my needs.

My host mother's cooking was amazing and even though I am a vegetarian, I had no trouble finding great food in restaurants in Nepal. Some of my peers had issues with food poisoning while adjusting to the new cuisine, however.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt relatively integrated with the host culture thanks to my host parents and a few local friends I'd made. That said, I did still spend a large majority of free time with my friends from the program (with whom I became very close). The program had multiple excursions, which allowed us to delve into different aspects and communities of Tibetan and Himalayan culture.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I thought the healthcare system was great; SIT has a partnership with CIWEC hospital in Kathmandu under the iSOS insurance scheme, and they were able to help me address a skin issue very effectively. Peers who had problems with food poisoning also went to CIWEC hospital, and in general they were satisfied.

Although this is my own opinion as a male-presenting individual, I thought Kathmandu (and Nepal in general) was quite safe overall, as long as normal city precautions were taken, such as not going to unfamiliar places at night alone. SIT also does a good job of briefing new students about safety-related incidents that may arise, and how to deal with them.

I am still amazed by the incredible friendships I created, the memories I made, and the learnings I had, and genuinely believe that this was the best semester of my college experience.

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

Very easily, accounting for the fact that meals and homestay costs are paid for beforehand. I could go to cafes with friends almost everyday and still spend less than $10 per week.

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

Relatively frequently, but not too much outside of the language class context. My homestay family did not speak English well, however, so I ended up practicing my Tibetan everyday with them (and SIT does encourage trying to use Tibetan when at homestays).

Select all that apply

• Other
• Host Family
• Hotel

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students
• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• New friends
• Travels
• Language immersion

• Independent period stipend
• Program length could be made longer
• More excursions

The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer