Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Never Ending Peace And Love February 17, 2026

By (Environmental Studies, Hamilton College) - abroad from 09/02/2025 to 12/15/2025 with

SIT Study Abroad: Nepal - Tibetan and Himalayan Peoples

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained so many new friends, research experience, trips/experiential learning, and graditude. Going to Nepal was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The program is impeccable in terms of academic caliber. The lecturers were high caliber and the experiential learning via excursions was phenomenal. There was variety in delivery of course material and students have once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to meet inspiring lecturers. I also learned so much Tibetan in four months and had amazing teachers helping me do so.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I never felt unsafe or uncomfortable; I always felt welcome to voice concerns. At the same time, the staff encouraged me to challenge myself. The matching process for homestays was amazing.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I absolutely adored my homestay. Living with my homestay was one of my favorite parts about my time abroad and I have remained in contact with my family.

* Food:

I struggled to find variety in food and nutritious options. However, I think SIT did the best they could.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Integration with local culture extends well beyond the classroom and is a cornerstone of the program. I felt there were many opportunities to engage in many different ways.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had any health issues, however some of my peers struggled to find immediate emotional support for illnesses faced.

* Safety:

The biggest safety hazard I encountered was traffic and air pollution. I did not spend much time out after dark, but I never felt unsafe or uncomfortable regardless of walking alone/at night/etc.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I cannot recommend this program enough and look forward to remaining connected with friends/teachers from the program for years to come.

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)

My ISP cost me a lot of out-of-pocket cash but it was worth it and I budgeted for it ahead of time.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? roughly $45 per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget more if you are planning to go somewhere remote during ISP.

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

I used the language in class, and throughout my time in my homestay

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? AP Spanish (but we were learning Tibetan)
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? Group study and ask your teachers out for tea!

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

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • ISP: I trekked in the Solukhumbu region and conducted ethnographic research
  • My homestay family
  • SIT Staff: Wangmo, Rinzi, Nyima, Nazneen, and Patrick
* What could be improved?
  • Food options
  • ISP stipend
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Be okay with not sticking to your "normal" diet/exercise/hygiene routine from home.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.