SIT Study Abroad Nepal: Development, Gender, and Social Change in the Himalaya
SIT Study Abroad
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(For American Students)
Witness Nepal’s challenges in balancing tradition and modernity, while negotiating economic, political, and social change in a dynamic period of its history.In the past few decades, Nepal has seen tremendous changes in development, discourse surro... read more
All Reviews
Yes, it was worthwhile! I am super happy that I can speak in Nepali now. I also gained completely new perspectives on being an American in a foreign country, the drawbacks of development aid efforts, INGOs, etc. A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
I gained a more nuanced view on development and multicultural thought, as well as learned through experience how to research in a foreign country and engage with local populations. It was most certainly worthwhile Ella B - Middlebury College View Entire Review
I am so thankful for the depth of cultural immersion in this program, such as living with Nepalese homestay families who spoke limited English and being able to develop my language skills so much that I scored an Advanced Low on the OPI. My love for Nepal was realized during the ISP period, where I lived in an Airbnb and was ha... Viana C - Illinois Wesleyan University View Entire Review
Cultural experiences A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
Learned to go with the flow more, learned a new language, got research experience and data for an honors thesis, got a new family, met 15 great new friends from across the US. A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
Advanced language and interpersonal skills A student - University of Hartford View Entire Review
I gained a second family. I gained life-long friends. I gained a country as a second home. I gained confidence in myself, I learned that I am capable to travel alone in a super foreign country. I learned about the culture so deeply, and so personally, and gained a major appreciation and fondness for this country and these people... Rachel Devine - Point Loma Nazarene University View Entire Review
I think it can only be a valuable experience to be put outside of your comfort zone in an unfamiliar place, and be able to become accustomed to new settings and people, with a working understanding of the cultures and history which shapes it. For that reason, this study abroad experience is always going to have its merits. A student - Anonymous University View Entire Review
perspective, independence, understanding of wide wide world Isabelle S - Middlebury College View Entire Review
"Have patience with everything unresolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves ... Don't search for the answers, which could not be given to you now, because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps then, someday far in the future, you wil... Hannah S - Middlebury College View Entire Review
It was incredibly worthwhile A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
YES! Huge personal growth and confidence in my ability to live independently and adapt to whatever comes my way. I certainly plan on going back. Melissa M - Middlebury College View Entire Review
Learned a lot espiecally my love for Nepal! Caroline H - Middlebury College View Entire Review
I learned a lot about myself, both through the people's eyes and through introspection. Of course I learned a great deal about Nepal- things that are amazing already, things that people are working to improve- and that was also awesome Bobbie N - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I learned a new language, made friends with local people and gained more confidence. Jiachen Z - Brandeis University View Entire Review
Got to see how most of the world lives, got experience writing proposals and doing my own research. Michael K - Middlebury College View Entire Review
I gained a different perspective on the world and found it very worthwhile. I would go back to Nepal after graduation and find work there. Leah Doty - University of Hartford View Entire Review
I learned a lot about myself and broadened my perspective on the world. I was challenged but saw a lot of growth in myself as a person and was able to experience a whole new world for an enjoyable 4 months. Molly - Bates College View Entire Review
I learned a lot about myself while abroad and it was definitely worthwhile A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
It was definitely worthwhile. I learned the most probably about myself and how I function far removed from all of my material comforts. A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
Absolutely worthwhile. I gained a respect for language, religions, and people of which I was previously completely unaware; I made a lasting connection with a Nepali family, with whom I still remain close; through independent research, I began to understand the challenges of Nepal's current food structure. A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
Incredible experience--you learn so much Nepali language and begin to feel like Nepal is a 2nd home Andrew N - Brandeis University View Entire Review
Yes, it was well worthwhile. Corinne P - Middlebury College View Entire Review
My experience was definitely worth it; as is the case in any situation, it had it's ups and downs and getting accustomed to Nepali customs and culture was one of the hardest things I've ever done, but by the end of the semester, I never wanted to leave. I met some amazing people on my program and loved every last one of my tea... Salome V - Rice University View Entire Review
About
In the past few decades, Nepal has seen tremendous changes in development, discourse surrounding equality and inclusiveness, and human and civic rights. Live in the Kathmandu Valley, home to seven UNESCO World Heritage sites, and learn from experts, activists and academics about development, gender and social change. Visit organizations and institutions to understand how they work with government and nongovernment agencies to make meaningful change in society. Learn Nepali from expert teachers in small, dynamic classes. Connect with NGOs, INGOs, and bilateral and multilateral donors. Visit the Chitwan National Park in the plains to learn about conservation, community development and collective action.
Then, trek from village to village along ancient Himalayan trade routes going as high as 13,000 feet to see community development efforts as well as Nepal’s remarkable biological, geological, and cultural diversity. In the final four weeks, research a topic of your choice while conducting independent field study, or gain professional skills in an international work environment as part of an internship.
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadProgram Length(s):
- Fall
- Spring
Instruction Language(s):
- English
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- Natural Resources, Conservation
- Asian Studies
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Diversity Studies
Minimum GPA:
2.5Website
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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 alumni of EIL summer high school programs who also participate in SIT Study Abroad programs. $1,000 for semester programs and $500 for summer. A $400 scholarship is also available to students who indicate that they have an immediate family member who has participated in an EIL or its College Semester Abroad program.
$400 - $1,000
For students enrolled at Hispanic-serving institutions, including member institutions of HACU who demonstrate financial need, SIT will award a $3,000 scholarship for participation in a semester program and $2,000 for a summer program.
$2,000 - $3,000
For students enrolled at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and who demonstrate financial need, SIT will award a $2,000 scholarship for participation in a semester program or $1,500 for a summer program.
$1,500 - $2,000
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 US 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 participate in two 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
An average of $5,000 (amount varies) is awarded each semester to a student participating on a program in South or Southeast Asia.
$5,000
An average of $4,500 (amount varies) is awarded to one female student, 22 years of age or younger, who demonstrates international awareness and a desire to create a more peaceful world through international exchange. This scholarship is available for summer programs only.
$4,500
This $10,000 scholarship opportunity is for one student per year. The student must demonstrate extreme financial need, attend an HBCU (or other minority-serving institution), be a first-generation college student, and have never previously traveled abroad.
$10,000
SIT matches Federal Pell Grant funding up to $2,500 for semester students who use their Pell Grant to help pay the cost of their SIT program. Students utilizing their Federal Pell Grant for SIT Study Abroad summer terms receive up to a $1000 match.
$1,000 - $2,500
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