Programme needs a bit of TLC. Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Many of the guest lecturers presented the exact same information that we had learned previously from another individual. There felt like there was a lack of communication to ensure that we were developing our understanding of local culture as much as possible. With the exception of Anil Chitrakar - who was an incredible and thought-provoking teacher, the lecturers provided a somewhat uninsightful understanding of Nepal and its people - the sort of information that we, in all honesty, could have googled. I also want to highlight the problematic dynamic of our classes - something that I know we were all frustrated with: the lack of discussion. In fact we were explicitly told not to engage in discussion/interaction with peers/professors, and merely passively listen to the lecturer. It was explained to us that this was the 'Nepali style' of teaching, but this is one 'cultural immersion' that I fail to see the merits of; no teacher of higher education would ever agree that this is the most effective form of learning, almost certainly on the contrary. Lastly I do just want to mention something that really concerned myself and many of my peers: the complete lack of female guest-speakers. I understand that there was potentially one lady who would be speaking to us, but she never showed up (this was also not uncommon). With so many contemporary issues surrounding gender roles and equality, it felt very regressive that we never had the opportunity to hear from individuals who weren’t privileged by their sex or even caste.

On-site administration of your program

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Huge disparity in host accommodation, and host family engagement.

Little control of your own diet, I ate the same meal every night.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Not applicable to myself, but I know a few of my friends were having issues with their health, which is extremely frustrating when you're supposed to be in class everyday and start missing language instruction and tests. Having said that, I know that the Academic Director Daniel Putnam was extremely attentive to students and continually checked in with individuals he thought may be becoming ill.

For my own personal academic interests this programme was not the most beneficial, and the title & course descriptions are somewhat misleading. That' not to say however, that this programme wouldn't be a fantastic experience for many students - I think it would be very important that all potential participants be given the opportunity to speak to a past alumni.

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

Many things were very cheap, such as food and travel, but others quality items were very expensive as they had to be imported. This is why the packing list NEEDS to include a winter coat because it is very cold in the Spring Semester and it is very expensive to buy a good coat locally. Accommodation was also cheap, but the small stipend they give us for the Independent research project was definitely insufficient if you didn't want to live in a place where getting flees was a real possibility.

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

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• Host Family

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• Host Family

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• Americans

• Exposure
• Insight
• Culturally-rich setting

• Course content & instruction
• Less time spent sitting on the floor in a classroom, more hands-on learning and involvement in the city around us.
• Equality of homestay experience