Take a step outside of your comfort zone! Past Review
By Molly (Bates College) - abroad from 08/25/2015 to 12/08/2015 with
SIT Study Abroad Nepal: Development, Gender, and Social Change in the Himalaya
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.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The homestay is key in gaining full cultural immersion! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't experience any problems but was educated about how to take preventative measures in reducing my risk of illness. |
| * Safety: |
I don't consider myself a city person, and I felt more comfortable in Kathmandu than I would have in many other cities I have visited. I was well informed on how to keep myself safe, also. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
This is a very affordable program in country! |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
We were encouraged to practice as much as possible, and when we did it certainly paid off by enriching the experience. Being able to talk to locals, our host families, and each other in Nepali was a lot of fun. |
| 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | None |
| 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? | Use it as much as you can with different people! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I had packed slightly differently, but I also know now how accommodating and supportive the local people and especially host families are to working with international students (as long as those students are making the most of their experience)! |
