SIT Tibetan and Himalayan People: Providing Space to Learn and Explore Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I did not choose to go on an SIT program for the academic rigor. If that was my goal, I would have stayed at Middlebury! That being said, the language instruction - far and away the most important part of the academic study - was intensive and for the most part well done. As is the case with any language immersion program, it is largely up to the student to utilize their surroundings for learning opportunities. The other academic aspects of the program were fun, the lecturers were fascinating, and the Independent Study was an incredible opportunity that is unique in an undergraduate experience. I would have liked some more background on history/religion of Tibet, China, and Nepal, but I could have remedied that with reading on my own. Overall, very good.

On-site administration of your program

The program did NOT function entirely smoothly, but that was by no fault of the program administration. In fact, that was one of the most refreshing pieces of SIT Nepal. Nepal is a tumultuous, uncertain place, and if you don't want to deal with last minute changes, upset plans, sickness, surprises, etc, go somewhere else. The administration did an incredible job of making things work despite setbacks - for example securing our trip to Upper Mustang days after our trip to Tibet got the kibosh by the Chinese government.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My homestay family was incredible - one of the highlights of my time there. They took care of me completely, even when SIT was not paying them. I was treated as part of the family. It is wonderful living in Bouddha, but your homestay won't want you out at night! So make sure you have good books. The nightlife in KTM is fun to see, but not to get super involved in...

I loved the simple diet, and the spice of Nepali food! I miss it so much now that I am home. Your homestay will try to overfeed you both with food and tea, be polite, but eat slowly, and know that you can refuse. Say your stomach hurts, then they will give you hot water instead, which works great! Try local restaurants, but get recs from the locals, ie stay away from the ones that are obviously marketed to tourists. They can be good, but the experience isn't as cool, the food is often worse, and the price is higher. That said, you need to go to the foreign cafes for internet - Flavors and Saturday Cafe around the stupa are good places to work, and the coffee isn't bad. Get the ginger-lemon tea with honey at Saturday.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The program did an amazing job of exposing us to the country and culture outside of academics - that is the goal of SIT programs. Our 3 week trip to Upper Mustang is one that I will remember for the rest of my life, and our excursions outside of, and inside of, the city were incredible. There are dozens of lifetimes of exploration in the Kathmandu Valley alone. Don't waste your time there. The program will give you some leeway, especially towards the end, to explore on your own. Use it.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I think that safety is not a huge issue in KTM, but you should always be conscious of where you are, what you look like, and what's happening around you. There was one robbery in another program while I was there, but for the most part people really like Americans...they will just try to rip you off because they think you're rich! which you are, compared to them. The program was very good about helping with health issues - the CIWEC clinic is great for western medicine. I would recommend trying Tibetan medicine for smaller issues, but only at your own comfort level.

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

You can get by on English, but you are much better off in the long run (with an eye toward your ISP, and the overall experience) if you speak the language as much as possible! In this case Tibetan and Nepali. Speak with your homestay - they are probably just as self-conscious of their English as you are about your Tibetan - but they want you to succeed. And practice whenever you can, Tibetans are amazed by foreigners speaking Tibetan, especially once you get outside of Bouddha.

Select all that apply

• Host Family
• Hotel

Select all that apply

• Americans
• Host Family

• The ability to explore in a somewhat academic structure
• Learning the language

• New language instructors
• SIT could help you stay connected with homestay families better