Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

SIT study abroad-- the next best thing to taking time off! Past Review

By (Sociology and Anthropology., Middlebury College) - abroad from 08/30/2012 to 12/11/2012 with

SIT Study Abroad: Nepal - Tibetan and Himalayan Peoples

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a huge amount about both Tibetan and Nepali culture religion language politics, and truly gained a deep understanding of my host country. Though frustrating at times, the experience was unquestionably worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Compared to Middlebury, the academics were not rigorous, per se, however, I learned a huge amount and enjoyed the experiential style of learning immensely.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Wonderful group of teachers, advisers and coordinators.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Homestay was fine, not the best part for me.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Much more integrated after the first month of intensive group time.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Maybe $20/week, all of it optional.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Minimize alcohol consumption, eat at local restaurants, and take the bus!

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

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? none in the language taught on the program
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? Try to talk to people, even if it takes ten tries for them to understand you.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Host Family
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • ISP
  • excursions
* What could be improved?
  • prioritization of class time
  • orientation
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I can't think of anything..

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Tibetan Language
Course Department: Language
Instructor: multiple
Instruction Language: Tibetan
Comments: Tibetan is an extremely challenging language. Our instructors, all native speakers, used a variety of methods (final exam, regular speaking practice, skits, daily homework, workbooks, etc, most of them effective) in two hours near daily language classes. In the course of the semester I gained a basic comprehension of the written and spoken language and at least rudimentary ability to communicate. With such a difficult language, this was beyond my expectations.
Credit Transfer Issues: