Amazing experience Past Review

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 02/09/2018 to 05/10/2018 with

SIT Study Abroad: Nepal - Tibetan and Himalayan Peoples

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about cultural exchange and living internationally

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Fun and challenging program

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Great administrators

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was incredible to have the experience to live with a host family

* Food:

Delicious

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

We were required to receive pre-exposure rabies vaccines, but in the US they cost upwards of $1000 and usually aren't covered by insurance. However, in Nepal, they cost $60 USD roughly. Some students did not get vaccines in the US and were able to get them in Nepal for the cheaper amount, but the program did not tell us this was an option.

* 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)

Very low cost of living

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $20
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? ISP can be a big money drain because of transportation

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? Never taken Tibetan
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? Buy a dictionary

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* 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?
  • Lecturers
  • ISP
  • Travelling
* What could be improved?
  • Communication
  • More debriefing
  • More time to be independent
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It's okay for it to be a little difficult at times.

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.'