SIT Study Abroad: Nepal: Tibetan and Himalayan Peoples

My time in Nepal was the most important experience of my life thus far. While I was always pushing the limits of what I thought I was capable of, I was never disappointed in the end result. From close calls with monkeys and dogs throughout the city to trekking through the Himalayas to learning a new language, I have never grown so much in my life as I did during those three and a half months in Nepal. My capacity for change drastically expanded and my appreciation for other cultures and their belief systems increased tenfold.

The SIT program was an awesome experience. I was constantly encountering new things—whether going on excursions, living with my homestay family, or trekking- and I was always immersed in the local culture. I appreciated how the learning in the classroom directly connected to the situations we experienced outside of it because it helped me understand concepts in a deeper, more practical way. It wasn’t always easy or comfortable, but that discomfort was part of what made it so valuable. Being pushed outside my comfort zone helped me grow and learn in ways I never expected. Along the way, I met so many incredible people and gained knowledge that goes far beyond a typical classroom. If you’re ready to take on a challenge and open yourself to new perspectives, SIT is truly unforgettable.

The staff of SIT Nepal are passionate and knowledgeable about the program, its history, and the nation in general. It's hard to overstate how much they take care of the students during an experience that can be overwhelming and challenging. Homestays allow students to immerse themselves in the culture of Tibetans in exile, and lecture-based courses (with the exception of language class) bring in a diverse array of experts. If you're looking for a typical, academically rigorous semester, SIT does not offer that. But they make up for it with a tight-knit, very small cohort, a challenging Tibetan class, and the ISP period that will probably be the your rewarding and difficult college experience.