Six Things I Learned Studying Abroad in Nepal

Obed Morales Betanzo (left) with classmates and local students in Nepal.

From Jan. 4-18, Obed Morales Betanzo was one of 20 San Diego State University students who visited Kathmandu, Nepal as part of a College of Education study abroad program. Led by Dr. Jacki Booth and Dr. Alyson Shapiro from the Department of Child and Family Development (CFD), the program explored both the Nepalese school system as well as historic and cultural sites. Below, Obed provides six observations on his perspective-altering experience in the Himalayas.

My question now is: ‘Are we in the U.S. creating quality programs that help young adults with disabilities achieve their career goals?’           — Obed Morales Betanzo

1. People 

“Without a doubt Nepali people are some of the friendliest and most hardworking people in the world — that is one of the reasons foreigners keep coming back. On one occasion when I got sick, I was surprised by the care shown by the staff members of the hotel. Everyone downstairs knew I was sick and kept asking me how I felt. This truly shows the attentiveness and care Nepali people have towards foreigners. I found that once a tourist begins to know the culture and its people, he or she is no longer a stranger but rather a valued friend to their community. Whether it is a weekday or weekend you can see Nepali people — especially women — carrying baskets full of bricks, mastering their wood carving skills or taking care of their local businesses. Agricultural labor is also a huge component of Nepal's economy, and the work is done both by men and women.”

2. Education 

“In regard to the Kathmandu education system, I was shocked by how everything is ruled and formatted. It seems that the curriculum has integrated a life skills section (thinking, emotional and social) which allows Nepali college students to be competent individuals in this modern society. I was intrigued by this approach because it’s not usually mandated by colleges around the world. Private schools in Nepal are very rigorous and most of the students have acquired English proficiency. All grades — K-12 — are incorporated within the same environment. Many schools in Kathmandu have quality programs that have led to student achievement and the creation of a better Nepal.”

3. Culture and Religion 

“On my first day in Kathmandu, I caught a glimpse of Nepal’s rich culture through the van window. I later learned that 70% of the population practices Hinduism, 25% are Buddhist and 5% are Christians. Nepal is full of majestic temples where people worship their gods. Many of Nepal’s social, artistic and culinary traditions are heavily influenced by the region’s primary religious beliefs — Hinduism and Buddhism. Major temples are usually off-limits to foreigners so when allowed in, one must be respectful and take your shoes off before entering. Photo restrictions are usually posted, and leaving a few rupees in the donation box is much appreciated. The handshake is quite uncommon in Nepal. People instead put their palms together, bow their forehead and say Namaste, which translates to “I respect the God in you.”

4. Friendships 

“During my stay in Nepal, I was able to make friends who demonstrated empathy and a deeper understanding of other cultures. I describe these people as culturally sensitive. Why? None of my fellow travelers ever questioned the cultural values and norms of Nepal. Most of us would talk to the locals and learn about their thinking, habits, traditions and history. And most importantly, we would accept them in spite of our cultural differences. We laughed, we cried, we explored and we learned together! At the end of the day, that is what makes for a great friendship!”

5. Nature 

“Nepal has one the most majestic landscapes one can ever encounter. In my stay in Balthali — a town three hours away from Kathmandu — I experienced astonishing views. From my hotel window I was able to contemplate the world’s largest mountain range, the Himalayas. In the morning, I experienced the blooming of the flora and the rising of the sun. During my stay in the outskirts of the city, I appreciated the beauty of the country and the rich environment that it provides. Walking through the town of Balthali, one can find monkeys hanging from the trees, goats walking alongside cars and chickens singing the morning song. And don't forget the cows which are usually seen both in rural areas of Nepal and on the streets of Kathmandu.”

6. Myself 

“This remarkable experience abroad helped me build a strong foundation for my professional goals. At the end of this trip, my desire to help college students with disabilities has grown even stronger. While in Kathmandu, we were able to interact with college students to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the Nepalese education system. One of the major aspects that inspired me was the nurturing environment that is created in higher education. Students with disabilities are able to participate in a life and employability skills program which helps them build the skills they need for the workforce. Students with disabilities in Nepal do face serious obstacles to quality and inclusive education, yet they have organizations such as the Disabled Service Association working to remove these discriminatory barriers. My question now is: ‘Are we in the U.S. creating quality programs that help young adults with disabilities achieve their career goals?’ My intent is to create a program that will use counseling to help students with disabilities be independent and socially connected.”

Obed Morales Betanzo is a junior at San Diego State University studying Child and Family Development with a minor in Counseling and Social Change. 

Learn more about study abroad programs in the College of Education.