Gender and Caste Dynamics
“The women, at least in the villages, seemed to be doing way too much while the other guys were playing cards or resting.”
“In Nepal, the women and children do most to all of the work.”
“The difference between individualism in the US and the more social society in Nepal with the Caste System. The belief that what you’re born into is what you’re destined to do is prevalent in Nepal, whether it’s based on religion or otherwise.”
Nepali Culture and Religion
“I think the most important thing I learned about Nepal was how important their culture and religion is to them. In the United States, religious beliefs get pushed off to the side so much or just aren’t as incorporated into our everyday life. However, in Nepal, there are temples all over the streets and people are constantly praying or worshipping their gods in some type of way. I think it was so special.”
“The exposure to Hinduism and seeing how the people of Nepal celebrated this religion was very important to me, as I’ve really only been exposed to Christianity (here and in other travels).”
“… everyone in the villages wanted to help each other out, especially within their own family. Notice how people in Nepal demonstrate those qualities was really special.”
“In Nepal, respect and kindness can be found everywhere. The people are so happy no matter what, they find happiness no matter what they’re doing.”
Government and Development
“I learned that culture seriously affects how development is implemented—the rural village women don’t seem to have that much of a voice, for example.”
“Nepal is in a very delicate place when it comes to its future, a lot of young men and women are leaving the country in search for a better quality of life that Nepal’s job market simply can’t provide to the masses. The people that do stay in the country are generally upset with the current governmental system and all of the corruption that keeps the country held back.”
Building Empathy and Understanding
“I am a staunch believer that American tax dollars should stay in the US, I still am but I now have more mercy towards people like the Nepalese. They need help desperately, and a US dollar goes a long ways there.”
“The most important thing I learned about Nepal is that even though it is thousands of miles away from the United States, humans are more similar than we are different. Even when I couldn’t understand the Nepali people speaking, I know that we are all connected through our humanity.”
“A conversation with a Nepali was probably with the girl in the village in Chitwan. She said that she wanted to go to college but cannot leave. I learned that I need to be more appreciative that I can attend college and not have to worry about helping with anything back home. I have people back home that are taking care of things for me.”