Study Abroad FAQ

Study abroad is an enriching and eye-opening adventure, where learning extends far beyond the classroom. The experience will expose you to new ways of thinking, living, and viewing the world. Benefits include the opportunity to learn about another culture firsthand, learn an entirely new language or become fluent in one you have already studied, you can travel, fulfill major and minor coursework requirements, and develop new intellectual pursuits, skills, and perspectives. By living within another culture, you are likely to gain a new understanding and its way of life. You can also expect to make friendships and create memories that will last a lifetime. By studying abroad, you will learn life lessons that could never be taught in class, read in a book, or even taught by your parents. It’s self-empowerment, something you have to strive for….all by yourself. So ready…set…GO.” ~ Kirsten Jolivette, Int’l Business major, Spanish minor,

Employers increasingly seek graduates who have international experience, and a study abroad experience will enhance your employability. International knowledge, cross-cultural communication skills, flexibility, resilience, and the ability to adapt to new circumstances are skills enhanced through study abroad that are important to employers in various fields.

Early planning is the key to successful study abroad. Hundreds of study abroad opportunities exist; they differ in location, duration, curriculum, language, degree of cultural immersion, cost, and many other factors. In order to find the program that is the right “fit” for your personal and academic objectives, you should begin planning your study abroad experience at least one semester before you actually depart.

The decision to study and live abroad takes a lot of thought. Your parents need to be involved and are bound to have questions. They’ll want to know about nef, how serious you are about the program, where you want to go, what you will do there, and especially what you hope to gain from the experience. We can answer the basics as well as offer you tips on approaching your parents about becoming an exchange student. We also offer informative online information sessions.

Yes it is possible. Credits taken at home country can be applied to your major, minor, elective, or general education requirements to abroad. Talk to our academic adviser to identify specific courses that could be targeted for study abroad. Some country accept it and some may not too.

A passport is an international form of identification showing a person’s nationality. It is required of all individuals traveling internationally. If you still do not have a passport, you should obtain one now. Obtaining a Nepalese passport generally takes about 1-4 weeks. Not having a passport can also jeopardize your chances of going abroad since you can’t travel anywhere without one.

If you have not already applied for a passport, apply now! It can take 1 to 4 weeks to receive your passport and you will need it in order to obtain your student visa. You can apply it from your birth place or can get it from Kathmandu on special recommendation from government officials.

A visa is a stamp or other notation generally placed in your passport that will allow you to enter and temporarily reside in your host country during your program. A visa is required for all Year and Semester Programs and for many of the Summer Programs.

The answer to this question depends upon your destination. For some countries, the process is straightforward and relatively quick, but for other countries, obtaining a visa can be very time consuming and quite expensive. Please note that some visa applications require you to apply in-person at your destination country’s regional consulate. You may be required to travel to the consulate in order to do so. Also, if your program requires you to apply for a student visa, you may have to submit your passport to the consulate along with your visa application and other required document. For this reason, we suggest that you not plan any international trips in the months prior to your departure.

Visas are obtained through the Consular Offices of a country’s Embassy. While most Embassies are in Nepal, there are a number of Consulate Offices located in Kathmandu City. Now a days for some country’s visas are issued from India so that we need to make visa application to their respective authorized courier service will help your document to reach to respective embassy and return back with decision to you.

It costs about Rs. 5000 to obtain a passport. It will cost more if you need to receive it faster. Visa application fees can range anywhere depending upon the destination country you have chosen. It is important to remember that in addition to the actual fees charged by the Consulates, some applications require that documents be translated, notarized, and/or legalized. You will be required to pay for these services as well. If you are concerned about visa costs, talk to our Application Advisor about programs and countries with visa fees.

The possibilities for study abroad are abundant. Before researching programs you will want to have made some preliminary decisions as to the type of experience you want to have. Start by realistically assessing your academic and personal preparation and your objectives. Consider the following questions to help you think about the kind of study abroad experience that would be the right “fit” for you. Then read the short online article How to Decide Where to Study

Once you have either decided on a program or made some preliminary decisions about the type of program you are interested in contact our Study Abroad Coordinator (Counselor), for an appointment. If you have any further questions want to have instant answer you can even connect to your facebook network at www.facebook.com/nefpage.

We provide the service of career counseling under it we examine students qualifications and experiences, profile, preference, socio-economic background, purpose of study and conduct the process of recruitment, counseling and enrollment. Also we support visa documentation and provide updated visa information. It is very critical to up to date on the visa policy because requirements can change suddenly.

Unfortunately, at times these scenarios do happen. Since Consular Officials issue visas, nef has no control over these situations or the overall process itself. When these situations occur and aren’t the fault of the student nef will help you to resolve the issue reschedule your intakes. If you are denied a visa, nef will do everything possible to offer you an alternative program at that time. Since you will not be able to travel before you have secured your visa. In the end, we are sure you will agree that the experience of complete immersion in another culture was worth your efforts.

Some countries has policy to pay the tuition fee and secure the place then apply for the visa like New Zealand, UK etc. and some country has policy that once student secure visa need to pay for the fee like USA etc.

We recommend that you pack a small carry-on bag with a change of clothes, a towel, and personal toiletries. In some cases access to your luggage is restricted during the arrival orientation and it’s important to have these items with you. For safety reasons, most airlines have introduced stiffer carry-on baggage rules. Keep your carry-on bags limited to a backpack or something similar in size. The carry-on bag is limited to 8 inches x 16 inches x 21 inches; and a weight of 32 kilograms. Most airlines will permit passengers to carry a purse, umbrella, or camerain addition to one carry-on bag.

Research your destination country to learn more about the climate, follow respective website and also you will get best advice from your study abroad counselor from nef. The best advice from other nef Participants (students) is to take things that you’re comfortable wearing. Avoid trendy outfits—chances are they won’t be in fashion in your destination country and you may feel out of place.

After you arrive in your destination country, you and the other participants will collect your luggage and pass through customs. Once you pass the custom then you will be to the arrival place and if you have booked your accommodation and airport pick up arrangement then you will find somebody from the college to receive you and they will help you to reach to accommodation and also to the college for the orientation place. If you just booked your accommodation then you need to have proper address so that you can get assistance from the information desk and travel either by bus, train or plane.

Your respective college/universities, alumni, volunteer association, legal adviser information centre will be there to support you while you will be abroad.

It is part of our commitment to your safety and welfare. This additional coverage ensures that, in an emergency, you can be treated as soon as possible, anywhere in the world. This secondary medical coverage is a prerequisite for your participation and is included as part of your program tuition.

The answer to this question depends on individual preference, as well as one’s individual bank. Many students find it easiest to use a Debit card from their home bank, however be sure to research ATM or other fees associated with your bank in your country of study. Other students find it easier to open a new bank account in their destination country. Once you get closer to departure you can research this independently. The amount of spending money needed also depends on student habits as well as the exchange rate in their destination country. Generally, spending money needed ranges from $200-500/month. Student should bring enough money to cover incidentals during travel and the first few weeks of their stay, in the event they are not able to go to a bank immediately upon arrival. They can exchange money to their new currency at their home bank or upon arrival.

Yes. All participants must be law abiding in their host country. There may be country-specific rules that apply. There also are limits on traveling independently. In a new environment, it’s important to be more aware than you might be at home. And remember: you are a student ambassador for the destination country, so it will be important to act respectfully toward others and to give extra attention to being culturally aware. Students may be sent home for breaking rules or laws, or for persistent behavioral issues.

This is a common concern. The simple answer is yes, you’ll fit in fine–and we’ll help you out, too. Visit nef on Facebook and connect with other students from the Nepal and abroad. Before departing on program, nef provides “Culture Trek,” a resource to help you prepare for intercultural immersion. Before you travel, you’ll attend an orientation that will also help to prepare you for your study abroad experience. Remember, the people you meet abroad will be just as curious about you and your culture as you are about them and theirs–which will give you plenty of opportunities to talk.

Yes you can because you will have multiple entry visa but we recommend you to spend time abroad and with your host family during the holidays will give you a unique perspective on the cultures values of your destination country.

Normally they can visit you during your study but it is recommended to them to visit you at the end of your study for convocation day or any special events.

Travel to other countries is permitted but you need to check for the requirement of visa from the website of respective government website.

It is normal to get homesick and it is normal to fall in love with your host country. In short, be prepared for many emotional ups and downs, but do not let these spoil your experience abroad. It is the good things that you will remember, and very few students report negative experiences when they return.

Can’t find the answer to your question? We’re happy to help. You can ask us in all sorts of of ways. Call us at 9806757157 and speak to an nef Academic Advisor. Email us at info@nefnepal.edu.np Or ask us a question directly on Contact us and we’ll get back to you ASAP.