Is it safe to study abroad in Nepal?
 

I'm considering studying abroad for a semester in the himalayan region of Nepal next fall but the travel warning on the US department of state's website concerns me a little bit. How safe would you consider it to be currently? I know the political situation has stabilized for the most part, but it's hard to judge what things may look like next year.
Thanks!

Only you can decide what feels comfortable for you.

I was in Nepal at the end of October. The political situation has stabilized and the very unpopular king has been deposed (by election). The people we spoke with were hopeful that the country is on track in dealing with the day to day problems of the people.

In my experience, the US State Dept. warnings are not only very conservative, but are often more motivated by politics than by actual risk (which is difficult to gauge in any case).

Hey griffith:

Kathie is the voice of reason. I'll be voice of 'Yahooo! Wow! Just GO!!!!'What a great opportunity.

I've been to KTM four times in the last 12 months. I don't think there's a more interesting place in Asia.

Yeah, you can't ever know what's going down in Nepal. Who knows what next year will bring? It's not dangerous. But it's 'volatile'. You WILL be impacted regularly by strikes and craziness of all kinds.

You'll shrug and get on with life. You'll soon learn that demonstrations can turn ugly very fast. You'll soon learn to head in the opposite direction - fast. Normal rules apply.

For a real take on interpreting your State Department warnings go to
Cicerone's definite answer to this in a recent post. [maybe Kathie can help me find it]

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...amp;dirtyBit=1

At the bottom of the thread. I think she summed it up perfectly. Reflect on those thoughts. Then go to Kathmandu-u-u-u!

Thanks! I think that may be the wrong link though...it goes directly back to this thread.

right now it's thread number 71 on the next page.

titled: State Dept Warning India

Here's the link:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35170580