Written by Lily Cain
Ever wondered what it’s like to trade your usual study spot for the mountain scenery of the Himalayas?
That’s precisely what I did last November, when I joined nine other Charles Sturt University education students on a month-long overseas placement in Nepal. Thanks to the New Colombo grant, we had the chance to explore Nepal’s vibrant culture, teach in a local high school, and discover what it means to study and live on the other side of the world.
Our placement was more than just a change of scenery; it was a subject in itself. While continuing our coursework, we used hotel lobbies and busy Nepalese cafes in Kathmandu as makeshift study spaces. Even lunch breaks at Kathmandu University High School in Dhulikhel became opportunities to catch up on assignments. Balancing study with travel was a privilege and a challenge, but it made every moment feel all the more meaningful.
Exploring Kathmandu was an adventure. We wandered the humming streets searching for souvenirs, sampled local dishes like Dal Bat and Momo’s, and visited sacred temples called Stupas. Becoming familiar with a city so different from home was both nerve-racking and comforting. By the end of our trip, the chaos of Kathmandu felt like a second home, and we found ourselves starting and finishing each day in the same lively streets.
During my school placement, I taught Year 8 Science classes, focusing on sustainable resources. My students’ eagerness to learn and their willingness to share their ideas made every lesson a rewarding experience. Our goal was to move beyond textbooks, encouraging students to engage with differentiated learning through games, group work, and creative projects. By the end of the week, I saw my students’ confidence grow as they presented their work (some origami windmills based around solar and wind-powered energy).
This placement taught me the value of adaptability, cultural understanding, and the power of education to connect people across continents. The warmth and generosity of the Nepalese community left a lasting impression, reminding me that learning can occur anywhere, not just in the classroom.
I recommend anyone wanting a rewarding, challenging and out of your comfort zone experience to investigate the overseas opportunities Charles Sturt has to offer.
Charlie blog is a SSAF funded initiative.
