“School in Nepal taught me discipline. School in Boston? It taught me how to think.”
That’s how Heena sums up her academic journey on two continents. But there’s way more to it.
Here are 5 big differences she noticed between Nepal and the US.
1️⃣ Learning Style: Memorize vs. Analyze
In Nepal:
“You memorize question banks. If you’ve seen it before, you’re golden on exams.”
In the US:
“Forget question banks. Here it’s all about understanding concepts and applying them to real-life scenarios. Exams are less about ‘what’ and more about ‘why.’”
2️⃣ Professors: Sir/Ma’am vs. First Names
Back home, Heena called her teachers “Sir” or “Miss” with full respect.
In Boston?
“I was shocked when students called professors by their first names. It felt… wrong at first, but now I get it—it makes them more approachable.”
3️⃣ Class Size: Packed Halls vs. Small Groups
“In Nepal, it was 50+ students per class. In the US, premed lectures had 200 people, but my Honors College classes? Just 10 people sitting around a table.”
The small classes meant more discussions and direct access to professors.
4️⃣ Campus Life: Stay All Day vs. Grab and Go
In Nepal:
“Cafes were part of school life. We’d chill for hours between classes.”
In the US:
“Everyone’s rushing. People go to class, then head home or to work. It’s a commuter vibe—no lingering.”
5️⃣ Rigor vs. Freedom
“Nepali education was rigid—do this, learn that. Here, it’s more flexible. You can explore different majors, take electives, and even switch tracks without drama.”
Her Takeaway?
“Both systems shaped me. Nepal gave me discipline, but Boston taught me how to think critically—and that’s life-changing.”