Program Overview

Witness the challenges facing Nepal as it works to balance tradition and progress and negotiate economic, political, and social change. Renowned for its scenery, from the peaks of the Himalayas to the remnants of tropical jungles in the tarai, Nepal is a land of complex ethnic and cultural diversity. Many Nepalese communities, shaped by their physical environments and pressured by scarce resources, have found innovative solutions that have helped them move forward in a challenging environment. Today, international development, internal political conflict, an emerging civil society, and the global market are all working to redefine Nepal in the twenty-first century.

Based in the Kathmandu Valley, students also take field excursions to the tarai, the Indian hills station of Darjeeling, and a village in the Himalayas, as they examine topics ranging from preservation of historic cities to tourist impact on local culture and national parks.

Program Focus

This program is based in the colorful and dynamic Kathmandu Valley. The program house is conveniently located in Naxal, right in the center of the city, and provides a safe and quiet haven for students in the midst of the busy urban activity. Students can take full advantage of the countless academic resources located in the Valley, including visiting scholars, a plethora of NGO and INGO headquarters, and a wealth of important world-famous cultural heritage sites.

Students have direct exposure to some of the most inspired and important Nepali people in the development arena, such as activists for ethnic rights, women's issues, education reform, press freedom and responsibility, and urban renovation. Numerous excursions take place within the Valley, and students often take advantage of free weekends to explore such places as Nagarkot, Kopan monastery, NamoBuddha and Duhlikhel, and Nagarjun Hill.