Course Description

This travel study course offers an opportunity for service learning. Students will gain real world experience of multiculturalism, gender and community development in Nepal, and see how their efforts in education and social change affect the lives of people in the rural and urban part of the country. The trip will be collaborated with various grass root level NGOs, government agencies and local organizations where students will have opportunity to interact with different ethnic, cultural, community groups, and work with local teachers, community leaders and social workers. In addition to the service learning opportunity, students will also attend classes on multiculturalism, education policies, environment, human rights, gender and sustainable development, and social change efforts in Nepal.

Locations and Trip Highlights

After arrival in Nepal, students will visit some of the popular historic sites, ancient temples, shires and beautiful locations around Kathmandu Valley. They will meet with some vibrant and wonderful local people. Destinations may include Swayambhunath (also known as “Monkey Temple”), a historical stupa atop a hill of stairs dotted with monkeys; Boudhanath, one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal; Pashupatinath, a sacred Hindu temple.

Students will explore Nepalese history, culture, traditions and learn different aspects of ancient architecture. Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal which stands at an elevation of around 4,300 feet and inhabited by 1.3 million people.

The second destination will be in Bhaktapur city which is east of Kathmandu. Students will spend most of their time in schools working together with local students, teachers and parents. This would be a wonderful opportunity for UVM students to offer service learning and to interact with local people and learn about their cultures, values, traditions and lifestyles.

Students will visit other popular destinations such as Kirtipur, Chandragiril Hills, Nagarkot will learn about local cultures, and enjoy the beautiful views of ancient temples, lakes, waterfalls, gorges and majestic Himalaya Mountains.

In addition, students will also visit community projects and schools, and working together with the local people and NGO representatives in Dhulikhel, Banepa and Panouti areas. Dhulikhel Bazar is the head quarter of Dhulikhel district where most of the government agencies and other offices are located. Most of the people in this small town and surrounding hills depend on agriculture as their main lively hood, and grow corn, rice, potatoes, wheat and millet. Dhulikhel is also a popular place to observe stunning panorama of peaks and Himalaya ranges.

All of our plans will remain flexible based on the local political climate and opportunities that may present themselves as we travel. We may go trekking in the hills, enjoy views of the Himalayas, meet local people and learn about local culture and traditions at the weekend in case any of our program changes due to unavoidable situations.

Learning Objectives:

The Nepal program will have three broad objectives:

1. To provide general understanding of history, culture, education, gender and development in the social change process of Nepal.
2. To offer service learning opportunity to the students so that they can apply their skills and knowledge into practice in rural and urban settings.
3. To provide specific knowledge on multi-culture, education, sustainable development and social change process, and see the implication of such efforts to poor and minority women, men and children in the rural Nepal.

At the completion of the study abroad program students will be able to:

• Express their understanding of rich, historical, cultural, social, educational, gender and sustainable economic development process of Nepal
• Explain the challenges and interventions of government and non-government organizations in social, educational, gender and economic development efforts
• Demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity to work effectively with people from multicultural backgrounds
• Respect for cultural diversity and be able to promote inclusive culture at their workplace
• Explain how culture plays role in education, gender and social change process
• Compare and contrast cultures, gender roles, education systems, economic and social change efforts between the US and the host country Nepal.

Travel Study Costs and Fees

Program Fee: $1,595*

If you are admitted to the course, you will receive an email asking you to accept or decline the spot. To accept your spot, you are required to fill out the commitment deposit form and submit a $500 non-refundable deposit within 48 hours. For more information about payment policies and procedures, view the Travel Study Payment Policy.

A $500 non-refundable deposit is due at the time you are admitted to the program.

Included:

• In-country transportation
• Student housing accommodations
• Cultural activities and excursions arranged by the lead instructor
• Meals
• Supplies and materials

Not Included:

• College tuition and fees**, see UVM Student Financial Services
• Airfare, estimated cost $1,930
• Cancel for any reason flight insurance (strongly encouraged)
• Baggage fees
• Vaccinations and any associated costs
• Passport fees
• Travel visa, $40
• Personal and entertainment expenses
• Optional excursions
• Anything not specified as included in the program

*Trip cost subject to change due to unanticipated changes.

**Travel Study courses are regarded as normal UVM courses and as such, normal tuition and fees apply.

For additional information:

Join Facebook @: https://www.facebook.com/UVMNepal/

Country Information

Visit the U.S. Department of State website for information regarding country health, safety risks, and laws for Nepal.