Good for: Students interested in studying issues about traditional art, traditional medicine, Buddhist and Hindu religions, Tibetan culture, or global economic development.
Over time Nepal has drawn the most intrepid of travelers, mountaineers, anthropologists, linguists, and spiritual aspirants. The Kathmandu Valley was once only accessible by those brave enough to cross the jungles in the south or the snowy passes of the Himalaya. In a land of deep traditions, this study abroad program explores the diversity of Nepal while also delving into themes of social justice, development, and leadership in an intercultural context. Academic courses, as well as program travel experiences, provide depth and breadth to this program.
The backdrop for this program in Nepal is the medieval town of Patan, one of the three original kingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley. Time in this community of cobble-stoned streets and brightly adorned shops is characterized by homestays, intensive Nepali language instruction, and exposure to local scholars.
Beyond the urban, our journey takes us to the surrounding hills where students explore the regional topics and traditions of a rural community nestled in the shade of the Annapurna Mountains. As students settle into the slower pace of agrarian life, students work the land with local farmers and engage in conversations focused on development, sustainability and religious belief, while witnessing the impact of modernization on a traditional village. While camped below snow-capped peaks, students continue to explore the indigenous cultures that inhabit these extreme environs, guided by new academic frameworks and reflective tools received during a visit to a Buddhist medication and education center. Other excursions bring students through the terraced fields, dense jungles, and rhododendron forests of the central belt of Nepal, to the high hills and snowy passes of the Himalayas, and to the bio-diverse lowlands of the country. During this time students engage deeply with regional studies and development of our independent topics of investigation and research.
Study abroad students in Nepal engage deeply with the people and communities they live with and travel through. All along the way, integrated academic curriculum guides students as they learn about pressing local issues, develop skills in leadership and cultural competency, and become proficient in spoken and written Nepali.
This course explores the myriad ethnicities and religious traditions that constitute Nepal and the surrounding region, which is one of the most ethnically diverse regions of the world. Students begin their study in this course through an overview of the country’s cultural, social, and political background. Using lectures, readings, and discussion this course surveys social issues and vulnerable populations in Nepal such as development issues, environment, public health, education, human rights, caste, and the status of women. Students also receive an extensive introduction to Hinduism and to Mahayana Buddhism, in particular to the Tibetan tradition. Opportunities are also provided for students to engage local experts in discussion through guest lecturers and field trips. In addition, program travels in Nepal take students to communities which are engaged in addressing these issues, providing experiential opportunities for learning and growth.
This course is designed to provide study abroad students with an in-depth understanding of essential intercultural communication theories as well as the key skills needed to apply theories in interactions with host country nationals. Throughout the course, students learn relevant concepts and terminology in order to develop skills to interpret and analyze their intercultural interactions. The first half of the course focuses on positivistic and interpretive frameworks of intercultural communication as well as self-reflexivity. The second half of the course focuses on critical intercultural communication scholarship and applications, challenging the student to question default thinking patterns and recognize nuances of human interaction. Course assignments, reflection, structured activities, and direct experience emphasize the development of further intercultural competence among students. Foundational courses in communication theory are recommended, but not required.
NPL: 150 Nepali I
(Nepali Language 150; 4 credits) This course introduces students to the Nepali language
and is designed for students with no or minimal previous background in spoken or written
Nepali. Students in this course focus on learning essential vocabulary, practicing
pronunciation, and understanding simple grammatical structures. This knowledge prepares
students to effectively communicate in Nepali on a limited range of topics related
to everyday situations. Students practice listening and speaking in real-life situations,
learn to read and write Nepali script (Devanagari script), and examine how culture
and language interact in Nepal. In-class activities and course assignments aim to
assist students as they develop the oral proficiency and confidence necessary to initiate
simple conversations. Out-of-classroom experiences such a field trips and guided interactions
with native speakers supplement formal classroom instruction and provide ample opportunities
for practical engagement. In addition, language skills gained in this course support
students to deepen participation in other program and academic activities such as
homestays and the Independent Study Project.
NPL: 250 Nepali II
(Nepali Language 250; 4 credits) This course introduces students to more challenging
linguistic Nepali language material in order to establish a solid foundation for the
use of the language. Students in this course focus on building on past language exposure
to improve speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Students expand their
oral expression abilities by increasing vocabulary, improving understanding of grammar
concepts, strengthening pronunciation abilities, focusing on listening comprehension,
and building on previously studied Nepali script (Devanagari script). This course
introduces new language concepts to allow students to speak about topics pertaining
to their daily lives and also focuses on deepening knowledge of Nepali culture and
customs. By the end of the semester, students are expected to be able to engage in
basic daily conversations, read simple texts, and write for daily needs. In-class
activities and course assignments aim to assist students as they develop the ability
to appropriately use language and improve proficiency. Out-of-classroom experiences
such a field trips and guided interactions with native speakers supplement formal
classroom instruction and provide ample opportunities for practical engagement. In
addition, language skills gained in this course support students to deepen participation
in other program and academic activities such as homestays and the Independent Study
Project.
NPL: 350 Nepali III
(Nepali Language 350; 4 credits) This course is designed to develop advanced skills
in the Nepali language and is intended for students with extensive prior exposure
to the language. This course focuses on consolidating linguistic knowledge and development
of speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Students in this course will
develop advanced comprehension of and competence in using spoken Nepali in a wide-variety
of experiences. Grammatical functions will be reviewed and incorporated as they relate
to particular communication needs. A mix of communicative and interactive methods
are used to develop advanced proficiency and materials are drawn from a variety of
media sources and texts. In addition, students develop their understanding of the
relationship between the Nepali language and culture. By the end of the semester,
students are expected to be able to express sophisticated and nuanced ideas both orally
and in writing. Out-of-classroom experiences such a field trips and guided interactions
with native speakers supplement formal classroom instruction and provide ample opportunities
for practical engagement. In addition, language skills gained in this course support
students to deepen participation in other program and academic activities such as
homestays and the Independent Study Project.
Dates for Fall Semester: September 5-December 18
Dates for Spring Semester: February 9-May 23
Naropa Tuition*: | $17,200 |
Room & Board*: | $3,600 |
*Tuition includes 12–16 credit hours plus in-country travel and excursions. *Room
and Board is an estimate.
Additionally, you will be responsible for:
Airfare: | Approximately $1300 |
Travel insurance: | Approximately $665 |
Visa: | $150 |
Books & supplies: | Approximately $100 |
Immunizations: | Varies |
Personal expenses: | Varies |
*Additional expenses above will be coordinated with Where There Be Dragons.
If a student chooses a Naropa Sponsored (Dragons) or Affiliated (SIT) programs, he/she may apply for one of Dragons', or SIT scholarships. In addition to those funds, students may apply for one or more of the other general/regional scholarships for Study Abroad.