Nepal Semester: Himalayan Studies (Gap Year)

My semester abroad in Nepal was one of the most influential and memorable three months of my life - even years on afterwards! This trip pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best ways - learning to bargain, figuring things out for myself in a place that was completely new to me, fumbling (but loving!) learning Nepali and the excitement of speaking to people in rural villages and learning about what their lives were like, pushing myself physically when it came to trekking, eating so many momos (delicious!), and feeling the extraordinary peace of days of silence at the Buddhist monastery. The instructors were also incredibly supportive and helped me make connections for my independent study project (theater in Kathmandu). I came back from Nepal with so much more confidence in myself and my abilities; I would not trade this experience for anything!

Going to Nepal changed my entire life. I wish I could go back. The experiences I had, the people I met, the food… I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to go. The trip was well organized and I always felt safe. I knew I could rely on my team leads. There were numerous opportunities to lean into activities that I was interested in, and I felt an appropriate amount of freedom and boundaries which are both very important when traveling to a foreign country!! I would recommend a dragons program to anyone. It’s not an experience you come to regret.

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This program changed everything for me! Afterwards, I became a research SCUBA diver, worked for the US Geological Survey, was essentially a lighthouse keeper - I wouldn't have done this had Dragons not taught me that it is okay to be outside of your comfort zone. From the most loving homestays in both rural and urban areas, trekking for 3 weeks through the Himalayas (I'd never even slept in a tent before), to taking a vow of silence in a Buddhist Monastery nestled in the mountains...each experience taught me lessons I never would have expected. Not having a phone can only be described as COMPLETELY freeing. After the program, I felt so much more mature, grounded, and self-reliant. 1000000000/10 would do this again. It is one of the best decisions I've ever made.

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This program was the best program I've ever done. I still keep in touch with my homestay family after 10 years! Dragons helped me explore my interests and ultimately set me up for a successful undergrad and graduate degree in Environmental Science and Policy. I would recommend this program to anyone!

On my Dragons gap semester, I was sexually harassed by another student on the program. I learned that two other participants on the program experienced the same harassment I did, so we all came forward together to the female leader on our trip. I was pretty traumatized by the experience and expressed this to the leader, but she did not seem to take it seriously and ultimately nothing was done for the remainder of the program. I followed up with Dragons after to inquire about why nothing was done and the current south Asia program coordinator’s response was something along the lines of “We didn’t want to upset you by bringing up the situation because we know that serious things like this can be hard to talk about.” If they knew how serious it was, why was nothing done? They still have not been able to acknowledge that they mishandled the situation. I genuinely believe that they mean well and just have not sought out the training or support to navigate situations like this. I reached out directly to the current executive director of Dragons about how they have updated their response to sexual harassment and his response essentially that they haven’t made any changed. I unfortunately don’t recommend their programs for anyone who doesn’t feel like a full adult who can take care of themself. I really wanted to love my semester in Nepal but instead left traumatized:( No one can learn in an environment they don’t feel safe in.

I spent 3 months in Nepal with Where There Be Dragons. On my trip I spent a week at a buddhist monestary learning philosophy and medication and living alongside monks as they went about their daily lives. I lived for 2 weeks with a family in a rural village. During my time there I experienced life as a local while also having daily language lessons and group activities with the rest of my group. The family I stayed with spoke very little english and, at the time, I spoke very little Nepali, despite the language barrier I was able to connect so beautifully with my 3 siblings, my mother, and the slew of other single months and their children that often hung out at our house. They all made me feel so welcome and loved and J would say it was the most rewarding and special experience of my whole trip. I then spent a week trekking in the Himalayan mountains from village to village with my group. This was another beautiful experience, not only because of the views, but because of the connections I made with my fellow students and my instructors. Next I spent 3.5 weeks living with a different family in the city of Patan. Once again the group met daily for language classes and to explore the city. We also partook in independent study projects where we each got to choose a different Nepali skill to learn, I chose silver jewelry making and I came home with many pieces to share. The city itself was beautiful and had endless things to see but also my family was once again so welcoming and made me feel at home. I was fortunate enough to be there during two large festivals and I got to experience them first hand with my family, going to family gatherings and hosting as well. I felt so immersed in the culture. The last thing we did was another trek, this one was 2 weeks. We reached 5,106 meters (17,000ft) during this trek. Our team and guides were incredible and it was such a rewarding and incredible experience. I have never seen such views or connected so closely with my peers. I will be forever grateful that I attended this trip and I highly recommend it for anyone who has the opportunity. The only negative thing I can say is that it is fairly expensive and while they offer great financial aid, a spot is not guaranteed unless you are paying full price so the program could fill up before they process your financial aid. I recommend applying to a couple different programs just in case. Anyways, happy travels!!

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My Himalayan semester was one of the best experiences I have ever had. From rural homestays to trekking in the Himalayas, it was full to the brim of adventure, community, culture and collaboration. My instructors were absolutely amazing as were my fellow Dragons students. The space that Dragons creates for self reflection and growth along with building an incredible group environment was something unique and awesome. On a trip like this it is expected that at one point or another you are pushed outside of your comfort zone. This was incredible because you end up watching your comfort zone expand and grow with you. Going from being a complete stranger and foreigner, lost in Kathmandu, to a confident traveler catching crowded busses and chatting to the person next to you in Nepali was incredible. One of the countless stunning moments on this trip was when I was sitting on a rock on a mountainside. It was near sunset we were at 13,000 feet of elevation, and the pinkish orange light of the setting sun began to creep across the massive peaks of the Himalayas in the Lang Tang region. I sat there, watching the sun dip down below the cloud layer, and was struck by the silence. No sound whatsoever penetrated that beautiful serene mountain air. It was almost like the world had frozen briefly. Stuck in that dusky state between day and night. The giant peaks only adding to the splendor, putting the size of humanity in its place yet again.

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Although I thoroughly loved my whole gap year, the Dragons trip stands out as the highlight. I loved the challenge, the intensity, the teaching style, the instructors, the flexibility, and the adventure. It was an incredibly transformative 3 months for me. It is hard to go to Nepal or India and not fall in love with the people, the culture, the land- the all encompassing and mind blowing world that is the Himalayas. This trip is an experience that will stay with you and continue to affect you for the rest of your life. It was not all fun, but it was raw and real and that was what made it so amazing.

One of the most positively influential experiences of my life I chose this program because of my interest in Buddhism, I knew nothing about Nepal. My accommodations was the perfect amount outside of my comfort zone :)

Here's a little bit of an email I sent to a prospective student that inquired about my trip: I'm so glad you're considering the Himalayan Studies Program! Spending three months in Nepal with Dragons was one of the best decision I've ever made. In fact, its funny you contacted me, since I'm actually just beginning to look at study abroad programs available to me in college. And I'm starting to realize that nothing can really compare to the experience you get while traveling with Dragons. The Himalayan Studies program truly allows you to immerse yourself in the land more deeply than any other organized trip I have heard about. A little bit about my trip: After graduating from high school, I planned 7 months of traveling in South Asia. Starting with 3 months with Dragons in Nepal, followed by 4 months volunteering at a school in India. The semester I spent with dragons was invaluable to my year. They really introduced me to the idea of being a world traveller. From that semester, I gained an awareness of culture in the area that I simply wouldn't have gotten any other way. At the same time, I formed many new fantastic relationships both with my host families and with the students and instructors traveling with me. After three months in Nepal, with the guidance of extremely interesting and knowledgeable instructors, I felt much more prepared to take on India as an independent traveller. Plus, towards the end of my trip, I arranged to meet up with the Dragons' India spring group and felt right at home hanging out with them as well. There certainly are challenges that come along with spending a semester in Asia. Most things you will learn naturally as you go on the trip, from small Nepali mannerisms (you'll quickly pick up the characteristic "head bobble") to some life changing lessons about yourself and others, be it in gratitude, individuality, beauty or something else. At the same time, It can feel like a different world. And there will no doubt be situations that can feel overwhelming. That's a huge part of the instructors roles; to help work out those times when your out of your "comfort zone." There were quite a few instances when I just wanted to be laying on my couch at home, watching New Girl and eating a grilled cheese sandwich. But it's at these times, where we get to see what we are really capable of mentally and physically. I discovered so much about myself that I never would have found out if I hadn't gone abroad... especially with the Dragons group.

This trip was without question the most valuable experience I've had. The intent behind the program is genuine for the participants and sensitive to the local culture, which allowed me to dive headfirst into each aspect of the program and the country. My Dragons semester challenged me and enabled me to view myself and Nepal with honesty, clarity and respect. I am indebted to Where There Be Dragons for the beauty, the knowledge, and the value that I witnessed and acquired as a result of my experience.

With Where There Be Dragons, I was able to experience life in an urban setting in Nepal, as well as life in a rural setting. My instructors had great in-country connections, and were able to find every single student a mentor for their specific Independent Study Projects. The home-stay families were all extremely generous and kind, and I always felt safe staying with my family in Kathmandu. Trekking in the Himalayas was intense but so beautiful, and gave us all a real understanding of why development in Nepal is so difficult. I have come home with a new perspective on my own life, and with a better idea of who I am and what I want to do with my life.

This was my second trip with WTBD; I returned because I knew the quality of education I would receive and I wanted to go to the Himalaya with the same level of personal, knowledgeable and professional guidance. My ISP component (silver jewelry making) was creative, fun, novel and in the meantime I gained solid friendships with my mentors. Language classes were professional, intensive, enjoyable and I ultimately achieved a conversational level of Nepali which greatly improved my personal experience in the country. My homestay family was unforgettable; we continue to stay in touch today (3 yrs later). They were welcoming, warm, helpful, light hearted and provided unconditional love and security for me in Kathmandu. Our 3 week long trek in the Himalaya was remote, challenging, rewarding and breathtaking. My absolute favorite part of the entire semester. Our 10 day monastery stay was unlike anything I've ever done. 10 days of silence in a world renowned monastery in the presence of international practitioners and several hundred monks. Insightful and powerful. My instructors were highly knowledgeable of the local culture, spoke the language fluently, were experienced educators and dynamic trip leaders. My trip mates were from all over the US, passionate about learning new cultures and traveling, supportive and fun. My Himalaya Studies semester was a semester I will never forget. I highly recommend WTBD and this semester program in particular.