Nepal Semester: Himalayan Studies (Gap Year)

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.

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.