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- Nepal: Traditions of the Himalayas (Summer)

Nepal: Traditions of the Himalayas (Summer)
Terraced rice paddies, fluttering prayer flags, dew-drenched mornings: discover the beauty of the Himalayas, experience life in remote mountain communities, participate in a meditation retreat, and study traditional arts with local masters. Since ancient times, travelers, monks, merchants, artists, and warriors have passed through Kathmandu in their journeys across the great Himalayan range. Some never left, and today, ethnic groups peacefully coexist in the peaks and valleys of this dynamic country. Nepal’s rich cultural diversity provides a strong foundation for a larger conversation about the underpinnings of identity, community, and spirituality. Our summer abroad program weaves a path between rural and urban environments and different religious communities as we explore how ancient traditions can survive in a rapidly developing society. During our time in the Kathmandu Valley, we meet with local activists and experts who share their insights on Nepal’s history, politics, and culture. Moving into rural Nepal, we trek through lush green forests and stunning valleys, before settling into a homestay with subsistence farmers.
Terraced rice paddies, fluttering prayer flags, dew-drenched mornings: discover the beauty of the Himalayas, experience life in remote mountain communities, participate in a meditation retreat, and study traditional arts with local masters. Since ancient times, travelers, monks, merchants, artists, and warriors have passed through Kathmandu in their journeys across the great Himalayan range. Some never left, and today, ethnic groups peacefully coexist in the peaks and valleys of this dynamic country. Nepal’s rich cultural diversity provides a strong foundation for a larger conversation about the underpinnings of identity, community, and spirituality. Our summer abroad program weaves a path between rural and urban environments and different religious communities as we explore how ancient traditions can survive in a rapidly developing society. During our time in the Kathmandu Valley, we meet with local activists and experts who share their insights on Nepal’s history, politics, and culture. Moving into rural Nepal, we trek through lush green forests and stunning valleys, before settling into a homestay with subsistence farmers.
Program Highlights
Delve into a broad introduction to the philosophy and spiritual practices of Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism, including an investigation of yoga, meditation, iconography, and symbolism.
Look at ethnic and cultural diversity, religious traditions, artistic traditions, and current development issues.
Experience renowned Nepali hospitality Nepali in both rural and urban homestays.
Choose a topic of interest & dive into a relationship with a mentor, with options including music, dance, stone carving, jewelry making, bronze casting, religious traditions, and traditional cooking.
Examine environmental issues, tourism, the preservation of traditional culture, concepts of ethnicity, land management, education, gender issues, and healthcare.
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Quick Details
- Kathmandu, Nepal
- 2-4 Weeks
- Community Service & Volunteering
- Experiential Learning
- Language Immersion
- Outdoor Education
- Student Exchange
- All Nationalities
Awards

Program Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
i carry your heart
October 24, 2012by: BillyI miss Nepal, and my dragons, but they will always be with me. When I sit down to tea with someone, they are with me. When I practice compassion and love, they are with me. When I force myself to remember that all people are the same, I am with the monks who taught me but also with my friends who are now across the globe. When I get someone's back they are with me, because we all had each others back, and always will. Loved this program, it was full of spirituality, so if that is what you are looking for, this is a good choice.
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Kathmandu, Nepal
Types and Subjects
- Focus Areas
- Community Service & Volunteering
- Experiential Learning
- Language Immersion
- Outdoor Education
- Student Exchange
Availability
Years Offered: 2027, 2028, 2029
- 2-4 Weeks
Age Requirement
14-20
Guidelines
All Nationalities
This Program is also open to Group
Starts At
Program Cost Includes
- Tuition & Fees
- Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
- Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Welcome Dinner
- Group Meals
- Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
- Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
- In-Country Transportation To & From Project
Refund Policy
Refund with conditions
Accommodation Options
- Group living
- Home-stays
Qualifications & Experience
- English
Language Skills Required
- High School Freshman (1st Year)
- High School Sophomore (2nd Year)
- High School Junior (3rd Year)
- High School Senior (4th Year)
- High School 5th Year or More
Accepted Education Levels
Application Procedures
- Phone/Video Interview
- Physical Exam/Health Records
- Online Application
Ready to Learn More?
Terraced rice paddies, fluttering prayer flags, dew-drenched mornings: discover the beauty of the Himalayas, experience life in remote mountain communities, participate in a meditation retreat, and study traditional arts with local masters. Since ancient times, travelers, monks, merchants, artists, and warriors have passed through Kathmandu in their journeys across the great Himalayan range. Some never left, and today, ethnic groups peacefully coexist in the peaks and valleys of this dynamic country. Nepal’s rich cultural diversity provides a strong foundation for a larger conversation about the underpinnings of identity, community, and spirituality. Our summer abroad program weaves a path between rural and urban environments and different religious communities as we explore how ancient ...

Where There Be Dragons

Where There Be Dragons
Ready to Learn More?
Terraced rice paddies, fluttering prayer flags, dew-drenched mornings: discover the beauty of the Himalayas, experience life in remote mountain communities, participate in a meditation retreat, and study traditional arts with local masters. Since ancient times, travelers, monks, merchants, artists, and warriors have passed through Kathmandu in their journeys across the great Himalayan range. Some never left, and today, ethnic groups peacefully coexist in the peaks and valleys of this dynamic country. Nepal’s rich cultural diversity provides a strong foundation for a larger conversation about the underpinnings of identity, community, and spirituality. Our summer abroad program weaves a path between rural and urban environments and different religious communities as we explore how ancient ...
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