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    Study Abroad in Nepal

    Namaste. A Nepalese greeting that means: The light within me bows to the light within you. 

    Goucher College offers an optional study abroad experience to graduate students in the M.A. in Environmental Sustainability & Management (M.A.E.S.), M.A. in Cultural Sustainability (M.A.C.S.), and M.A. in Historic Preservation (M.A.H.P.) programs.

     

    Why Do We Visit?

    Nepal is a multiethnic and multicultural country, representing a fusion of Indo-Aryan and Tibeto-Mongolian culture.  Nepal is also rich in biodiversity and is situated where two geologic plates are colliding to form the majestic Himalayas.  Climate change is impacting Nepal through extreme weather, flooding, landslides, food shortages, and a rapidly changing ecosystem.  As a result, significant spiritual, cultural, and heritage sites are under threat.  The people and communities of Nepal are assessing and adapting in response to these changes.

    What Is This ICA?

    When Is the Class?

    Where Do We Visit?

    • Directors Amy Skillman, Melanie Lytle, and Jenn da Rosa visit Nepal Blue Mountain Organic Coffee Farm (Pokhara) to learn about sustainable coffee growing and harvesting.

    • Stunning views of the Annapurna foothills, glacially carved valleys, and agricultural terraces on the trek to Ghandruk village.

    • Boudhanath Stupa, a Buddist ceremonial burial mound, is one of the largest stupas in the world and a UNESCO Heritage Site.

    • Morning in Ghandruk village where Nepalese visitors dress in traditional Gurung clothing and photograph each other.

    • Phewa Lake in Pokhara is dotted with colorful boats which you can rent and row out to see a specatular view of the Himalayas.

    • To enter Chitwan National Park, a canoe ride across the Rapti River is necessary. The river is home to two types of crocodile.

    • Directors Melanie Lytle, Amy Skillman, and Jenn da Rosa visit the Gharial (crocodile) Conservation Breeding Center in Chitwan National Park.

    • Director Jenn da Rosa and guide, Narayan Kumar Shrestha, feeding rescued elephants in Sapana Village.

    • The International Mountain Museum in Pokhara explores the diverse cultures, complex geology, climate change threats, and mountaineering achievements in the Himalayas.

    • Directors Jenn da Rosa, Amy Skillman, and Melanie Lytle enjoy a warm cup of tea with the Tharu people while visiting their village and learning about their sustainable use of biogas for cooking.

    • Directors Jenn da Rosa, Amy Skillman, and Melanie Lytle enjoy coffee and conversation at Nepal Blue Mountain Organic Coffee Farm after a brief blessing ceremony.

    • Pashupatinath Temple Cremation Complex is a major cremation site in Kathmandu, Nepal, where Hindu cremation ceremonies take place along the Bagmati River.

    • A religious ceremony near a temple in Baktapur draws believers in a festival atmosphere to seek blessings for the coming year.

    • Krishna Mandir temple in Patan Durbur Square. The square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    • Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a former royal palace complex located in Bhaktapur, Nepal. Many temples are undergoing restoration from the 2015 earthquake.

    • A temple in Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Early morning, when the locals come for chanting and praying, is the best time to visit.

    • Rice paddy terraces and fields outside of Pohkara.

    • A stunning view of the Annapurna Mountain range, part of the majestic Himalayas.

    • Directors Melanie Lytle, Amy Skillman, and Jenn da Rosa enjoy masala tea (chai) in Ghandruk village as the morning sunlight illuminates the Annapurna range.

    • View of the Annapurna Mountain range from Ghandruk village.  Annapurna is an infamous trekking region in Nepal with 13 peaks over 7,000 meters tall.

     

    How Can You Participate?

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