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Princeton in Beijing
University of Princeton
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The Himalayas... Since time immemorial, these colossal peaks with their vast web of rugged, isolated valleys and distinct ethnic groups have drawn only the most intrepid travelers from distant lands. Through rural and urban homestays, ten days in a Buddhist monastery, trekking, service learning, and independent study, students have the op... read moreThe Himalayas... Since time immemorial, these colossal peaks with their vast web of rugged, isolated valleys and distinct ethnic groups have drawn only the most intrepid travelers from distant lands. Through rural and urban homestays, ten days in a Buddhist monastery, trekking, service learning, and independent study, students have the opportunity to explore this remarkable region and its people, encountering the ancient spiritual traditions, which have deep roots in this mystical land.
Our program will be largely based in the Kathmandu valley, an ancient crossroads and melting pot of Himalayan peoples, where students will encounter the convergence of deep traditions with modern life. While living with host families and studying Nepali language, students will have the opportunity to meet with local scholars and activists and learn about Nepal’s history, politics and culture while pursuing a wide range of possible independent study and service learning projects.
From academic to hands on study, students find areas of personal interest to explore in depth during our time in Kathmandu . Bronze casting, jewelry making, stone carving, thangka (Buddhist iconography) painting, and music are just a few of the apprenticeship opportunities available. Students interested in traditional medicine can work with a Tibetan doctor or with Ayurvedic practitioners. With a wide range of NGOs, Kathmandu also offers unparalleled opportunities to learn about the challenges and potential Nepal’s traditional society faces with rapid modernization. For those interested in community service projects, teaching English, volunteering in local orphanages, and participating in environmental awareness and HIV/AIDS education programs are just a few of the volunteer opportunities available.
The study of religious traditions is a central component of our semester as the basic principles of Buddhism, Hinduism and shamanism are introduced. We will attend a meditation retreat and receive an introductory course on Tibetan Buddhism while living with Tibetan monks at a monastery overlooking the Kathmandu valley.
From Kathmandu we will go to the foothills of the Himalaya to explore rural Nepali village life as we settle in to the slower pace offered here without electricity and learn about subsistence living. We also venture higher into the Himalayas of Nepal where we spend time among high altitude Buddhist farming communities and travel for a week at elevations reaching over 15,000 ft through one of the most ruggedly beautiful and dramatic areas on earth.
By our last days students will have a firm lay of the land as well as inspiration to explore areas of their choosing and so we conclude our Himalayan Studies program with a week long student inspired excursion.
** The Himalaya Studies Semester is accredited through Prescott College, and students can opt to receive up to four 4-credit courses, though Prescott charges an additional fee.
Land cost: USD 12,600
Begins in: Los Angeles
Est. flight cost: USD 1,700 Less
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... Read more
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, ... Read more
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... Read more
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... Read more
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, ... Read more
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... Read more
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, ... Read more
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... Read more
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... Read more
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, ... Read more
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... Read more
