Pitzer College: Tribhuvan University

Pitzer College in Nepal is the College’s longest-running program and has gained recognition for its highly effective approach to language and cultural training. An intellectually and physically demanding schedule blends family stays, language classes, lectures, field trips, community projects and independent study. A trek and family stay in a Himalayan village, allow participants to learn first-hand about a surprising wealth of cultures and climates. The integrated curriculum enables students to interact more closely with the people and cultures of Nepal.

Nepal is in the midst of an exciting time of social and political change as the country transitions from what was, until recently, the world’s only Hindu monarchy to a secular democracy with increased rights for women, ethnic groups and other minorities. A successful and peaceful election to a constitutional assembly was held in April 2008. As their first official act, the delegates to this assembly declared Nepal a democratic republic and asked the King to leave the palace. The assembly is currently in the process of drafting a new constitution and deciding such important issues as increased representation for people of the Terai and growing demands to create a federation of semi-autonomous states within Nepal. Issues such as rural development, rural to urban migration, health care, education, sustainable tourism and many others remain paramount.