Program Photos

Nepal and Tibet Semester: Volunteering, Cultural Immersion, Educational Adventure Travel

Location: - Multi-Country: Rural Areas, Various cities in each country; Nepal: Bhaktapur, Chitwan, Kathmandu and 5 other cities; Tibet: Lhasa, Rural Areas

Term: Fall, Winter, Trimester, Academic Year, Throughout the year

Program Duration: 9-12 weeks

Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks

Dates: September - November every year

Pacific Discovery

http://www.pacificdiscovery.org

PO Box 899 Nelson, 7040 New Zealand

Call Us

Phone: +1 800 655 3415

Fax: +1 206 984 3763

Description

Immerse yourself in an astoundingly rich cultural heritage and dramatically diverse environments, as we journey through Nepal and Tibet. This 9 week program offers: Nepali language and culture immersion while home-staying in a rural village and volunteering on a community development project; Trekking in the shadow of Mt Everest through Sagamartha National Park enjoying traditional Sherpa hospitality; Studying Tibetan Buddhism and meditation while living at a hilltop monastary; An incredible rafting expedition from the Himalayas to the plains bordering India; Overland travel across the roof-top of the world between Kathmandu and Lhasa, the spiritual heart of Tibet, through incredible landscapes and amazing historic sites; Time in ancient Bandipur, lakeside Pokhara and Royal Chitwan National Park.

This 9-week educational travel program is suitable for highschool graduates, gap year students, college students and graduates, ideally 18-24 years.

Pacific Discovery programs combine sustainable educational adventure travel, cultural immersion, experiential education, volunteer and community service projects, personal and leadership development, and tons of fun! For gap year and college students, the opportunity to combine this with transferable academic credit gives you an unbeatable study abroad or gap year travel experience.

Since 2001, Pacific Discovery has taken hundreds of students and graduates on unique travel study programs abroad, utilizing a staff of experienced and qualified program leaders and faculty.

If you have a thirst for adventure, to explore places you've dreamt of, learning through hands-on experiences and making friends for life, then join us for a life-changing journey.

Highlights

* Rewarding week-long community service project and village homestay with language and cultural exchange focus
* Trekking through the rugged Himalaya mountains and Sherpa villages in Sagamartha National Park to Gyoko (15,175 ft), with views of Mt Everest
* Time in Namche Bazaar, Khumjung, and at Tengboche Monastry
* Insightful week-long course studying Tibetan Buddhism and meditation with monks at a monastery in the hills above Kathmandu Lhasa, Tibet, and the significant sites of the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Drepung and Sera monastries
* Five-day journey across the rooftop of the world from Lhasa back to Nepal, visiting incredible monasteries and Mt Everest base camp
* Rafting the Sun Koshi River, an unbelievable 9-day passage traversing more than 150 miles of mountains, valleys, forests and remote villages, to spill out onto the Gangetic Plain
* The town of Bandipur, a living museum of Newari culture and architecture
* The lakeshore town of Pokhara, the World Peace Pagoda, and insight into an organization working to improve the lives of disadvantaged women
* Safari in Royal Chetwin National Park home to endangered rhino, tigers and rare dolphins
* Lectures and discussions on history, religion culture and environment
* Very personalized small group experience maximum 10 participants (compare with other programs of up to 40)
* Fantastic Pacific Discovery program leader/s supported by English-speaking local guides
* Optional university credit available

Travel Types
  • 4th World Studies
  • Environmental Studies
  • Hiking
  • Homestay
  • Overland Tours
  • Rafting
  • Safari
  • Student Tours
  • Trekking
  • Volunteering
  • BackPacking Abroad
  • Camping
  • Eco Tours
  • Heritage Tourism
  • Native Culture Studies
  • Photography
  • Tours
Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Qualifications

No experience or qualifications needed, but we like participants to have a positive attitude, be enthusiastic, open to new experiences and other cultures.

Minimum Education

High School

Languages
  • English
  • Nepali

Cost in US$:

6950

Cost Include Description:

* Nepal and Tibet visa and permits
* All in-country travel and transport
* All accommodation
* More than two thirds of meals
* All activities, excursions, entry fees, permits and adventure travel as described in the itinerary
* Week-long volunteer community service project and Nepali language immersion
* Informal lectures from resident experts on conservation and eco-tourism
* Experienced program leader/s and local guides
* Online image library for your program
* Refer information booklet for international flight options.

Nepal visa is issued on arrival at the airport in Kathmandu.

Credit Available

yes

Volunteer Types
  • community development
  • conservation
  • grassroots organization
Age Range
18-24 ideal
This Program is open to

American, European, Canadian, Australian, South African, Kiwi, Worldwide, Asian Participant.

Typical Living Arrangements
  • Home-stays
  • Group living
  • Other

Participants Travel

in Groups

Application Process Involves
  • Online Application plus Application Assessment
Typically The Application Process Time is
2-3 days
Post Services Include
  • Alumni Network
  • Exit Debriefing Abroad
Pacific Discovery's Mission Statement

Through meaningful and challenging experiential travel, we assist participants in gaining the skills, confidence and insight to realize their potential in an increasingly global society; develop empathy for other cultures; further understanding of international issues; and heighten appreciation for the earth's wilderness and diversity.

Year Founded

2001

GoAbroad.com