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Pitzer College in Nepal (Outgoing Program)

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Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Language of instruction: English, Nepali Housing options: Homestay
Areas of study: Anthropology, Asian Studies, Culture, Development Studies, Environmental Studies, Independent/Directed Research, International Relations, Nepali, Religious Studies Class standing: 2 - Junior, 3 - First Semester Senior
Program type: Experiential/field-based, Stand alone GPA: 2.0
Program Description:
nepalThe capital of Nepal, Kathmandu is a bustling city of close to one million people. Its medieval streets dotted with both Hindu and Buddhist temples are offset by lively bazaars filled with people from all over the country, exemplifying Nepal's rich ethnic and religious diversity.

Pitzer College's Program in Nepal, founded in 1974, provides a unique opportunity for an in-depth and significant cross-cultural learning experience and is particularly recommended for students in anthropology and Asian Studies. Regular features of the program include the intensive Nepali language study, a homestay program placing students in close contact with Nepalese daily life, and a trek and village homestay in the Himalayas.

Academic Program
A major part of the program consists of conversational Nepali instruction (200 hours) taught with minimal English translation (2 Pomona credits). The grade in the language course is based on a student's ability to communicate orally and in writing. All students also take the core course, Nepal Studies, a class which covers a variety of topics, including family structures, the caste system, environmental studies, development studies, health, and religion. The course consists of seminars, lectures, field trips, walking treks, and family stays. Students also keep a journal and complete a field book consisting of weekly writing assignments (1 Pomona credit).

In addition to these two required courses, students work on an Independent Study Project, which is evaluated by a Claremont Colleges faculty member. It is due for grading no later than four weeks following the semester in Nepal (1 Pomona credit).

There is no CR/NC option on this program.

Living Arrangements
Students live and eat with Nepalese families in villages.  

Number of Students
Pitzer College enrolls approximately 14 students, selected from a competitive pool.

Host Institution
Pitzer College

Faculty Liaison
Zhiru Ng

Eligibility
  • Junior standing or above.
  • Passport valid for six months beyond the proposed semester end date.
Coursework in South Asian Area Studies, Development Studies, South Asian Religions, and International/Intercultural Studies is recommended. For Claremont Colleges students: Introduction to Socio-cultural Anthropology, Engaging Difference, Undergraduate Research Abroad, and Pitzer in Ontario courses provide relevant preparation. For Claremont Colleges students with a particular interest in anthropology, Intro to Nepal is usually offered once a year at Pitzer.  If a students cannot take this course due to a scheduling conflict, please see Mike Donahue in the Pitzer study abroad office.

Internet Link
https://www.pitzer.edu/study-abroad/pitzer-students/nepal/

Student Experiences
Listen to Jessica Orvis’ (PO '21) experience on the Pitzer College in Nepal program on the Sagehens Abroad Podcast.

Travel Advisories  

Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline (Pacific Time) Decision Date Start Date End Date
Spring 2025 09/08/2024 10/04/2024 TBA TBA