Location
  • Nepal
    • Kathmandu
Length
4 - 26 weeks
Need-based funding, General grants/scholarships, 529 Plan eligibility, BIPOC funding
Health & Safety

Program Details

Activities
City Exploring Remote Exploring Trekking
Timeframe
Fall Spring
Housing
Ashram Guesthouse Host Family Hotel Tent
Primary Language
Nepali
Age Min.
17
Age Max
22

Pricing

Starting Price
18500
Price Details
The cost for Nepal Semester: Himalayan Studies is $18,500 for three months. Financial aid is available.
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Some Equipment Meals Park Fees Tour Guide Transportation
What's Not Included
Airfare Travel Insurance Visa
Oct 30, 2024
Dec 19, 2024
38 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Trek in the shadows of the world's tallest mountains, study Buddhism and practice meditation at a monastery, and learn a traditional craft with Dragons!

At the heart of the Himalayas, Nepal is a melting pot of cultures, languages, and beliefs. For a month-long urban homestay we explore the cultures and traditions of the Kathmandu Valley. We will meet with local activists and scholars to learn about the remarkable country. During that time you will have a chance to mentor with a local expert of your choice, examples include: Ayurvedic medicine, cooking, comparative religion, gender issues, traditional painting. The trip will continue to the mountains for a two week trek to the remote corners of the country followed by a rural homestay where we will learn about traditional farming practices.

Dragons Himalaya students with dive deep into the cultures and religions of the region all while practicing self-awareness and reflection.

Video and Photos

Diversity & Inclusion

Unfortunately, discrimination based on race, ethnicity, national origin, and skin tone exists in different forms all over the world. In some destinations, especially rural or ethnically homogenous areas, people may not have had much exposure to racial diversity. As such, people with certain physical characteristics may experience unwanted attention. Most commonly, this might include staring, insensitive comments, people taking your photo (with or without asking), or attempts to touch your skin or hair. Black students traveling in parts of Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and North Africa have often reported higher levels of unwanted attention than their peers. White students traveling in parts of Asia and Africa have also reported receiving unwanted attention. Students are encouraged to communicate with staff if they feel their personal boundaries are being violated or if they feel unsafe or uncomfortable in any situation. We encourage you to believe your peers if/when they share experiences like this with you.
Social, cultural, religious, political, and legal attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community vary around the world. According to the Global Acceptance Index, average levels of acceptance for LGBTQ+ people around the world have been increasing since 1981. However, many countries where Dragons operates programs may have social discrimination or even laws against being LGBTQ+. We have safely supported LGBTQ+ students in all of our program areas, and provide specific cultural and geographic advice to help students stay safe on course.

In some cases, students may be advised not to speak about their sexual orientations and/or gender identities with local contacts (such as homestay families, ISP mentors, language teachers, and guest speakers) due to safety concerns. Likewise, transgender and non-binary students may have to choose to present outwardly as male or female in certain contexts during the program. In other cases, “coming out” to some or all host community members may be a safe choice.
For students with neuro-differences (such as dyslexia, ADHD, ASD, TS, and dyspraxia), it is important to be aware that neurodiversity is likely viewed differently abroad than at home. People might not be familiar with labels or terms that are very common where you come from. If you struggle with lots of external stimuli, you should be prepared that you will be in some environments that are louder and busier than what you are used to.
If you are a student with a physical disability, you might encounter challenges around accessibility than you have at home. Many of the places we travel at Dragons don’t have building codes or other regulations in place to support people with visual, hearing, or mobility impairments. You may need accommodations or support that you don’t usually require in your life at home.

Impact

Dragons defines responsible travel as travel that is culturally conscious, environmentally responsible, and focused on developing meaningful connections and mutual respect in the communities to which we travel. Over the course of Dragons 25+ year history, we have cultivated long-standing relationships with respected community leaders, academics, social entrepreneurs and professionals involved in environmental and cultural preservation. In the more than 20 countries in which Dragons has operated, we have steadfastly adhered to minimum impact travel, an accurate and informed understanding of place, and the realization of maximum benefit for the communities we visit.
Dragons believes that we need to shift the way we think of volunteer travel. Instead of focusing on “service work”—on the idea that short-term volunteers can contribute to communities abroad—we advocate a paradigm shift: we choose, instead, to focus on “learning service.”

Learning Service is a holistic experience that combines an intimate and authentic engagement with the local community, the study of effective development, and the contribution to an established community-driven project. It is the process of living, working alongside, and humbly absorbing the culture of those being served while coordinating closely with project managers to understand the trajectory of the project, from inception to completion and beyond. It is an acknowledgment that often it is the volunteer who stands to gain as much or more from the work. And it is a commitment to making contributions that create positive impacts in the communities coupled with the humility to always listen and learn first.

Program Highlights

  • Spend a week at a Tibetan Buddhist monastery to learn about Buddhist philosophy and meditation and inquire deeply into the daily practices of Hinduism with homestay families and other local friends.
  • Embark on a challenging 2-week trek through rugged parts of the Himalayas in remote areas, with an additional mini-trek and day hikes throughout.
  • Spend 4 weeks in urban homestays in the ancient city of Patan, located in the heart of the Kathmandu Valley. Live in a rural homestay for up to 2 weeks while learning about local cultures and traditions.
  • Month longer mentorship with local experts in fields such as ayurvedic medicine, mask making, yoga, dance and singing, women’s issues, comparative religion, jewelry making and much more.
  • Examine issues of health and education, human rights, environment and land use, globalization, the caste system and poverty.

Program Dates

Application Deadline
Program Dates
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Program Reviews

4.96 Rating
based on 23 reviews
  • 5 rating 95.65%
  • 4 rating 4.35%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Housing 4.9
  • Support 4.95
  • Fun 4.85
  • Value 4.95
  • Safety 4.8
Showing 1 - 8 of 23 reviews
Default avatar
Juliet
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Where There be Dragons Nepal semester

The Dragons Nepal program changed my life in so many ways. From gaining new skills, to making new connections, to seeing from new perspectives, every day during the semester was full of growth. The connections that dragons has in Nepal create opportunities that you wouldn't be able to find anywhere else, such as learning from local artisans and world-renowned artists, becoming truly immersed in the culture through homestays and participation in community events, extensive language study, trekking, and more! This program has inspired me and taught me so much about the world as well as myself and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in taking a gap year.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
During Tihar, a Nepali holiday, my homestay family had a wide variety of different dishes perpared for the ceremony, mainly many cuts of meat. One of the most notable was a fried buffalo brain- I tried it, and I definitely wouldn't call it my favorite thing in the world.
Pros
  • Making lasting connections with the group, instructors, and people in the community
  • learning skills such as communication, leadership, and independence
  • beautiful views!
16 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Sam
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Perspective Expanding Experience

I loved my time with Dragons. The instructors were kind, fun, and incredibly knowlegeable about Nepal. I loved my group and feel that I made some of my closest friendships on the trip despite the relatively short timespan of two and a half months. Both of my homestay families were wonderful and I learned a great deal from both of them, creating strong and meaningful connections. The program allowed me to be challenged and have a great adventure while being supported and safe throughout. Thank you Dragons!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I would absolutely still have gone to the monastery in Patan, meditating with two elderly monks most afternoons. That said, if I could change one thing about the trip I would have worn long sleeves while doing this, as it likely would have prevented me from getting Dengue Fever. Advice to all going to Nepal: be very mindful of mosquitoes when at low to medium elevations!
Pros
  • Wonderfully kind and supportive group and instructors
  • Time to explore on my own
  • The ability to customize my experience to suit my interests
Cons
  • None!
19 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Anna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A meaningful 3 months

My Nepal gap semester program with Dragons was one of the most memorable and special experiences of my life. The various activities organized by instructors, such as creating and sharing life maps, ensured that everyone in the group got to really know each other and get comfortable with everyone. This really helped foster a strong group dynamic.

Throughout my course, I was surprised at the amount of freedom/free time that we as students were given. Whether it was in the quiet village or the big bustling city setting, there was time to explore, shop, and perhaps most importantly, practice our language skills with locals.

I think the Nepal gap semester program offers a well-rounded and rich experience. From getting to plan a part of the trip to living with families in rural and urban settings and trekking with a whole crew of porters\cooks under the watchful gaze of the Himalayas, this program has something for everyone. I couldn’t recommend it more!!

16 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Teryn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Nepal Fall 2024 Review

My experiences in the Nepal semester with Where There Be Dragons were truly life changing. Where There Be Dragons is an incredibly thoughtful organization that cultivates educational and community building trips. The program components give students the tools to be successful travelers and the instructors encourage independence at every turn. I would wholeheartedly recommend the Nepal program for any student seeking to embark on a gap semester. Dragons has strong connections throughout Nepal and the program features a diverse set of experiences including trekking, homestays, Buddhist studies, and language learning. I had a wonderful instructor team and all of the individuals I met who were connected to Dragons are amazing. If you are seeking to grow as an individual, leader, and global citizen through travel, this program is the perfect fit!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
A lichen and pig blood stirfry! It was a great and very interesting cooking class experience!
Pros
  • Homestays
  • Trekking in the Himalayas
  • The group culture
16 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Jacqueline
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Program Helped Me Grow As A Person

I did this semester program in the spring between high school and college, and I don't think I would've adapted to college as well as I have without it. Our 3 instructors were kind and helpful and amazing (2 of them were Nepali, so great for culture tips!) and the variety of experiences the program provided was great. We (group of 10 students total, ages 17-20) traveled between homestays in rural and urban areas, a buddhist retreat, three weeks of trekking in the Himalayas, a charming permaculture farm, and a self-designed X-phase where we got to organize our own 3-day trip to the southern marshes (and see rhinos!). I was lucky enough to stay friends with most of the group after the program ended, and I'll always think of them as close friends since we spent 90% of our time together for three months. Truly a life-defining experience that I'd recommend to anyone interested in adventures!

What was your funniest moment?
fitting 7 people into a taxi (#shivanepal)
24 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Lauren
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Semester in Nepal

I had the most amazing experience with Dragons Nepal. The homestay experiences were incredible. The families were great, locations made for a rich experience, and amazing memories. I thoroughly enjoyed the treks. They were a good challenge, but I felt very supported the whole time. I felt very emerged in the culture, and I felt my instructors did a great job at guiding us through the country. I thought the orientation process was a good introduction to the culture, I felt prepared to go into cities and interact with locals. Nothing but good things to say about the program.

21 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Catie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Spring in Nepal

My semester in Nepal with Where There Be Dragons was probably the best 2.5 months of my life. I made an incredible group of friends learned so much while abroad. We traveled to so many interesting and different places within Nepal and met so many interesting and kind people. It was definitely challenging at points, but my instructors and group mates were so supportive and wonderful. I feel so much more comfortable with the idea of solo traveling and existing as a global citizen. I am so glad that I took the leap and decided to take a gap semester with Dragons.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The most nerve-racking moment for me was definitely our first trek. I’m not a super athletic person generally so I was extremely anxious before the trek. I ended up really leaning into the discomfort and difficulty and had a lot of fun on the trek, even though it was still challenging.
23 people found this review helpful.
Response from Where There Be Dragons

Catie, we're glad you "took the leap" too! Sometimes the hardest part is just saying "yes" to this big experience. We're happy to hear your months in Nepal were interesting, fun, and inspiring.

Default avatar
Meredith
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing program

I loved my dragons Nepal experience! It was an amazing three months of travel, learning, and challenging myself. I'm so grateful I chose dragons instead of a typical tour. In three months you get to live in and explore both a rural village and an urban city, participate in a Buddhist monastery retreat, go trekking in the Himalayas, and more. You get to really immerse yourself in Nepali culture, live with host families, learn the language, and see amazing things too. My instructors were incredibly kind and supportive and I made so many memories with my group. Because of dragons after I finished my degree I came back to Nepal to teach English for a year. Thank you!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I got to see baby goats being born in a village!
Pros
  • Great way to immerse in local culture
  • Knowledgeable, supportive staff
  • Travel to many places you wouldn't see otherwise
Cons
  • You travel with the same small group for 3 months and it can get intense
  • No phone for the duration of the program
23 people found this review helpful.
Response from Where There Be Dragons

Hi Meredith, thank you so much for sharing a glimpse into your experience. That's SO cool that you went back to Nepal and taught, we love hearing those stories about country connections that continue, post program. Best wishes!

Questions & Answers

The programs can be very intense but risk is managed very well and space is created to talk through any experiences that are overwhelming. There is always time for reflection and both programs I went on involved creating ceremonies to acknowledge endings or beginnings of phases of the trip, which is helpful in processing experiences.