Cornel

Cornell ABROAD

Cornell-Nepal Study Program Kathmandu, Nepal

300 Caldwell Hall / 607.255.6224 / [email protected] / www.cuabroad.cornell.edu

LOCATION:

KATHMANDU, NEPAL; POP-825,000

HOST INSTITUTION:

TRIBHUVAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF NEPAL

AREAS OF STUDY:

CULTURE AND SOCIETY OR ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

HOUSING:

RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM HOUSES

ELIGIBILITY:

3.0 GPA CORNELL & NON-CORNELL STUDENTS SECOND-SEMESTER SOPHOMORES, JUNIORS & FIRST-SEMESTER SENIORS; M.A. AND PH.D. CANDIDATES

PROGRAM LENGTH:

SEMESTER OR ACADEMIC YEAR

APPLICATIONS:

CORNELL STUDENTS – CUABROAD APPLICATION ONLY

NON-CORNELL STUDENTS –

HTTP://WWW.CUABROAD.CORNELL.EDU/ PREPARE/APPLY.ASP

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO MAY OF THE PREVIOUS YEAR FOR SPRING STUDY AND DECEMBER OF THE PREVIOUS YEAR FOR FALL STUDY. APPLY BY

FINAL DEADLINES:

FEBRUARY 15 FOR FALL/FULL YEAR OCTOBER 1 FOR SPRING STUDY

(EARLIER FOR A&S, HUMEC, AND ILR)

2006/07 COSTS:

$19,400 PER SEMESTER

Please note: 2006/07 study abroad tuition and associated charges are set pending approval by the Board of Trustees; Cornell University reserves the right to change tuition and other charges

WEBSITE:

WWW.CUABROAD.CORNELL.EDU

CLICK ON THE MAP OF ASIA

ejb 10/3/06

THE CORNELL-NEPAL STUDY PROGRAM (CNSP) The Cornell-Nepal Study Program is a pioneering joint venture between Cornell University and Tribhuvan National University of Nepal initiated in 1993. Courses are taught in English at the program facility and the main Tribhuvan campus in the medieval town of Kirtipur, near Kathmandu, by Nepalese faculty from the Tribhuvan University Department of Botany and Sociology/Anthropology. The Cornell-Nepal Study Program is unique in its commitment to support the work of both Nepalese and North American students and faculty through a challenging academic program of class work, research, and field work; in fact, the CNSP is the first and only study abroad program in Nepal to draw together students from American universities to live and study with Nepalese peers in residential program houses. The goal is to give undergraduates an initial exposure to academic study and cultural immersion in a developing country; graduate students will have an opportunity to pursue research for their dissertations. The curriculum provides a foundation in Nepali language and Nepalese studies in addition to instruction in Research Design and Proposal Writing. Field study options include environment and ecology development studies, rural sociology, the anthropology of Nepal, or other special interests, including art or religion. Excursions include a seven to ten day study trek and other field trips. Volunteer community service opportunities are available with various community development agencies. CNSP is administered on-site in Nepal by a Resident Administrator with the services of an Academic Coordinator, working with the Tribhuvan National University faculty. Administration from Ithaca is coordinated by Cornell Abroad with faculty direction in the establishment of the curriculum and research program. On-site staff also includes a Teaching Fellow and a Residential Coordinator.

NEPAL Nepal, running along the ridge of the Himalayan mountain range between India and China, offers a splendid venue for a study abroad program in a developing country. The geographical diversity of Nepal Ranges from the sub-tropical Terai region in the south, with an elevation of only 600 feet above sea level, to the mountain regions of the north where the elevation reaches over 29,000 feet. Nepal’s amazing geographic diversity has created equally amazing cultural diversity; over 50 distinct languages are spoken by ethnic groups living in the hill and valley regions of Nepal. You will have the chance to experience first-hand the country which is often called the “roof of the world.”

KIRTIPUR AND TRIBHUVAN UNIVERSITY Kirtipur, the site of CNSP, had been an important town since the original settlement of the medieval hill kingdoms in the Kathmandu Valley. It lost its independence in 1765, on being conquered by the Gorkha King, Prithvi Narayan Shah, who founded the present Nepalese monarchy. Pagoda-style temples dot the hills of the old town and commemorate the battles of the pre-conquest kingdom by displaying antique weapons and other artifacts. The CNSP study tour sometimes retraces the route of conquest followed by Prithvi Narayan Shah, and introduces the students to the history of the area, along with its natural history and ethnic populations. Tribhuvan National University was built in 1964, jut below the old town on former rice patties where there are spectator vistas of the Kathmandu Valley and the Himalayas. Although tourists are often told about the historic beauty of Kirtipur, only a few actually visit. CNSP students are welcomed at both the university and the old town and find their own pleasures; walking to hear music at temples in the early morning, enjoying displays of seasonal fruits and vegetables in the open market, biking or hiking throughout the Valley, socializing and studying with other students, familiarizing themselves with the various international and national non-government organizations and bilateral agencies working in Kathmandu, and, of course, exploring Nepal itself.

SCHEDULE & COURSES OF STUDY Each student chooses a major theme, either the cultural diversity or the ecological diversity of Nepal, and completes 15 hours of course work. The semester is organized around the following schedule: Orientation: 2 weeks ¾ Intensive Conversational Nepali ¾ Cultural programs ¾ Field Trip Coursework: 2 months ♦ Nepali Conversation: (4 credits) Taught by Anjala Joshi and other. Instruction in oral Nepali language skills necessary not only for everyday communication, but especially tailored to each student’s research interests and plans. ♦

♦

Nepali Literacy: (2 credits) Taught by Anjala Joshi and others. Instruction in written Nepali language using the Nepali devanagri script. Students learn to read and write basic Nepali which corresponds to the everyday oral Nepali they are learning, but also allows for the development of necessary written materials for field research. Contemporary Issues in Nepali Studies: (3 credits) Taught by Dr. Shaubagya Shah of Tribhuvan National University. This course is taught by leading Nepali university faculty in their own fields of specialization, covering a wide range of topics in the arts, history, cultures, ecology, agriculture development, religion, and politics.

♦

Research Design and Proposal Writing: (4 credits) Taught by Dr. P.K. Jha and Dr. Ram Chhetri of Tribhuvan National University This course prepares students for field research as they are guided in the selection of research topics, research methods, and field sites. Students may chose from two sections: (1) for students interested in culture and society, taught by Professor Chhetri from the Tribhuvan National University Department of Sociology and Anthropology or (2) for students interested in ecology and the environment, taught by Professor Jha and Professor Ram Chaudhary form the Tribhuvan National University Department of Botany.

♦

Field Research: (2 credits) During the latter part of the term, each student will spend four to five weeks in supervised field research. Students may elect to undertake independent field study or join a faculty-led field research team, depending on their qualifications and preparation. Preparation and planning for the field research project is facilitated from each student by Judith Amtzis, the Academic Coordinator.

Study Tour: 12 days A study trek with field exercises using a specially designed study guide. Field Research: 4 weeks Students travel to various sites to carry out the projects they have developed in the research design and methods courses. Supervised is provided by designated faculty. (See above) Completion of Research Reports: 2 weeks In addition to completion of language coursework, students will prepare and present the results of their field work. Please see the last page for a list of research projects completed by recent CNSP students. Additional course work may be available as students’ time permits. Students may also participate in regular courses at Tribhuvan National University, although not for academic credit. Please note that the semester schedule is subject to change because of holidays and/or elections.

LIVING ARRANGEMENTS Program participants live in houses that have been renovated as student residences. Following Nepalese cultural norms, men live in one residences and women in another. The Nepalese students who join the program come from various parts of Nepal outside the Kathmandu Valley and are paired with North American roommates. The living situation provides Nepalese foods and furnishings, with simple conveniences like electricity, hot water, and good sanitation. Homestays with Nepalese families can be an integral part of the program experience for short periods during the term, on the study tour, and during the research period.

ELIGIBILITY

COST

Participation in the program is limited to fifteen undergraduate and graduate students from Cornell or other American colleges and universities, with a minimum GPA of 3.0, plus an equal number of Nepalese students. Students in a variety of major fields, such as anthropology, rural sociology, religious studies, education and cultural studies, ecology, environmental sciences, natural resources, plant sciences, architecture, urban and regional planning, independent majors, and pre-medical students are encouraged to apply. To be successful, participants need a desire to study on the other side of the world in a developing country, and to undertake rigorous field research, and to adjust to aspects of Nepali culture.

In 2006/07 students will pay the uniform Cornell Abroad Tuition to participate in the Cornell-Nepal Study Program, which is $19,400 per semester for both graduate and undergraduate students. The Cornell Abroad Tuition covers tuition in Nepal, housing, all meals, orientation, the study tour, group field trips, and required excursions. Health insurance, personal expenses (including books), airfare and recreational travel are additional. Upon formal acceptance of the offer of admission to the Cornell-Nepal Study Program, a $300 nonrefundable deposit toward the Cornell Abroad Tuition is charged to the student on the Cornell bursar bill.

Previous study of Nepali is not required, although one semester is highly recommended for undergraduates, and graduate students wishing to pursue research relevant to a master’s essay or doctoral dissertation are expected to have achieved functional fluency to support their work. Mandatory language instruction continues throughout the program for all participants. Nepali language instruction is offered every semester at Cornell in the Department of Asian Studies and in a summer Intensive Nepali Language Program. As noted above, the non-language program courses are taught in English. For Information on the Summer Language Program Contact: Summer Nepali Program Department of Asian Studies 388 Rockefeller Hall Ithaca, NY 14853 Tel: 607-255-5095 Financial Aid is available for summer language study. www.lrc.cornell.edu/asian/programs/summer/summer The Cornell Nepal Study Program is designed to appeal to both undergraduate and graduate students, and every effort is made to meet the interests and needs of students who are prepared with very different levels of prior study and overseas experience. Some participants have studied Nepali and spent time in Nepal and some are only beginning their study of Nepali and have never been to a developing country before. Participants in the program need to be ready to help one another and to contribute to the group’s success. A thorough medical examination and good physical health are essential. Interested students are encouraged to read about Nepal and, if at all possible, to take preparatory course work at Cornell or their home institutions that will assist with their independent study projects. Cornell Abroad has course syllabi, study trek guides, a special brochure about the program written in Kirtipur, as well as general information and excellent guidebooks for travel and trekking in Nepal. Students are encouraged to speak with their college study abroad advisor and faculty advisor and to attend the Cornell-Nepal Study Program information meetings held near the start of each semester.

Only modest funds are needed for personal expenses. Round trip airfare from New York to Kathmandu is approximately $1800 to $2000. Cornell Abroad prepares an estimated student budget for every student who accepts the offer of a place in the program; the budget outlines all of the expenses listed above. Participants must show proof of health insurance, including coverage for emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains prior to departure for Nepal. Coverage may be the Cornell Student Health Plan or an alternative. Students are responsible for getting all the required immunizations prior to their departure. An updated and detailed list of the required immunizations will be given to each student at the orientation meeting. The total cost for immunizations may range between $800 to $1000. Students and their parents are advised to review the policies concerning refunds for students who withdraw early for medical or other reasons.

FINANCIAL AID Financial Aid for the Cornell-Nepal Study Program is available to all Cornell students and is consistent with university and government policies. Students from other colleges or universities should look to their home institution for financial aid information. Graduate students form Cornell or other universities should work with Cornell Abroad staff to identify sources of funding.

STANDARDS OF CONDUCT The Program constitutes an intensive cultural experience of adaptation to certain Nepalese norms of behavior. Participants in the Cornell-Nepal study Program are expected at all times to be responsible and considerate in their new environment. All students are subject to Cornell codes of conduct and policies, and the laws and regulations of the host country. In the event of serious violations, academic failure, or behavior which is detrimental to the student, other students, or the Program, the Resident Administrator maintains the right to dismiss students from the Program.

SELECTED FIELD RESEARCH PROJECTS

ON-SITE STAFF ¾ ¾

¾ ¾

Resident Administrator - Banu Oja, has been with the program for twelve years, and has taught Nepali at Cornell. The Academic Coordinator, Judith Amtzis, is a former director of the American English Language Institute, Kathmandu. Graduate of Syracuse University and Boalt Hall Law School at the University of California Berkeley. Teaching Fellow Dambar Chemjong, M.A., of Tribhuvan National University. Residential Coordinator, Beth Robertson, Mt. Holyoke College graduate and CNSP alum. Cornell Nepal Study Program PO Box 8452 Kathmandu, Nepal ASIA Tel: 977-1-4331-271 Fax: 977-1-4330-500 E-mail: [email protected]

2007 SPRING SEMESTER CALENDAR (TENTATIVE) Students Arrive Kathmandu Orientation Meeting Tour of the Kathmandu Valley, health orientation, and intensive language classes TU Classes/ 2 hours language Study Tour Home Stay in Kathmandu Regular Classes Independent research Period Language/research paper Writing Research Presentations Last day of program Program House Closes

January 26 January 27 Jan 30 – Feb 4 Feb 5 – Mar 3 Mar 5 - 15 Mar 17 - 20 Mar 21 – Ap 8 Apr 10 – May 8 May 9-20 May 21 May 22 May 23

2007 FALL SEMESTER CALENDAR (TENTATIVE) Students Arrive Kathmandu Orientation Meeting Tour of the Kathmandu Valley, Health orientation, and intensive Language classes Research Design & Contemporary Issues Study Tour Desai Festival Continue regular Schedule Independent research Period Language/research paper Writing Research Presentations Last day of program Program House Closes

August 28 August 29 Aug 30-Sept 11 Sep12–Sept 29 Oct 7 - 18 Oct 19 - 26 Oct 27 - Nov 9 Nov 10-Dec 8 Dec 9-19 Dec 20 Dec 22 Dec 23

Confronting the Outsider Within: Developing a Sustainable Community – Based Response to HIV/AIDS in Syangja District. Fish Ponds and Paddy: An Assessment of Niche-based technology in Lower Mustang Vis-à-vis Issues of Development Women Who Resist: a qualitative study of the experiences, beliefs, struggles, concerns, hopes, and drams of female activists in Kathmandu, Nepal Theory, Practice and the Monastic Idea: An analysis of why monks join a monastery, based on monastic theory and its application in practice Bringing Theory into Practice: A Photographic and Textual Survey of Socio-Economic Opportunity and Development in Hellok village, Taplejung District Treatment of Neurological and Psychological Illness in Nepal’s Traditional Healing Systems: A search for Neuropharmacological Plants Personal Democratization: The Effects of Civil Society Participation on Democratic Understanding in Syangja District, Nepal. Mapping Child Rights and Human Rights Initiatives in Nepal The Intersection of Art and Gender: Exploring the Experiences and Expressions of Three Women Artists of Kathmandu, Nepal Tibetan Refugees in Nepal: Negotiating Refugee Identity, Imagining Global Communities. Urban Survival: Analyzing the impact of behavioral variation in house crows (Corvus splendens) on success in urban environments Between Widowhood and Victimhood: Nepal’s conflict widows Inside Bal Griha-Naxal Orphanage: The Evidence of Family Structure Within, the Stigma Faced Outside. Bridges, Conservation, and Community Development: Management Authority within the Annapurna Conservation Area. The Apple of Marpha’s Eye-dentity: the effects of commercial apple farming in Marpha, Nepal Perception of Mental Health and Depression among Laypeople and healers in Mustang Role of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in Primary Health Care and the Economy of Lower Mustang Healthcare and Human Rights: Nepal in Conflict: Impact of the political crisis on health care.