Community, Technology, and Sustainability in Nepal

Arrive Date:  December 16, 2019    End Date:  January 2, 2020

Program Dates in Fall Quarter 2019: Thursdays from 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Program Overview

Experience an intensive immersion in Nepal’s exciting social, cultural, physical, technological and ecological change. Pursue international, intercultural, community-engaged learning and action research in collaboration with Nepali students and young professionals. UC Davis students will work in interdisciplinary groups with Nepalese peers on projects related to local and regional development, sustainable agriculture, water resources, disaster reconstruction, food and nutrition, education, public health, democratic governance, youth participation, ICT use, and social entrepreneurship. Alongside visiting diverse cultural sites in the vibrant cities of Kathmandu and Pokhara and nearby villages, participants will, (1) gain an appreciation of the complex geographic, historical, cultural, religious, political, and environmental dimensions of Nepal, (2) develop interdisciplinary field research skills, (3) apply academic training to hands-on projects to benefit local communities, and (4) build skills, knowledge and relationships to pursue future international and intercultural collaborations.

NOTE: It is important for this program to have students representing different academic fields of interest in order to facilitate the project-based learning. Study Abroad reserves the right to waitlist students, if necessary, to ensure a pool of participants representing a wide range of majors and academic fields.

Taught in:  English

Max Enrollment:  15

Program Coordinator:  Ashley Arvanites

Nancy Erbstein

Program Instructor

Nancy Erbstein is an Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Human Ecology. Her own undergraduate study abroad experience in Nepal led her to pursue a second major in South Asian Studies and several years of work there. Learn more...

Jonathan London

Program Instructor

Jonathan London is an Associate Professor in the Department of Human Ecology/ Community and Regional Development. Learn more...

Courses

Community and Regional Development (CRD) 153A. International Community Development: Asia (4 units)

and

Community and Regional Development (CRD) 198. Directed Group Study (2 units)

or

Community and Regional Development (CRD) 298*. Directed Group Study (2 units)

*Graduate standing required to register for the graduate level course.

Prerequisites

None

Program Highlights

• Get to know Nepalese peers.
• Experience Nepal’s cultural and environmental wealth.
• Learn about complex social and environmental challenges through interdisciplinary, collaborative projects.
• Develop resume-building international and intercultural collaboration skills.
• Make a positive difference in the world.

Similar Programs

• Sustainable Cities of Northern Europe (Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland)
• Housing and Community Development in Barcelona (Spain)
• Mexico—Literary and Social Movements in Chiapas (Mexico)
• Environmental Justice in Indigenous Ecuador (Ecuador)
• Costa Rica: Ag Science and Sustainability (Costa Rica)
• Other Programs in Community and Regional Development