The Cornell-Nepal Study Program is a pioneering joint venture between Cornell ... ecology development studies, rural soc
Cornell ABROAD
Cornell-Nepal Study Program Kathmandu, Nepal
300 Caldwell Hall / 607.255.6224 /
[email protected] / www.cuabroad.cornell.edu
LOCATION:
KATHMANDU; POP 2,500,000
HOST INSTITUTION:
TRIBHUVAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF NEPAL
AREAS OF STUDY:
CULTURE AND SOCIETY, ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH, DEVELOPMENT
HOUSING:
RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM HOUSES WITH NEPALI STUDENTS
ELIGIBILITY:
3.0 GPA; CORNELL & NONCORNELL STUDENTS; SECONDSEMESTER SOPHOMORES, JUNIORS & FIRST-SEMESTER SENIORS; M.A. AND PH.D. CANDIDATES
PROGRAM LENGTH:
SEMESTER OR ACADEMIC YEAR
APPLICATIONS:
APPLY ONLINE AT WWW.CUABROAD.CORNELL.EDU
APPLICATION DEADLINE: APPLICATIONS ARE ROLLING, EARLY APPLICATION ENCOURAGED. FINAL DEADLINES:
MARCH 1 FOR FALL/FULL YEAR OCTOBER 1 FOR SPRING STUDY
2013/14 COSTS:
$23,450 PER SEMESTER FOR CORNELL STUDENTS; OTHERS CHECK WITH YOUR STUDY ABROAD OFFICE
Please note: 2013/14 study abroad tuition and associated charges are approved by the Board of Trustees; Cornell University reserves the right to change tuition and other charges
WEBSITE:
WWW.CUABROAD.CORNELL.EDU
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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, near 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, research, and cultural immersion in a developing country; advanced 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 rural village stay and a one-week 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, 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 mountains 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 often called the “roof of the world.” Nepal has a fledgling democratic political system.
KIRTIPUR AND TRIBHUVAN UNIVERSITY
Kirtipur, the site of CNSP, had been an important town since the 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 recent Nepalese monarchy. The monarchy was abolished and a republic established in 2008; since then Nepal has seen an election and peaceful transitions of government. 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. Tribhuvan National University was built in 1964, just below the old town on former rice paddies; there are spectacular vistas of the Kathmandu Valley and the Himalayas. Although tourists are often told about the historic beauty of Kirtipur, 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 many international and national non-government organizations and agencies based 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 credits of course work. The semester is organized around the following schedule: Orientation: Intensive Conversational Nepali Cultural programs and Field Trip
2 weeks
Coursework: 2 months ♦ Nepali Conversation: (4 credits) Taught by Anjala Joshi and other. Instruction in oral Nepali language skills necessary both for everyday communication, but also 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) Coordinated by Dr. Om Gurung and K. K. Shrestha 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, culture, ecology, agricultural development, religion, and politics.
♦
Research Design and Proposal Writing: (4 credits) Taught by Dr. Ram Chaudhary and Dr. Ram Chhetri of Tribhuvan National University. The course prepares students for field research as they are guided in the selection of research topics, methods, and field sites. Students 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 Chaudhary from the University’s Department of Botany.
♦
Field Research: (2 credits) Late in the term, each student spends 4 to 5 weeks in supervised field research. Students may choose to conduct independent field study or join a faculty-led field research team, depending on their qualifications. Preparation and planning for the field research project is facilitated by the Teaching Fellow and supervised by a faculty member. Recent research sites include the Kathmandu Valley, Lower Mustang, and the Everest area.
Village Stay and Trek: 2 weeks Students conduct a service project during a one-week village stay; a separate trip consists of a week of trekking in the mountains. Field Research: 4 weeks Students travel to various sites in Nepal to carry out the projects they have developed in the research design and methods courses. Supervised by designated faculty. (See above) Completion of Research Reports: 2 weeks In addition to completing language coursework, students will prepare and present the results of their field work. Please see the last page of this flyer for samples of research projects completed by recent CNSP students. Additional courses (e.g., Hindi or Tibetan language) may be available as students’ time permits. Students may also audit regular courses at Tribhuvan 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
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 various 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 succeed, participants need a desire to study on the other side of the world in a developing country, to undertake rigorous field research, and to adjust to aspects of Nepali culture. Previous study of Nepali is not required, although one semester is 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. The non-language program courses are taught in English. For Information on the Summer Language Program contact: Summer Nepali Program Department of Asian Studies 350 Rockefeller Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853 Tel: 607-255-9099 Financial Aid is available for summer language study. www.lrc.cornell.edu/asian/programs/summer/nepali 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 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.
COST
See front page. The Cornell Abroad Tuition covers tuition in Nepal, housing, all meals, orientation, the study tour, group field trips, research expenses, and required excursions. Not included are health insurance, personal expenses, immunizations, airfare and recreational travel. Upon formal acceptance of the offer of admission to the Cornell-Nepal Study Program, a $300 non-refundable deposit toward the Cornell Abroad Tuition is charged to the student on the Cornell bursar bill. Only modest funds are needed for personal expenses. 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 prior to departure for Nepal. Coverage may be the Cornell Student Health Insurance Plan or an alternative. Students are responsible for getting all the required immunizations prior to their departure. An updated and detailed list of required immunizations will be given to each student after admission. The total cost for immunizations may be as much as $1,200. Students and 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 consistent with university and government policies. Students from other colleges or universities should consult their home institution for financial aid information. Graduate students from Cornell or other universities should work with Cornell Abroad staff to identify sources of funding.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Cornell’s program goes ahead each semester only after approval by a university-level committee. We have a comprehensive set of safety and security policies which are reviewed regularly. All students sign a form agreeing to comply with our security policies, on penalty of dismissal from the program. CNSP receives emergency medical and security assistance through a Cornell contract with Medex Frontier.
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, CNSP maintains the right to dismiss students from the Program.
ON-SITE STAFF
Resident Administrator - Banu Oja, has been with the program since 1994; she has taught Nepali at Cornell. Teaching Fellow, Dambar Chemjong, Ph. D. candidate, Cornell U Teaching Associate, Greg Block, B.A., Cornell U. Residential Assistant, Summita Udas, M.A., Tribhuvan U Cornell Nepal Study Program PO Box 8452 Kathmandu, Nepal ASIA Tel: 977-1-4331-271 Fax: 977-1-4330-500 E-mail:
[email protected]
2013 FALL SEMESTER CALENDAR
Students Arrive Kathmandu Orientation Meeting Tour of the Kathmandu Valley, Health orientation, intensive language classes Classes: Research Design, Contemporary Issues, 2 hours language classes Study Tour (village stay) & Trek to Annapurna region Continue regular Schedule Excursion Independent research Period Language/research paper writing Language test Research Presentations Last day of program Program House Closes
August 27 August 28 Aug 29-Sept 4 Sept 5-Oct 4 Oct 6-18 Oct 20-31 Nov 1-4 Nov 12-Dec 7 Dec 9-13 Dec 15 Dec 19 Dec 22 Dec 23
2013 SPRING SEMESTER CALENDAR (FOR REFERENCE)
Students Arrive Kathmandu Orientation Meeting Tour of the Kathmandu Valley, health orientation, intensive language classes Classes: Research Design, Contemporary Issues, 2 hours language Study Tour (village stay) Regular Classes Lumbini & Chitwan visits, Trekking Regular Classes Independent research Period Language/research paper writing Research Presentations Last day of program Program House Closes
January 26 January 27
Jan 27- Feb 7 Feb 8-19 Feb 24-Mar 7 March 8-19 Mar 19-23 Mar 24-Apr 8 Apr 9-May 8 May 9-19 May 21 May 22 May 23
SELECTED FIELD RESEARCH PROJECTS Confronting the Outsider Within: Developing a Sustainable Community – Based Response to HIV/AIDS in Syangja District. Environmental Impacts of Tourism in the Solu-Khumbu region of Nepal Women Who Resist: 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 Bringing Theory into Practice: A Survey of Socio-Economic Opportunity and Development in Hellok village, Taplejung District Treatment of Neurological and Psychological Illness in 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 The Changing Face of Maternal Health in Pyuthan Districy 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 The Traditional Tattoo Culture of the Newars Holy Cow! The Lives of Pashupatinath’s Street Cattle
