OUR PROGRAM - WHAT IS IT?

Our summer program provides students the flexibility to pursue a creative, independent project or an internship while offering a structured framework for academic and personal growth. Students will participate in regular seminars that challenge their assumptions and foster intellectual reflection on their experiences.

Program Breakdown

• 70% Project-Based: Each student will be matched with an internship aligned with their major or area of interest. For instance, a computer science major interested in education equity could be paired with a local organization working in the field of technology. These internships are focused on innovation and leadership, with all organizations having social impact as a core component of their identity. Students will spend the majority of their time working on or preparing for their independent projects or internships, which are pre-approved before their arrival in Kathmandu. Here is a sample of potential internship sites.

• 30% Outside of Internship Learning: The program provides space for students to engage through seminars, discussions, and guest lectures to explore Nepal’s unique challenges in conjunction with global development issues. Seven of the ten weeks will be dedicated to thematic immersion, where students will engage with readings, discussions, and field trips related to Nepal’s history, economy, and society. The seminars are led by leading Nepali scholars.

Students will also participate in regular discussions of assigned readings, engage with guest speakers, and submit short reflections. The remaining three weeks will be more flexible, allowing students to choose themes of interest for deeper exploration.

OUR SUPPORT STRUCTURE

WEEKLY SERIES: INTRODUCTION TO NEPAL
A core component of the program is the Introduction to Nepal series, which runs across ten weeks through workshops, guest lectures, and field trips and other cultural exploration. It begins with an orientation retreat and reflective sessions that help students build trust and set expectations for the summer. Seminars then move on to Nepal’s history, cultural heritage, class and caste structures, and the economy, with each session closely tied to lived realities. Visits to places like Patan and Bhaktapur Durbar Squares are designed to deepen this learning by connecting classroom conversations to local narratives and spaces.

As the summer progresses, students engage directly with current debates on politics, federalization, and inclusion, while also having spaces for independent exploration of Kathmandu’s cultural landmarks. The remaining weeks are designed to synthesize the summer experience, with workshops and student presentations. Overall, the series builds on our learnings and experiences from the past two years of pilot and is designed to give students a robust introduction to Nepal, linking theory with experience, encouraging critical reflection, and fostering a deeper cultural awareness. A weekly breakdown of the series, including associated learning outcomes, is available upon request.

HOUSING AND OTHER ACCOMMODATIONS

With the program fees, NISA will provide a house or apartment for our students while they live in Kathmandu. Our program coordinator and director live nearby, and we will arrange one meal and any living accommodations as per basic needs.

We can also arrange transportation, translators (if necessary), and any other resources you require for your internship, project, or research.

MENTORSHIP AND SUPPORT

During the 10 weeks, students will receive guidance and support from mentors within the program. A local coordinator will conduct weekly check-ins with all students to ensure they are on track with their projects and address any concerns. In addition to these scheduled check-ins, the local coordinator will be available 24/7 to provide support and assistance whenever needed. Support includes:

• Regular check-ins by the local coordinator.

• Emergency support is available at all times.

• A WhatsApp group will be created to facilitate communication and provide immediate assistance or updates.

• Pre-departure briefing that outlines health, safety, and security measures.

OUTCOMES AND REFLECTIONS

Students will be encouraged to share their learnings upon returning to their home institutions. This can be done through:

• Presentations: Sharing the experience and lessons learned with campus groups or community organizations.

• Written Reflections: Writing blog posts, news articles, or essays that detail their experiences. Note that weekly reflections are an expected element of the NISA weekly seminar.

The final project at the end of the program will allow students to synthesize their experiences and reflections.

COST AND APPLICATION LINK

The program cost for 10 weeks is $3,750. This covers:

• Internship placement with a local organization,

• Lodging for 10 weeks, including housekeeping, one meal per day, and cleaning services,

• Weekly Series, Introduction to Nepal,

• A guided tour of Kathmandu, and

• A local trip within Nepal.

Please note: Airfare to and from Nepal, local transportation, visa fees, and other associated costs are not included.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Click here to access the FAQ document, which provides additional clarification on some of the most commonly asked questions.

Apply via the Summer Application page here.

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