Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Women, Culture, Agriculture, and Development in Rural Nepal
Trip Leaders
- Dr. Ramesh Balayar | cell: 515-509-5213 | email: rbalayar@iastate.edu
- Dr. David Peters | cell: 515-538-0869 | email: dpeters@iastate.edu
CALS and LAS Study Abroad
- Jodi Cornell, Director | office: 515-294-1851 | email: jcornell@iastate.edu
- Mercedes Serracin, Director | office: 515-294-1162 | email: mlst@iastate.edu
Accepting Applications for Summer 2026
Overview
May 20 to June 15, 2026. 5 credits.
Our summer study abroad program will provide a unique opportunity to explore the intricate connections between culture, gender, agriculture, and international development in rural Nepal. The preparation course includes 4 weeks of instruction in the Nepali language. Students will earn 5 credits, registered under spring term (no summer tuition applies).
Students will travel to far western Nepal in Achham and Doti districts. Students will immerse themselves in local communities for 3 weeks, engaging with families, farmers, small businesses, local NGOs, and local government officials. Using a social science perspective, students will critically analyze past and present development policies, particularly those supporting women and sustainable rural livelihoods.
For relaxation, students will also hike in the Khaptad National Park, followed by a few days of rest in the resort town of Pokhara.
Following fieldwork, students will engage with Nepali government agencies, development workers, and elected officials, rigorously reviewing development practices and theories. Next, students will fly to Thailand to spend a few days with the UN Women’s Office in Bangkok to discuss global development policy.
This immersive experience, from grassroots implementation to high-level policy engagement, will equip students with a robust understanding of women’s empowerment issues and the overall international development initiatives.
Program Objectives
- Engage with different perspectives on development, including those of local communities, international organizations, and governmental actors, fostering an appreciation for epistemological pluralism.
- Develop a nuanced understanding of critical global issues such as gender inequality, poverty, sustainability, environmental challenges, and human rights.
- Develop heightened cultural sensitivity and awareness, respecting diverse values, beliefs, traditions, and practices in international settings.
- Strengthen critical thinking and analytical skills through the examination of complex international development issues and projects.
- Increase self-awareness by reflecting on personal values, biases, and the impact of the study abroad experience on one’s identity and worldview.
- Develop a sense of global citizenship and responsibility, recognizing one’s role in addressing global challenges and promoting a more just and sustainable world.
- Learn conversational Nepali (via U of Washington web course)
Itinerary for Summer Break 2026
PDF Version – Nepal_Intinerary_Summer2026.pdf