Bridges to Nepal

  Nepal

Khumbu

Term: Spring 
Dates: February 12-June 6, 2010

Description: Students carry out recreational market analysis, feasibility studies for new sports events, and impact assessment in the Himalayas of Nepal. In addition, there are opportunities for students in a wide variety of fields to undertake independent and collaborative research and volunteer work in remote mountain communities.

Founded in 1999, Bridges-PRTD carries out projects to develop economic opportunities for impoverished mountain communities, particularly those connected with site-based ecotourism. In 2010, Bridges will collaborate with the Sport Management Department of the State University of New York at Cortland and with Mountain Legacy (a Nepalese non-profit organization) in a multi-disciplinary study/volunteer expedition.

Of the 17 weeks, about 10 will be spent on two treks; first, the "long trek" from the rolling mid-hills just east of Kathmandu all the way to Everest Base Camp, the most awesome natural site on Earth; and second, the shorter trek to the head of the unimpacted Rolwaling Valley, the holiest of the "hidden valleys" supposedly created by Guru Rinpoche to serve as a sanctuary for Buddhism in turbulent times.

The program is designed specifically for students in the newly recognized field of "sport development," the management of recreation and recreational events as tools for social engineering at the community and regional levels, and for the promotion of international peace. At the same time, the multi-disciplinary nature of the projects opens up opportunities for students in a wide range of disciplines (from ecology to hotel science) as well as non-students looking for a personal challenge and a chance to make a difference in the world.

Highlights:
* Trek to Everest Base Camp
* Trek to Tsho Rolpa (lake) at the head of Rolwaling Valley
* Collaboration with host communities in organizing international sport events and other tourism projects
* Collaboration with organizers of Tenzing-Hillary Everest Marathon and other sport events

Cost in US$: US4700

The $4700 program fee does not include:
* airfare to and from Nepal (currently $1100-$1500)
* passport, entry visa, visa extensions
* comprehensive insurance (trip cancellation, medical, emergency evacuation, theft)
* personal gear and books
* optional excursions
* shopping for gifts and souvenirs (frequently a major item)

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Nepal Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 15

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Bridges: Projects in Rational Tourism Development's Mission Statement: is a private company affiliated with Mountain Legacy (a Nepalese non-governmental organization, reg. #1018/060-61) and SUNY Cortand Sport Management Department. Bridges-PRTD offers innovative interdisciplinary study programs focusing on recreation and development in the Himalayas of Nepal, in which students and professionals can apply their skills in developing economic opportunities compatible with cultural and ecological conservation.

Year Founded: 1999