Tibetan and Himalayan Peoples
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About this Program
The dynamics of Tibet and the Himalaya span from ancient times to the present day. Discover the history of the region’s border tensions, religious belief systems and politics. Learn about the Tibetan Government in Exile; CIA intervention in Tibet; the Dalai Lama and his Middle Way approach; negotiations with China; and human rights in Tibet. Spend six weeks in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital and home to a significant Tibetan exile community. Study Tibetan medicine, symbolism, music, art, meditation and retreat. Explore the shamanistic features of the indigenous Tibetan religion, Bön, at an institute halfway up a mountain on the valley’s periphery. Listen to a lecture by an Ayurvedic doctor in the old town. Meet the caretaker of an ancient pagoda shrine. Take a high-altitude trek to isolated Tibetan communities and stay with rural families. Learn Tibetan and traditional Tibetan tutorials characteristic of spiritual training in Buddhist text recitation, and choose to learn Nepali. Conduct independent field study or gain professional skills in an intercultural internship.
Program Highlights
- Language(s) of Instruction:
- English
- Courses with Study Abroad Students
- Internship Opportunities
- Language Intensive Program
- No Language Pre-Requisites
- Research Opportunities
- Study Center Program
- Homestay
- Winter Quarter Housing applications open in November
- Spring Quarter Housing applications open in February
- Fall Quarter Housing applications open in May
Level of Immersion
Features
Housing Abroad
Moving can be both costly and stressful, but careful planning can help minimize both. Start by creating a housing plan for before and after your study abroad experience to avoid the pressure of continuing to pay for rent at home. Program fees typically cover housing abroad, so if you expect to incur additional domestic rent expenses, be sure to include these in your budget. If possible, consider staying with family or friends temporarily before you depart or when you return to save on costs.
Housing Residence Life
Education Abroad typically recommends considering Seattle University on-campus housing for when students return from their programs, as Housing Residence Life staff are able to support students in securing housing, while adhering to student preference as best as they can.
Housing Application
Check the Housing Portal for more specific dates
Disciplines
Courseload
Students who participate in an SU-Sponsored, SU-Exchange, or Non-SU program must be fully enrolled at their host university/program provider. Full-time enrollment on a semester-length program is typically 15 US semester credits (not quarter credits) or 30 ECTS credits.
Note: Not all programs/host universities provide syllabi prior to the start of classes. Some may have samples of past syllabi but cannot guarantee that a specific course will be offered during the student's time abroad.
- Credit Range: 16
- Credit System: U.S. Semester Credits
- Typical Course load: 5
- Credit Per Course: 3-4
Credit Conversion
- Transcript Issued By: School for International Training
- Credit Conversion Rate: 1 U.S. Semester Credit = 1.5 SU Quarter Credits
- Quarter Range: 24
Academic Policy & Minimum Grade Requirement:
- Student will receive transfer credit for their study abroad program and academic grades will not be reflected on their Seattle University transcript and will not be reflected in the Seattle University GPA nor honors calculations.
- For all undergraduate programs, courses accepted in transfer are graded at least a C- when letter grades are issued and at least a 1.5 on the decimal grading system. Courses graded D+ or lower (1.5) will not be allowed either for transfer credit or to fulfill degree requirements.
- Students in the College of Nursing, the College of Science and Engineering, and communication and psychology majors in the College of Arts and Sciences will be required to repeat courses graded lower than C (2.0) if the course is a major requirement or if it is a prerequisite to a major requirement.
- Students in the Albers School of Business and Economics must complete required business courses (including mathematics, economics & accounting) with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Transfer Credits
Letter grades received on this program will not transfer to SU nor factor into Seattle University GPA. If students receive the minimum grade required, credits will transfer toward their Seattle University degree as approved through the required pre-departure Course Approval process. Minimum grade details will be specified during Course Approval for each course taken abroad.
Placeholder Course
The Education Abroad Office will enroll students in a 12-credit placeholder course per term that you are abroad so that students maintain full-time student status and are billed properly. This placeholder course will be replaced by the courses taken abroad upon successful completion and receipt of official transcript.
Program Fees
Program fees are subject to change and based on previous year's tuition, if future tuition rates are not available yet. The purpose of the budget worksheets is to provide an estimate of how much studying abroad is going to cost. Actual spending may vary.
- Fall Semester: $10,000
- Spring Semester: $10,000
Requesting a Financial Aid Estimate
Student Financial Aid allows students to request a financial aid estimate when planning an education abroad experience. Students can bring the completed worksheet of your preferred program to a meeting with a Student Financial Aid Counselor.
Budget Worksheets
Participation Costs
Payment
For SU-Sponsored programs, pay your Seattle University bill through your MySeattleU Student Account for the term(s) you are abroad. The Program Fee is labeled as "MSA Fee" on your bill. Payment deadlines align with Seattle University’s quarterly deadlines and you can sign-up for a payment plan as usual.
Seattle University handles payments to SIT on your behalf for the program cost. Additional expenses not included in Seattle University’s Program Fee, like special course fees, housing upgrades, and optional excursions, may be billed to you directly by SIT. Consult the Budget Worksheet for a breakdown of estimate additional expenses.
Insurance
Scholarships
There are many study abroad scholarships for all program types. The application process may be easier than you think, but planning ahead is key. Deadlines are often 6-8 months in advance of departure. Check out the Scholarship section of Seattle University Education Abroad website for more information on scholarships and how to apply.
Student Journey
| Approximate Timeline | Phase | More details |
|---|---|---|
| Sept-Jan | Exploration | Students will work with Education Abroad and various supporters (family, academic advisor, etc.) to find a program that best fits student's academic, personal, and professional goals. |
| Feb 1 | Apply | Students will have the opportunity to apply to SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs during next academic year in the Fall around November. The hard deadline is February 1st. |
| Late Feb/Early Mar | Nominations | Education Abroad Office will nominate selected students for SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs. |
| Mar-May (Fall) Sept-Dec (Winter) Jan-March (Spring) | Preparation | Students will complete secondary applications for program providers/host university in preparation of going abroad. Additional preparatory steps include pre-departure orientation, courses approvals, Health Check, Visa application, planning housing arrangements (abroad & Seattle), immunizations, etc. |
Application Steps
- Complete Module I of Global Engagement with Education Abroad Canvas course, including Education Abroad 101 and attending a Planning Meeting with your Education Advisor.
- Complete the SU-Sponsored/SU-Exchange Program Application in Module II of the Canvas course by February 1 for selected program.
If you haven’t joined the Education Abroad Canvas Course yet, Join Now!
Climate
- Spring (March to May): Mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 16°C to 23°C (61°F to 73°F). A popular time for trekking and outdoor activities.
- Summer/Monsoon (June to August): Hot and humid, with heavy rainfall in most regions. Temperatures range from 23°C to 30°C (73°F to 86°F).
- Autumn (September to November): Clear skies and mild temperatures from 15°C to 24°C (59°F to 75°F), making it an ideal time for trekking and tourism.
- Winter (December to February): Cool and dry, especially in the Kathmandu Valley, with temperatures from 2°C to 15°C (36°F to 59°F). Mountain regions experience heavy snowfall.
Travel Resources
- Air: The main international gateway is Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Domestic flights are common for reaching remote areas.
- Train: Nepal does not have a significant train network, but there are plans to develop rail links with India.
- Public Transport: Buses and minibuses are widely used, but roads can be challenging. Taxis and rickshaws are available in cities.
Cultural Resources
- Historical Sites: Major attractions include Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Sagarmatha National Park (home to Mount Everest).
- Language: The official language is Nepali, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
- Festivals: Key festivals include Dashain, Tihar, Holi, and the Indra Jatra festival in Kathmandu.
Food & Diet
- Cuisine: Traditional Nepali dishes include dal bhat (lentils and rice), momos (dumplings), and gundruk (fermented leafy greens). Meals often include rice, lentils, and vegetables.
- Dietary Needs: Vegetarian food is common, and vegan options are available, especially in urban areas and tourist regions.
Embassy/Consulate
- U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu: Maharajgunj, Kathmandu (Phone: +977 1-423-4000)
Identity-Specific Considerations
- Accessibility: Public infrastructure may not be fully accessible, especially in rural areas. However, some newer hotels and buildings in Kathmandu offer accessible facilities.
- LGBTQ+: Nepal is considered progressive in LGBTQ+ rights, with same-sex relationships legal and constitutional protections in place. However, public displays of affection are not common.
- Religion: Nepal is predominantly Hindu, with Buddhism also playing a significant cultural role, alongside smaller Muslim and Christian communities, reflecting its rich religious diversity.
- Race & Ethnicity: Nepal is ethnically diverse, with over 100 ethnic groups, including Indo-Aryan and Tibeto-Burman peoples, though caste-based and ethnic inequalities persist in some regions.
- Gender: Gender equality is improving in Nepal, with increasing representation of women in education and politics, but traditional gender roles and gender-based violence remain significant challenges, particularly in rural areas.
Visa Requirements
What is a Visa?
A visa is a permission granted by a country that allows foreign nationals to enter and reside there temporarily. Applicants typically need to provide documentation such as an acceptance letter from the educational institution, proof of financial means, and health insurance. Student visas come with specific regulations regarding work rights, travel restrictions, and duration of stay, varying by country.
Below is a brief overview of the current visa requirements for your program. Note that countries may amend visa requirements at any time, so it will be important to follow all instructions given by SIT.
U.S. passport holders will get a 90-day tourist visa upon arrival and later acquire a student visa for Nepal (Non-U.S. citizens should consult their respective consulates). SIT will offer additional information and guidance before departure and on-site; however, the decision to grant admission into the country is not in SIT’s nor Seattle University's control. Keep in mind that entry requirements are specific to the length of your stay, citizenship, and the type of activities you will be engaged in. It is your responsibility to determine specific entry requirements and stipulations prior to the start of your program.