First Goucher Graduate Student & Alumnae/i Group Studies Abroad in Nepal
A team of graduate students from the M.A. in Environmental Sustainability & Management (M.A.E.S.), M.A. in Cultural Sustainability (M.A.C.S.), and M.A. in Historic Preservation (M.A.H.P.) programs recently embarked on the inaugural “Graduate” and “Alumnae/i” Intensive Course Abroad (ICA) to Nepal, offering a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of sustainability, culture, and heritage preservation. This course was led by program directors Jenn da Rosa (M.A.E.S.), Amy Skillman (M.A.C.S.), and Melanie Lytle (M.A.H.P.).
From January 4 to 18, the team journeyed through key regions of Nepal, a country renowned for its cultural diversity and rich biodiversity. Nepal faces the challenges of climate change—manifested in melting glaciers, extreme weather, flooding, landslides, and ecosystem disruption—and the course provided students with firsthand experience in how communities adapt to these environmental threats. Nepal’s cultural heritage and spiritual landmarks are increasingly at risk, and the students studied how these vulnerable sites are being protected while addressing sustainability challenges.
The Nepal team traveled to several vital locations, including Patan, a hub for cultural heritage preservation amidst urban growth, and Chitwan, home to the Tharu people and a leader in wildlife conservation with the UNESCO-protected Chitwan National Park. They also visited the charming village of Ghandruk, where sustainable practices are key to maintaining the Annapurna region’s natural beauty, and Pokhara, known for its conservation efforts and sacred Phewa Lake. The group also had the opportunity to visit the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) Mountain Lab, where they gained insight into innovative research and technologies being developed to address the complex environmental challenges faced by mountain communities in Nepal and the broader Himalayan region. The course concluded with a visit to Bhaktapur, a historic city famous for its resilience in preserving its architectural and cultural heritage despite the challenges posed by earthquakes and climate change.
Through their travels, the students gained valuable insights into how Nepal’s diverse communities respond to the interconnected issues of climate change, cultural preservation, and sustainability. M.A.E.S. graduate student Nanje Eastman reflected: “Traveling to Nepal to study in the field offered a unique opportunity to immerse myself in a diverse cultural and ecological environment. This field experience was transformative, providing me not just technical skills but also soft skills, cultural insights, and personal growth.”