Nepal: Global FIRE - Social Entrepreneurship
Tentative Dates: May 16 - May 25, 2020
Study Abroad to Nepal: Social entrepreneurship, international business, tourism and handicraft is an experiential study abroad program travelling to Kathmandu, Pokhara, and several other lesser known cities. The purpose is to provide students exposure to various Nepalese cultures, business students in another country, business environments, and changes taking place in the Nepalese business world.
During our stay, we will visit important cultural sites which includes the temples, UNESCO heritage sites, and take treks into the mountains. We will visit many different companies from start-ups to national firms. Throughout the program we will take part in lectures at local universities and meet with students to interact and learn more about college life in Nepal. We will meet with local families to take part in the dining culture and learn about local customs and traditions. We will learn about varying business models being employed in Nepal.
Courses offered: MGT 3954 (1 credit)-Study Abroad to Nepal: Social Entrepreneurship, international business, tourism, and handicraft
Must be enrolled in HTM/MGT 2314 in spring 2020, or have taken the course during fall 2019 or winter 2019-2020.
Tentative travel schedule:
Date |
Day |
Activities |
January to Apr, 2020 |
3-4 class meetings |
Orientation and overview of the program, overview of Nepal and its culture, overview of social entrepreneurship, roommates assignments, group company research projects assignment, and other pre-departure discussions. (5 hours) |
May 16 |
Saturday |
Fly to Kathmandu Nepal, arrive on the 17th |
May 18-20 |
Monday-Wednesday |
Kathmandu and Bhaktapur. Lecture and discussion on business environments and social entrepreneurship in Nepal, visit businesses, and historical/cultural sites |
May 21-23 |
Thursday-Saturday |
Pokhara and surrounding areas. Visit local businesses, cultural sites, do some hiking |
May 24 |
Sunday |
Visit Kathmandu University School of Business, City of Patan for cultural and historical sites
|
May 25 |
Monday |
Depart Kathmandu and return to the US |
Each student must have a valid passport from their home country. You can apply for a passport at the Acceptance Facility in Squires Student Center, the Blacksburg Post Office (540-552-2751) at the University Mall with appointment or at the Montgomery County Clerk's Office at the Christiansburg Courthouse (540-382-5760), no appointment required. You can get passport photos at most local pharmacies.Program participants fly together as a group.
You should ensure that you have the proper vaccinations for this program. This can be done through a county health department, or your family physician. Your family physician usually does not have the more specialized vaccines and should refer you to the county health department. You can see a list of recommended vaccinations and other health information at the CDC travel website.
These sites have additional information:
- Passports
- General Information from the U.S. State Department
- International Travel from the U.S. State Department
- Customs Information
- CDC Medical Information
- CIA Factbook (A great place for information on the countries we visit.)
- State Department Travel Alerts & Warnings
Program fees are $3450. A non-refundable deposit of $500 payable online, is due after acceptance into the program, with the balance of program fees due Dec.10.
Application Deadline: February 15
Cost Summary (estimated) |
||
Pre-trip Personal Costs: |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
VT GEO Application fee |
$50 |
$50 |
VT GEO Participation fee |
$50 |
$50 |
Books and Materials |
$40 |
$40 |
Passport |
$145 |
$145 |
Visa |
$45 |
$45 |
Pamplin billing: |
$3450 |
$3450 |
Airfare if included in fee |
Included |
Included |
Lodging |
Included |
Included |
Required Group Travel |
Included |
Included |
Meals – use word most or all here |
Included |
Included |
Medical Insurance |
Included |
Included |
|
|
|
VT tuition & fees if you are a Spring full-time student: |
$25 |
$25 |
|
|
|
Funds required during program: |
|
|
Personal Expenses |
$100 |
$100 |
Meals no included |
$100 |
$100 |
|
|
|
Total Estimated Costs |
$4,005 |
$4,005 |
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Your financial aid eligibility may apply to this program. You must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the University Financial Aid Office. Go to Scholarship Central for more information. Pamplin also lists Pamplin College of Business study abroad scholarships here.
In addition, you must submit the study abroad cost documentation form to the Global Education Office at the International Affairs building, 526 Prices Fork Road, room 131. Check out their Financial Matters page for other possibilities. Another great resource is Pamplin’s International Program’s Funding Opportunities Page.
Due to prepayment on items such as air and lodging, billing may not be in sync with financial aid payouts. Please be prepared to pay costs in advance and be reimbursed with any financial aid payouts later.
There are up to 20 seats available for the program. The application deadline is February 15.
Applications now open, contact Dr. Clevenger jcleveng@vt.edu or Dr. Gnyawali devi@vt.edu for details or questions.
ELIGIBILITY
- Freshmen through Seniors, and Graduate Students
- Must be enrolled in HTM/MGT 2314 in spring 2020, or have taken the course during fall 2019 or winter 2019-2020.
- Minimum GPA: 2.3 (We will use mid-term grades for freshmen to determine eligibility).
- Non-business students and graduate students are also welcome to participate, and will receive 3 credits.
- Priority is given to business students.
Contact Information
Devi Gnyawali
2007 Pamplin Hall
540-231-5021
devi@vt.edu
Jennifer Clevenger
1046 Pamplin Hall
540-231-6602
jcleveng@vt.edu
Linda Tanko
1046 Pamplin Hall
540-231-3562
ltanko@vt.edu