Go Global Office of Global Engagement

Nepal - Global Indigeneities

FNIS 360 | 3 credits

Program overview

This course is led by Pasang Yangjee Sherpa, Faculty of Arts

  • Course dates: May 1 - 17, 2024
  • Travel dates: April 29 – May 17, 2024
  • Format: in-person 
  • Location: Nepal
  • Approximate program fee: $2400-$2900 (Go Global fee, tuition and flights are not included) 
  • Funding available (click through to learn more about each award) 

Apply by December 5, 2023

Application instructions here

Apply Now

About the course                                                                                                               

This course explores global Indigeneity in the ancestral territory of the Newa people, now known as the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal, in May of 2024. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the rich Newa civilization, tradition, and transformation from the communities in four city centers: Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, and Kirtipur. Learning materials include audio-visual, textual, and experiential resources. A typical course day will involve:  

  1. A morning session to discuss reading materials, and go over the travel plans for the day;  
  2. An afternoon visit in the valley with a community-based activity;  
  3. An evening session to reflect on what students learned that day followed by free time to read and write.  

By the end of this advanced research-intensive course, students will produce a conference paper around their inquiries in global Indigeneities. This Go Global seminar expands the global Indigeneity and the Indigenous Asia curriculum at UBC through the Institute for Critical Indigenous Studies 

Program eligibility  
General Global Seminar requirements

To participate in a Global Seminar, students must: 

  • Be in good-standing in their faculty (as defined by home faculty) 
  • In the year leading up to the Global Seminar, have full-time student status (as defined by home faculty)  
  • Have completed 2nd year requirements before the start of the program (i.e., eligible for 3rd or 4th year standing)  
  • Have at least a 70% academic average in your last full-time academic session before applying 
  • Maintain a 70% academic average leading up to the program
  • Meet any program specific requirements listed below including pre-requisites before participating   
Program-specific requirements
  • Prerequisite: One of FNSP 200, FNIS 210, FNSP 210, FNIS 220, FNSP 220 
  • Permission of the Instructor 

Final selection will be done by the lead faculty program directors. Spots in the program may be limited. 

Students who wish to participate in the summer after graduating may be eligible on a case-by-case basis.

Experience and conditions in the Field

Students will spend a significant amount of time visiting culturally and historically important sites. They will follow cultural protocols during these visits. They will also have opportunities to meet with and learn from Indigenous experts. Prior to departure, students will be provided with information on the potential impact on local communities, partners and the environment. Throughout the course, the instructor will guide students in engaging with local communities, partners, and the environment in relational, responsible, and reciprocal ways. 

Accommodations

TBA

Program fees and costs
Approximate program fees: $2400 - $2900.00* 

*The final fee depends on the number of students in the program. All Global Seminars only run if there is a minimum number of students enrolled.       

Included:  
  • Accommodations
  • Program- related travel in-country; (e.g. buses)  
  • Excursions and entrance fees  
  • Some group meals  
  • On-site guest lectures
Not Included:  
  • Go Global Fee
  • Flights
  • UBC tuition for credits  
  • Visa/country entrance fees  
  • Health/travel insurance
  • Personal spending money*  

*Some examples of personal costs included: mobile communication, personal transportation that is not related to the learning outcomes of the program, additional meals that are not already identified as part of the Program Fee, immunizations, Visas, etc.

Indigenous Global Connections (IGC) 

This program is supported by Indigenous Global Connections (IGC) funding.

All elligible students* selected to participate in an IGC-designated Global Seminar will receive $5000 in funding ($4000 from IGC and $1000 from the Go Global Award).

IGC, funded by Global Skills Opportunity Canada, provides undergraduate Canadian and Permanent Resident students with financial support to participate in various non-traditional exchange experiences, cross-cultural collaboration and professional networking with Indigenous peoples in Canada and the Globally - with a focus on sharing and learning with local communities. 

As part of the experience participants will engage in pre- and post-experience sharing with other students and community members while fostering reflection and understanding. 

See Go Global’s Award page for information on eligibility and requirements of the award 

 Jump to top