Spend two weeks this summer in the shadow of the Himalayas in the geographically and culturally diverse country of Nepal.  Earn six credits in Psychology and Literature while visiting Kathmandu, Chitwan and Pokhara.  Enjoy tours of various temples and parks and activities such as elephant riding in the jungle, white water rafting, bird watching, visits to various museums, and gazing at Mount Everest.  In addition, students will spend a couple days volunteering in local schools and orphanages or on conservation projects.

Nepal, nestled between China and India, provides the philosophical backdrop for this program that explores the relationship between East and West, old and new.  While Nepal is strongly influenced by its Goliath-like neighbors, it maintains an identity fused with a variety of Asian influences, yet unique in its own.  Traveling courses utilize the unique and Eastern setting of Nepal to enhance course objectives by understanding (from a Western viewpoint) the Eastern influences in the science of Psychology and various renowned literary works.

Nepal is a destination of pilgrimage for both outdoor adventurists and Hindus from around the world drawn to world-renowned sites of exploration and worship.  The East-West blend provides an excellent atmosphere for personal and academic growth.  This program is a great way for students to truly experience the culture of Nepal, broaden their academic and personal horizons, and also earn community service hours through meaningful service work.

Program Itinerary

(subject to change)

June 14 - Depart USA for Kathmandu (2 day travel)

June 15 - Arrive in Kathmandu early morning and transfer to hotel. Enjoy a welcome dinner of Nepalese food. 

June 16 - Visit top Kathmandu sites including Kathmandu Durbar square, Pashupatinath Temple, Bouddhanath Stupa, Swambhunath, Stupa, Durbar Square and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. 

June 17 - Visit local Kathmandu orphanage and schools and have the opportunity to spend some time with the kids on site.

June 18 - Depart for Chitwan and stop for white water rafting on the Trishuli River. Experience the array of landscapes and heritages that are native to the area. Transfer to homestay families for the following evening.

June 19 - Have breakfast with your homestay family and then enjoy a day of volunteer work at a local orphanage and/or conservation project.

June 20 - 22 - Depart for Chitwan National Park. Enjoy the jungle activities including elephant back safari, canoe ride, visit the museum, visit elephant breeding center, bird watching, jungle walk, and guided cultural tours. 

June 23 - 24 - Travel to Pokhara. Enjoy local sight seeing, visit a Tibetan refugee camp, Saran Kot and enjoy some great western restaurants on the lakeside of Pokhara. 

June 25 - Fly from Pokhara back to Kathmandu.

June 26 - Visit Nagarkot and enjoy the scenic views of the Himalayas and Mount Everest. 

June 27 - Free day to enjoy last minute sight-seeing and shopping in Kathmandu. 

June 28 - Depart for the USA

Accommodation will be provided in local hotels as well as home stays.  Each of the home stay families has been carefully screened prior to student placement.

PSY 400: Psychology East and West

For over 50 years western psychologists have recognized the similarities between the wisdom of eastern philosophies, including Hinduism and Buddhism, and western psychology. Yoga, Meditation, and other methods of focusing attention have been integrated into various practices of psychotherapy, stress reduction, and personal development. In this course we will explore these eastern and western approaches, expanding our understanding of both viewpoints.

ENGLISH 203/478: Literature East and West

This course will introduce students to Eastern philosophical traditions and will explore their influence in a variety of literary works both ancient and modern: Bhagavad-Gita, Plato, Augustine, Basho, Omar Khayyam, Henry James, Whitman, Thoreau, Emerson, Joyce, Hesse, Kerouac, Snyder, Ginsberg, among others.

June 14 - 28, 2010

$1,850

*cost may change at any time due to the currency exchange 

* cost does not include airfare - contact our office if you would like to make arrangements to fly with the faculty members from Jacksonville, Florida.

• Tuition (6 Credits)
• Housing
• Most Meals
• Health and Travel Insurance
• Excursions
• Airport Pickup
• Support Services
• Community Service Hours (10 Estimated)

• Fill out the IEP Application and review information on the Apply page.
• Pay a $200 deposit to International Education Programs.
• Send an official transcript from your home institution to the address below.

Send the above materials to:

International Education Programs
Jacksonville University
2800 University Blvd North
Gooding 105
Jacksonville, Florida 32211