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Each program includes a number of similar components. We use these as a base for group cohesion, and the point of departure for individual learning. Within this structure, students shape their own experiences by deciding what and how they would like to learn.  Students |
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Upon arrival in the host country, students undergo a comprehensive orientation that provides important information about the hosts and their customs, the area's history and culture, health and safety, and cross-cultural adjustment. Orientation is also a time for the group to get to know each other. Program coordinators meet with each student to explore his or her interests and explain ISP possibilities. Above all, orientation focuses on preparing students for new experiences by learning how to approach each new situation with patience, humor, and an open mind. |
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Once the program begins, students move in with a home stay family. These households come from different socioeconomic and religious backgrounds. There is at least one family member who is conversant in English. While in the cities many families have acquired telephones and similar modern conveniences, others, especially in rural areas, do not have these luxuries. In the application process, students give general preferences as to the type of family with whom they would like to live. It is common for students to create relationships with their host families that last a lifetime making home stay one of the most popular aspects of our programs. |
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Independent Study Projects |
There are many opportunities to learn and to give through your experiences in Nepal, so many it may be difficult to choose. Passage gives you a taste of some of your options. If you have a special area of interest in which you would like to learn but which is not mentioned in the application form, let us know and we can try to arrange a mentor for you. If you would like to take up volunteer services as an ISP instead (which means concentrating more time there), this can usually be arranged. Availability of teachers varies from semester to semester. Making your own arrangements is part of the learning process. Many of the mentors have worked with students. Each year we add new ones. Your response is a valuable aid in future programming.
By volunteering with a social service organization you may express your support for someone in a difficult circumstance here. We link you up with opportunities. Checking them out is an empowering experience itself. In a short time you will learn more about yourself, the city, and what offers suit you best.
Besides the skills of their profession, these mentors have taught us that the best way to get the most out of your time with them is to be mentally prepared to focus during your short time together. We try to find people to participate in our program who enjoy the cultural exchange and mutual pleasure of interaction with students. They commit to spending time with you and fitting you into their working lives when the Passage schedule allows. They ask in return that you think about what you want to commit to, and do what you say you are going to do. Seek help from the coordinators and your friends in making a valid choice for your ISP. Generally you will learn more if you stick with your mentor and concentrate your attention on all you can learn in one major and, if another is desired, a minor. Beware of spreading yourself thin and later regretting it is over so fast. Likewise, when you volunteer, the relationships you build and the methodologies you learn in one setting will be more meaningful to you and to those you serve if you are there enough to make a deeper contribution rather than a cameo appearance. To relish this opportunity while you have it is a simple expression of respect for gurus, master teachers, mentors, or employers (even on a volunteer basis), that is traditionally part of Nepali and most other eastern cultures.
Determined by each student's interests, ISPs usually range from community and humanitarian projects to arts, music or philosophical understudy. The extensive variety of ISPs available allows students to explore new interests and to pursue academic or career resources. The ISPs are developed around specific projects that our students can complete by the end of the term. Students find that the daily routine and responsibilities that accompany an ISP help them integrate quickly into their surroundings. MORE ISPs (information will be provided upon request. Email to
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Situational and conversational language is taught by experienced teachers in small groups. Learning to communicate with the people around you provides an important entry into the host community. Students find that people appreciate their effort to learn the local language and are eager to practice with them. |
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We provide a series of discussions led by guest speakers who are local experts, professionals, and scholars. The discussions, determined by each group's interests, cover topics such as history, politics, religion, ethnic groups, gender issues, the environment and the impact of development. |
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To understand the rural ways of life, many of our programs include a second shorter home stay in a remote village. Students become involved with daily chores such as agriculture, fetching water, cooking and helping to care for younger siblings. This offers a glimpse of rural life in a peaceful and scenic setting. |
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Many of our programs culminate with a trek, which is more of a cultural experience than a wilderness one. Camping in tents or local village lodges and accompanied by guides and trained personnel, we travel through areas frequented by foreign trekkers as well as the remote countryside.
The combination of the extensive opportunities that we have developed, our dedicated and experienced coordinators, and the individually tailored programs of study we provide make Passage programs the ideal experience for students looking for a rich, cross-cultural journey. |
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There are other organized activities, such as trips to temples, monasteries and festivals, short overnight stays at scenic spots and visits to other significant sites. The interests of the group will play a role in determining the content of these activities. |
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“Definitely my homestay family are warm hearted people. I would positively recommend them to any student. Keep in mind however, that, the majority of Nepali are Hindu/Buddhist and with my homestay family being Christian that part of the culture is not prevalent. It was a great fit for me – but individual students will have to decide for themselves.”
- Logan D.A. Williams, Personal Passage 2009 |
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