Program Eligibility

GPA	2.5
Hours completed	12
Student Judicial	Good status
Grad credit	Yes
Non-WIU	Yes
Pre-requisite	None
Student Year	Sophomore, Junior, Senior, Graduate

Entry Requirements

Passport required - Must be valid until December 1, 2020

Visa required for US citizens - You must check the Nepali Department of Immigration website for more information and current costs. Visa cost not included in program cost.

Visa required for non-US citizens.  It is your responsibility to check the Nepali Department of Immigration website for more information.  Visa cost not included in program cost.

 

Health Insurance

You must have international health insurance for the time you are on your program. Only two options are approved to meet this requirement:

• WIU student health insurance
• A supplemental policy (Patriot Travel Medical) from International Medical Group (IMG) .

 

Health Precautions

Walking/mobility - Expect to walk up to 5 miles a day on various surfaces, including uneven terrain, hills, and stairs.  It is not consecutive but scheduled throughout the day.  You will also be reponsible for moving your own luggage.

Environmental - Highs in the mid-80s and lows near 60; sun protection is strongly recommended.  Parts of Nepal are at high altitudes; you should discuss potential effects of traveling to high altitudes with your health care provider.  Nepal is located on an active fault zone. A major earthquake and aftershocks occurred in 2015. Stray dogs and monkeys can carry rabies.

Dietary - Some meals are included in the program cost. Contact Kim McDaniel  if you have food allergies or other dietary restrictions.  

Vaccinations - No vaccinations are required for entry into Nepal.  Up to date vaccination recommendations are available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website .

Accessibility and accommodation may be very different than that found in the United States.  Please contact the Disability Resource Center for questions on the availability of accommodations for your specific situation.

PLEASE NOTE   It is your responsibility to request accommodation from the DRC; faculty and staff are not legally permitted to inquire about such needs.  Requests should be made as early as possible so there's sufficient time to arrange accommodations in your location.

 

Costs & Dates

Estimated Cost*	$2,500-$3,000
Included in the program	Round trip airfare from Chicago, in-country transportation, lodging (double/triple occupancy), entry fees to scheduled sites, some meals
Application Deadline	November 10, 2019
Payments
Application fee	$75 due December 5, 2019
Non-refundable deposit	$1,200 due December 6, 2019
Second payment	$1,000 due January 31, 2020
Final payment*	$400 due February 28, 2020

  * Costs are subject to change based on student enrollment

WIU reserves the right to adjust the cost or arrangements of this program due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond the University's control.  For details about this or individual withdrawals, see Cancellations and Withdrawals.

 

Important Dates

Passport copy deadline: January 31, 2020  Failure to meet this deadline will result in removal from the group flight and possible increased costs.

 Pre-departure meeting: TBA, Spring 2019

 

Academics

Credit offered

ECON 379 - Counts as an upper-division elective for ECON majors/minors

ECON 679 - Counts towards completion of a MA in Economics

FIN 379 - Counts as an upper-division elective for FIN majors/minors

FIN 679 - Counts towards completions of Master of Business Administration

Please check with your academic advisor for more information on how this Course fits your specific academic needs.

 

Objectives/activities

• Understand global systems by focusing on the economic issues faced by Nepal
• Gain hands on experience in the study of local communities, their economic systems, the challenges facing them and how microfinance is helping them
• Study the impact of microfinance programs in rural areas of Nepal through field observations and data collection
• Visit local schools, hospitals and government agencies to learn about other economic aspects of Nepal

 

Class sessions

Active class participation, including contribution to discussions and attendance, is expected in all phases of the Course.  Students are responsible for completing pre-departure assignments including readings and discussion participation, attendance and active participation during on-site visits, guest lectures and activities, and post-return assignments.  Questions about course content should be directed to Dr. Shankar Ghimire .