Program Eligibility

GPA	2.5
Hours completed	12
Student Conduct	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, 2022. For information on how to apply for or renew a passport, see Passports 101 .
Current passport processing times are 12-18 weeks.  Plan accordingly to avoid issues obtaining your visa, airine tickets, and other necessary items for travel.  Failure to receive your passport in time can lead to postponement of your program.

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

COVID-19 - You are REQUIRED to be fully vaccinatied against COVID-19 to participate in this program.  Proof of vaccination will be required prior to acceptance of your deposit.

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	October 31, 2021
Payments
Commitment fee	$75 due November 30, 2021
Non-refundable deposit	$1,200 due December 1, 2021
Second payment	$1,000 due January 2022
Final payment*	Balance due March 2022

  * Costs are subject to change based on student enrollment, exchange fluctuations and flight costs.

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 2022  Failure to meet this deadline will result in removal from the group flight and possible increased costs.

 MANDATORY Pre-departure meeting: TBA, Spring 2022

 

Academics

Credit offered

ECON 479 - Counts as an upper-division elective for ECON majors/minors

ECON 479G - 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
  
• 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 .