Language Requirement: None
Academic Standing by Program Start: Sophomore or above
Location: Asia, Nepal
GPA: 2.75

Program Overview

The dynamics of Tibet and the Himalaya span from ancient times to the present day. Discover the history of the region’s border tensions, religious belief systems and politics. Learn about the Tibetan Government in Exile; CIA intervention in Tibet; the Dalai Lama and his Middle Way approach; negotiations with China; and human rights in Tibet. Spend six weeks in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital and home to a significant Tibetan exile community. Study Tibetan medicine, symbolism, music, art, meditation and retreat. Explore the shamanistic features of the indigenous Tibetan religion, Bön, at an institute halfway up a mountain on the valley’s periphery. Listen to a lecture by an Ayurvedic doctor in the old town. Meet the caretaker of an ancient pagoda shrine. Take a high-altitude trek to isolated Tibetan communities and stay with rural families. Learn Tibetan and traditional Tibetan tutorials characteristic of spiritual training in Buddhist text recitation, and choose to learn Nepali. Conduct independent field study or gain professional skills in an intercultural internship.

For further information about the program, including dates and course information, please visit: SIT: Tibetan and Himalayan Peoples in Kathmandu

Dates and Deadlines

 
TermYearDeadlineArrival DateDeparture Date
Fall Semester20254/15/2025Early SeptemberMid-December
Spring Semester202610/1/2025Early FebruaryMid-May

If you are interested in applying to an SIT program, we strongly advise you to meet with an advisor prior to applying.

SIT Study Abroad has rolling admission, which means that applications are reviewed on a rolling basis between the opening and closing dates of the review process. Applications must be complete to be reviewed for admission. Since many programs fill long before the published closing dates, you are strongly advised to apply early.

Qualified applicants are recommended by a GEO Staff. The final selection of participants is made by SIT. The SIT admissions committee strives to select students who will be the best possible match for the program. You should submit strong academic references and demonstrate a consistent academic record, clear motivation to study abroad, solid reasoning for their program choice, and an understanding of the program model.

IMPORTANT: Application for a SIT program involves two parts. Both parts of the application are due by the GEO application deadline.

  • Completion of the GEO application process. ​
  • Completion of the SIT application process.

Please note that the GEO deadline supersedes the SIT deadline. An application fee is due at the time of application and is non-refundable under any circumstances.

Course Equivalencies

UO students: please refer to the UO Course Equivalency Process and the UO Office of the Registrar Course Equivalency Database.

Non-UO students: Actual credit awarded is determined by the relevant department at your university in consultation with the study abroad office. Check with your study abroad advisor for more information.