BE MORE THAN A TOURIST! Global Routes is a pioneer in the world of immersive international programming for high school students. Our transformative program model combines meaningful community service, authentic community stays, and unparalleled adventures off-the-beaten-track.
GLOBAL ROUTES PROGRAM MODEL Global Routes is the program for you if you’re curious and adventurous, dedicated to strengthening our global community, and are looking for an authentic travel experience. Through our transformative program model, students develop critical global skills, leadership, confidence, compassion, and an enthusiasm for experiencing the world!
SUMMER IN NEPAL
Nepal offers an incredible experience for students seeking an immersive program abroad in one of the most spectacular settings on Earth. Wander through the bazaars, temples, and cobblestoned-streets of Dhulikhel and Kathmandu, and then head off on a 9-day trek to sacred, jewel-like lakes beneath breathtaking peaks in the Himalayas. Dive into Nepalese daily life by living with a homestay family and working alongside community members to construct a school, plant trees, and teach English. Explore the rich cultural history and architecture of the ancient cities of Bhaktapur and Bodhnath. The rich cultural and spiritual fabric of Nepal, and the warm hospitality of its people, create an awe-inspiring appreciation for life’s simplicity.
ORIENTATION: After your journey from the U.S., you and your group head to a cozy lodge in the quaint heritage town of Bhaktapur, the ‘City of Devotees,’ where temple-studded medieval squares, narrow streets, red-brick houses, and hidden courtyards peppered with temples, greet you at every turn. You’ll meander through ornate 15th-century temples and marvel at the traditional Newari craftsmanship for which this ancient heart of the Malla Kingdom is acclaimed. You’ll enjoy your first cup of chai tea, get to know one another and begin your informal studies of conversational Nepali with Global Routes’ dedicated Nepalese staff. Rising early one morning to hike to a hidden Hindu temple, you begin to prepare your trekking legs and enjoy the sunrise from this ancient Kali Temple.
COMMUNITY SERVICE AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE: Feeling fit and inspired, it’s time to head to your homestay community, located in the heart of the fertile Hill’s Region, two hours outside of Kathmandu. Here you spend two weeks immersed in Nepalese life, working with local community members to construct a school or a much-needed community water tank. Teach English to local children, lead an adult reading seminar, or design a colorful mural to adorn a classroom wall. Step into the rhythm of rural Nepalese daily life; harvest the season’s bounty with your host mother or tend to your family’s chickens and goats at your host father’s side. Participate in the local festivals of the summer season and visit some of the many temples that dot the rolling landscape. You will arrive in your host community as a guest and depart as family, always in awe of the ability of Nepalis to overcome incredible adversity.
TRAVEL ADVENTURES: After a final celebration ceremony in your village, you will transition to final travel in the stunning Tibetan Buddhist center of Bodhnath, home to many of Nepal’s Tibetan refugees and the largest and most beautiful Buddhist Stupa on earth (we challenge you to walk around it 108 times during your stay!). Bodhnath is famed for its colorful and exhilarating sights, sounds, and smells, and for the way it casually blends the modern with the spiritual. Observe a local woman making offerings to the gods along a market walkway, and smile at the paradox of a cow wandering along cobblestone streets. You’ll then work with your group and leaders to truly digest the life-changing experience you’ve encountered, and learn how to take the tools and lessons you’ve gained back to your home-life.
TESTIMONIALS
“Going to Nepal with GR was the best decision I’ve made for so many reasons. It pushed me past my comfort zone to realize that my comfort zone was holding me back. Unlike most programs, GR includes a homestay portion into the trip. Learning how to form meaningful relationships with people who do not speak the same language as you do is such an amazing experience and one that has already helped me in my day-to-day life. Going on a Global Routes trip is truly the best investment and a life-changing experience.” - Nina, Nepal, Student
“Our son's experience was transformational. He gained maturity, confidence and a new perspective on global concerns. He even gained a love of hiking in the mountains. We sincerely thank the staff for that experience.” - Susanna, Nepal, Parent
ENROLL TODAY: Complete our brief first stage enrollment form to save your space. No commitment or deposit necessary.
CONTACT US: hello@globalroutes.org, (413) 585-8895
$7895. International airfare is not included in the tuition. Roundtrip airfare from New York to Kathmandu will be between $1,100 and $1,900.
Everything about this trip is incredible, the hiking, the views, the people, but the what changed my life the most was when we stayed with our host families. Living with them for two weeks helped me appreciate everything I had that I taken advantage of before. I also learned about how they lived, got to go to school and hang out with the kids of the village. We played games together, had dance parties, and they helped us with our construction project. The most incredible thing I did was spend a day with my family in the fields helping them with their day to day work and planting rice with them. I became very closer with my Nepali host family and miss them everyday, and I am still in contact with them through facebook. As well, my biggest accomplishment that I will never forget was making it to base camp of Annapurna after all the hard work it took us all to get there. I could not be more grateful for the opportunity Global Routes provided me.