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Study abroad programs in Nepal
Course Information
University: Kathmandu University – School of Development Studies
Course: Microgrid Systems for Rural Development
Credit: 3 Credits (Graduate) *Undergrads are eligible
Duration: 10-days
Learn-by-doing and take climate action on the TGP Nepal Program! Learn the foundations of solar microgrid technology, analyze its impacts in rural communities, and make an impact by installing a solar microgrid with a rural village in just 10-days. Start your sustainability career here.
On The GREEN Nepal Program, participants have a unique opportunity to analyze the role of solar energy and its practicality, adaptability, and impact in rural societies of developing countries.
- Provide power to a community who lacks access to electricity with a solar microgrid installation
- Experience a local home-stay experience in a rural village
- Explore Nepal’s culture, customs, and UNESCO world heritage sites
Learn-by-doing on our study abroad programs in Nepal.
Course Description
Since the devastating earthquake that struck Nepal in 2015, the country has been working towards recovery and restoration. After the earthquake, there has been a nationwide concern for a slow redevelopment plan. With nearly 70% of the affected communities still living in temporary shelters, the rise of micro-grid energy solutions are being introduced to electrify rural areas that were affected by the earthquake while renewable energy is a sector that is rapidly developing in Nepal. Certain communities in Nepal can also experience power outages with an average of 10 hours per day; however, private installations of solar energy and microgrid systems are perceived to be viable solutions. This course provides wide knowledge of microgrid technologies, energy policies in Nepal and its implementation, especially in rural communities. The course consists of lectures and site-visits including solar and hydropower facilities and rural communities to install microgrid systems and assist in Nepal’s efforts to electrify rural areas.
Objectives and Outcomes
The objective of this course is to understand the various microgrid technologies and its challenges towards implementation in rural and developing societies. See below for course outcomes.
Methodology
The methodology to be used includes a combination of tools in order to facilitate the enhancements of knowledge, promote discussion in class and increase students’ ability to formulate proposals, such as: presentation-discussion classes, case studies, hands-on design, and first-hand field planning and installation.
The structure of each topic includes a compulsory reading, followed by oral presentations by the students which will lead to class discussions, group works, and other practical activities. Field trips and site visits are essential to the course, which are programmed on a daily basis. All these activities will be complemented by lectures and supervised by the university.
Summer Break
Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
Focus: Microgrid Systems for Rural Development
Program Dates Now Enrolling:
May 12-21, 2024
Enrollment Deadline: April 15, 2024
Program Capacity: 15
Length: 10-Days
Program Fee:
Single Pay: $4500
Monthly Payment Plan: $960/month for 5 months
Spring Break
Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
Focus: Microgrid Systems for Rural Development
Program Dates Now Enrolling:
Program Capacity: 15
Length: 9-Days
Program Fee:
Single Pay: $4400
Monthly Payment Plan: $940/month for 5 months
Winter Break
Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
Focus: Microgrid Systems for Rural Development
Program Dates Now Enrolling:
Dec 13-22, 2024
Enrollment Deadline: Sep 25, 2024
Program Capacity: 15
Length: 10-Days
Program Fee:
Single Pay: $4500
Monthly Payment Plan: $960/month for 5 months
Program Highlights
Engage with Nepal’s local communities & install a solar microgrid system
Being TGP’s only program that includes home-stays and solar microgrid integration in Nepal’s rural communities, you’ll be able to engage and immerse yourself with the local community in a highly unique way that you’ll never forget.
Explore Nepal’s culture, customs, and UNESCO world heritage sites
“Wedged between the indian subcontinent and the lofty himalayas, nepal’s kathmandu valley is a place where various cultures and religions meld together to create a spiritual fusion. While anthropologists may say otherwise, locals will tell you there is no distinction between Buddhism and Hinduism here.”
Course Outcomes
Secure with confidence
Secure your spot with confidence knowing that if your program is affected by COVID-19 travel restrictions, we offer flexible terms for you to switch your program or receive a full-credit towards a future program.
Sample Itinerary
What our alumni are saying
Khadijah I
Aerospace Engineering Student, Lancaster University
Hey Future GREENie, Don't think, just go! It will be the experience of your lifetime! If you have a passion for making the world a better place, then this trip is for you. It has really renewed my energy and passion for a sustainable future and career. The people on this trip have been amazing - honestly, couldn't have asked for a better team of people who want to change the world.
Mariam A
Environmental Health and Sustainability Student, Quinnipiac University
These have truly been some of the best 10 days of my life. I've really learned so much about Nepali culture and myself and sustainability. I feel like I've made some lifelong connections on this trip. It was so lovely to be surrounded by such passionate yet such different people. I would do this trip over 10x again if I could.
Rhys P
Civil Engineering Student, University of Bath
TGP exists in the liminal space between everyday and euphoria. It is a truly transformational experience and I have once again come away from the trip with a renewed passion for sustainability, friends for life, a sharper focus for what I want to do with my life, and a clearer picture of what happiness looks like to me - making a difference to global challenges on a local scale. If you're a prospective student thinking about doing TGP, all I can say is, do it! This will change your life and you'll never look back.
Stefan F
Civil Engineering Student, Queen’s University
The GREEN Program is like chicken soup for the soul. A trip where the best people come together in some of the best destinations to talk about the most important issues of our time. GREEN trips are my favorite way to travel and I hope the team never stops inspiring the sustainable leaders of tomorrow! So glad I'm part of the alumni community and I hope to partner with The GREEN Program!
Shirbrina
Rutgers University
The best study abroad experience!If you are looking for a study abroad experience, you have to check out The Green Program! The Green Program provides an amazing program that is also compatible with the schedule of busy college students. The 10-day program was jam-packed and full of knowledge. It is also important to mention how the program coordinators ensured that everyone on the trip was safe and welcomed. The GREEN Program is definitely a community builder that enables all of the attendees to create lifelong relationships. I am extremely excited to attend another program led by The GREEN Program, and I am proud to be an alum of an incredible organization.
AJ E
Construction Science Management Student, Clemson University
I have never done anything up to this point regarding sustainability. Being in the industry that releases the most amount of greenhouse gasses, I am super excited to utilize what I have learned and change the construction industry forever. Thank you GREEN Program, you hold a very special place in my heart, and can't wait for the next trip!
Garret S
Psychology Student, Dartmouth College
This trip truly inspired me to pursue a career in sustainability. I thought maybe I would want to do something involving sustainability/the environment coming into this trip, and now I am certain. It was so cool being able to see first-hand how renewable energy can positively impact a community. The passion that our professors, GivePower team, and GREEN Program members shared towards making the world a better place - it definitely rubbed off onto me. It's a weird feeling! I'm so impressed by this trip - definitely will recommend to people I know. Thank you!
Jenni M
Electrical Engineering Student, North Carolina State University
This program gave me lots of needed clarity in terms of my personal, academic, and career goals. There's a lot of questions I had, like what will my daily work look like if I don't choose corporate America, or if I truly like the technical aspect of my major. This trip answered all of my questions, and further taught me how to ask the right ones. I wouldn't have refined my goals in the significant way that I did if it wasn't for this trip.
What’s included?
We take care of everything from when you land in Nepal until departure.
Gain exclusive access to TGP alumni network and benefits when you return home.
- Education Materials: Prepare before you travel with your pre-program resources and educational materials
- Classes: Lectures from industry leaders and faculty from Kathmandu University – School of Development Studies
- Credit: 3 academic credits from Kathmandu University
- Facility Tours: Exclusive access and private tours to Peru’s leading hydroelectric and water sanitation facilities
- Capstone Project: Innovation facilitation and panel assessment
- Adventure Excursions: Expand your comfort-zone and with activities such as hiking, yoga, white-water rafting, and more!
- Cultural Experiences: Visit Nepal’s UNESCO World Heritage sites and immerse yourself in Nepali culture
- All meals: We support locally owned restaurants, and accommodate most dietary preferences/restrictions
- Accommodations and lodging: Your home away from home will be at locally owned lodging sites throughout your program
- Rural Village Home-Stay: Gain a unique home-stay experience in a rural village in Nepal during the solar installation
- Solar Microgrid Installation: All materials, project supervisors, safety equipment, and engineering resources
- All in-country transportation: From airport pick up to airport drop-off, and everything in-between, we got you covered
- Exclusive membership: Join the TGP Alumni Network for sustainability job postings, travel, networking, and mentorship
Pricing
Winter & Summer Break
Single Pay
$4500
Secure your spot with a one-time, easy payment
Save money by paying up front
No need to worry about payment reminders
Get started on your adventure right away!
Five Monthly Payments
$960/month
Secure your spot with smaller monthly payments
Pay over time with five smaller payments
No credit check & no forms to fill out
Get a head start on securing your spot!
Spring Break
Single Pay
$4400
Secure your spot with a one-time, easy payment
Save money by paying up front
No need to worry about payment reminders
Get started on your adventure right away!
Five Monthly Payments
$940/month
Secure your spot with smaller monthly payments
Pay over time with five smaller payments
No credit check & no forms to fill out
Get a head start on securing your spot!
Our other study abroad programs in Nepal
Explore our Nepal online program: Ethics of Sustainable Development
Are you ready to go GREEN?
Your first step is to complete and submit an application. Upon acceptance, a TGP member will reach out to you with your next steps for enrollment. We look forward to traveling with you soon! (Please note that spots fill on a first-come, first-serve basis.)