Nepal & Tibet Semester

Nepal & Tibet Semester cultural immersion, service, expeditions, adventure travel

“I can honestly say that I KNOW Nepal, not that I saw it as a tourist, but that I experienced all that it has to offer as if a Nepali myself. I can’t say enough good things when it comes to Pacific Discovery. Now that I’ve gone through the whole process of looking into the program, signing up, getting ready, traveling through Nepal and Tibet… and coming home… it is so hard to imagine any other way to see an area of our world. The experiences we had on this program would be impossible for someone to have without Pacific Discovery’s planning, and connections to people in the area. Every day felt like a dream; I will forever remember it as one the best decisions I’ve made in my entire life, and am thankful beyond words that Pacific Discovery and continue to offer these life-changing opportunities.” Kara Barnhart

Freecall 1 800 655 3415 www.pacificdiscovery.org Pacific Discovery Program Design

Our programs are more than simply a travel, time-out or study abroad experience. Each is instead an overland journey of discovery, where students are immersed in a facilitated learning environment, designed to maximize the educational and life-skills potential.

On the program we have two goals for our students:

Learning about the people, culture, religion, Providing a framework for students to 1 history, environments and issues of the region 2 learn about themselves, to push their the program travels through. Then relating boundaries, question their assumptions, to these experiences to bigger picture concepts stimulate problem solving and inquiry skills, of globalization, human rights, environment, and to gain leadership and group skills. sustainability and ethics.

Our programs are as much a journey of personal development as they are a physical journey, and students are regularly encouraged to reflect and think about their values, goals and what they wish to gain from the program experience and from their lives in general.

Pre-program from ‘what are my core values?’ to ‘how do I be a responsible citizen in our globalized world?’ Prior to program start, students are asked to articulate their goals At the end of the program, students give a presentation to their for the program – this is personal and unique to each individual group summarizing how they were challenged, what they learned, if group member. Students are given a suggested outline of skills and they’ve grown, and how they intend to apply their learning to their competencies that they can choose to focus upon. lives moving forward.

During program Transfer and follow up

At program orientation, students discuss their identified goals in a Towards the end of the program, students are asked to write a letter one on one meeting with the program instructors. Over the course to themselves imagining where they want to be in six months time. of the program instructors mentor each student, using ideas, tools These letters are collected and mailed to them six months after and strategies to help achieve their goals as well as support overall program conclusion, helping reinforce the learning that has occurred. growth. After the program, students are invited to join an alumni Facebook Students are encouraged to journal during the program to reflect group where they remain in contact with others who have had similar upon their experience and better define their learning. They also experiences. This community supports the continued journey of meet as a whole group to explore big topics and questions, ranging personal development after the Pacific Discovery program experience.

© Pacific Discovery / pacificdiscovery.org / Tel 1 800 655 3415 / [email protected] / page 1 Each of our programs incorporate the following six core program components. These six interdependent components, provide immense opportunity for students to learn about themselves, to push their boundaries, question their assumptions, to stimulate problem solving and inquiry skills.

1. Educational focus 4. Ethical travel and sustainability

Our programs are experiential education programs, meaning that Travel and the realities of ‘life on the road’ teaches a lot of valuable learning is hands-on and tangible. For example, students will learn lessons: how to communicate and relate to people from different about a country’s history and culture by immersing themselves in it, cultures; how to be happy with few possessions and a simple life; meeting local people and hearing life stories. how to overcome temporary discomfort. Travel ultimately exposes students to the myriad possibilities and realities in the world and in Experience on its own does not translate into learning. But learning their lives. This allows for personal growth and a clarity in students’ from your experiences is important. To encourage ‘learning from passion and direction as they do this important learning away from experience’ our program instructors facilitate opportunities for the expectations of family, friends, and peers. students to regularly reflect upon their experiences, and provide Our goal is that students will learn the ‘Tao of Travel’ – how to historical, cultural, geographical and environmental background plan; how to keep safe; what to take; and how to be comfortable so that personal experience can be connected to a broader and find what you need in an unfamiliar place. By the end of a understanding of place. program, we expect most students will have the skills necessary to travel safely anywhere on earth. The educational component of our programs is Students will also gain a deeper understanding of ethics multi-disciplinary and covers: and sustainability through learning respect for local customs; developing meaningful cross-cultural relationships; learning • Host country: history, politics, culture, geography, environment, minimum-impact grassroots travel techniques and coming to environmental and social issues. understand social and ecological issues on a deeper level. Students • Broader themes: globalization, development, environmentalism, will learn that the world is both infinitely large, full of possibility, religion, ethics and sustainability. and yet also very small, in that our personal choices affect all living things. • How to travel: how to plan and keep safe, the realities of life on the road, ethical and sustainable travel. • Outdoor education: learning the soft and hard skills of a number 5. Outdoors and wilderness exploration of outdoor activities, such as camping, trekking, cycling, canoeing (varies by program). We use the wilderness as a medium to take students outside their comfort zones and challenge them. Personal growth and self- • Group skills: how to work with a group, communication and trust. confidence increases through overcoming obstacles and challenges • Personal Development: New skills and interests, resilience, self- presented during the program. reliance, self-reflection, self-discovery and personal direction. Immersion in the wilderness is an opportunity for students to become grounded, teaches appreciation for wild places and provides us the opportunity to explore local environmental issues 2. Service learning – volunteer and community and relate these issues to global environmental themes. service projects A variety of outdoor or adventure activities are included in our programs, such as back packing, rafting, canoeing, rock climbing, Service-learning elements built into our programs allow students snorkeling, mountain biking etc. These activities require physical to really immerse themselves in a place and share an experience effort, mastery of technique, teamwork and trust between members with local people, bridging the gap that often exists between visitor of the group, and immersion in the outdoor environment. and host. We work hard to ensure that the work our groups do Pacific Discovery takes a ‘challenge by choice’ approach to the are grounded in community needs and vision and are executed adventure components of our programs. Adventure activities and through local leadership. Additionally, volunteer work helps build instruction are aimed at the novice/beginner level, and no prior self-confidence and self-belief as students learn new skills and experience in any of the activities is required. However we are able take on new roles. Service-learning components vary by program. to facilitate more challenge for anyone who is experienced in a Examples undertaken by students are: habitat restoration and particular discipline. Students do need to have fitness at a level that species monitoring; assisting local students with English-language they are able to comfortably hike for 4+ hours with a back pack. development; and improving school environments in poor rural communities. 6. Personal and leadership development

3. Cultural immersion By taking students out of their comfort zone and challenging them physically, culturally, mentally, and emotionally, we encourage Our students are not travelling in a ‘bubble’ separated from local students to gain confidence. To foster this, we provide a supportive people; instead we immerse students in the local culture, through group environment. Throughout the program, students are given home-stays, volunteer projects, and language study. Students leadership opportunities from facilitating reflection to coordinating learn empathy for other cultures and build bridges of shared the daily schedule. Facilitation, reflection, and feedback allows understanding. students to further develop their skills. This is strengthened by creating an intentional learning community where the group gathers to make meaning of what they’ve seen and apply it to broader global themes as well as their own lives.

his extraordinary educational travel semester enables you to changed from a monarchy to a federal democratic republic), and in Timmerse yourself in an astoundingly rich cultural heritage and recovery since the April 2015 earthquakes. dramatically diverse environments, as we journey through Nepal and Tibet. Imagine soaring Himalayan peaks, fluttering prayer flags, big skies, and stunning Buddhist monasteries. Known as The Land of Snows Experience Nepali language and culture immersion while home- and the mythical Shangri La, Tibet has historically been isolated by staying in a rural village and volunteering on a valuable community its mountainous geography. This isolation has, for centuries, fired development project after the April 2015 earthquake. Trek in the people’s curiosity about the kingdom which has only been possible shadow of Himalayan giants through Annapurna National Park. to visit since the 1980s. The country’s rugged and spectacular Study yoga, meditation and Tibetan Buddhism while living at a small mountain environment combined with its sparse population and monastery. Travel overland across the roof-top of the world between stunning historical sites make any overland journey across the Kathmandu and Lhasa, the spiritual heart of Tibet, through incredible Tibetan Plateau both a spiritual and epic travel experience. landscapes, amazing historic sites, and visit Everest Base Camp. Experience ancient Lumbini (birthplace of Buddha), and whitewater Facilitated by our supportive and experienced Program Instructors, raft down the amazing Sun Kosi River. this is an excellent choice for students wanting to develop personal and leadership skills, have new experiences and challenge For a relatively small country Nepal has astounding diversity – in themselves, be immersed in unique environments and learn about environment, ranging from the semi-tropical Terai region in the south sustainability. to the mountainous Himalayas in the north, home to eight of the world’s ten highest mountains, including Mount Everest. Nepal is a This gap semester program is suitable for high school graduates, multi-cultural, multi-linguistic, multi-religion country. Hinduism is gap year students, university students and graduates, ideally 18 – practiced by a huge majority of the people, but the country also has 24 years. Optional transferable academic credit is available on this a strong Buddhist tradition - Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha is program. located in Nepal. Nepal is a country in transition ( in recent years has

This program can be combined with Summer, Fall, or Spring program options in other regions of the world (New Zealand & Australia, Central America, South America, Southeast Asia) for an in-depth and enriching global gap year.

Program Dates & Program Start / Finish

Spring 2019 mid Feb - late April Start & Finish in Kathmandu Fall 2019 mid Sep - late Nov Start & Finish in Kathmandu Spring 2020 mid Feb - late April Start & Finish in Kathmandu Check our website for confirmed dates for the coming semesters Program Tuition for Spring 2019 is USD$10,500.00 [$200 discount if you apply early]

Week 1. Kathmandu, Nepal, Arrival and Highlights Orientation

• Rewarding 2-week service-learning volunteer project and On arrival in Kathmandu you will be met and welcomed by village homestay with language and cultural exchange focus, your Program Instructors. We travel to a peaceful village in located in the foothills of the Himalayas, west of Pokhara the foothills of the Himalaya for a comprehensive program • 16-days trekking the Annapurna Circuit, one of the world’s top orientation with all program students. There will be time to go treks, through spectacular Himalayan mountains and villages hiking in the hills and begin forming the all-important bonds • 3-day yoga, meditation and Buddhism immersion at a with our group mates. wonderful monastery near Kathmandu We then travel to the outskirts of Kathmandu, to Neydo • Lhasa, Tibet – visiting the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, monastery, for a fantastic 3-day yoga and meditation retreat. Drepung and Sera monasteries We’ll also have an introduction to Tibetan Buddhism and gain • 7-day journey across the rooftop of the world from Lhasa insight into life in a Buddhist monastery. back to Nepal, visiting Mt Everest base camp and incredible monasteries Week 2 – 3. Lhasa, Tibet and Everest • 6-day rafting journey on the Kali Gandaki - one of the holiest rivers in Nepal, it traverses deep gorges, passing waterfalls, Basecamp villages and temples. We fly to Lhasa, Tibet to experience the birthplace of Tibetan • Royal Chitwan National Park – home to endangered rhino, Buddhism and its ancient cultural heart. Lhasa, meaning ‘place elephants, tigers and crocodiles. of the gods’, is one of the highest cities on earth, nestled on the • Kathmandu’s World Heritage historic sites – Durbar Square, Tibetan Plateau surrounded by mountains. Since the Chinese Patan, Boudnath, Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath invasion of Tibet in 1950, change has been dramatic, with many • The lakeshore town of Pokhara, the World Peace Pagoda, and Tibetans now living in exile, and as a minority in Lhasa. During myriad options for adventures and exploring our time in Lhasa we will be staying in the Tibetan quarter • Individual mentorship from program instructors, supporting and visiting the historically significant Potala Palace, Jokhang you in your personal goals for the program Temple, Sera and Drepung Monasteries. • Experiential core curriculum that pushes students to reflect Departing Lhasa we take an incredible road trip across the ‘roof and ask questions of themselves, working towards a deeper top of the world’ as we traverse the Friendship Highway back understanding of their values, identity, passions and purpose. to Nepal. We overnight at small villages and towns along the • Informal lectures and discussions on history, culture, religion, route. We’ll visit stunning turquoise Yamdrok Lake, Gyantse, society and environment Shigatse, Rongphu Monastery, and Everest Base Camp at 5150m • Very personalized and supportive small group experience – (16,900ft). Our final day on the road takes us back to Lhasa maximum 14 students before we fly back to Kathmandu. • Two experienced and inspiring Pacific Discovery Program Instructors supported by local guides Week 4 – 5. Trekking in Annapurna National • This program can be combined with Summer, Fall, or Spring Park program options in other regions of the world (New Zealand & Australia, South America, Southeast Asia) for an in-depth and From Kathmandu we drive west towards Pokhara in central enriching global gap year experience Nepal. This is our gateway to Annapurna National Park, and

© Pacific Discovery / pacificdiscovery.org / Tel 1 800 655 3415 / [email protected] / page 4 Program Itinerary an incredible journey trekking the Annapurna Circuit through Week 9. Rafting Expedition the rugged Himalayas. Over two weeks we make a gradual acclimatization to altitude. We trek through glacial carved valleys, From Pokhara we embark on a 6-day rafting journey down the overnighting in small lodges and tea-houses with Sherpa and lower Kali Gandaki River. Named after “Kali” the goddess of Tamang families. The trail takes us through rhododendron forests, destruction, the Kaligandaki is said to be one of Nepal’s most steep gorges, past glaciers, breath-taking lakes, and some of the holy rivers. Beginning its journey high on the Tibetan Plateau in highest mountains on earth. Mustang, the “Mighty Kali” plunges down through the Himalayas, carving into one of the deepest gorges in the world between Week 6. Pokhara Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.

Pokhara is nestled on the banks of Lake Phew Tal at the foot of the With exciting white water rapids, spectacular mountain views, mighty Annapurna mountains, and once an important town on the traditional villages, endless suspension bridges, waterfalls, a trading route between Tibet and India, it was accessible by foot jungle corridor rich in wildlife, deep gorges, cultural temples and only until the late 1960s. Today, Pokhara is one of the most popular beautiful white sandy beaches for camping, this has to be one of places to visit in Nepal, and is home to the World Peace Pagoda the best all round river adventures in Nepal. We come ashore near and several Tibetan communities. It has unbeatable views of the Chitwan National Park. towering mountains nearby. Week 10. Reflection and Program Wrap We spend several days in Pokhara exploring the sights, doing a cycling daytrip, and learning about issues facing disadvantaged Our last week in Nepal sees us visit Royal Chitwan National women in Nepal, at a local NGO (non-governmental organization). Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will learn about the significant threats facing Nepal’s wildlife and habitats, try spotting Week 7 – 8. Village stay and community service endangered rhino, and spend time learning about the local Tharu project culture through working alongside local villagers. We return to Kathmandu, then out to a low-key resort to celebrate Our time will be spent in a small village in the foothills of the and reflect upon our learning and growth throughout the program. Himalayas, west of Pokhara. There are few roads in the area, and You will depart Nepal a different person, touched by the people, we will walk 30 minutes from the nearest road to our village. We places and experiences you’ve encountered, and with an intimate will be homestaying in pairs/small groups, in the homes of local understanding of the complex issues facing our environments and families, immersing ourselves in Nepali culture and language, indigenous cultures. and assisting the community on a development project they’ve initiated. This is particularly valuable to the community in the wake of the April 2015 earthquakes. Note: The itinerary is written for the Fall Semester. In Spring the itinerary has the same experiences but the order of activities During the day we will be working with community members, changes, so that the trek and Tibet portions of the itinerary on the project. There will be wonderful opportunities for cultural occur later in the program when the weather is warmer and more exchange, including helping cook meals, learning about local food settled. In Spring the itinerary is the same for week 1 and then to production, learning Nepali language and gaining experience in the village stay, Pokhara, trekking, rafting, Chitwan, Tibet, then grassroots development. program wrap.

Service Learning Project Overview Expeditions Overview

We are partnering with Himalayan Quests and Volunteer Service This program contains two multi-day outdoor expeditions (trekking Nepal (VSN), to offer an authentic and rewarding village-stay and and rafting). The purpose of these expeditions is to teach students community service component in this program. Our partners work the practical skills needed to overcome the natural challenges with disadvantaged communities in the rural Himalaya to promote specific to each activity and more importantly to teach soft-skills… quality education in schools, health education and sustainable including lateral thinking, initiative, leadership, decision-making, community development. Volunteer projects vary from year to year and teamwork. These activities introduce a broad range of external depending upon needs identified by the communities. Examples of challenges requiring participants to overcome obstacles and deal the kinds of projects participants have been involved with include: appropriately with a given situation. Through this, students will • Painting and refurbishing a school classroom experience a great deal of personal growth, gaining confidence in • Trail-building themselves and their abilities in the outdoors. • Constructing outdoor playgrounds for school children Each student is encouraged to take a leadership role while on • Working on conversational English with rural high school the expeditions, by organizing and delegating daily tasks such as students navigating and route selection, and coordinating meals, tents, water and cleaning. The expeditions and their activities have been selected because of their suitability for engendering personal growth and leadership skills, and will be facilitated by experienced and qualified outdoor instructors who accompany the group, have excellent first aid skills and the ability to call on assistance in the unlikely event of a student needing medical attention.

Academic Credit Options

If you are interested in earning optional academic credit while on a Pacific Discovery program, credit option available for this program are below. Refer to our website for course outlines, enrollment procedure, and costs. If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. www.pacificdiscovery.org/programs/study-abroad-college-credit

Portland State University: As an accredited member of the Gap Year Association (USA), credit is available to any student on a Pacific Discovery semester program, through Portland State University (PSU). Full details about courses available and costs can be found via the link above. PSU is an accredited institution and credit may be transferred to your university or college so long as they approve it – please check/confirm this with your academic advisor in advance.

Seattle Central College: Credit is available through the Seattle Central College Office of Cooperative Education and Service Learning, for individuals who wish to earn credit for a variety of travel experiences. Most courses can be taken for 5 or 10 quarter credits and a maximum of 20 credits can be taken per quarter (or maximum 10 credits per summer program). Seattle Central is an accredited institution and credit may be transferable to your university or college – please check this with your academic advisor in advance.

Independent or Field Studies Credit through your own college or university: Contact your own academic advisor or professor to discuss options available to you on this program.

Program Tuition for Spring 2019, US$10,500.00 from Kathmandu. We prefer you to arrange your flights through our groups travel agent to simplify arrival logistics, and so that you are $400 deposit due when you apply. Balance of program cost to be travelling to and from the program with others in your group. The paid by Jun 1 (Fall semester) & Oct 1 (Spring semester). If you apply ticket cost (from Los Angeles) is approximately USD$1600. Pacific after final payment deadline, program deposit of $950 is due with Discovery does not charge any fee for assisting with flights – we offer your application, and the balance of program cost is due within 14 this service to simplify program arrangements for you. days. Installment options are available – contact us for details. $200 discount for applications before Jun 1 (Fall) & Oct 1 (Spring). Mid program return flights from Kathmandu, Nepal to Lhasa Tibet Included in Program Tuition: This is arranged by Pacific Discovery through our agent in • Tibet visa and permits* Kathmandu. You will be invoiced for this with your final payment. • All in-country transport and travel (not including flights) Estimate $700. • All accommodation • All meals Flights from other countries to Program Start and return • Annapurna Circuit Trek from Program Finish • Lower Kali Gandaki rafting journey • All activities, excursions, entry fees, permits and adventure travel We have a preferred groups travel agent in the UK, for participants as described in the itinerary travelling from UK and Europe. Our travel agent will be able to assist • 12-day community stay and service project you with flights from your country. You are also welcome to arrange • Experiential core curriculum that pushes students to reflect your own flights/travel to program start and from program finish. and ask questions of themselves - working towards a deeper Please note that it is essential that you arrive in time for program understanding of their values, identity, passions and purpose start, to participate in the mandatory program briefing/orientation. • Individual mentorship from program instructors, supporting you in your personal goals for the program Optional Extensions • Informal lectures from resident experts on conservation, development, eco-tourism, ecology and sustainability Our program will give you the skills, and most likely the inclination, • Experienced Program Instructors and local guides for further travel, and you may like to continue your adventures at • 1-3-week optional extensions if you wish to continue travelling program end, independently or with others in your group. At the independently after the program time you make your international flight bookings, enquire about the • Pre-departure web-page with all information you need in one options for extending your time in-country, or a stopover elsewhere place to prepare for the program on your way home. • 24/7 emergency contact number for students and parents • Global medical rescue and political evacuation insurance • Instructors have 24/7 access to a physician and a psychologist, for advice and support • Pacific Discovery T-shirt, water bottle stickers and a buff • Online image library for your program • * Students will get a Nepal visa upon arrival in Kathmandu

Not included in Program Tuition: Travel (international flights) between your home to program start (Kathmandu, Nepal); mid program flights between Kathmandu and Lhasa; and from program finish (Kathmandu), to your home (refer international flights below); Nepal tourist visa issued on arrival ($100); Personal spending on snacks and laundry; Travel insurance; Optional academic credit.

International Flights

Students should not book their travel until after you have received the flight confirmation email from Pacific Discovery, with the program flight requirements and travel agent details. This is sent out 4-6 months ahead of program departure. This information is also made available in the pre-departure section of our website.

Flights from North America to Program Start and return from Program Finish Our preferred groups travel agent is STA Travel, who can assist you to arrange international flights from your nearest regional airport in the USA or Canada, to Kathmandu, Nepal, and return home

Country Information community service component of the program ie. tree planting, painting, trail-building; and challenging physical activity whilst Nepal trekking and rafting. You don’t need to have had previous For a relatively small country Nepal has astounding diversity – in experience with travel or any of the activities offered, but it is environment, ranging from the semi-tropical Terai in the south important you have a ‘can do’ positive attitude. to the mountainous Himalayas in the north, home to eight of the world’s ten highest mountains, including Mount Everest. Nepal is a Attitude multi-cultural, multi-linguistic, multi-religion country. Hinduism is practiced by a huge majority of the people, but the country also has The program is a shared group experience. We expect you to a strong Buddhist tradition - Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha is join the program with an open mind and a willingness to work located in Nepal. Nepal is a country in transition (changing from a together with your group mates to make the program an amazing monarchy to a federal democratic republic) and recovery (since the experience for the whole group. Additionally, the program will be April 2015 earthquakes). as much about the inner journey of personal growth and learning about yourself as it is about what you will experience in the Tibet outer physical journey. We expect you to be open to learning and Imagine soaring Himalayan peaks, fluttering prayer flags, big skies, challenging your ideas and assumptions. and stunning Buddhist monasteries. Known as The Land of Snows and the mythical Shangri La, Tibet has historically been isolated by its mountainous geography. This isolation has, for centuries, fired Group Size people’s curiosity about the kingdom which has only been possible to visit since the 1980s. The country’s rugged and spectacular The group is limited to 14 students, with experienced and qualified mountain environment combined with its sparse population and Pacific Discovery program instructors. Local guides assist with stunning historical sites make any overland journey across the interpretation of some historical sites, cultural experiences, Tibetan Plateau both a spiritual and epic travel experience. activities.

Climate Program Leadership

Nepal’s climate varies with its topography and altitude. It ranges We have selected a dynamic team of inspiring, supportive, from the tropical to the arctic. The low-land Terai region lies in the resourceful, and highly experienced instructors to lead our tropical southern part of the country and has a hot and humid programs. Our program instructors are committed to putting your climate. The mid-land regions (Kathmandu and Pokhara) are welfare and safety first. They are people in whom you can trust pleasant almost all the year round. The northern mountain region and confide, who remain objective whatever the circumstances, has an alpine climate with freezing temperatures likely overnight. and who take a genuine interest in your well-being. They implicitly This program runs during the Nepalese Autumn (September to understand the importance of balancing the needs of individuals November) and Spring (February to April). These are the preferred with group objectives, facilitating a high level of group cohesion, seasons to travel in the region. inspiring a genuine appreciation for the areas visited and an awareness of minimum impact travel ethics. All our instrucrors are Fall Program – Average temperature ranges during our program: trained in wilderness or remote travel first aid, group leadership Kathmandu (min-max): 50-75° Fahrenheit and risk assessment/management. Pokhara (min-max): 55-75° Fahrenheit Terai (min-max): 55-80° Fahrenheit Accommodation Everest region and Lhasa (min-max): 14-60° Fahrenheit Our accommodation will be a mixture of comfortable and clean Spring Program – Average temperature ranges during our program: hostels and simple trekking lodges: 12 nights village homestay Kathmandu (min-max): 50-75° Fahrenheit (homestaying in pairs/small groups, in the homes of vetted local Pokhara (min-max): 55-80° Fahrenheit families), 3 nights at a Buddhist Monastery guesthouse, 9 nights Terai (min-max): 65-90° Fahrenheit camping (tents supplied). Laundry and WiFi will be available many Everest region and Lhasa (min-max): 5-50° Fahrenheit days, except while on expeditions and service project.

Suitability Meals

This program is challenging and rewarding. Students need to be Generally there will be the opportunity to eat Nepali, Tibetan or interested in engaging with local people, pursuing new experiences, Western style food. Special dietary requirements and vegetarians pushing personal boundaries, and be fit enough to complete a 16- are catered for. All meals are included in the program cost. day trek (4-6 hrs trekking per day carrying a daypack), and engage in physical work during the service project. Transport The program is open to high school graduates, university students and graduates, ideally 18-24 years. This program is suitable for The itinerary has been designed to maximise comfort and safety participants of moderate fitness with an interest in other cultures whilst also giving you the opportunity to experience local transport and enthusiasm for new experiences. You need to be committed and take part in daily life. We take an international flight from to, and prepared for, some physical work whilst on the volunteer/ Kathmandu to Lhasa return.

Free Time Keeping In Touch

Each week there will be some designated free time in a town or city WiFi is available at places we stay in main cities and towns, so you so that you can catch up on email and laundry, rest, and have your may like to consider bringing a compact WiFi device. Family and own independent experiences with others in the group. For those friends will also be able to keep in touch and follow your adventures taking optional academic credit, this is also an opportunity for you through the Pacific Dicovery blog (which your group and leaders will to catch up on reading, journaling and assignments etc. be posting to), and through an online album for your group (which your leader’s will upload photos to each week). Health Passports and Visas We suggest you begin a fitness program several months before departure. As a guideline, prior to the program, you should be able Travel abroad requires a passport. If you don’t have one, you to comfortably hike with a day-pack for up to six hours. need to apply for one as soon as you apply for this program. US Government Passport website: http://travel.state.gov/passport/ We require you to consult your physician regarding recommended vaccinations, anti-malarial requirements, altitude sickness, and any If you already have a passport, it must be valid for more than 6 foreseeable illnesses while traveling. This consultation needs to take months after program end, otherwise you need to get a new one place at least three months prior to departure. Ask your physician issued before joining the program, so please do this as soon as you about vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Rabies, medication apply for this program. for altitude sickness prevention (Diamox), and check that your childhood Tetanus and Polio vaccines are up to date. Note: We will Pacific Discovery will contact you regarding visa contact all registered participants and families with an information requirements and arrangements, after you apply for sheet about altitude. The itinerary, trekking route, and time in Tibet have been conservatively planned to maximize acclimatization and the program. minimize the risk of altitude sickness.

If you have any queries regarding health recommendations for Travel Insurance travel, please contact your doctor, or a travel doctor, to discuss this. For further information refer to: https://www.pacificdiscovery.org/ Pacific Discovery requires all students to purchase a comprehensive programs/travel-information/#health-vaccinations and http:// travel insurance policy for the duration of the program. Travel wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/ insurance provides cover in the event of medical expenses due to sickness or accident, and emergency medical evacuation. Travel insurance may also include cover for loss of baggage or personal Spending Money effects, and trip cancellation or trip curtailment.

Spending money usually goes towards drinks and snacks, personal shopping, laundry, email and entertainment. We recommend you To arrange your policy go to: budget approximately $5-$7/day. The amount of spending money www.pacificdiscovery.org/programs/travel- you bring really depends on your budget and shopping habits. information/#travel-insurance

☐ Apply online for the program and pay $400 deposit Peace of Mind (www.pacificdiscovery.org/apply) Note: If you apply after June 1 (Fall) or Oct 1 (Spring), deposit Pacific Discovery is an educational travel organization accredited of $950 is due with your application with American Gap Association (USA). Since its inception, in 2001, Pacific Discovery has taken several thousand students, graduates, faculty, family and special interest groups, on experiential travel ☐ Review the pre-departure information for this and volunteer programs, utilizing a staff of experienced and program in the student login section of our qualified program instructors. We have an exemplary safety website record, comprehensive Risk Management Systems and a database of alumni, parents, advisors and faculty, who are happy to be ☐ Obtain a passport, or check your existing passport contacted for feedback. The program carries public liability insurance, and student funds are held securely until disbursement. is valid at least 6 months beyond program end Email a photo of the information page of your passport Any Questions? Please contact us… to [email protected]

☐ Arrange your travel insurance Pacific Discovery HQ in New Zealand www.pacificdiscovery.org/programs/travel- Zach Johnstone, Director information/#travel-insurance Nicky Sygrove, Outreach Email your policy confirmation to [email protected] Meagan Turner, Admissions

☐ Book Flights US freecall to our office in New Zealand 1800 655 3415 Email. [email protected] After you receive the flight confirmation email from Pacific Web. www.pacificdiscovery.org Discovery, book your flights from your hometown to program start, and home from program finish

☐ Before June 1st (Fall groups) or Oct 1st (Spring groups): Submit your final payment. An invoice will be emailed to you one month before. If you apply after this date, your final payment is due within 14 days of applying. Installment options are available – contact us for details.

☐ Decide if you will take optional transferable academic credit on the program and register for this: www.pacificdiscovery.org/programs/study-abroad- college-credit/

☐ Keep active Anything is good…swimming, running, walking, biking, hiking, sport, dancing. The fitter you are the more you’ll get out of the program.

☐ In the pre-departure section of our website: Review the gear list and gear tips To make the most of your time in Australia, read/watch some of the recommended books or movies

☐ Connect with us: FaceBook.com/PacificDiscovery Instagram.com/pacificdiscovery/ Twitter: @pacificdiscovry (no e) Snapchat: PacDisco