International Design Activism | Nepal
Spring | 2018  

International Design Activism | Nepal is an immersive 1-2 quarter (1 semester+) study abroad program focused on innovative, interdisciplinary problem solving, community-based design and project implementation in the marginalized urban communities of Kathmandu, Nepal. During the program, students will gain an in depth knowledge of the social, political, cultural and environmental context of Nepal, explore Kathmandu’s urban form, architecture, public spaces and technology and learn to speak basic Nepali. They will work in close collaboration with local students and stakeholders to design, build and assess the impacts of a community-driven intervention and learn about design practice in developing cities from representatives of local universities, NGOs and government agencies. 

Graduate and advanced undergraduate students from multiple disciplines are encouraged to apply to the program for both the winter and spring quarters (spring semester+) of 2018. Students may also elect to apply to the winter or spring quarter alone. Participation in three online orientation sessions during the fall are required for enrollment in the program. We will also conduct a 1-2 credit preparatory seminar during the fall (recommended but not required). 

The program is sponsored by the University of Washington, Department of Landscape Architecture, Informal Urban Communities Initiative in collaboration with the Jackson School of International Studies, Nepal Studies Initiative. Nepali collaborators include the Tribhuvan University Department of Architecture, Kathmandu University School of Arts.

Applications for Spring Quarter will be due by November 15^th 

Please contact Ben Spencer at [email protected] or visit the UW IPE program webpage for more information.

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