The SStS Nepal program begins in Nepal's capital city, Kathmandu, where the group will be greeted by SStS’s non-profit partner, The Small World. After a day in Kathmandu, the group will depart on a scenic 45-minute flight to Phablu to join the rest of the TSW team of porters and Sherpas. After introductions, the group will trek to the work site in the village of Salleri. In pairs, participants will be hosted by experienced homestay families.

While in Salleri, SStS, TSW, and local villagers will work shoulder to shoulder on the Salleri Girls’ Empowerment Program. Females' inclusion in education in Nepal is abysmally low. According to Nepal's Ministry of Education, only 27% of women are literate. As many philanthropists, economists, and non-governmental organizations have concluded, addressing poverty often requires a greater focus on women's education.  With this knowledge in mind, TSW and SStS will help to construct and improve dormitories for 40-50 girls which will eliminate their need to hike hours each day to attend classes that will prepare them to be future leaders in their communities. During this phase, time will also be spent visiting local markets and a Tibetan refugee camp.

Back in Kathmandu, the group will work with Shree Om Academy, a school that focuses on teaching some of the most impoverished students in Kathmandu.  This TSW-supported school serves students displaced by past political unrest. The school's mission is to provide a sound education that will increase the children’s chances for employment.  The SStS program will then close with a special "thank you" ceremony that highlights the culture, compassion, and gratitude of the Nepali people.

SStS: Nepal is structured in three phases:

* PROJECTED IN-COUNTRY COSTS - $4710

SStS is in search of curious, compassionate, globally-minded students.  We are an investment in the future.  Thus, we will do all that we can financially to support students whose circumstances preclude paying the full cost.  If you would like to be considered for financial assistance, please indicate so on the application.

• Please note, price does not include airfare and immunizations.
• Trip costs are all inclusive with the exception of personal expenditures (e.g. souvenirs).
• Tickets and medical evacuation insurance are purchased as a group. The cost of this insurance is included in the in-country costs.
• Talbot Travel Agency provides pro-bono travel services for SStS, working personally with us to find the least expensive fares.

TRAVEL EXPECTATIONS

Please note that we expect all participants to travel together, adhering to the identical itinerary. We will depart the United States as a group from a gateway city. Exemptions will be made for international students. Additionally, travel in the developing world inevitably includes "the unexpected" (e.g. weather disruptions, transportation strikes, etc.). SStS will adjust the itinerary accordingly, making the best of uncontrollable situations. Due to the unknown variables in international travel, participants are asked not to make travel plans or to enroll in programs that start immediately after their return. SStS is not responsible for expenses incurred due to missed flights if the group is delayed in their return.