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| | In August and September, we were excited to welcome our new cohorts of American students and scholars to Nepal, while wishing our 2025-26 Nepali students and Humphrey Fellows all the best as they began their programs in the United States. You’ll find details on their arrivals/departures and our ongoing activities and events in Nepal in this month’s newsletter below.
As we enter the holiday season in Nepal, we wish all our grantees, alumni, and partners, wherever you may be, health, happiness, and peace!
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A Warm Welcome to U.S. Fulbright Student Researchers and Scholars | This fall we were delighted to welcome the 2025-26 cohort of U.S. Fulbright researchers and scholars to Nepal and provide orientation for their assignments. This event marked the start of their collaborative research partnerships with Nepali institutions, fostering meaningful cross-cultural learning and innovation.
On September 5, we hosted a mixer that provided the grantees an opportunity to meet and interact with USEF-Nepal board members, staff, and U.S. Embassy officials who will form their support network during their time in Nepal.
This year’s cohort includes:
Student Researchers: - Amrit Tamang (The University of British Columbia), hosted by Center for Tamang Studies
- Amy Szacilo (University of Montana) collaborating with Kathmandu School of Medical Sciences
- Anooj Bhandari (New York University), hosted by Tribhuvan University's Department of Conflict, Peace and Development Studies
- Anjalee Bhuyan (Drexel University), hosted by Tribhuvan University Institute of Medicine
- Anya Fineman (Pitzer College), hosted by Tharu Cultural Museum and Research Center
- Brenna Prevelige (Oregon State University), hosted by Gandaki Province Academy of Science and Technology and National Trust for Nature Conservation
- Divya Chauwan (SUNY Brockport), hosted by YUWA
- Jack Noble (Wesleyan University), hosted by Rangjung Yeshe Institute
Scholars: - Dr. Chandan Acharya (College of Staten Island CUNY), hosted by Kathmandu University School of Management
- Dr. Nir B. Kshetri (University of North Carolina), hosted by Tribhuvan University School of Management
- Dr. Nicolas Tanner, hosted by Rangjung Yeshe Institute
- Dr. Rabindra Raj Bajracharya (Missouri Southern State University), hosted by Kathmandu University School of Education
- Dr. William Waldron (Middlebury College), hosted by Aksheswar Traditional Buddhist Art College
We extend our warmest welcome to all students and scholars as they begin this year of academic and cultural exchange in Nepal. |
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| L-R: Jack Noble, Anjalee Bhuyan, Amy Szacilo, Nick Langton, Divya Chauwan, Brenna Prevelige, Dr. Andrew Hope, Anooj Bhandari | | | Celebrating the Nepal Fulbright 2025–2026 Scholars and Fellows | We are pleased to share that the 2025–2026 cohort of Nepali scholars and fellows has set off for the United States! This inspiring group of Humphrey Fellows and Master’s grantees will spend the year advancing their studies, research, and leadership, proudly representing Nepal on the global stage. Humphrey Fellows - Ramesh Neupane (Himal Media) – Advancing his leadership in Journalism at Arizona State University
- Shailendra Jha (Kathmandu Metropolitan City) – Advancing his leadership in Education Policy at Vanderbilt University
Master’s Grantees - Ansu Adhikari (Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock) – Agriculture, Washington State University
- Dia Yonzon (Open Institute for Social Science) –Creative Writing, San Jose State University
- Kartika Yadav (National Planning Commission) –Public Policy, Columbia University
- Suraj Lama (Architect) –Architecture, Rhode Island School of Design
From cutting-edge research and policy studies to creative writing and architecture, each of these grantees is poised to make the most of this transformative opportunity. We extend our warmest congratulations and best wishes as they begin this exciting new chapter in their journeys! |
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| L-R: Dia Yonzon, Suraj Lama, Ansu Adikari, Kartika Yadav, and Ramesh Kumar |  | Shailendra Jha on far left | | | Grantee Perspective: Dr. William Waldron | Dr. William Waldron
“Nepal transformed my life from my very first visit as a young man. What began as curiosity became my life’s passion, ultimately shaping my career as a professor of South Asian religions. The warmth and generosity of the Nepali people left an impression that has endured for fifty years and continues to draw me back.
During my Fulbright grant in 2007–08, I had the opportunity to teach at Tribhuvan and Kathmandu Universities and to form lasting collaborations, including my ongoing work with Dr. Naresh Shakya. Though my research focuses on classical Indian Buddhism, Nepal’s living traditions have given me insights no textbook could provide.
Nepal is more than a place of research—it is a country of resilience, diversity, and creativity. Its artistic and cultural heritage, from intricate woodcarvings to vibrant music, reveals a society that blends tradition with innovation. For me, Nepal has defined my career, gifted me lifelong friends, and remains a constant source of inspiration.
To anyone considering a journey here: come. You won’t regret it.”
— Dr. William Waldron, Fulbright Scholar to Nepal, AYs 2007 and 2024
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| Dr. William Waldron, Professor, Middlebury College |
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| | Opportunity Funds Program 2025 Cohort Begins Undergraduate Studies in the U.S. | The Opportunity Funds Program identifies and supports high-achieving, motivated students from Nepal who demonstrate strong academic potential and leadership capacity but face financial barriers to higher education. Our eight 2025 Opportunity Funds Program (OFP) students officially commenced their undergraduate studies this fall at U.S. institutions. These talented students are embarking on a new academic journey that will provide them with valuable learning, growth, and leadership opportunities. - Dikshya Koirala – Wellesley College
- Monsoon Khatiwada – Dakota State University
- Nischal Shrestha – Snow College
- Peshal Parajuli – Snow College
- Prajwal Jung Thapa – Avila University
- Risham Sah – Vassar College
- Sinshiya KC – Centre College
- Sushil Bhattarai – University of Southern Mississippi
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|  | | | USEF-Nepal Outreach: Expanding Access to Global Opportunities | USEF-Nepal engages with communities across the country to inform students about opportunities for education and exchange between the United States and Nepal.
Fulbright
On August 15, we offered a virtual session on the currently-open Visiting Scholar program that provided prospective applicants with insights into the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program, including eligibility, application steps, and benefits.
On August 23, staff visited Vishwo Adarsha College in Itahari to deliver an in-person session for students and professionals, offering a broad overview of all Fulbright programs.
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|  | EducationUSA In July, our EducationUSA Advising Center (EAC) conducted a comprehensive outreach program across five cities—Biratnagar, Birgunj, Birtamode, Dharan, and Itahari. The visit to Birtamode marked a milestone, as it was our first time reaching students and schools in that city. Throughout the program, advisers visited 17 high schools and colleges, engaging directly with 1,740 students. The sessions provided accurate information on U.S. higher education, covering the application process, scholarships, student life, and opportunities for international students. |
|  | | | EducationUSA University Fairs in Kathmandu and Pokhara | USEF-Nepal organized EducationUSA University Fairs in Kathmandu and Pokhara on August 30 and September 2, respectively. Representatives from 47 U.S. colleges and universities were present to provide students, parents, and counselors with first-hand information about their academic programs, campuses, and opportunities.
Advisers from the U.S. Embassy’s Consular Section led Student Visa Information Sessions in both cities. USEF-Nepal’s Fulbright team also joined the fairs to share information on Fulbright opportunities. |
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Articles by and Featuring our Alumni |
| Meltpools in the HimalayaArticle by Alton Byers (US Specialist, AY 2015 and US Scholar, AY 2021) in Nepali Times
How hardships and hashtags combined to fuel Nepal’s violent response to social media banArticle by Dr. Nir Bahadur Kshetri in The Conversation (US Scholar, AY 2025) चिकित्सा सेवा र रोजगारीमाथि प्रश्न Article by Shiva Gautam in Naya Patrika (US Scholar, AY 2023)
Journalism RebootArticle by Kunda Dixit in Nepali Times (Masters program, AY 1984)
Full equality vs status quoArticle by Neha Gurung in Nepali Times (Masters program, AY 2024)
जात र पितृसत्ताविरुद्ध बगावतArticle by Sarita Pariyar in Onlinekhabar (Masters program, AY 2023) |
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USEF-Nepal / Fulbright Commission / EducationUSA Advising Center |
| Aakriti Marg, Maharajgunj, 44600, Kathmandu |
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