Newsletter February 2023

NEWSLETTER

February 2023

Message From the Commission

January was a busy month for USEF-Nepal staff working behind the scenes on the selection and placement of Fulbright grantees. We conducted interviews for finalists for our Visiting Scholars Program, which sends Nepalese to the U.S. for six to nine-month post-doctoral programs. We also worked with our partners to obtain placements at U.S. universities for five Nepalese students who will pursue master’s degrees in subjects ranging from public health to human rights and comparative law. In January, we also said goodbye to a number of U.S. grantees who finished their programs, including six English Teaching Assistants (ETAs) who were posted for ten months at public schools in Kathmandu Valley. We are currently making arrangements for a new batch of ETAs due to arrive in Nepal in March.

Fulbright Highlights

Pre-Departure Orientations

In January, the Commission conducted pre-departure orientations for Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program (Fulbright TEA) grantee Dil Budhathoki and Global UGRAD grantee Madhusudan Ghimire. The orientation programs reviewed program objectives, terms and conditions, and grant provisions, and provided tips for travelling and adjusting to life in the U.S. The sessions were joined by program alumni and U.S. Embassy personnel who offered their insights to the departing grantees.

L-R: Fulbright Commission's Executive Director Nick Langton; 2022-2023 Fulbright TEA grantee Dil Budhathoki; 2021-2022 Fulbright TEA grantee Roma Shrestha; Deputy CAO at the U.S. Embassy Melissa Takeda

Dil Budhathoki is attending the University of Massachusetts and also will be observing classrooms in local schools. The Fulbright TEA program is currently accepting applications.

AY 2022-23 Global UGRAD Program grantee Madhusudan Ghimire

Madhusudan Ghimire is at Missouri State University for a semester exchange program and is enjoying the snow in the Midwest.

Deurali Dandi

The play “देउराली डाँडि: The last Chapter of Ghatu” directed by Fulbright Student Researcher Rose Schwietz

Rose Schwietz, a U.S. Student Researcher affiliated with One World Theatre, has been studying the ritual dance-drama form known as “Ghatu” which is practiced by ethnic Gurung people. Her final showcase titled “देउराली डाँडि: The last Chapter of Ghatu” used a blend of poeticism and magic realism to bring stories to light that are often unheard. Schwietz employed traditional elements of Ghatu to craft a contemporary narrative that illustrates the intrinsic connection between people, traditions, and way of life. The play was showcased at Studio Theatre Nepal from January 13 to 29.

Advising Center Highlights

USEF-Nepal hosted EducationUSA University Fairs during January 31-February 4. A total of 2,292 students met with representatives from 13 U.S. colleges and universities in Pokhara, and with 20 U.S. colleges and universities in Kathmandu. The fairs provide an opportunity for students to learn about the participating institutions’ programs and determine their best fit. They also learned about student visa requirements by attending sessions conducted by the U.S. Embassy's Visa Consular Office. The next University Fair will take place in fall 2023.

Articles by and Featuring our Alumni

More universities, please

Article by Pratyoush Onta in The Kathmandu Post

Things for Nepal to consider in 2023

Article by Sujeev Shakya in The Kathmandu Post

Adventures of a little dumpling named Momo (and other books)

Article by Sahina Shrestha in Nepali Times

Making overseas migration better

Article by Kunda Dixit in Nepali Times

Corruption as usual

Article by Sujeev Shakya in The Kathmandu Post

Deurali Daandi/The Last Chapter of Ghatu

Articles about a play directed by Fulbright Student Researcher Rose Schwietz in Onlinekhabar, Nepali Times and Himal Sanchar

Opportunities and Events

February 2023

Fulbright

Fulbright Information Session/Essay and CV Writing Workshop at American Spaces, Dhangadhi

February 9 and 10

Scholar-in-Residence Application
Open throughout January till February 15

Q&A with Alumni- Fulbright Master’s Program Session at American Center

2 PM, February 28

Fulbright Teaching Excellence Achievement Award application
Deadline – March 7

Fulbright Foreign Student (Master's) Program Application

Open throughout February till May 1

Advising Center / Prometric

Finding the Best Fit
February 7

Ask An Adviser
February 7

Scholarship-101 Graduate
February 8

Tips on Writing an Application Essay
February 9

Friday Group Advising (Virtual)
February 10

TOEFL IBT/UKVI

February 4, 11, 25 and 26

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