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| | An annual highlight for American Fulbright grantees in Nepal is to attend the South and Central Asia Regional Conference hosted by the U.S.-India Educational Foundation (USIEF). This year’s conference was held in Jaipur, India on February 25-29 and brought together more than 120 participants. Nine grantees based in Nepal presented their ongoing research in the fields of agriculture, public health, political science, and art. The conference gave them an opportunity to share ideas, expand their professional networks, and make new friends. As always, the event showcased the remarkable energy, enthusiasm, and talent of Fulbrighters from throughout the region. |
|  | L – R: Student Researchers Dylan Rogers and Maria Bossert; U.S. Scholar Dr. Richard Bownas; Student Researchers Margaret Chi and Sarah Burack; USEF-N Executive Director Nick Langton; and Student Researchers Dinasha Dahanayake, Neha Balapal, Viola Bordon, and Lindy Reynolds |
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Fulbright Outreach Programs | USEF-N organized several virtual and in-person information sessions throughout February. On February 4, staff conducted an in-person session on the Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement (TEA) program at the American Corner in Dhangadi. A special thank you to the TEA alumni Chandra Koirala (2022, Shree Panchadev Secondary School, Montana State University), Suman Shrestha (2019, Shree Siddha Baba Secondary School, University of Northern Colorado), and Shanti Bhatta (2019, Steppingstone English School, University of North Carolina Wilmington), who served as resource persons.
On February 9, staff conducted information sessions for the TEA and the Foreign Student (Master’s) programs at the Tharu Cultural Museum and Research Center, Chitwan. The session featured Student Researcher Maria Bossert who interacted with participants and shared advice on submitting a successful application to Fulbright.
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|  | (L-R) Fulbright TEA alumni Chandra Koirala. Shanti Bhatta, and Suman Shrestha with participants in Dhangadhi; Sr. PO Rakchhya Maharjan with Student Researcher Maria Bossert and participants in Chitwan | NELTA Annual Conference in Kathmandu | USEF-N sponsored 30 participants from marginalized and out-of-valley backgrounds to participate in the 28th International Nepal English Language Teachers' Association-NELTA Conference, which was held February 17-19 in Kathmandu. The conference began with an information session hosted on the inaugural day, where USEF-N shared information on Fulbright’s diverse degree and non-degree programs for Nepali citizens, highlighting specifics of the currently open Fulbright TEA application. |
|  | (L-R) Fulbright TEA alumni Rudra Jung Thapa (extreme left) and Roma Shrestha (extreme right) with conference participants; PO Swechhya Bhattarai presenting to conference participants | | | In February, USEF-N bid farewell to one of its longest-serving employees, Buddha Lama, who retired after 35 years of service. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Buddha and extend our best wishes to him and his family. |
|  | Executive Director Nick Langton and Administrative Officer Keshar K.C. with Buddha Lama at his farewell ceremony | | | Educational Advising Center |
| | | On January 29 and February 3, USEF-N’s EducationUSA Advising Center organized U.S. University Fairs in Pokhara and Kathmandu. A total of 11 U.S. university representatives participated in the Pokhara fair and 22 in the Kathmandu fair. In addition to meeting with university representatives, eligible students received personalized advice from USEF-N staff regarding the currently open Fulbright Foreign Student (Master’s) Program and the Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement (TEA) Program. At the Kathmandu fair, Fulbright Master’s program alumni Anita Khebang (2020, Public Health, The George Washington University) and Sanjana Chhantyal (2018, Business Administration, Emory University) shared their experiences as former grantees and provided valuable advice on crafting successful applications. |
|  | USEF-N staff with alumni Anita Khebang (second from left); Fulbright Master’s program alumni Sanjana Chhantyal | | |  | Opportunity Funds Program | The EducationUSA Advising Center announces the Opportunity Funds Program 2025 for outstanding, financially-disadvantaged students with a stellar academic record. The program is for Fall 2025 admission in Bachelor's programs in U.S. colleges and universities. Participants receive selected up-front costs associated with applying to U.S. colleges and universities, such as standardized test fees, application fees, and student visa fees. They also receive dedicated advising. Women, members of ethnic minorities, and those who gave their SLC/ SEE outside the Kathmandu Valley are particularly encouraged to apply. The application deadline is 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟮𝟮, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝗮𝘁 𝟰:𝟬𝟬 𝗽.𝗺. For information and to apply, please visit the program website. If you have any questions, please attend one of three Q&A sessions as mentioned on the website. |
|  | | | | | Stree-Shakti Closing Event |
| On February 11, the Fulbright Alumni Association of Nepal (FAAN) hosted the closing ceremony of the Stree-Shakti Project. Supported by the U.S. Embassy, Nepal through the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund, the project empowered 176 college-educated women in the energy sector between September 2022 to February 2024.
The inaugural session featured three generations of Fulbright scholars: Prof. Dr. Sunity Shrestha Hada (Oklahoma City University, 1982), Prof. Dr. Sangita Rayamajhi (Pomona College, 2003), and Apurba KC (The University of Texas at Austin, 2021), who shared their Fulbright experiences and discussed their roles as women leaders in Nepal.
Two panel discussion sessions were also held. The first, moderated by Sanjana Chhantyal (Emory University, 2018), focused on the project’s transformative impact on the panelists—all alumni of the project and current early career professionals in Nepal. The second, moderated by Prerana Marasini (The New School, 2010), discussed challenges and opportunities in implementing feminist principles in professional contexts and featured Fulbright scholars Bina Pradhan (Cornell University, 1989), Hari Sharma (Cornell University, 1994), and Kunda Dixit (Columbia University, 1984).
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|  | L-R: ED Nick Langton, Apurba KC, Prof. Dr. Sangita Rayamajhi, Prof. Dr. Sunity Shrestha, and U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Chief Garrett Wilkerson at the inaugural session
L-R: Prerana Marasini, Aarti Chataut, Dr. Hari Sharma, Dr. Bina Pradhan, and Kunda Dixit | Fulbright U.S. Student Alumni Ambassadors for 2024 |
| 2022-23 Fulbright Student Researcher Rachael Lau was selected as a Fulbright U.S. Student Alumni Ambassador for 2024. While in Nepal, she worked with the National Society for Earthquake Technology – Nepal (NSET) and the Institute of Engineering researching deep-seated landslides.
The Fulbright U.S. Student Alumni Ambassador Program engages 20 Fulbright U.S. Student Program alumni each year to serve as representatives, recruiters, and voices for the Fulbright Program. You can reach out to Rachel with your questions regarding the Fulbright program at Rachael.lau@fulbrightmail.org.
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|  | | | On February 15-26, AY 2022-23 U.S. Student Researcher alumna Hanna Wells showcased her Fulbright project at the Dalai-La Art Space in Thamel. The mixed-media visual exhibition, titled "Weaving Pavement: Understanding the Impact of Road Building in Remote Landscapes by Examining Handicrafts in Makalu Gaunpalika," displayed photographs, illustrated diagrams, and woven products from Makalu Gaunpalika. In conversation with visitors on the inaugural day, Hanna discussed the consequences of road construction on remote livelihoods, highlighting the evolving role of handicrafts. |
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Articles by and Featuring our Alumni |
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Opportunities and EventsMarch 2023 |
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USEF-Nepal / Fulbright Commission / EducationUSA Advising Center |
| Aakriti Marg, Maharajgunj, 44600, Kathmandu |
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