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| | The summer months are a time of transition for USEF-Nepal, with grantees completing their studies, research, and teaching assignments in Nepal and the United States and returning to their home countries. It is also when we see off our new Nepali grantees as they depart for the United States and welcome fresh cohorts of American students and scholars as they arrive in Nepal. Our Nepali grantees who depart in the coming months include four Master’s Students who will begin their programs in the U.S.: Suraj Lama (Architecture, Rhode Island School of Design), Kartika Yadav (Public Policy, Columbia University), Dia Yonzon (Writing, San Jose State University), and Ansu Adhikari (Agriculture, Washington State University); along with two Visiting Scholars: Dr. Khaga Raj Sharma (Chemistry, Louisiana State University), Dr. Meghnath Dhimal (Public Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health; and two Humphrey Fellows: Ramesh Neupane (Journalism, Arizona State University), Shailendra Jha (Education, Vanderbilt University). Our American arrivals in Nepal will include eight U.S. Student Researchers: Anooj Bhandari (Creative Writing, Tribhuvan University), Brenna Prevelige (Biology, Gandaki Province Academy of Science and Technology), Anya Fineman (Anthropology, Tharu Cultural Museum and Research Center), Jack Noble (Social Sciences, Rangjung Yeshe Institute), Divya Chauwan (Political Science, YUWA); Amy Szacilo (Public Health, Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences), Anjalee Bhuyan (Medical Sciences, Tribhuvan University Institute of Medicine, Amrit Tamang (Anthropology, Center for Tamang Studies); and five Senior Scholars: Dr. Nir Bahadur Kshetri (Business, Tribhuvan University School of Management, Dr. Chandan Acharya (Business, Kathmandu University School of Management, Dr. Rabindra Bajracharya (Education, Kathmandu University School of Education), Dr. William Waldron (Religious Studies, Aksheswar Traditional Buddhist Art College), Dr. Nicolas Tanner (Fine Arts, Rangjung Yeshe Institute). We wish all of you success as you embark on your journey! |
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Fulbright Showcases Opportunities at PAN National Summit | USEF-Nepal staff participated in the 2nd National Summit of the Principals’ Association of Nepal (PAN), held on June 6–7 in Pokhara. The event brought together over 1,000 government school principals from across the country and was inaugurated by the Honorable Minister of Education, Science and Technology, alongside senior officials from other ministries and local government bodies.
As part of the summit, Senior Program Officer Nishtha Rajbhandari delivered an engaging keynote address: “Introducing Fulbright – Pathways for Teachers, Leaders, and Learners.” She highlighted how the Fulbright program supports Nepal’s educational system by providing transformative opportunities and provided insights regarding the full spectrum of Fulbright programs, with a special focus on the currently open Humphrey Fellowship Program.
Throughout the two-day event, USEF-Nepal staff showcased information about Fulbright, answered participants’ questions, and engaged in conversation, reflecting our commitment to educational exchange and professional development for educators nationwide.
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| | | Opportunity Funds Alumni Celebrate U.S. Graduations and New Beginnings | Over the past few months, USEF-Nepal has proudly celebrated the graduation of numerous Opportunity Funds alumni from universities across the United States. These exceptional students have successfully completed their undergraduate studies, marking a significant milestone in their academic and personal journeys.
As they step into the next chapter of their lives, our alumni embrace a variety of exciting opportunities. Some are preparing to begin graduate studies, others are gaining valuable experience through Optional Practical Training (OPT), and others are still considering their next steps.
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|  | (L-R) Dikshya Pathak (Sweet Briar College), Sanjita Pokhrel (Sweet Briar College), Arnav Pandey (Soka University of America), Rejin Nepal (Fisk University), Garima Rokaya (Howard University) | | | Tushar Joshi Inspires Future Changemakers in 'Get Inspired' Session | On June 5, Tushar Joshi, a student at St. Cloud State University, delivered a Get Inspired session at USEF-Nepal that captivated and motivated attendees. Reflecting on his journey from Nepal to the United States, he shared how he grew as both a student and a leader—ultimately becoming Vice President of Student Government at St. Cloud. His story struck a powerful chord with participants, many of whom share similar aspirations and backgrounds.
Tushar offered valuable, firsthand insights into U.S. campus life, academic expectations, and the importance of student engagement. He highlighted the role of effective communication in navigating both academic and social spaces and encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones, take initiative, and seize every opportunity that comes their way.
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| | | Tushar Joshi and session participants |
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| | A Fond Farewell to American Fulbright Researchers | On April 28, USEF-Nepal bid a fond farewell to three U.S. Fulbright Student Researchers who had spent the past ten months immersed in fieldwork across diverse regions of Nepal. To mark the culmination of their research journeys, the scholars shared their findings during a public forum held at the USEF-Nepal auditorium. The event provided a platform for engagement around critical issues spanning agriculture, health, and climate resilience.
Mika Ulmet of Cornell University presented “Millet Memories in Nepal: Finger Millets Thrive in the Fields and the Hearts of Farmers Who Cultivate Them,” conducted in collaboration with Local Initiatives for Biodiversity, Research and Development. Ava Francis-Hill of Pitzer College shared her project “Politics of Care: Life for Returnee Migrants with Chronic Kidney Disease” developed in partnership with the National Kidney Center and Nepal Mediciti. Ronan Wallace from Macalester College showcased his research, “Data-Based Reporting of Flooding Impacts Using 3D Modeling and Ethnography in Mustang,” in collaboration with the Kagbeni Inhabitants Resettlement and Conservation Committee.
Their work exemplifies the Fulbright Program’s commitment to fostering mutual understanding through impactful, community-focused research.
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|  | (L-R) Mika Ulmet, Ava Francis-Hill and Ronan Wallace | | | Alumni Spotlight: | Dr. Purna Bahadur Nepali (Fulbright Visiting Scholar) | We are delighted to congratulate Dr. Purna Bahadur Nepali, recent Past President of the Fulbright Alumni Association of Nepal (FAAN), on his appointment as Ambassador of Nepal to Sri Lanka. This prestigious diplomatic role is a testament to his exemplary leadership, dedication to public service, and commitment to fostering international understanding.
In 2022, Dr. Nepali was a Fulbright Visiting Scholar at Brandeis University, where he contributed to academic exchange and cross-cultural dialogue. His work as a scholar exemplified the spirit of the Fulbright Program—building bridges through education, research, and mutual respect.
We are proud to celebrate Ambassador Nepali as part of our Fulbright alumni community and look forward to following his continued contributions on the global stage.
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| | | Ambassador Purna Bahadur Nepali |
| | | Mohan B. Dangi (Fulbright U.S. Senior Scholar) | The Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors (AEESP) has awarded Dr. Mohan B. Dangi the prestigious 2025 Steven K. Dentel AEESP Award for Global Outreach in recognition of his outstanding contributions to environmental engineering and global education.
As a Fulbright U.S. Senior Scholar (2021–2022), Mr. Dangi made significant contributions during his tenure at Tribhuvan University. Currently serving as a Lecturer at California State University, he continues to demonstrate excellence in academia, research, and cross-border collaboration. This award celebrates his unwavering dedication to advancing environmental solutions and fostering global partnerships in the field.
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|  | Dr. Mohan B Dangi second from right | | | USEF-Nepal Outreach: Expanding Access to Global Opportunities | USEF-Nepal engages with communities across the country to inform them about opportunities for education and exchange between the United States and Nepal. |
| | | On April 4, a virtual session provided prospective graduate students with insights into the Fulbright Foreign Student Program, including eligibility, application steps, and benefits. Continuing these efforts, staff visited the American Corner in Pokhara on June 6 to deliver an in-person session for students and professionals, offering a broad overview of all Fulbright programs.
To highlight the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program—currently accepting applications—staff conducted a virtual information session on June 13, followed by a detailed, in-person session on June 20 at the USEF-Nepal office. These outreach activities reinforce our commitment to expanding awareness and access to international academic and leadership development programs.
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|  | | | From March 19–21, USEF-Nepal’s educational advisers traveled to Nepalgunj to connect with local students through informative sessions based on the “5 Steps to U.S. Study.” Conducted at local institutions, these sessions offered detailed guidance on choosing a university, preparing applications, exploring funding options, and navigating the student visa process.
Over the course of the visit, advisers engaged with 180 students, many of whom demonstrated strong interest in studying in the United States. The sessions helped demystify the U.S. higher education system and equipped students with the knowledge and confidence to pursue their academic goals.
USEF-Nepal extends sincere thanks to Lumbini Technical University and Bright Land College for their hospitality and support in making this initiative a success.
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Articles by and Featuring our Alumni |
| Dying to work overseasArticle by Ava Francis-Hall in Nepali Times Being Prabal Gurung by designArticle by Kunda Dixit in Nepali Times 11:56 25 April 2015Article by Kunda Dixit in Nepali Times Evolution of a Potentially Dangerous Glacial Lake on the Kanchenjunga Glacier, Nepal, Predictive Flood Models, and Prospective Community ResponseArticle by Alton Byers in MDPI Blatten, Langtang, and Disasters Yet to Come?Article by Austin Lord in Nepali Times Greening Nepal’s tourismArticle by Hanna Wells in Nepali Times Municipal solid waste generation and management dynamics under a changing governance in NepalPublication by Mohan Dangi in ScienceDirect |
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Advising Center / Prometric Pre-Departure Orientation Venue: USEF-Nepal, Maharajgunj, Kathmandu
Date: July 9, at 8:45 a.m.
Pre-registration required. |
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USEF-Nepal / Fulbright Commission / EducationUSA Advising Center |
| Aakriti Marg, Maharajgunj, 44600, Kathmandu |
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