NEWSLETTER | | |  | | | | | | |
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| | Welcome to the first USEF-N newsletter of 2026. In addition to reporting current activities and upcoming events, the newsletter now includes alumni milestones and reflections. We encourage alumni who are interested to reach out to us with your news, and to share commentary and insights on your Fulbright and Education USA experiences. Please direct your contributions to our editor, Sr. Program Officer Nishtha Rajbhandari: nishtha@fulbrightnepal.org.np.
Happy New Year! |
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Introducing new U.S. grantees | Since our last newsletter, we’ve welcomed two new Fulbright grantees to Nepal: U.S. Student Researcher Anya Fineman and U.S. Scholar Dr. Nicolas Tanner.
Anya Fineman, a 2025 Pitzer College graduate in Human Biology, is spending 10 months studying how conservation policies shape the intergenerational transfer of ethnobotanical knowledge among the Tharu community in Chitwan. Hosted by Tharu Cultural Museum and Research Center, her research supports efforts to revitalize traditional medicinal practices in Nepal.
Dr. Nicolas Tanner, a documentary photographer and multimedia journalist, is conducting research on the phenomenology of wonder through a photographic study of Buddhist traditions in Nepal. His work, which has been featured in The New York Times, Time Magazine, and Al Jazeera—bridges visual storytelling and philosophical inquiry. |
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| We look forward to Anya and Nic sharing their findings at public forums later this spring. Details will be forthcoming. |
| | | Visiting Scholars Share Their Fulbright Experiences | On November 24, we hosted a reflection session with recently returned 2024–25 Visiting Scholars Dr. Neeti Aryal, Tribhuvan University; Dr. Sunil Aryal, Nepal Agricultural Research Council; and Swosti Rajbhandari Kayastha, Nepal Art Council. Led by Erica Alexander, Cultural and Public Engagement Officer at the U.S. Embassy, the session brought the alumni together with representatives from the embassy and the Fulbright team to review their academic and cultural experiences in the United States, and to explore ways to build on these experiences through continued collaboration and knowledge-sharing in Nepal. |
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| L to R: Nishtha Rajbhandari, Dr. Neeti Aryal, Erica Alexander, Dr. Sunil Aryal, Swosti Rajbhandari, Tina Lama, Nikita KC | | | Orientation for 2026 FTEA Awardees | On December 30, we hosted a pre-departure orientation for our 2026 Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement (FTEA) award recipients: Hari Ram Devkota of Budhanilkantha School, Kathmandu, and Ramita Deuja of SOS Hermann Gmeiner School, Kavrepalanchok.
The FTEA program provides teachers from around the world with a six-week U.S. university experience focused on professional development in new teaching methods, technology, and student-centered learning, along with classroom observation/co-teaching to foster global understanding and improve educators' skills. Participants engage in seminars, fieldwork, cultural activities, and upon returning, can apply for grants to implement projects in their home schools, building lasting connections. Hari Ram Devkota will attend the program at Florida Gulf Coast University, while Ramita Deuja will attend at Georga State University.
The orientation featured a session with 2025 grantee Kabita Baral, who shared reflections, insights, and tips from her own FTEA experience. We thank Ms. Baral and extend our best wishes to the new grantees as they embark upon their FTEA journey. |
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| L to R: Ramita Deuja, Kabita Baral, Hari Ram Devkota |
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| | U.S. Scholars Conclude Their Fulbright Experiences in Nepal | Dr. Nir Kshetri University of North Carolina
During August-December 2025, Dr. Kshetri conducted research in Nepal on how emerging technologies—particularly artificial intelligence and blockchain—are shaping development pathways in the Global South. His work explored questions of inclusion, power, and policy through direct engagement with policymakers, academics, students, and media. His collaboration with Nepali scholars also resulted in joint publications on AI infrastructure and language challenges, including articles in IEEE Computer. As part of the South and Central Asia Regional Fulbright Grant, Dr. Kshetri also visited Sri Lanka, where he shared insights on the strategic, societal, and developmental implications of cutting-edge digital technologies with faculty at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. His regional engagement further highlighted the value of cross-country dialogue on technology and development in South Asia. |
|  | Dr. Kshetri with faculty at University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka | Dr. Chandan Acharya College of Staten Island
From July 2025 to January 2026, Dr. Acharya addressed gaps in management scholarship related to Nepali organizational contexts. Motivated by the limited representation of Nepali data in leading management journals, his project examined how Nepal’s collectivist culture and high-power distance relationships shape workplace dynamics—areas often underrepresented in existing knowledge management theories.
Engaging in in-depth conversations with Nepali business leaders and employees, he interviewed experienced founders who have sustained their organizations for over two decades, as well as employees from diverse sectors. He plans to share his qualitative insights through publication in an international management journal. |
|  | Dr. Acharya delivering his session at Kathmandu University | Dr. Andrew Hope Kansas State University
Dr. Hope concluded his Fulbright Award in Nepal this summer to advance research on mammalian biodiversity. Alongside collaborator Basanta Sharma, the team collected genetic samples from hundreds of bats across the country for research on Himalayan bat systematics and phylogeography.
During the visit, Hope established the Nepal Biorepository at the Institute of Forestry in Pokhara—the country’s first facility for permanent preservation of genomic resources and MinION sequencing. The team successfully sequenced bats, rodents, and parasites and secured a nationwide sampling permit for terrestrial small mammals, enabling continued biodiversity research in Nepal for years to come. The project actively involved Nepali students, faculty, government officials, and the public. |
| | | | | | | Reflection: Building Confidence Through ConnectionBy Nelisha Gray, English Teaching Assistant (ETA) |
(In January, Ms. Gray completes her assignment as an ETA at Shree Bishwo Rastriya Secondary School in Kirtipur.)
As a student, I was not a fast learner, and this experience shaped my commitment as an ELL teacher to ensure that no student is left behind. For my secondary project, I worked with 15 students in grades 4–8 who would benefit from additional English practice.
To help students use English in an authentic way, I connected them with 15 American middle school students in Tucson, Arizona through a virtual pen pal project. Students exchanged video introductions, asked and answered questions, and engaged in meaningful dialogue. The project aimed to strengthen students’ English speaking and listening skills, build their confidence, and introduce them to American culture.
One of the most meaningful aspects of the project was exposing students to the diversity of the United States. As a Black woman, it was important to challenge the assumption that all Americans are White and to show that people of many backgrounds, cultures, and identities live in America.
Seeing my students’ joyful reactions to their pen pals’ videos—especially as they laughed while trying to pronounce “caldo de papa”—was a highlight of the experience. As the project ends, I am confident that my students will walk away with stronger English skills, greater confidence, and a deeper understanding of America. |
|  | Ms. Nelisha Gray with Students at Shree Bishwo Rastriya Secondary School | | | | | College Mini-Fair Connects Students with U.S. Institutions | On November 6, the at USEF-Nepal’s EducationUSA Advising Team organized a college mini-fair in collaboration with EdPrograms. Ten U.S. institutions visited the USEF-N center to connect with Nepali students and share information about academic opportunities in the United States.
The event drew more than 170 students, who had the opportunity to engage directly with college representatives to learn about admissions requirements, scholarship opportunities, and campus life. The mini-fair fostered meaningful connections and provided a valuable platform for students and institutions to explore strong academic matches. |
|  | | | | | Study in the U.S. Guidance in Chitwan and Nawalpur | During December 18–19, EducationUSA advisers conducted an outreach visit to Chitwan and Nawalpur, delivering seven “Study in the U.S.” sessions to Grade 12 students at six schools. The sessions provided students with accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date information on U.S. higher education and the application process.
Many students expressed strong interest in studying in the United States, but lacked clarity on key steps such as selecting institutions, preparing for standardized tests, and planning application timelines. Through interactive presentations and in-person Q&A sessions, advisers helped students address misconceptions and build confidence. In total, 307 students benefited from the outreach. |
|  | EducationUSA Outreach at SOS Hermann Gmeiner School Bharatpur | | | Open Doors Report Highlights Record Growth of Nepali Students in the U.S. | The 2025 Open Doors Report, released in November, showed that the number of Nepali students studying in the United States increased by 48 percent over the past year, reaching a record high of 24,890 students. With this significant growth, Nepal now ranks sixth among countries sending international students to the United States. reflecting the continuing interest in U.S. higher education and the expanding academic ties between Nepal and the United States. |
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| | Humphrey Fellow Alumna Takes on Ministerial Leadership Role | We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Shradha Shrestha, 2021-22 Humphrey Fellow, on her appointment in the interim government as Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens. Her achievement reflects her longstanding commitment to leadership and public service. She completed her Humphrey Fellowship on Economic Development at Michigan State University.
An international speaker and professional tourism brand expert, Ms. Shrestha brings more than two decades of experience in tourism marketing and the promotion of Nepal. She has played a key role in positioning Nepal’s tourism sector on international platforms and is widely recognized as one of the country’s leading tourism marketing professionals. On behalf of the Fulbright and Humphrey community, we wish her success in her new role. |
| | | | | | | Fulbright Visiting Scholar Alum Appointed Director of NARC | We are pleased to congratulate Dr. Tek Gotame, 2019-20 Fulbright Visiting Scholar, on his recent appointment as Director of the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC).
Dr. Gotame, who has served at NARC since 2004, brings more than two decades of experience in agricultural research and leadership to the position. He earned his PhD from the Faculty of Science and Technology at Aarhus University, Denmark, in 2014, with a dissertation titled “Understanding the effects of temperature on raspberry physiology and gene expression profiles.” As a Fulbright Visiting Scholar, he completed postdoctoral research in molecular breeding for heat stress tolerance in tomatoes at North Carolina State University, USA. |
|  | Dr. Gotame at Nepal Agricultural Research Council | | | Articles by and Featuring our Alumni |
| Trial By FireArticle by Kunda Dixit in Nepali Times (Masters program, AY 1984) संकटग्रस्त टेलिकम कम्पनीहरू धराशायी पारेर मुलुकलाई के फाइदा?Article by Ameet Dhakal in Setopati (Masters program, AY 2001) Rebuilding NepalArticle by Sujeev Shakya in The Hindu (Humphrey Program, AY 2002) सुशीला कार्की र केपी ओलीको इगोले पैदा गरेको संशयArticle by Ameet Dhakal in Setopati (Masters program, AY 2001) Nepal GenZs inspired FilipinosArticle by Kunda Dixit in Nepali Times (Masters program, AY 1984) 47 Nepalis Rescued From Scam Centers in Myanmar Arrive in KathmanduReported by Rajneesh Bhandari in OCCRP (Humphrey Fellowship, AY 2015)
प्रतिष्ठित प्राध्यापकसँग एआइदेखि ब्लकचेनसम्मका कुराUS Scholar Dr. Nir Kshetri’s interview on AI and blockchain in the context of the Global South |
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Take Action: Support Future Fulbrighters in Nepal | Fulbright alumni play a vital role in sustaining the program’s impact and expanding opportunities for future scholars. Alumni who wish to give back can support Fulbright programs in Nepal through the Fulbright Assistance Funds, helping ensure that future U.S. and Nepali students and scholars continue to benefit from this transformative exchange experience.
Contributions to the Fulbright Assistance Funds are U.S. tax-deductible and directly support scholarships and programs at Fulbright Commissions abroad, including USEF-Nepal.
To make a contribution, please visit: www.iie.org/giving-at-iie/where-to-give/fulbright-assistance-funds/ |
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| | Fulbright Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program (FTEA) Applications Open
Deadline March 15, 2026
Apply at usefnepal.org
Fulbright Foreign Student Masters Program Application Open
Deadline April 30,2026
Apply at usefnepal.org
Fulbright Specialist Program Application open for 2026/27 projects
Apply at usefnepal.org
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USEF-Nepal / Fulbright Commission / EducationUSA Advising Center |
| Aakriti Marg, Maharajgunj, 44600, Kathmandu |
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