Nepali Queen to Award UI-Nepal Exchange and 'Twinning' Programs
Tuesday, January 4 2005
Jan. 4, 2005 MOSCOW, Idaho -- Two University of Idaho administrators will receive 2005 International Civil Awards sponsored by the Nepal Civil Forum for contributing to the people of Nepal through two higher education exchange programs. Byron Dangerfield, dean of UI's College of Business and Economics, and Bob Neuenschwander, UI's Study Abroad manager, are among 25 Americans who will be recognized for their leadership through Helping Hands Health Education and the Study of Ancient and New Nepal (SANN) Research Institute. Queen Komal Rajyalaxmi devi Saha and Prime Minister Ser Badhur Deuva are scheduled to present the awards Feb. 18 in Kathmandu. UI began its educational exchange program in 1998 through the SANN Research Institute. It provides Nepali students an opportunity to study at UI, and UI students an opportunity to study Nepali culture, volunteer at local organizations, schools and clinics, and participate in internships offered through Nepali NGO's and companies. Also, UI College of Business and Economics began a “twinning program” last year with SANN International College, in which Nepali students spend their first two years studying in Nepal and their last two years studying business and economics at UI. Two of the first twinning students came to UI last spring and another three are expected this spring. Seventy-seven UI students have participated in the original educational exchange since 1998. They take courses in the language, politics, religion and society, trek in the Himalayas with Sherpa guides, learn photo journalism and live with host families in Nepal. UI-Nepali exchange students say there’s nothing like the firsthand learning. Kate Wray, formerly from Moscow who now works for the exchange program in Nepal, says the “intense contrasts impress me most. The high green hills surrounding the Kathmandu Valley with white Himalaya peaks behind . . holy cows in the busy roads . . . beautiful women in colorful saris and visual signs of people struggling to have daily meals. “Outside Kathmandu, steep hills are terraced with growing grains, small huts and roaring rivers. People pound stones into gravel to make a living. High in the Himalayas, Buddhist carved prayer stones line the paths, prayer flags wave in the intense wind. Huge, shaggy-haired yaks carry loads of supplies and around every turn lies a stunning view of magical peaks. Childrens’ cheeks are permanently red from harsh winds and intense sun.“ As many as 29 Nepali students have come to Moscow, Idaho, to live in resident halls or share apartments and study at UI. Jeevan Pokharel was one of the first such Nepali exchange students to Moscow seven years ago. He went on to complete both an undergraduate degree in business and graduate degree in accounting from UI and currently is an auditor in Anchorage, Alaska. “My student life at UI was an unforgettable experience,” he adds. Bob Neuenschwander and Narayan Shrestha, coordinator and president of the exchange program provided continuous support throughout his experience. He made lasting connections with professors Marcia Niles, Hugh Porsche, Randy Byers, Jack Morris and Joe Geiger, and calls the coursework “challenging -- equipping me with strategies to work in many areas of businesses.” He is as impressed with Idaho as Wray is with Nepal. “The university is located in one of the nicest places I have ever seen,” says Pokharel. “Moscow is small and quiet, but a very active and diverse community. People are friendly. I was able to make many new friends, both local and international. I also met my wife at the UI -- she was herself a student from Japan.” For more details about UI’s international programs, go online to www.webs.uidaho.edu/ipo/abroad; click on “Learn More” to download the catalog. Contacts: Robert Neuenschwander, Study Abroad, (208) 885-4379, bobn@uidaho.edu; Byron Dangerfield, dean of UI College of Business and Economics, (208) 885-6478, bdanger@uidaho.edu; exchange students Jeevan Pokharel, 907-868-1881, Anchorage, Alaska, pokh5297@uidaho.edu and Kate Wray, sann@wlink.com.np or students@sann.wlink.com.np; or Nancy Hilliard, University Communications, (208) 885-6567, hilliard@uidaho.edu Web site: www.webs.uidaho.edu/ipo/abroad -30- NH/1/04/05-IS/CBE
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