Nepal Programs

Nepali Summer Language Program

Learn Nepali at the University of Washington this summer!

Open to the UW community AND the general public – all are welcome to apply. Hear what participants had to say about the Summer 2024 program: Cultural connections through language: 2024 Nepali Summer Language Program

Summer 2025 Program Details

This two-week intensive online Nepali language program is ideal for those who plan to study abroad, conduct research, work or travel in Nepal. The program will provide an introduction to basic conversational Nepali, the Nepali script, and the foundations of Nepali grammar.

This non-credit-bearing synchronous workshop is intended for absolute beginners through intermediate learners. Participants will be placed in one of two sections based on proficiency level. (Please note, this program is not intended for advanced Nepali learners.)

There is a registration fee of $350 to participate. Current UW students are exempt from this fee, and will be prioritized for admission.

Summer 2025 Program Dates: July 16–29, 2025 (10 synchronous sessions held Monday – Friday)

Class Meeting Times:

  • Section 1 | Beginning Nepali Language | 9:00am-11:00am PDT
  • Section 2 | Advanced Beginner / Intermediate | 12:00pm-2:00pm PDT

Format: Online via Zoom

Instructor: Binod Shrestha

Registration Fee: $350 (waived for current UW students)

Application Deadline: Friday, May 16, 2025

Selection Criteria:

Space is limited. Participants will be selected based on the following selection criteria:

  • ability to attend full duration of 2-week program
  • demonstrated commitment to learning, self-study, and engaging with peers
  • compelling justification for studying Nepali for professional and/or academic reasons
  • priority given to current University of Washington students, faculty and staff

The application deadline was Friday, May 16. Applicants will be notified of placement status in the coming weeks. 

Please note: this workshop is contingent on the UW South Asia Center’s continued grant funding from the U.S. Department of Education’s National Resource Center program. In the event that our funding situation changes, we may need to adjust, postpone, or cancel the workshop. Applicants will be informed of any developments by email. Thank you for your understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is the UW Nepali Summer Language Program a UW credit-bearing course?
A: No. This is an intensive 2-week workshop. It does not provide UW credit. Participants will receive a certificate of completion.

Q: Does the UW Nepali Summer Language Program meet FLAS requirements for summer language programs?
A: No. This is an intensive 2-week workshop. It is not intended to meet summer FLAS requirements.

Q: I participated in a previous UW Nepali summer workshop. Am I eligible to apply?
A: Yes, if you are considered to have “beginning” or “intermediate” level proficiency, you are welcome to apply. The application will collect detailed information on your proficiency level. However, priority may be given to new participants due to space constraints.

Q: I can’t commit to attending all 10 meeting sessions this summer. Should I still apply?
A: Yes, you are welcome to apply. Please detail your availability in the Personal Statement section of the application. Priority will be given to applicants who are able to attend the full duration of the program.

Questions? Email the South Asia Center: sascuw@uw.edu

Video: the Summer 2021 Nepali Language Program was one of the largest global gatherings for Nepali language training … ever! Read more >

The summer intensive Nepali language workshop is a core initiative of the UW South Asia Center and Nepal Studies Initiative.

Housed in the Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies at the University of Washington, the South Asia Center is an important intellectual and pedagogical hub for the study of South Asia. A National Resource Center funded by the Title VI program of the United States Department of Education, our mission is to enhance the study of South Asia (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka) on campus, in the community, across the Pacific Northwest, and throughout the United States.

Learn more:
https://jsis.washington.edu/southasia/ and https://jsis.washington.edu/southasia/nepal/