The Nepali Summer Language Program is more than just a language training workshop — it’s a gateway to discovering the heart of Nepal. Since its debut in 2020, the program, part of the South Asia Center’s Nepal Studies Initiative, has offered students an immersive journey into the Nepali language and culture, bringing an often-overlooked corner of the world into focus.
From July 15-26 of this year, 35 participants across the beginner and intermediate programs embarked on an exploration of Nepal’s rich traditions under instructor Binod Shrestha. Shrestha, also a Nepali instructor at the University of British Columbia, has been leading the University of Washington’s program for the last five summers.
“I got involved in the Nepal Studies Initiative because I wanted to share the beauty and complexity of the Nepali language with a broader audience,” he said. “My own experiences growing up in Nepal taught me the profound connection between language and cultural identity. I felt that by teaching Nepali, I could help students gain a deeper understanding of Nepal, its traditions, and its people, which is often overlooked in mainstream education.”
According to Shrestha, his greatest joy during the two-week workshop is witnessing moments of discovery. “My favorite part of teaching this program is watching students discover the richness of the Nepali language and culture,” he said. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see their excitement as they make connections between what they learn in class and the broader cultural context.”
While acquiring language skills is a key focus of the program, Shrestha believes the Nepali Summer Language Program offers participants much more. “Beyond the language skills, I hope participants leave the program with an appreciation for the cultural depth that comes with learning a new language,” he said. “I want them to understand that language is not just a tool for communication, but also a gateway to a different way of thinking and seeing the world.”
The program attracts a diverse group of participants, each bringing unique experiences to the table. Lisa Lyons, U.S. director of Educate the Children-Nepal, found the program particularly impactful for her work.
Lisa Lyons, far back and center, visits a rural community in Nepal. Photo courtesy of Lisa Lyons
“In 2011, I started my current job as the U.S. director of Educate the Children-Nepal,” Lyons said. “At that time, I had more than 20 years of experience working in the non-profit sector, but knew very little about Nepal.”
Since then, she has been to Nepal three times, adding that the summer workshop helped her gain skills invaluable to her work. “Even if you are an accomplished language learner/multilingual person and feel confident in your ability to study Nepali effectively on your own, this is a very useful supplement,” she said.
Christine Blice-Baum, a current Ph.D. student at University of the West and participant in the beginner program, praised its supportive environment.
Christine Blice-Baum, third from the left, stands with Tibetan Buddhists from a lecture at the University of the West. Photo courtesy of Christine Blice-Baum
“The Nepal Studies Initiative course is a wonderful way to immerse oneself in the Nepali language in a very short period of time,” she said. “It is also a wonderful way to meet a variety of people who have the same interest and receive encouragement and support from each other.”
Blice-Baum is currently conducting research on the ritual music of Nepal and plans to continue studying Nepali in the intermediate program next year.
Sam Loescher, a recent high school graduate from New Hampshire, also complimented the program’s welcoming environment. “This course perfectly balances intensity with fun to maximize learning,” he said. “The concepts come very fast, but Binod is a skilled and patient teacher.”
Sam Loescher credits his love of meditation and the mountains for sparking his interest in Nepal. Photo courtesy of Sam Loescher
Loescher will be traveling to Nepal as part of a study abroad program this fall; afterwards, he plans to stay in Nepal where he will volunteer and study meditation.
“Learning Nepali is not just about mastering a language; it’s about opening doors to new perspectives and understanding a part of the world that is often underrepresented in global conversations,” Shrestha said. “Whether you’re planning to work in Nepal, explore its cultural heritage, or simply challenge yourself with a new language, the Nepali Language Program offers an incredible opportunity to grow both academically and personally.”
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.