By: Lawrence Maina
The Nepal Virtual Program was a powerful journey of cultural engagement despite being physically distant. Over the course of the program, I felt like I was traveling through the lens of Nepal from ancient cities and temples to busy marketplaces and peaceful spiritual sites. Each day offered a unique insight into Nepalese life, assisted by our knowledgeable and passionate tour guides like Roshan Bista and Rajendra Khadka. Highlights included the visit to Bhaktapur, where the connection to art and daily life was deeply inspiring. The Pashupatinath Temple visit stood out for its honest portrayal of spiritual practices, including open-air cremation rituals, a practice that prompted thoughtful reflection on life, death, and belief systems. The tour of Patan offered insight into historical progression through architecture and craftsmanship. Learning about Buddhism at the Boudhanath Stupa and exploring the Monkey Temple added layers of understanding about Nepal’s diverse spiritual landscape. One of the most engaging parts was the Nepali cooking session. It brought a sensory connection to the culture that helped tie everything together. Understanding local ingredients and traditional dishes made the experience feel even more real. This program has deepened my respect for cultural diversity and the importance of preserving tradition in modern society. It showed me how daily life, food, art, and spirituality are intertwined to create the unique identity of a place like Nepal. I leave this program with more empathy, curiosity, and a desire to explore cultures with humility and openness.
By: Paige Oswald
I am so happy I got to experience Nepal virtually. I was not sure what to expect when I signed up, but I feel like I really got a feel of what it is like in Kathmandu. The tour guides walked around the cities explaining major sites and the culture. I did not know very much about Hinduism or Buddhism before; I only learned about it in school. Hearing the traditions and practices in these religions from the people who practice it was very insightful and gave me a better idea of what they are actually like.
Even though we were on zoom, the tour guides still stopped to talk to the locals and interact with them. This was one of my favorite parts because we got to hear the different stories about people living in Nepal. We learned about the tea culture and the tour guide stopped to buy tea at a local spot. The owner of the shop let us see his shop and explained how he has been making tea for many years and selling it. One of the guides even brought us into his home and did a cooking demonstration with his wife where they talked about typical Nepali homes and cooking. The virtual experience was not just about seeing the most famous spots in Nepal but also seeing the local’s daily experience which is just as important when learning about another culture. From this experience I learned all about a country I did not know much about before and I am inspired to one day visit Nepal in person!
By: Jamey Stofko
The entire virtual trip was a wonderful experience, especially as it introduced a completely unfamiliar country. I especially was interested in seeing how spiritual practices were woven into different aspects of daily life such as the creation of tonka painting and Tibetan bowls. It was also very interesting to see spiritual practices such as funeral rites in action. I truly appreciated our host’s hospitality in inviting us into his home so his wife could demonstration cooking. I even learned some things to share with my students! It was a great opportunity to travel without leaving home.
By: Megan Damico
In sum, I truly enjoyed getting to see all of Nepal virtually due to the fact, I’m not clear to travel. The virtual program is a true blessing. I enjoyed seeing the culture and our tour guys were amazing. They took us all over the different areas. They were able to stop and explain things when we had a question. I truly enjoyed the monkey. The fact that we got to virtually go to one of our tour guides’ house and experience a home-cooked meal virtually that was amazing. Thank you for sharing this blessing with me!
By: Sister Nhung
There are many ways to learn about different cultures around the world, and virtual experiences are among the most impactful. The four-day Nepal Virtual Program broadened my horizons. It was a unique way to explore culture, and I could imagine myself following in the footsteps of the guides and understanding the lifestyle of Nepal. Through this experience, I gained many new cultural insights. Specifically, I learned that “Namaste” means “hi” and is accompanied by a gesture of placing hands in front of the chest to show respect. Additionally, I was impressed by the number of UNESCO World Heritage sites in Nepal, which reflect its rich cultural and religious heritage. I could feel that the people there were warm and friendly, always eager to share the beauty of their homeland with others. Furthermore, now when I see the seeing eye at the top of a stupa or temple, I understand that it represents Buddha’s eyes, symbolizing wisdom and compassion. I was captivated by Nepalese architecture, which reflected a deep connection to religious and cultural identity. Moreover, it was fascinating to discover that Nepal is currently in the year 2028 in the Bikram Sambat calendar, which differs from the Gregorian calendar. I love expanding my experiences, and this program was an excellent opportunity. Unlike simply looking up information on the internet, this experience gave me a sense of the reality of Nepalese daily life and its rhythm. Also, I recognized that the lifestyle in Nepal shares some similarities with that of my home country, yet it remains distinct. This program has helped me develop a deeper understanding of global diversity. Every country and region has its own unique cultural and religious heritage. Although I may have found certain similarities, the differences highlight the beauty of cultural variety. Learning about the traditions and values of different places is always valuable, as each region offers me new insights, perspectives, and experiences
By: Makai Rogers-Leach
Taking part in the Nepal Virtual Program was such a cool and eye-opening experience. One of the things I liked most was seeing how spiritual and peaceful the temples felt. They weren’t just buildings—they felt alive, full of history and meaning. What really caught my attention was how animals, especially monkeys, were just part of the scene. They were walking around the temples like they belonged there, and no one seemed to mind. It made me realize how connected people in Nepal are to nature, which is really different from how we treat animals in the U.S. I also thought the statues were amazing. They weren’t just there for decoration—they actually told stories and had deeper meaning tied to religion and tradition. Another thing I found really interesting was the healing bowls. The sounds they make are used to help people relax and heal, which shows a calm, natural way of looking at health. It’s pretty different from how we usually treat health in the U.S., where it’s more about quick fixes and medicine. The cremation process was another part of the program that really stuck with me. Seeing families openly honor their loved ones by the river was emotional but also really beautiful. It’s a big contrast to how we usually handle death in the U.S., where things are more private and closed off. In Nepal, it felt more spiritual and accepting.
By: Michael Schone
The experience of taking part in the Nepal Virtual Program was novel and enlightening. I felt that I was able to meaningfully explore Nepal’s culture, history, and spiritual traditions despite not being there in person. I now have a greater respect for architecture, rich history, and cherished customs that make Nepal such an intriguing nation after visiting locations like Kathmandu Durbar Square and Bhaktapur City. The intricate carvings and the way these cities combine art, religion, and communal life particularly struck me. Finding out about the Swayambhunath Temple, also called the Monkey Temple, was one of the highlights for me. With the monkeys running around, it was fascinating to observe how vibrant this temple, which has religious significance for both Buddhists and Hindus, is as well. I now have a clearer understanding of how spiritual sites in Nepal are not only houses of worship but also places of daily interaction. I also discovered how significant Hinduism is in Nepal, where it greatly influences both daily life and the country’s identity. Since the Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most significant Hindu temples in the world, my virtual visit helped me understand how emotional and sacred these locations are.All things considered, the Nepal Virtual Program aided in my comprehension of the nation’s strong ties to tradition, spirituality, and community. I was able to experience Nepal’s cultural diversity even through a screen, which piqued my interest in the world and how other people live, worship, and maintain their traditions. It was undoubtedly an unforgettable event that profoundly affected me.
By: Adam Vecchioni
I learned about a new culture from a distance but in a very intimate way by taking part in the Nepal Virtual Program, which was an enlightening and significant experience. I learned more about Nepal’s history, customs, social structure, and contemporary issues through online conferences, cultural seminars, and discussions with speakers from the nation. The curriculum made the trip feel authentic and interesting even if we weren’t in Nepal in person. A clear picture of daily life, values, and cultural customs in Nepal was created with the use of images, films, live conversations, and narrative. Hearing from local speakers firsthand was one of the program’s most powerful features. We gained a perspective from their own tales and observations that no textbook could provide. Discussions regarding Nepal’s variety, including how individuals from many ethnic origins and groups coexist and how their distinctive practices build Nepalese identity, particularly touched me. Studying topics like gender roles, education, and sustainability also caused me to consider how other cultures handle comparable problems in my own society. I became more open-minded, sympathetic, and globally aware as a result of this trip. I was reminded that even in a virtual setting, we can learn a lot from one another. I am appreciative of the chance.
By: Alyssa Agard
This week’s virtual tour of Nepal was one of the most enriching and eye-opening cultural experiences I’ve had. I went into it with very little prior knowledge of Nepal, and I came away with a deeper appreciation for its architecture, spiritual diversity, and unique way of life. One of the most surprising and fascinating things I learned was about the role of vultures in the traditional Hindu cremation process. I had never heard of this before. The idea that these birds are part of a sacred cycle of life and death in Nepal was both humbling and deeply symbolic. That fact has stayed with me the most.
What stood out overall was how seamlessly Nepal blends religion, art, and daily life. I was especially inspired by the peaceful coexistence of different spiritual traditions. For example, the influence of Tibetan Buddhism is seen everywhere; in the prayer flags fluttering with meaning, in the architecture of sacred sites like the Boudhanath and Swayambhunath stupas, and in the messages of balance and harmony embedded in their culture. As someone from a multicultural background, I felt genuinely moved by how open and inclusive Nepalese society appears to be.
I also gained a better understanding of how rich and resilient Nepal’s culture is despite economic challenges. I was surprised to learn that the country maintains a nearly 99% housing rate, even with limited employment opportunities. This made me reflect on how community and mutual support seem to hold a higher value than material wealth. Small moments, like learning how to make momos together or listening to questions about the caste system, helped highlight how much there is to admire in Nepalese social life.
In short, this tour was not just informative, but grounding. It reminded me of the power of cultural connection, and how learning about others’ ways of life can broaden your own. Though I’m graduating soon, I’m seriously considering returning as an alum for future global engagement trips; this experience left a lasting impact.
By: Imani Banks
Embarking on the virtual trip to Nepal was an enlightening experience that broadened my understanding of a country I had previously known very little about. Though the experience was digital, it felt immersive and authentic, offering a deep dive into the landscapes, culture, and daily life of the Nepalese people. This journey reminded me of how powerful technology can be in bringing distant parts of the world closer, fostering empathy and curiosity about people and places beyond our own.
What surprised me the most during the virtual tour was the extraordinary diversity found. within Nepal’s borders. Despite being a relatively small country in size, Nepal is home to an incredibly rich tapestry of cultures, ethnic groups, and languages. Over 120 ethnic communities live within Nepal, each with its own customs, traditions, and sometimes even languages. I was also amazed to discover the peaceful coexistence of multiple religions, primarily Hinduism and Buddhism, and how seamlessly these two faiths intertwine in everyday life. For example, many temples serve both religious communities, and it’s not uncommon to find Buddhist stupas near Hindu shrines, reflecting a culture of mutual respect and spiritual harmony. Another surprising aspect was how Nepal balances modern life with ancient traditions. Even in urban areas like Kathmandu, where technology and commerce are growing, people still participate in traditional rituals, wear traditional clothing during festivals, and maintain close family and community bonds. This balance between tradition and modernity left a
lasting impression on me.
What I found most interesting was the architecture and historical depth of the Kathmandu Valley. The intricate wood carvings, ancient palaces, and sacred temples in places like Patan, Bhaktapur, and Kathmandu Durbar Square speak to a civilization that has long valued art, craftsmanship, and spiritual devotion. Learning about how these sites have been preserved and restored—especially after the devastating 2015 earthquake— highlighted the resilience and dedication of the Nepalese people to protect their heritage. I was also fascinated by Nepal’s natural beauty and geographical extremes. From the lowland Terai region to the towering Himalayas, Nepal’s landscape is incredibly varied. Virtually witnessing the grandeur of Mount Everest and other Himalayan peaks was breathtaking. The idea that many communities live and thrive in such rugged terrain is both impressive and inspiring. It gave me a new perspective on how geography shapes not only lifestyles but also values like perseverance, resourcefulness, and community strength.
The virtual trip taught me that Nepal is far more than just a destination for trekkers and
mountaineers—it’s a country rich in history, culture, and human connection. I learned
about important festivals like Dashain and Tihar, which are not only joyful celebrations but
also deeply rooted in religious belief and family unity. I also came to understand the
important role that religion plays in everyday life, from morning prayers to elaborate rituals
that mark major life events and festivals. Moreover, I learned about the challenges Nepal faces, such as limited economic opportunities, natural disasters, and the need for sustainable development. Yet, despite these obstacles, Nepal remains a country of hope and determination. Its people are known for their hospitality, humility, and strong sense of identity, which shone through even in the virtual format. Environmental awareness is another area where Nepal stood out. Given its vulnerability to climate change—especially in the Himalayas—Nepal has made efforts to promote ecofriendly tourism and conservation. Seeing these initiatives emphasized the country’s
commitment to protecting its natural resources and cultural heritage for future generations.
Overall, the virtual trip to Nepal was much more than a tour—it was a transformative
learning experience. It opened my eyes to the beauty, depth, and resilience of a country
that often remains in the background of global attention. It challenged my assumptions
and replaced them with real knowledge, visual memories, and emotional impressions. I
now feel a genuine interest in Nepal’s people, culture, and future.
While I hope to one day visit Nepal in person, this virtual experience has already left a deep
imprint on me. It reminded me of the value of cultural exploration, even from afar, and how
understanding others helps us become more thoughtful and connected global citizens.