Founded in 1999, Bridges-PRTD is a private company affiliated with Mountain Legacy (a Nepalese non-governmental organization, reg. #1018/060-61) and members of Tribhuwan University (Kirtipur, Nepal). Bridges-PRTD offers study programs focusing on recreation and development in the Himalayas of Nepal. The Spring 2010 program in Nepal combines formal instruction, independent and team research, and volunteer community development. The four month program will run from February 12 to June 6, and will include 10 weeks on trek in the Himalayas.

Bridges to Nepal features an array of courses ranging from a broad focus on the culture and ecology of the Himalayas to a narrow focus on sport development opportunities in the Megalaya core of Nepal's eastern Himalayas; it also gives students an opportunity to gain practical experience in a wide range of sport management competencies in an international environment while collaborating with impoverished and remote mountain communities in designing and implementing recreational projects that will present sustainable economic opportunities.

In 2010, Bridges participants will:

• carry out feasibility studies and planning for two events; Heroes of Rolwaling, a multisport event (mountain climbing, trail-running, kayak) to be held in the Rolwaling valley, and the Everest Classic, a 100-kilometer backpacking race from the trail-head at Jiri to Mt. Everest Base Camp. With these events, students will create a foundation on which future cohorts of students can build. Students will work closely with local residents and authorities to identify and consult with potential participants and sponsors while creating new events.
• observe, study and assist with existing events such as the Tenzing-Hillary Everest marathon and the Himalayan Whitewater Challenge.
• get a hands-on immersion in experiencing sport’s role in economic and social development as defined by the United Nations Sport for Development and Peace program in one of the poorest and most beautiful countries in the world.

During their time in Nepal, students will interact with a unique mix of cultures. They will be embedded in Nepalese culture and working among the indigenous people of the Rolwaling Valley as well as working in the Mount Everest area which attracts visitors from around the globe. Nepal's location between the 21st century global powers China and India presents an opportunity for students to assist in developing a connection between sport events and trekking in Nepal and the growing tourist markets in these two countries.

The partnership between Bridges-PRTD and Mountain Legacy is designed to build an ongoing relationship between the two partners and the people of Nepal. In that spirit, all research and activity will be conducted within the context of building an open knowledge base of the economic and social impacts of sport and tourism in Nepal.

The Bridges Open Enrollment Program is multidisciplinary. We strongly encourage both professionals and students to apply their own expertise and follow their own interests, to the extent that they are compatible with the overall Bridges agenda.

Participants who are or will be studying at other institutions may petition for credit; in the past Bridges advisors have been successful in formulating proposals that allowed students to get credit and also to maintain financial aid. [Courses] [Itinerary] [Program Rationale] [Contact: Dr. Seth Sicroff]

Applications Open April 20

Prospective applicants should contact us as soon as possible. Email Dr. Seth Sicroff at BridgesPRTD@gmail.com