“My time in the more remote areas of Nepal allowed me to experience a new rhythm of life: I learned joy can come from just exchanging songs with my Nepali homestay family. We sat in a circle one night underneath a candle’s fire. Their rich voices surrounded me in the dark. Although we had a hard time connecting through words, the music provided such warmth.”

Nicole WongNepal Semester

“In addition to creating strong friendships, the rural homestays provided a new perspective on ethnic minorities in China.”

Jimmy O'HareChina Semester

I’ve learned most from the friends who lead lives so different from mine. The Ladakhi guides, the Buddhist monks and nuns, my guru ji, my host family. All these friendships I feel so lucky to have made because they have been the thing that really opened my eyes to how diverse the world can be…and really reformed my world view.

Charlie SantosIndia Semester

“When we reached the top, we could see our pasts and our futures placed before us in the treacherous mountains and distant fields. As darkness settled on the Wall, we had a moment to pause and reflect on the constantly shifting courses of our lives. This is China. It is wild and ancient, beautiful and dangerous.”

Haley HogartyChina