“Being exposed to different cultures and places is integral to a person’s ability to understand both themselves and others,” said Andrew Buckendorf, a student at the University of Colorado Denver and alum of the study abroad program, CU Denver in Nepal: Transforming Tradition – Arts, Media, and Meditation in a Changing World. “Every place has something different to teach you.”

From Fall 2023 through Summer 2024, 587 CU Denver | Anschutz learners traveled abroad across the Americas, Africa, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. As a High-Impact Practice (HIP), study abroad programs increase the rate of student engagement and persistence to graduation for students across diverse backgrounds. Research shows that studying abroad contributes to the development of cognitive and interpersonal skills, leadership abilities, and problem-solving and intercultural skills. A study abroad experience can also boost a graduate’s resume or CV in the eyes of potential employers.

“I think no matter one’s area of expertise, having the perspectives of a foreign place and people adds to one’s ability to think creatively and critically,” said Buckendorf.

The CU Denver in Nepal: Transforming Tradition – Arts, Media, and Meditation in a Changing World study abroad Maymester 2025 program is designed to maximize students’ academic knowledge and personal growth. In this cross-disciplinary program students learn the value of approaching professional problems with mindful, ‘outside-in’ perspectives to develop effective, humanistic solutions and hone their skills for their future careers.

Examples include the study of entrepreneurship, innovation, and the ways that businesses and societies emerge set against a backdrop of different cultures and world religions. The workings of public service organizations such as the U.S. Foreign Service, NGOs, and the role of UNESCO are reviewed. Expressions of multiple forms of art – film, visual arts, photography, and Nepali music and dance – are all celebrated.

The art of attention is brought into focus through learning mindfulness, meditation, innovative ideation, and the exploration of all that this unique setting has to offer. Katmandu has been called a “living museum,” where ancient temples and palaces coexist side-by-side with modern Newari architecture. The city is a melting pot of various ethnic groups, languages, and religions. Its diversity is reflected in the city’s festivals and its peaceful spiritual atmosphere.

Tenzing Rigdol, the famous contemporary artist and a CU Denver alum, leads the program, along with College of Arts and Media faculty members Steven Vose, PhD, and Laurence Kaptain, DMA. As a historian of South Asia, Vose researches the politics, religion, and culture of the late medieval era (ca. 1200-1700) to the present day. He holds an endowed professorship in Jain Studies. Kaptain is Special Assistant to the Provost and former Dean of the College of Arts & Media. In his career as a musical performer, he has performed with the New York Philharmonic, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the San Francisco Symphony, and other distinguished organizations. His experiences as a Fulbright scholar to Mexico informed and advanced his leadership of international research, creative work, and cultural exchanges in diverse global regions.

The team in the Global Education: Study Abroad office advises CU Denver | Anschutz students in how to apply for study abroad programs, where to find study abroad scholarships and financial aid, health and safety, and what to know about preparing for and returning from a program. They are committed to bringing global study experiences within reach for the university’s diverse student population that includes first-generation, veterans, transfers, and students from diverse backgrounds.

“Everyone I’ve interacted with in the study abroad team, both in-person and online, has been super helpful!,” said Buckendorf. “Definitely a valuable resource for students.”

Applications are open now for the Maymester 2025 CU Denver in Nepal: Transforming Tradition – Arts, Media, and Meditation in a Changing World program.

“What a wonderful group of students we had,” said Kaptain, when speaking about last year’s student cohort in the Nepal program. “Learners and leaders were very open to possibilities and opportunity. Everywhere we visited, I was so proud of their questions, curiosity, and respect for other cultures.”

To other students considering the CU Denver in Nepal 2025 program, Buckendorf advises, “If you are able to go, DO IT! Even if you’re unsure or anxious about the thought of it; if there’s any inclination to visit and learn, take a leap of faith. I promise you will not be disappointed!”

For more information, visit:

Global Education: Study Abroad

Make an appointment with a Study Abroad Advisor

About study abroad scholarships & financial aid

CU Denver in Nepal: Transforming Tradition – Arts, Media, and Meditation in a Changing World