Immersive Study Tour 2025

Date: April 20 – April 27, 2025

Expected Impact:
The program aims to deepen participants’ understanding of rural development challenges and opportunities in Nepal, foster intercultural collaboration between Nepali and Swiss participants, and co-create project ideas that can be implemented for long-term community benefit.

Project Duration: 8 days

Overview

Thematic Area: Engineering

Description:
The Immersive Study Tour 2025 brought together participants from Nepal and Switzerland to engage in a cross-cultural learning experience focused on sustainable development, human-centered design, and grassroots problem-solving. Over 8 days, participants took part in orientation sessions, field visits, and community immersion in Dhading, Nepal. They engaged with local leaders, school communities, and NGOs, identify key challenges, and use design thinking tools to brainstorm practical solutions. The program also includes cultural exchange activities, reflection sessions, and a closing ceremony to share learnings and commitments for future collaboration.

Start Date: April 20, 2025

End Date: April 27, 2025

Status: Completed

Budget: USD 800 per participant (inclusive of accommodation, meals, transport, program facilitation, and activities)

Team Size: 14 participants (Nepali & Swiss), 3 facilitators, plus local partners and volunteers

Outcomes

• Shared Learnings: Participants gained an in-depth understanding of rural realities, including water, sanitation, education, and waste management challenges, as well as the resilience and innovation of local communities.
• Design Thinking Outputs: The tour produced initial project ideas focusing on waste management, inclusive education, safe water access, and sustainable agriculture.
• Cultural Exchange & Collaboration: Participants built strong friendships and professional networks, deepening mutual respect and intercultural understanding.
• Commitment to Action: A joint agreement was made to continue collaboration and develop one co-created project over the coming year.

The Immersive Study Tour 2025 successfully met its objective of combining learning, field exposure, and co-creation. Participants left with a stronger appreciation of Nepal’s rural development context, valuable insights into participatory problem-solving, and a renewed commitment to collaborate on meaningful projects. The program highlighted the importance of sustained engagement, longer community immersion, and structured reflection time, insights that will help shape future editions of the tour.