Students looking to serve and make inspiring films can travel to Nepal this summer.
The two-week program will be based in Kathmandu, and students will have the opportunity to travel to the Himalayas.
Social Educational Environmental Development Services (SEEDS), a nonprofit organization, is heading a humanitarian project to help and support grass-roots projects in the Kathmandu area, working closely with those they serve to identify their needs. KP Kafle, a former trekking guide, founded the organization in 1998 out of a desire to “give back to [his] country.” He will be traveling with students during the trip this summer.
Students will serve and interact with people in Kathmandu on a personal level on the excursion.
Seeing the Kathmandu and Middle Himalayan area will give students an eyeglass into contemporary Nepalese life and culture. Kathmandu is nearly 2,000 years old and home to many sites of cultural and historical significance, including Buddhist and Hindu temples. The trek will take students to local villages, bamboo fields and mountain views as they camp during a five-day trek.
Participants will document their work and conduct interviews, and at the end of the program they will produce short documentary films.
“You don’t have to be a film student to participate. We will teach you what you need to know about filmmaking,” said Mel Halbach, director of the program.
Halbach said his experience as a student on study abroad shaped his life.
“It had a lasting impact on me. It made me who I am today. I went to Vietnam to do documentary videography,” he said. “You’re creating a story, and once you create that story, it lasts forever.”
Students will have a chance to share their talents in a way that will benefit the people of Nepal.
“Not only will [the trip] impact you, it will impact all those you come in contact with,” Halbach said.
He added that sharing the stories of those in need is important.
In addition to cultural experience and service opportunities, students will receive four hours of credit for Film 3905. The trip is expected to cost $3,500, not including travel and personal expenses.