Skip to main content

Nepal Global Health

Dates: 24 April–23 May 2027 (approx.)
Priority Deadline: 21 October 2026
Application Deadline: 25 November 2026

Often called the “rooftop of the world,” Nepal is home to deeply rooted Hindu and Buddhist traditions, rich in iconography and spiritual significance. The Kathmandu Valley alone contains seven UNESCO World Heritage sites that beautifully intertwine both religious legacies. Amid this cultural depth, students will gain firsthand experience exploring public health challenges and opportunities within communities throughout Nepal.

Working alongside local and international partners, student interns will engage with a variety of public health professionals, healthcare providers, community organizations, and populations. Depending on their placement and the needs of local partners, students will explore a range of public health issues, including occupational and environmental health, maternal and child health, community health, health education, and healthcare delivery.

Experiences may include fieldwork examining occupational hazards and their effects on workers, families, and surrounding communities; collaborating with hospitals and local public health workers; developing and teaching health education; and supporting community-based health initiatives. Students may also engage with schools, children’s homes, local physicians, healthcare facilities, and other community organizations.

This program is designed for self-starter student interns who are eager to learn through meaningful engagement with Nepali partners. Students will be encouraged to take initiative, adapt to the needs of their placements, and gain a broader understanding of how culture, environment, occupation, family, and access to healthcare influence individual and community health. The internship also includes a four-day trek through the Annapurna region, offering students the opportunity to experience Nepal’s breathtaking landscapes, mountain culture, and natural beauty up close.

Click here to apply today!

data-content-type=""

Contact Us

Steve Thygerson
4103 LSB
(801) 422-1891
steven.thygerson@byu.edu

PDF

Program Flyer

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage= overrideTextColor= promoTextAlignment= overrideCardHideSection= overrideCardHideByline= overrideCardHideDescription= overridebuttonBgColor= overrideButtonText= promoTextAlignment=

More Information

Pencil and paper BIG-01.svg

Courses

Students will register for 6 credit hours from the following courses while on this program:

HLTH 491R—Mentored Research (3–6 credit hours)
HLTH 496R—Academic Internship (3–6 credit hours)

*Graduate credit for MPH fieldwork is also available.

Students may not take any other courses on this program, including BYU Online courses, without approval by the program director and ISP.
moneystack NAVY BIGsvg-01.svg

Cost

$TBD

Includes Latter-day Saint undergraduate full tuition (increased cost for graduate and non–Latter-day Saint students), housing, excursions, admissions, transportation, four-day Nepali trek, and international health insurance coverage.

Does not include airfare, meals, personal expenses, visa, or immunizations.
Scroll NAVY BIG-01.svg

Funding Sources

Regular BYU tuition scholarships, Pell Grants, and Federal Insured Student Loans may be applied to study abroad programs.

Students who submit the financial aid section of the ISP application and who have a current FAFSA form on file at the Financial Aid Office (3326 WSC) will be considered for a Study Abroad scholarship.

Academic departments and colleges may assist with scholarships and grants.

Private grants and scholarships outside of BYU may also assist (see kennedy.byu.edu/scholarships).
Backpack NAVY-BIG-01.svg

Preparation

Students will be interviewed as part of the selection process for the program. During the interview, applicants will be asked to identify their preferred public health focus area for the internship: Occupational and Environmental Health or Maternal and Child Health. While students will have a designated focus area, all participants will engage in the full range of program activities, including both the brick kiln project and maternal/child health research.

Accepted students are required to participate in an international cross-cultural preparation course (IAS 369R, 1 credit hour). This course will be held during the second block of winter semester 2027. Part-time and non-BYU students will need to pay an additional tuition fee for enrolling in the prep class. Accompanying spouses must be credit-bearing participants on the program; they should apply online and take the preparation course.

Students should plan to be in Nepal for the complete duration of the program and refrain from scheduling late arrivals or early departures.

International study programs are physically, emotionally, and mentally taxing and you must be in good health to participate. These programs often take place in international locations that do not have the same level of safety and services in terms of transportation, living conditions, residential accommodations, food, public behavior, and policing that you may be used to on campus. If you have further questions or concerns on this, please see our travel policy.
House NAVY-BIG-01.svg

Housing

Students will stay in hostels, hotels, and teahouses in various locations in Nepal.
Plane NAVY-BIG-01.svg

Travel

Students are responsible for purchasing their own airfare to and from the program sites. Airline reservations must be made through BYU Travel. Students should contact a BYU Travel agent.

BYU Travel
280 HRCB
(801) 422-6293
travel@byu.edu
Check mark NAVY BIG-01.svg

Application Process

BYU welcomes students from any university to apply to participate on our study abroad programs. However, internships and direct enrollment programs are limited to BYU Provo students.

Students must be 18 years of age or older to participate.

Complete the online application here. A nonrefundable $35 application fee is required; applicants will be interviewed once the application is complete.

Students will be notified via e-mail of their acceptance into the program. The first payment is due upon acceptance; please refer to the Payment Information page.

Priority Deadline: 21 October 2026
Application Deadline: 25 November 2026
Gears NAVY-BIG-01.svg

Program Adjustments

International Study Programs (ISP) reserves the right to cancel this program, revise its offerings, or make any adjustments to the preliminary cost.

If it becomes necessary for ISP to cancel a program, all program payments made to BYU ISP will be refunded to the student’s BYU Financial account.

ISP is the only office authorized to cancel any of its programs.
Faculty NAVY-BIG-01.svg

Faculty

Steve Thygerson is the program director and is a professor in Public Health, focusing on occupational health.

4103 LSB
(801) 422-1891
steven.thygerson@byu.edu
Phone NAVY-BIG-23.svg

Contact Us

International Study Programs
101 HRCB
(801) 422-3686
isp@byu.edu
Book NAVY-BIG-21.svg

ISP Student Handbook

To see the student handbook, click here.
Calendar NAVY-BIG-01.svg

Payment Schedule

To see the payment schedule, click here.