Culturekova Scholars · Winter Break 2026–27

Launch Point: Nepal

Kathmandu · Chitwan · Nagarkot

Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger

Guest-in-Residence

Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger

Retired NASA Astronaut · Mission Specialist, STS-131 · Geologist · Educator

Ten days immersed in Nepali culture, including two alongside a geologist, educator and astronaut who flew a 15-day Space Shuttle mission to the International Space Station. Dottie is not simply a guest lecturer. She becomes part of the group, sharing stories, answering questions, joining meals and taking in the night sky with Culturekova Scholars.

Kathmandu Valley

Scholars connect with Nepali students before stepping into Nepal’s space science community at NAST and the Nepal Astronomical Society. The experience also includes stargazing, sky science, cultural traditions and a climb to the hilltop Monkey Temple.

Chitwan National Park

Fly past the snow-capped Annapurna range before canoe trips and safaris exploring endangered wildlife through camera traps, GPS collars and satellite technology. Scholars also experience an elephant sanctuary and an evening of Tharu culture and dance.

Nagarkot

On a 2,175-meter ridge, Dottie guides scholars through tectonic collisions and folded rock in a hands-on geology experience. Telescope nights and fireside stories round out the mountain experience.

10 Days
8 Scholars Per Session
4:1 Student to Staff
2 UNESCO Sites
1 NASA Astronaut

Choose Your Winter Break Session

Launch Point: Nepal is open to high school students, with only eight scholars accepted per session.

Session A
December 17–27, 2026
Session B
December 28, 2026 – January 7, 2027

$8,000 tuition · Scholarships available

Register by October 15 and save $500 Final registration deadline: November 20, 2026

Travel days are additional. Airfare and travel insurance are not included.

Schedule a Discovery Session View the Full Flyer
Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger in space
Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger in orange suit
Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger professional headshot

Culturekova Scholars (for individual students)

Through experiential Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) focused cultural immersion, Culturekova Scholars unites adventurous individual students from diverse global backgrounds in intimate groups of 6-8 peers to ignite curiosity, broaden worldviews, and transform young minds. Our progressive program empowers students to develop ongoing projects and relationships across multiple years, creating increasingly compelling narratives for top-tier university admissions.

Transform Your University Application Through Authentic Cultural Impact and Innovation

Begin Your Journey

Unlike typical study abroad programs, Culturekova Scholars launches your opportunity for a multi-year journey to create meaningful change while building an exceptional university application narrative. Over three consecutive summers in Nepal, complemented by quarterly development sessions throughout the academic year, you’ll develop, implement, and grow a project that reflects your unique passions and demonstrates real leadership to university admissions offices.

Year One: Discovery and Project Genesis

Immerse yourself in Nepal’s rich culture while discovering opportunities that align with your interests:

  • Form genuine friendships with Nepali students during full-day school immersions – attend classes together, share meals, explore their neighborhoods, and experience daily life in their homes. These authentic connections often become the foundation for meaningful project collaborations.
  • Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites including ancient temples and traditional markets
  • Witness wildlife conservation in action at Chitwan National Park
  • Connect with local communities, from monasteries to villages
  • Begin identifying areas where your passions could create lasting impact

What Makes Your Experience Unique:

  • Small group size (6-8 students) ensures individual mentorship
  • Freedom to develop a project that reflects your personal interests
  • Real relationships with Nepali peers that deepen year after year
  • Quarterly check-ins to share progress and receive guidance
  • Opportunity to establish and manage your own non-profit organization
  • Three years of demonstrated commitment and impact for your university applications

Sample Projects Scholars Might Develop:

  • Designing and implementing solar-powered study lighting solutions
  • Creating practical engineering programs using locally available materials
  • Developing peer-to-peer mental health support networks
  • Building English language conversation exchange platforms
  • Establishing STEM equipment exchange programs between schools
  • Creating female hygiene education and supply distribution networks
  • Developing cultural storytelling archives through digital documentation
  • Creating student-run responsible tourism initiatives
  • Establishing mobile libraries for remote communities
  • Developing art programs that bridge cultural traditions

Year-Round Development:

  • Quarterly virtual meetings to present project progress
  • Collaboration opportunities with other Culturekova Scholars
  • Mentorship in non-profit establishment and manageme
  • Development of professional presentation and pitching skills
  • Guidance in project documentation and impact measurement


The Journey Continues:

Each subsequent summer deepens your connection to Nepal while expanding your project’s scope and impact. This comprehensive experience helps you stand out in university applications by demonstrating:

  • Authentic leadership and entrepreneurial initiative
  • Cultural competence and global awareness
  • Project management and business development skills
  • Sustained commitment to creating measurable impact
  • Professional presentation and communication abilities

This isn’t just a trip – it’s the beginning of your journey to create real impact while building an exceptional university application narrative through hands-on experience in project development, non-profit management, and cultural exchange.

Culturekova Academic (for school groups)

During the academic year, Culturekova Academic designs immersive educational journeys for prestigious academic institutions, tailoring each experience to your school’s unique focus and curriculum. Whether exploring environmental conservation, diving into artistic traditions, or engaging with sustainability initiatives, we create transformative group experiences that extend learning beyond classroom walls. Our programs adapt seamlessly to your student numbers and academic objectives, enabling meaningful cultural exchange while advancing your school’s educational mission.

Let’s travel

Upcoming Dates

Students

  • Culturekova Scholars Winter Break Session 1: December 17 – Sunday, December 27, 2026
    A guest-in-residence experience with a NASA veteran
  • Culturekova Scholars Winter Break Session 2: December 28, 2026 – January 7, 2027
    A guest-in-residence experience with a NASA veteran
  • Culturekova Scholars: June 7 – June 20, 2027
  • Culturekova Scholars: June 24 – July 7, 2027
  • Culturekova Scholars: July 11 – July 24, 2027
  • Culturekova Scholars: July 28 – August 10, 2027
  • Culturekova Scholars: August 14 – August 27, 2027
Book Your Discovery Session

Itinerary Highlights

Discover the rich tapestry of Nepal’s cultural heritage, where ancient traditions meet vibrant city life.

  • Experience the serenity of Shechen Monastery on a guided tour led by a resident monk, exploring its exceptional Tibetan architecture and rich traditions
  • Step into the daily life of a Nepali teenager – from joining morning classes and sharing lunch with new friends, to wandering neighborhood streets after school and experiencing family dinner in their homes
  • Ascend to the iconic Swayambhunath Temple, also known as the “Monkey Temple,” offering panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley
  • Witness centuries-old Hindu traditions at the sacred Pashupatinath Temple along the banks of the Bagmati River
  • Immerse yourself in Asan, Kathmandu’s oldest marketplace, where medieval architecture frames a sensory journey of aromatic spices, vibrant textiles, and centuries-old trading traditions
  • Experience the medieval splendor of Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore Nepal’s artistic heritage in its renowned museum
  • Receive blessings during a unique audience with Kumari, a living goddess chosen at age three or four from the Newari community
  • Master the art of Nepali cuisine in an authentic cooking class with local experts

Take a scenic flight past the majestic Annapurna mountain range to reach the subtropical forests of Chitwan National Park.

  • Experience authentic village life with your Nepali peers in Sauraha – attend local schools, share stories during community walks, and join families for traditional dinners in their homes
  • Shadow a large animal veterinarian to learn about wildlife care and conservation
  • Glide down the serene Rapti River by traditional canoe, watching for wildlife along the banks
  • Embark on an exciting jeep safari through the park’s diverse ecosystems, searching for elephants, endangered one-horned rhinos, and marsh crocodiles
  • Visit the Elephant Breeding Center to learn about conservation efforts
  • Learn about elephant rescue efforts and ethical wildlife tourism at the Elephant Sanctuary
  • Experience the vibrant local culture at the Tharu Culture Center, where you’ll be invited to join the dancers on stage for an unforgettable cultural performance

Return via another spectacular mountain flight past the Annapurna range.

  • Pitch your project ideas to peers and mentors, developing essential business and leadership skills
  • Practice professional presentation techniques while receiving supportive feedback
  • Experience thrilling adventure activities, including zip-lining, gondola rides, sky cycling, sky
    walking, and 360-degree cycling
  • Visit the sacred Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple
  • Unwind in the infinity pool and jacuzzi while taking in sweeping mountain views – on clear days, you can see all the way to Mount Everest