1. Introduction & Context
Nepal’s diverse landscape and rapidly evolving economy create both opportunities and challenges for local communities. In many rural regions, limited infrastructure and access to services continue to affect daily life, while natural hazards such as floods, landslides, and earthquakes add further pressure. At the same time, young people often leave rural areas in search of opportunities elsewhere. Engineers Without Borders Nepal (EWB Nepal), a volunteer-led organization founded in 2022, works to address such challenges by bringing together engineering, innovation, and community collaboration. Building on exchanges between IngOG+ and EWB Nepal that began in 2022, the two organizations launched the Immersive Study Tour – Nepal as a first joint initiative. The program aimed to encourage global exchange and create a shared understanding of local realities.
2. Project Goal
The Immersive Study Tour aimed to bring together young professionals and students from Switzerland and Nepal to learn from one another and engage directly with local communities. Through visits and discussions in Nilkantha Municipality, Dhading, participants explored social, environmental, and infrastructural challenges faced by rural communities. Beyond technical knowledge, the program encouraged participants to listen, observe, and learn from the experiences of local people, recognizing that sustainable solutions grow from collaboration and understanding. The initiative also sought to strengthen the partnership between IngOG+ and EWB Nepal while exploring possibilities for future projects that support community-driven development.
3. Approach & Technical Solution
The 8-day program (20–27 April 2025) combined workshops, field visits, and close engagement with the local community. It began in Kathmandu with an opening ceremony and interactive workshops on topics such as design thinking, WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene), and sustainable development.
Participants then travelled to Ward 8 of Nilkantha Municipality, Dhading, where the learning continued through direct interaction with local organizations, schools, and community members. During their stay in the village, participants were welcomed into the homes of local host families, living together with their Nepali buddies. This experience allowed for genuine cultural exchange and provided insight into daily life, traditions, and community perspectives. Field visits included Kankali Basic School, local farms, community water infrastructure, and the Swabalambi School for Deaf Children, as well as conversations with local NGOs such as Eternal Hope Nepal.
4. Lessons Learnt & Impact
The immersive format created meaningful connections between participants from Nepal and Switzerland while strengthening the collaboration between IngOG+ and EWB Nepal. Living with host families and spending time with local stakeholders allowed participants to experience the realities of rural life and to better understand the social dimensions of development work. Conversations with teachers, farmers, community leaders, and local organizations highlighted both the resilience and dedication within the community, as well as ongoing challenges related to education, infrastructure maintenance, and limited financial resources. The study tour demonstrated the value of learning through listening, sharing experiences, and building relationships. It also helped identify areas where future initiatives could support local efforts. Building on the positive feedback from participants and partners, IngOG+ and EWB Nepal plan to organize a second Immersive Study Tour in 2026.
