Countdown to Adventure: 30 Days Until Our Himalayan Trek Begins!

Greetings to all the enthusiastic members of the Montana State University community, as well as friends and family members of the participants! With the anticipation building up like a crescendo, we stand at the cusp of an exciting journey - just one month away from the commencement of our remarkable scientific field study in the breathtaking Himalayas. It's time to delve into the final preparations, share our excitement, and unveil the connections that tie us to Nepal.

Bringing Together a Community of Explorers

In the spirit of anticipation, participants from diverse corners of the world have converged to discuss the intricacies of our upcoming expedition several times over Zoom in the past year. The gatherings served as a platform to familiarize ourselves with essential details, ranging from visa procedures to our route, the support we'll extend to local schools, and the deep-rooted connection between MSU and Nepal.

To provide a glimpse into the profound ties between our institution and the region, we're excited to share a couple of videos that reflect our journey's significance:

"The history is in the mud" - A National Geographic resource highlighting MSU's involvement in the Gokyo valley. Watch here

"Expedition Everest" - A captivating documentary available on Disney Plus, chronicling the Everest expedition, featuring biologists, glaciologists, and meteorologists who installed a weather station on the summit. Watch here

Lessons Taking Shape

As I collaborate with our participants, and ChatGPT, to create these engaging blog posts, our participants are busy crafting lessons that bridge our trekking adventure with classroom learning:

Tom: Exploring the realm of outdoor learning

Amber: Diving into biometric instrumentation

Jonathan: Unraveling altitude phenomenon

Donna: Navigating the world of ethnobotany

Vince: Embarking on a geological exploration

Kim M: Unpacking physiological changes through a compelling case study

These lessons will serve as a testament to the rich educational experience our journey promises to offer.

Training and Preparations

The journey ahead demands both physical endurance and mental resilience, and our participants are embracing these challenges head-on:

John Graves, our leader, conquered Mt. Blackmore and pushed through a post-COVID hike with determination.

Amber Lloyd's dedication shines as she shared her fitness journey, fueled by gym sessions and a summer filled with rewarding hikes. She also shared a video to show what it looks like above the clouds. Watch Here.

Vince Lorenz may not have elevation on his side but his race walking endurance and determination are his allies.

Donna Tully's Teton adventures, spanning 10 to 20-mile treks, are preparing her for the wonders of Nepal.

Last, myself, from Seoul, South Korea, I'm gearing up for the trek with cross-country coaching and trail runs. No photos from me yet, but soon enough! 

A Month of Anticipation

As we stand on the precipice of this incredible adventure, our excitement is palpable. The countdown begins, and we invite you to journey with us. Keep an eye on this space as we share our experiences, challenges, triumphs, and most importantly, our learnings. Our expedition is not just a journey of discovery; it's a testament to the joy of lifelong learning and the bonds we forge through shared experiences.

Stay tuned as we take you along on our Himalayan adventure, and join us in embracing the anticipation of the incredible journey that awaits us just a month from now! 

Get Ready for an Unforgettable Journey: MSSE's Himalayan Field Course, Almost a Month Away!

The anticipation is building as we eagerly await the start of an incredible scientific field study amidst the awe-inspiring Himalayas. In just a month, the Master of Science in Science Education (MSSE) Program will embark on a transformative adventure, and we're excited to share this extraordinary opportunity with the vibrant community at Montana State University. Join us as we prepare to embark on the Nepal Educational Connection course and follow along with our journey through the majestic Himalayan landscapes.

Almost a Month to Go: The Countdown Begins

With only a month and some days remaining, the excitement is palpable among the participants who have already been selected to be part of this remarkable journey. From October 1 to 12, 2023, a group of dedicated learners, including both MSSE students and Certificate participants, will come together to experience the wonders of Nepali School Visitation & Science in the Himalayas.

Meet the Adventurers

Led by the experienced Trip Leader, Dr. John Graves, and Co-Leader, Holly Thompson, this diverse group of explorers is gearing up to immerse themselves in the educational and scientific marvels that await in Nepal. Each participant brings their unique perspective and passion for immersive learning.

A Sneak Peek into the Adventure

As we eagerly await our departure, let's take a glimpse at what lies ahead during our expedition:

Educational Insights: Engage with local schools, experiencing firsthand the Nepali educational system, and fostering cross-cultural connections.

Science Amidst Nature: Through hands-on experiments and studies set against the backdrop of the Himalayas, we'll deepen our understanding of scientific concepts.

Cultural Exploration: Engage in discussions about the region's culture, energy infrastructure, and more, gaining insights into the intricate connections between societies and their environments.

Holistic Learning: Immerse ourselves in interdisciplinary discussions covering geology, biology, physics, engineering, sociology, and education, providing a well-rounded perspective of the region.

Stay Connected as the Journey Unfolds

While our adventure is just around the corner, our commitment to sharing this remarkable experience with you is unwavering. Keep an eye on our social media channels and the university's platforms for updates, photos, and insights from the journey. Join us in celebrating education, exploration, and the beauty of the Himalayas.

While the participant list for this particular expedition has been finalized, the spirit of community and learning extends to the entire Montana State University family. As we count down the days, get ready to follow along, engage with our updates, and share in the excitement of our upcoming Himalayan adventure. Together, let's journey through education, discovery, and the breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas.