AdventureStudies in Nepal andTibet:
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question that you would like to have answered or that would be helpful to the viewers of this page
call Sean Cridland at 970-247-7136 or E-mail: cridland_s@fortlewis.edu

Back to Mainpage

Who can participate in Fort Lewis College Innovative Month courses?

Because our innovative month courses are offered through our extended studies division, anyone who is interested in the topics being taught and is physically capable of the exertion required can participate. College students often take the courses as a way to fulfill a requirement, while graduates and other "civilians" do it for enjoyment and for a chance to meet interesting people and to maintain their learning abilities and their sense of curiosity.

Will there be people like me on the trip?

Over the years we've had college freshman and some non-traditional, older college students on the trip. Age difference don't seem to be a problem. The male/female ratio generally is weighted toward the male side, although in recent years it is much more balanced with more and more women interested in adventure and cultural travels and studies. And, ethnically, we've had several different cultural and racial groups represented. Although some people might be nervous that they'll feel isolated, it seems that having a diverse group of people makes things more interesting. And, while one group may enjoy easier acceptance at home, other cultural and ethnic groups find their experiences easier and fun when traveling.

Will I need to do any special training?

Because the AdventureStudies trips to Nepal and Tibet will require hiking and traveling at hight altitudues, it is best to start your physical preparations months in advance. Participation in hiking, biking, running, swimming and other aerobic sports will make your aclimatization to high altitudes much easier (although not seamless).

Will I need any special equipment?

Although our trekking outfitters in Nepal and Tibet will provide tents for us to sleep in and will cook for us, you will require your own sleeping bag, warm clothes, and other gear to make your travel comfortable in a wide variety of climatic situations. Please consult the gearlist and start outfitting yourself as soon as you decide to participate in the program.

Are there any hidden costs?

You will want to bring enough money for a few meals by yourself, the expenses you incurr while traveling, and any souvenirs that you might want to bring home with you. Also, to have some money for personal items such as the occasional candy bar or coca-cola or other things that you would normally need when you are home is a good practice. We are also now requiring for the first time that students get their own travel/health insurance that will cover international travel. This kind of thing varies in cost depending on the company and coverage you apply for.

What health concerns should I have?

You will be traveling in third world countries where sanitation is not as stringent as it is here in the United States. Therefore you will have to be conscious about the things that you eat, drink, and touch. Some remedies seem to work better for some people than for others. If you have a preferred precaution or remedy, you might want to check with your doctor before you travel. The practice that seems most successful is the maintanence of personal hygene. Be sure to avoid non-treated water when brushing your teeth, wash your hands frequently, and avoid touching animals (even when they are cute). Of course, no one is going to avoid contact with everything, and this kind of travel often includes a bout of the local "revenge," so be as careful as you can.

Do I need Shots?

Some people are more sensitive to shots and to diseases than others. I think it is best to face the facts. There are a whole bunch of nasty diseases floating around the world that are health and life threatening. I get the shots.

Will I need insurance?

Yes! You should check to see if your current insurance covers out-of-country travel. It may do so. However, many insurance companies do NOT cover incidents which occur out of the country. Also, you might want to consider an insurance coverage which covers both health and travel. Some insurances will repay the cost of a trip that was cancelled or one that had to be avoided if you became incapacitated and could not go (for instance: you booked a trip that did not allow for cancellations and then broke your ankle the month before). There are a number of kinds and levels of coverages available. Check our links page for some of the more popular ones, but also do some research on your own. You'll be amazed. Begin by checking out the application checklist page or our Related Links page.

Do you have some questions you would like answered? Feel free to e-mail us at cridland_s@fortlewis.edu