Ethnography Research Projects
"Ethnography is the recording and analysis of a culture or society, usually based on participant-observation and resulting in a written account of a people, place or institution" (Simon Coleman and Bob Simpson).
Ethnology and ethnography are both natural sciences. But unlike ethnology that is a theoretical comparative study of cultures based on assumptions, ethnography is a method of study based on proof. Ethnography’s approach involves studying, collecting data, and conducting fieldwork of a group of people and culture, and usually requires to live among the members of the community being studied during a certain period of time. Linguistics is often considered useful to ethnography researches’ success as it enables the researcher to reach a deeper degree of interaction and a far more intimate relationship with a particular cultural group.
The “Ethnography Research Program" is designed for students pursuing a degree in anthropology, ethnology, ethnography, sociology, linguistics, history, journalism or related; however, this program is also open to professional researchers.
Nepal is a small but very rich country in terms of culture, traditions, and ethnolinguistic diversity. It is a real paradise for anthropologists, ethnographers, sociologists and other researchers.
The Nepalese caste system is still thriving in the country and has an important impact on the social and family life, occupations, culture and interactions.
Nepal is a very linguistically diverse country (around 120 different living languages). The major languages are Nepali, Maithili, Bhojpuri, Tharu and Tamang.
Religion occupies an important role in the Nepalese life. The Kathmandu Valley alone has around 2,700 religious shrines. The main religions are Hinduism (around 80%) and Buddhism (around 10%).
Nepal is one of the countries that possess the highest number of public holidays in the world. The Nepali year begins in mid-April. Main annual holidays are Dashain, Tihar and Chhath.
Note: Research programs are made prior to arrival and are based upon your research topic, experience, interests and goals.
Project Life
The “Ethnography Research Program" is designed for students pursuing a degree in ethnography, ethnology, anthropology, sociology, history, journalism or related; however, this program is also open to professional researchers.
Regarding the selection of research topics, the possibilities are endless: the nomadic Rautes, the Kusunda hunting tribe, the Chhaupadi tradition, the indigenous Chepangs, the Sherpas, the Tharus, etc.
As mentioned above, research programs are made prior to arrival and are based upon your research topic, experience, interests and goals.
Orientation
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, our friendly representative will be waiting for you at the airport with a sign displaying your name. He will then drive you to your accommodation in Kathmandu. Once you have arrived, you will have time to relax and settle in before starting your research project.
You will receive up to 6 days of Cultural and Language training from our local coordinators. The duration of the training depends on the duration of your placement. The training period includes basic cultural and language information and a special orientation related to your chosen research topic. Basic information on the education system, gender issues, caste system and recent political changes will be included too. The orientation will be conducted in Kathmandu.
POTENTIAL RESEARCH TOPICS - Raute research program - The Rautes are a nomadic Tibeto-Burman ethnic group in Nepal. Although their tradition forbids them to practice farming, they are known for subsistence hunting of monkeys. The Rautes rarely interact with other local people. They live in forests and jungles in the Far Western region of Nepal. The endangered Raute tribe is the last nomadic group of Nepal. There are only about 130 nomadic Rautes left.
The Sherpas are a Nepalese ethnic group with their own traditions, culture and language. Most of them live in the Everest region. The name ‘Sherpa’ consists of two words: ‘Shar’ and ‘Pa’, meaning ‘people who live in the east’. ‘Losar’, 'Dumje' and 'Mani Rimdu' are their main festivals. Sherpas are well-known for their mountain climbing abilities. - Chepang research program - The Chepangs are an indigenous Tibeto-Burman ethnic group and their population is around 70 000. They worship the tree ‘Chiuri’ as their sacred tree. The dowry system is still important in their community and they often give a ‘Chiuri’ (butter tree) as a dowry. The marginalized Chepangs are one of the most disadvantaged ethnic groups in Nepal. |
Each program is tailor-made and based upon your research topic, interests and goals. Therefore, the price will vary accordingly.
What’s included
- Pre-departure support.
- Airport pick up & drop off.
- Transportation from Kathmandu to the project site(s) and from the project site(s) to Kathmandu.
- Program induction in Kathmandu before starting your research project.
- Specialised orientation related to your chosen research topic.
- Accommodation during your orientation in Kathmandu.
- Accommodation(s) during your research project.
- 3 meals per day during your research project.
- 1 Personal Local Guide and translator during your entire stay.
- 24 hours supervision.
- 24 hours in-country support.
What’s NOT included
- International flights.
- Medical and travel insurances.
- Meals during the orientation in Kathmandu.
- Personal expenditures (bar bills, phone calls, laundry service, …).
- Visa fees & airport taxes.
- Anything else not specified in the ‘what’s included’ section above.
During induction in Kathmandu, you will stay at a hotel (or with a host family) near Thamel area.
During your research project, you will stay with a carefully selected host family (or host families depending on your research topic), giving you the rare opportunity to truly experience life inside a Nepalese community.
All meals will be provided for you by your host family: 3 authentic Nepali meals per day (Breakfasts, Lunches & Dinners).
- Actively working towards a degree in ethnology, ethnography, linguistics, anthropology, sociology, history, journalism or related. This program is also open to professional researchers.
- Assume personal and professional responsibilities for all activities and actions.
- Respect the values and aims of the local communities, be committed and reliable, flexible, patient, open-minded and adaptable to new environments.
- Able to work independently.
- Good interpersonal skills.
- Knowledge in Nepali is a plus.
For this program, please send us your CV, a motivation letter expressing your interest and expectations, a copy of your higher education degree certificate (Professionals) or a proof of enrollment in a degree program (Research Students), a passport size photo and a passport copy.
You must provide your academic details and the topic of your research in your motivation letter.
All research students/ professionals are required to have an adequate travel insurance before joining this program.
