Alumni Spotlight: Nepal
My name is Hitendra Jha, and I am from Nepal. I am a proud alum of the Global UGRAD Program, having studied in the United States during the fall 2022 semester. My journey as an exchange student at West Virginia University (WVU) was a turning point in my academic and personal life. I’ve always been an “outdoors” person; I’m passionate about nature and wildlife and have a background in wildlife conservation. After completing my bachelor’s degree in Forestry, I am now pursuing a master’s degree in Natural Resources Management, with an emphasis on Parks, Recreation, Sports, and Tourism Management at the University of Missouri – Columbia, popularly known as “Mizzou.”
You might wonder how all of this connects back to my Global UGRAD experience. The answer is: in every possible way. Nepal is rich in both natural and cultural heritage, offering immense potential for tourism. Through Global UGRAD, I witnessed firsthand how the United States manages its natural resources, emphasizing the importance of parks, recreation, and sustainable tourism. I had the opportunity to study ecotourism models from around the world, which broadened my understanding of the field and deepened my appreciation for Nepal’s own unique assets. During my exchange semester, I also had the privilege of meeting Dr. Jinyang Deng at WVU, who has since become a key mentor and significantly influenced my passion for the tourism industry. The End of Program Workshop in Washington, D.C. was particularly inspiring. Meeting participants from over 50 nations, all driven to make a positive impact in the world, reminded me that a passion for nature knows no boundaries, geographical or cultural.
The Global UGRAD Program didn’t just offer academic opportunities, it also provided life-changing experiences. I saw the ocean for the first time and experienced my first snowfall in the same week. The program helped me grow both professionally and personally, boosting my confidence and expanding my network.
After returning to Nepal, I completed my undergraduate studies and worked in the field of wildlife conservation. I co-founded WILDCARE Nepal, an organization focused on promoting and conserving wildlife and nature through research, community engagement, and public awareness. I also collaborated with HASERA Permaculture Learning Center to promote agritourism and sustainable practices. If you ever visit Nepal (and I truly believe everyone should!), I highly recommend visiting HASERA to experience the authenticity of Nepalese hospitality and learn about sustainable farming.
None of this would have been possible without the platform Global UGRAD provided. Today, as a teaching assistant and graduate student, I look forward to continuing my education and research, while sharing Nepal’s natural and cultural beauty with the world. My dream is to evolve from a “cool” teaching assistant to a “cool” professor—continuing to inspire others just as I was once inspired.
I am forever grateful to Global UGRAD for shaping the course of my journey.