SFS-Bhutan: Eastern Himalayan Forests & Rural Livelihoods

If students complete courses while abroad from Purdue colleges that have not approved the program, they might be able to earn transfer credit for those courses. Students interested in pursuing transfer credit should discuss this with both their academic advisor and their study abroad advisor before applying to the program.

The program is open to Purdue students who have completed at least two semesters of university study by the start of the program and must have taken:

• one natural science course (general ecology, environmental science, resource management/forestry, or conservation biology)
• one social science course related to anthropology, development, or environmental studies

Successful candidates will demonstrate academic success, maturity, and a desire to experience another culture.

Due to the amount of required hiking at high altitudes, students will need to be somewhat physically fit in order to participate.

Summer students take one six-credit course, Eastern Himalayan Forests and Rural Livelihoods.

SFS is partnering with the Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environment, an international research and training facility in Bhutan. SFS students and faculty will help the Institute advance its research agenda in several priority areas, including community and private forest management, the role of non-timber forest products in rural livelihood, human-wildlife conflict in agricultural areas, and pollution of fields and waterways.

• Multi-day expeditions to neighboring valleys, national parks, and along established eco-trails.
• Day hikes and multi-day treks to 4000m.
• Field visits to community forestry projects and agricultural areas.

Students should carefully note what costs need to be paid to Purdue University or to an outside agency and what costs need to be paid after arrival at the overseas study location.  This will vary by program.

Costs for this program are estimated and subject to change. The cost figures listed below are for: Summer 2010

Purdue University financial aid may be applied to the costs of studying abroad. Students interested in receiving financial aid should

• direct financial aid inquiries to the Division of Financial Aid on the West Lafayette campus; 
• consult the brochure entitled, Financial Aid and Study Abroad -- Purdue University Guidelines;
• complete and submit the FAFSA by the appropriate deadline.

NOTE:  Recipients of certain tuition remission and scholarship programs (those funded by the State of Indiana such as Indiana Top Scholars) should pay careful attention to the regulations for using those benefits for study abroad.  Ask your financial aid advisor about any limitations.

Click here for a list of scholarships and grants available to assist with the costs of studying overseas.

For full consideration, students must submit all supporting documents by the dates below.  Popular programs fill quickly, often before the deadline.  To insure a place in a program, apply as early.

As soon as a student submits an on-line application, a My Study Abroad account is created.  Consult the My Study Abroad page for the specific list of requirements for the chosen program since those can differ slightly from program to program.  Applicants may also check on the status of their applications.

After a student is approved for a program, s/he will receive additional information regarding any necessary supplemental paperwork, including any program-specific applications, and confirmation deposits.

Please note the earlier than usual application deadline! Due to the competitive application process and travel restrictions to Bhutan, students are encouraged to complete their application ASAP.

Purdue students who have come back to campus after participating in an overseas program are an excellent source of information. Click below to search for students who have participated in this program and are willing to be contacted.  If you get no results, you can use the search form to find people who went to the country you are interested in.

The websites listed below contain information of relevence to this program. Purdue Study Abroad is not responsible for the information at sites not maintained by Purdue; the accuracy of information at external sites cannot be guaranteed.

• Program Sponsor's Home Page: School for Field Studies
• Program Website
• Search Google(tm)*
• Department of State Consular Information
  (You must find Bhutan in list)
• CDC Travel Information (You must find Bhutan in list)