SFS-Bhutan: Himalayan Studies

Program Details

Program Location Bumthang District, Bhutan
Sponsor School for Field Studies
Program Type Co-sponsored
Course # SA 35008
Duration Semester
Upcoming Program Dates
Fall 2024 08/31/24 to 12/12/24
Current Program Dates
Spring 2024 01/29/24 to 05/10/24
Page Links
Click here to apply for this program!
Please Note: Programs may be altered or adapted with little notice

Overview

SFS-Bhutan: Himalayan Studies

The School for Field Studies (SFS) new semester program, Himalayan Environment and Society in Transition, gives students a broad exposure to the core areas of environment, culture, development, and governance in Bhutan. Students will apply conceptual, analytical, and technical skills to help address questions related to natural resource-based livelihoods, conservation of biodiversity, and vulnerabilities to disasters.

For more program information, please visit the program website. This program is sponsored by:School for Field Studies.

Eligibility

SFS-Bhutan: Himalayan Studies

The program is open to Purdue students who have completed at least two semesters of university study by the start of the program. Successful candidates will demonstrate academic success, maturity and a desire to experience another culture.

Prerequisites: One semester of college-level ecology or biology is required. Coursework in international development, cultural anthropology, and/or Eastern religions is strongly recommended.

GPA Requirement: 2.8 on a 4.0 scale
Language Requirement: none


Purdue Credit

Direct Credit available from the following: [College of Agriculture] [College of Liberal Arts] [College of Science]
Specifically from: BIOL (SCI) and Liberal Arts majors fulfilling their science requirement

Students interested in completing courses while abroad from Purdue colleges or departments that are not listed above should discuss this with their study abroad advisor before applying to the program.


Academic Program

The Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environment (UWICE) is a government institution that serves as a center for research, policy dialogue, and training in the fields of conservation and environmental sciences. Participants live and study on the UWICE campus, set in the pastoral Chokhor Valley in the central district of Bumthang. The facility is the former palace of Bhutan’s first king, built in traditional Bhutanese architecture with colorful decorations both inside and out. The modern dormitories and cafeteria are just steps away from the Dzong, where classes are held. The UWICE campus offers views of the surrounding valley, the mountains swathed in clouds, and the occasional cattle or ponies grazing in the yard.

Students will spend the colder month of the semester at a rural development training campus set on the edge of Zhemgang town. The campus has a working farm and a set of modern buildings of Swiss-built stone construction. Classrooms overlook the farm and valley.



Housing

Please see the "Academic" section above.

Estimated Program Costs

Students pursuing program participation accept financial responsibility. Purdue will take measures to mitigate financial risks, although will not be liable for loss. 

Students should carefully note what costs need to be paid to Purdue University or to a co-sponsor or agency, and what costs need to be paid at the overseas study location.  This will vary by program.

The program fee includes tuition and all course/program-related field trips and experiences. The housing fee includes accommodations and all meals. 

Costs for this program are estimated and subject to change. The cost figures listed below are for: Fall 2024

Costs per semester to be billed by Purdue and Co-sponsor
Program Fee $21,550.00
Study Abroad Fee $914.10
Housing $7,950.00
Purdue International Insurance (per month) $32.00

Approximate additional costs per semester
To be paid by the student.
Round-trip Airfare $2,000.00
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses $0.00 - $2,800.00
Travel Documents (passport, photos) $175.00

Financial Aid

SFS offers many scholarships and/or 0% interest loans (no FAFSA form required). Please see the SFS website for more details.

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

NOTE:  Recipients of certain tuition remission and scholarship programs 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.


Application Deadlines

For full consideration, students must submit all supporting documents (typically an essay, transcripts, 1-2 recommendations, and copy of passport) before or by the application deadline.  Popular programs fill quickly, often before the deadline. To ensure a place in a program, apply early.

As soon as a student submits an online application, a My Study Abroad account is created. Applicants should consult this page often to check on the status of the application.

Program Application Deadline
Most Fall Semester Programs Mar 1
Most Spring Semester Programs Sep 15



Returnees Information

SFS-Bhutan: Himalayan Studies

Click below to search for Purdue 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 studied in the country you are interested in.


Resources

The websites listed below contain information about this program. The accuracy of information at external sites cannot be guaranteed.


For more information on this program, please contact the Study Abroad Office by phone (765) 494-2383 or email studyabroad@purdue.edu.