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
Spring 2025 01/25/25 to 05/09/25
Current Program Dates
Fall 2024 08/31/24 to 12/12/24
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

 This program fills quickly, often before the application deadline. Students wanting to participate in this program are strongly encouraged to complete the application early

Venture to a mountain kingdom where change is on the horizon. Few foreigners ever set foot in Bhutan’s small villages and stunning Buddhist monasteries – not until 1974 did the country open its borders to tourism. 

Based in Paro, you’ll explore the challenges of protecting biodiversity and maintaining traditional rural lifestyles in this time of transition. Study conservation and environmental issues firsthand against a backdrop of vibrant culture and Buddhist philosophy. Learn more about the famed principles of Gross National Happiness, gain an in-depth knowledge of local ecosystems, and wrap up the semester with an extensive field research project. Students meet SFS staff in Bangkok two days before the program start to explore the city and to ensure travel to Bhutan on the same flight.

The School for Field Studies (SFS) 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.

  • Embark on a multi-day cultural trek through remote villages and high mountain passes to experience the natural beauty of Bhutan's countryside and the traditional lifestyles of its people.
  • Visit monasteries, such as the famed Tiger's Nest, and take part in unforgettable tsechus (festivals) to learn more about Buddhism and Bhutanese culture.
  • Explore Bhutan's diverse range of biomes through trips to Himalayan ridges, the subtropical Punakha and Chukha Valleys, and the alpine meadows of Phobjikha.
  • Debate and reflect on the complex and philosophical intersections of nature, development, livelihoods, religion, and happiness.
  • Conduct a comprehensive field research project: Develop a research question, collect and analyze data, write a paper, and present your findings.
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

This academically rigorous program follows a six-day/week schedule. Each program combines theory learned during classroom sessions with field-based applications. The interdisciplinary curriculum is designed to help students actively discover and understand the complexities of environmental, social, and economic issues in Bhutan.

You will take three 4-credit disciplinary courses, one 2-credit religion and culture course, and a 4-credit capstone Directed Research course. Courses are participatory in nature and are designed to foster inquiry and active learning. Each course combines lectures, field exercises, assignments, tests, and research. All courses are taught in English.
 
This is a field studies program which requires active field study. You will gain practical skills in the field such as: GIS and mapping, species identification and distribution mapping, forest and biodiversity surveys, camera trapping and mist netting, protected areas assessment, quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, research design and implementation, and research presentation.

Excursions

You will visit different ecosystems and communities which may include mountain ecosystems, subalpine conifer forests, alpine meadows, rural villages and small towns, subtropical broadleaf forests, high-altitude mountain passes, monasteries and sacred sites, and agricultural communities.

Housing

You will live at the SFS field center, and housing is included in the program. The field center is located in a former hotel nearby the quiet town of Paro. Rooms house 2-3 students in twin beds, and have an en-suite bathroom with a shower and western-style toilet. Meals are also provided on campus for students.

The center also includes a common room with a TV, books and games, classrooms, a kitchen, dining area, terrace, washing machines, and activities such as ping pong, volleyball and badminton.


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: Spring 2025

Costs per semester to be billed by Purdue and Co-sponsor
Program Fee $22,000.00
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.

This program tends to fill quickly. Students should apply earlier than our stated deadline.
Program Application Deadline
Fall Semester Programs Mar 1
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.