SFS-Bhutan: Himalayan Studies
Program Details
| Program Location |
Bumthang District, Bhutan
|
| Sponsor |
School for Field Studies |
| Program Type |
Co-sponsored |
| Course # |
SA 35008
|
| Duration |
Summer
|
| Upcoming Program Dates |
| Summer 2024 |
06/02/24 to 07/14/24
|
Please Note: Programs may be altered or adapted with little notice
Overview
Program: Forests in the Land of the Thunder Dragon
Explore the rich culture, biodiversity, and dramatic mountain views of the Bhutanese Himalayas. Spend six weeks surveying forests – which cover more than 70% of the landscape, visiting ancient shrines, and studying issues of conservation and development in one of the most fascinating countries in the world.
Trek across forested ridges and remote villages, camping out under the stars and learning about Bhutanese culture and ecosystems firsthand.
This 6-week summer program will start in early June and end in mid July and be a mix of classroom instruction, field study, and research.
For more program information, please visit the
program website.
This program is sponsored by:
School for Field Studies.
Eligibility
The program is open to Purdue students who have completed at least two semesters of university study by the start of the program.
There are no prerequisite, but exposure to principles and practices of ecology, environmental studies, anthropology, or rural development will be helpful to participants and is preferred by SFS. Due to the amount of required hiking at high altitudes, it is recommended that students are physically fit prior to departure.
Successful candidates will demonstrate academic success, maturity, and a desire to experience another culture.
GPA Requirement:
2.6 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
In the Forests in the Land of the Thunder Dragon program, students will take one 4-credit course. This course is participatory in nature and is designed to foster inquiry and active learning combining lectures, field exercises, assignments, and tests. This course is taught in English.
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, quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis, and protected areas assessment.
Major academic themes include:
- Mountain and forest ecology and conservation
- Climate change
- Geology and hydrology of mountain regions
- Community forest management
- Influence of Buddhist philosophy on conservation
- Rural-urban migration
- Agriculture and food security
Excursions
Due to COVID-19, excursions are subject to change.
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
The Center is located at one end of the stunning Paro Valley, at the base of a towering ridgeline dotted with Buddhist monasteries. Campus is a small cluster of buildings designed in the traditional Bhutanese architectural style. A pleasant 10-minute walk brings you to the markets, shops, and cultural events of Paro Town.
- Dorm living with 2-4 bunks per room
- Classroom and dedicated student study spaces
- Kitchen and dining hall, and on-site cooking staff
- Student lounge and ping-pong tables
- Verandas with scenic views of the valley
- Hiking trails and local roads for running
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.
SFS's program and housing fees include: tuition for 4 credits, accommodations, meals, and program related travel and excursions. On-site expenses should be minimal.
Costs for this program are estimated and subject to change. The cost figures listed below are
for: Summer 2024
|
Costs per term to be billed by Purdue
and Co-sponsor
|
| Program Fee |
$8,250.00
|
| Study Abroad Fee |
$609.40 |
| Housing |
$4,000.00 |
| Purdue International Insurance (per month) |
$32.00 |
|
Approximate additional costs per term
|
| To be paid by the student.
|
| Round-trip Airfare |
$2,000.00 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses |
$0.00 -
$2,500.00 |
| Travel Documents (passport, photos) |
$175.00 |
Financial Aid
In order to qualify for financial aid (incl. loans), students need to register for at least six credits during the summer. Students needing to use Purdue financial aid in order to participate in this four-credit summer program will need to enroll in at least two more credits during the summer term at Purdue.
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 Summer Programs |
Mar 1 |
Returnees Information
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.
