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The School for Field Studies (SFS) Bhutan - Himalayan Environment and Society in Transition (Semester) (Outgoing Program)

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  • Locations: Jakar, Bhutan
  • Program Terms: Fall, Spring
  • Homepage: Click to visit
  • Program Sponsor: The School for Field Studies (SFS) 
Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Spring 2025 11/01/2024 11/08/2024 TBA TBA
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Minimum GPA: 2.85 Major(s): Biology, Business, Economics, Environmental Studies, International Studies: Africa, International Studies: Asia, Religious Studies, Sociology and Anthropology
Housing: University residence hall Language of Instruction: English
Program Description:

SFS BHUTAN: HIMALAYAN ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIETY IN TRANSITION (SEMESTER)

sfs bhutan


PROGRAM DETAILS

  • Terms: Fall, Spring
  • Credits: 18 semester-hour credits
  • Prerequisites: One semester of college-level ecology, biology, or environmental studies/science; 18 years of age
  • Application Deadline: Rolling admissions. Early applications encouraged
  • Financial Aid: All accepted students can apply for need-based scholarships, grants, and loans


OVERVIEW

Explore a corner of the Himalayas where few foreigners ever step foot. Experience Bhutan’s unique culture and diverse ecosystems as you trek through remote villages and high mountain passes. Learn how Buddhist philosophy influences the country’s environmental policies and how the people of Bhutan are addressing the challenge of maintaining biodiversity and traditional rural lifestyles in a time of transition. Gain practical skills in field research and data collection and apply them to an extensive research project.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
  • Embark on a multi-day cultural trek to experience the natural beauty of Bhutan’s countryside and the traditional lifestyles of its people.
  • Visit monasteries and take part in unforgettable tshechus (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.

SFS students live and study at the Center for Himalayan Environment and Development Studies. 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 15-minute walk brings you to the markets, shops, and cultural events of Paro Town.

RESEARCH THEMES

  • Mountain ecology and conservation
  • Climate change
  • Gross National Happiness
  • Forest management
  • River ecosystems
  • Agriculture and urban migration
 

CORE SKILLS

  • GIS and mapping
  • Species identification
  • Camera trapping and mist-netting
  • Biodiversity surveys
  • Research design and implementation
  • Data collection and analysis
  • Research presentation
 

LEARN MORE

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CONNECT WITH SFS

Visit the SFS website
Call the Admissions Hotline at 800.989.4418
Email admissions@fieldstudies.org
Read updates from the field on the SFS Blog
Follow SFS on Instagram and Facebook
Watch student videos on YouTube and Vimeo