summer session I

Bhutan

Forests in the Land of the Thunder Dragon

At A Glance

04 Weeks | 04 Credits
Summer 2021

Jun 7 - Jul 7

Open

Prerequisites

None

Sample Itinerary
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Forests in the Land of the Thunder Dragon

Paro Valley

SUMMER 2021 PROGRAM UPDATE: Due to the ongoing pandemic, the program itinerary and details that you find outlined on this page may shift to accommodate enhanced safety measures, park closures, and thoughtful community interaction. This may include but is not limited to the field sites visited, guest lectures, community visits, and other program activities. We will communicate pre-program changes with students and are available to answer any specific questions regarding this program. You can read more about how SFS is addressing COVID-19 on our programs here.

 
Explore the rich culture, biodiversity, and dramatic mountain views of the Bhutanese Himalayas. Spend four 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

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‌Academics

This academically rigorous program follows a six-day/week schedule. The interdisciplinary curriculum is designed to help students actively discover and understand the complexities of environmental, social, and economic issues in Bhutan. Read more about the SFS program model.

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

Courses

In the Forests in the Land of the Thunder Dragon program, you 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.

Click on each course to view a description and download the syllabus

SFS 3181 Himalayan Forests and Gross National Happiness 4 credits

Core Skills

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.

Field Sites

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.

Resources

A Summer with SFS!

Take back-to-back summer sessions and get the hands-on learning and skill-building experiences of an internship, while also going off the beaten path and exploring the world. Each summer session focuses on a different topic, and you’ll have time to travel independently between sessions. Receive a $1,000 discount on your second session (effective for Summer 2020).

RECOMMENDED PROGRAM COMBO
Big Cats of the Himalayas: Tracking and Conservation (Bhutan Summer II)

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All program components are subject to change.

‌Where You'll Be Living

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

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