Environmental Challenges
Many eastern classics and books of wisdom have referred to Bhutan as the abode of the gods and home to immortals. Nestled in the remote and rugged mountains of the eastern Himalayas, the culture and the traditional lifestyle of Bhutan is still richly intact and permeates all strands of modern day secular life.

The eastern Himalayan region is characterized by extensive and numerous mountains and valleys, hosting the world’s highest peaks and a diversity of vegetation types ranging from subtropical broadleaf forests through subalpine conifer and alpine shrub and meadows. The country has also been identified as one of the ten biodiversity hot spots in the world. Bhutan is home to an estimated 770 species of birds and an astonishing variety of medicinal plants and orchids. Takin, snow leopard, golden langur, blue sheep, tiger, water buffalo, and elephant are among Bhutan’s diverse wildlife.

In Bhutan, progress is not purely defined by economic achievements as in most countries, but also based on the level of cultural and environmental preservation and development. In the Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan, people have developed rich cultural traditions and social and political institutions that reflect Buddhist principles of The Middle Path, integrating people and nature, traditional knowledge and Western science. Sustainable management of natural resources, including soil, water, species and minerals, is critical for this country whose economy is largely based on these resources.

Research Focus
In early 2008, Bhutan’s government shifted from a monarchy to a constitutional democracy, opening the door for devolution of authority over natural resources to regional offices and communities. Since the majority of the population resides in rural areas, sustainable management of natural resources is critical for achieving the dual goals of poverty alleviation and biodiversity conservation in this country where limited transportation routes and communication lines reduce access to markets. SFS is partnering with the Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environment, an international research and training facility in Bhutan. SFS students and faculty will help the Institute advance its research agenda in several priority areas, including community and private forest management, the role of non-timber forest products in rural livelihood, human-wildlife conflict in agricultural areas, and pollution of fields and waterways.

Program Details

Credits	6 environmental studies credits
Dates	6-week summer session (40 days) with 60-80 contact hours of instruction and research, combined: early June - mid July (exact dates to be determined).
Location/Base	Bumthang District, Bhutan
Program Tuition and Fees	Total Cost: $8,200 Tuition: $4230 Program Fees: $3970 (includes all room, board, local travel. Fee excludes airfare).
Prerequisites	College Undergraduates must have taken at least one of the following natural science courses: general ecology, environmental science, resource management (or forestry), conservation biology; and one social science course related to anthropology, development, or environmental studies.
Financial Aid	Thanks to the generous support of a privte donor, students may receive up to $3,000 in need-based financial aid for this program. Visit our financial aid section for more information
Field Expeditions & Community Involvement	• Drive through four major vegetation zones on the journey from the capital city to the field station. • Field visits to community forestry projects and agricultural areas. • Multi-day expeditions to neighboring valleys, national parks, and along established eco-trails. • Day hikes and multi-day treks to 4000m.
	Read Program Manual Read Field Preparation Guide

Language of Instruction
English

Application Deadline
February 1, 2010 - extended deadline

Housing
An international research and training center in the former king's palace.