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 Eastern Himalayan Forests and Rural Livelihoods, EE (NS) 358
Many eastern classics and books of wisdom have referred to Bhutan as the abode of the gods and home to immortals, and traditional Bhutanese culture is still richly intact and permeates all strands of modern day secular life.
Bhutan is nestled in the remote and rugged eastern Himalayan region, an area characterized by extensive and numerous mountains and valleys, the world’s highest peaks and a diversity of vegetation types. 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 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, and balancing economic growth and collective happiness.
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 governments and communities. Since the majority of Bhutanese reside in rural areas, sustainable management of natural resources is critical for achieving the dual goals of poverty alleviation and biodiversity conservation.
Course Content
Students will travel across Bhutan learning about Bhutanese culture, environmental issues, and rural development. Trekking across valleys and ridges and through villages students will gain an intimate knowledge of the local environments and rural livelihoods, and conduct research on Bhutan’s priority environmental concerns and conservation strategies.
Research Focus
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 forestry, human-wildlife conflict, and watershed assessment.
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Program Details
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Credits |
6 environmental studies credits |
| Dates |
6-week summer session (40 days) with 60-80 contact hours of instruction and research, combined: Exact dates TBD |
| Location/Base |
Bumthang District, Bhutan |
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Program Tuition and Fees |
Total Cost: TBD
Tuition: TBD
Program Fees: TBD (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 |
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Field Expeditions
& Community Involvement |
• Observe 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.
• High Elevation Rhododendron conservation area at 4000m. |
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Read Program Manual
Read Field Preparation Guide |
Language of Instruction
English
Application Deadline
February 1, 2011
Housing
An international research and training center in the former king's palace.
Courses
Summer students are registered in one academic course accredited through Boston University:
EE (NS) Eastern Himalayan Forests and Rural Livelihoods
Bhutan FAQ, Safety, and Helpful Links
Apply Now
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