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SFS Himalayan Studies

Countless vibrant flags are waving in the wind near the mountains. They are somewhat worn down.

Bhutan, Paro

Limited Capacity Program: This program can accept a limited number of students each term, and in the past, we have received more qualified applicants than available spots. Review and admission of applicants occurs on a rolling basis, and you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. You may only have one open application per term, but should have an alternate program in mind in the event that you are not accepted to this program.

Offered through the School for Field Studies (SFS), the SFS Himalayan Studies semester and summer programs are approved UW affiliate programs.

SFS programs in Bhutan take place in the country’s mountains, valleys, rivers, forests, protected areas, and cultural sites. Courses and fieldwork focus on key environmental issues such as natural resource and water management, climate change, and sustainable livelihoods. As the country begins to urbanize, and with the looming threat of a rapidly changing climate, Bhutan is at a crossroads. In keeping with the tenets of Gross National Happiness, the people of Bhutan must balance preserving biodiversity with securing their economic futures. SFS works in partnership with the Bhutanese government and the Bhutan Ecological Society to provide much-needed data that informs sustainable conservation and development policies and climate adaptation strategies.

You will be working closely with both IAP and SFS on this program. You can access the program's main information page through the SFS website to learn more about the academics, housing, excursions and activities, and location.

 

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

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Eligibility

  • 2.8 cumulative GPA for semester programs; 2.6 cumulative GPA for summer programs

  • Previous college-level ecology, biology, earth science, or environmental studies course required for semester programs.

  • Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior
  • Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing
  • At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

Provider

Subjects

Anthropology, Ecology, Environmental Studies, Forestry, Global Health, Natural Resources Management, Rural Development, Wildlife Ecology, Zoology

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Field Research Station

Program Duration

Fall: Late August - Early December

Spring: Mid-February - Late May

Summer I: Early June - Mid-July

Application Deadline(s)

Summer 2026 - [Session I: Forests in the Land of the Thunder Dragon] 2/20/2026 Cost Details
Fall 2026-27 2/20/2026 Cost Details
Spring 2026-27 9/18/2026 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

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For specific details on the courses and academic structure of the program, visit the SFS program pages:

SFS Bhutan Semester: Himalayan Environment and Society in Transition
SFS Bhutan Summer I: Forests in the Land of the Thunder Dragon

SFS research at this center focuses on the following themes:

  • Mountain and forest ecology and conservation
  • Gross National Happiness and the influence of Buddhist philosophy on conservation
  • Climate change
  • Geology and hydrology of mountain regions
  • Forest and natural resource management
  • Environmental governance
  • Urban migration and development
  • Agriculture & food security

View SFS' list of recent directed research projects per program site.

Below you will find the course equivalents listing for the program.

Affiliate Institution(s)

School for Field Studies

Program Web Pages

SFS Bhutan Programs

Foreign Courses

SFS Bhutan Semester Courses SFS Bhutan Summer 1 Course

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents