Mongolia: Nomadic Culture and Globalization

  Mongolia

Ulaanbaatar

Term: Fall, Spring 
Dates: August-December/February-June

Description: Mongolia is both protected and restricted by its dramatic physical environment, which includes the Gobi Desert as well as vast mountain and forest steppes. Landlocked between Siberia and northern China, much of this rugged nation remains largely isolated from global development efforts. Its essentially nomadic population continues to practice pastoralism, living in traditional ger, or felt tents, and moving constantly over an area twice the size of Texas.

In the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, home of the Academy of Sciences and local universities, you study strategies for development and efforts to balance open-door policies with those that focus on nationalism and the protection of indigenous cultural traditions. Field excursions to Mongolia's vast interior, including a homestay in a nomadic camp, give you a firsthand appreciation of the endangered way of life that many Mongolians are striving to protect. You can also view the country's transition from a centrally planned economy to a free-market system.

Highlights: Three weeks homestay in Ulaanbaatar, plus two weeks in a nomad camp. The program includes lecture visits to historical and cultural sites, including a two-to-three-week study trip to Hentii, the birthplace of Chingis Khan, and a shorter excursion to the Kharakhorum region, the ancient capital of many nomad empires.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: contact sponsor

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Mongolia Independently or in Groups

Scholarships are Available.

Application Process Involves:

• Essay
• Letters of Reference
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network

SIT Study Abroad's Mission Statement: SIT Study Abroad is the accredited higher education institution of World Learning, a private, nonprofit international organization promoting international and intercultural understanding, social justice, and economic development through education, training, and field projects around the globe. SIT prepares students to be interculturally effective leaders, professionals, and citizens through SIT Study Abroad, undergraduate, field-based academic programs operating in more than 50 countries worldwide, and thorough short-term professional training and graduate degrees in language teaching, conflict transformation, international education, social justice in intercultural relations, management, and sustainable development.

Year Founded: 1932