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Study Abroad Programs in Mongolia

Once a great empire founded in the footsteps of Genghis Khan, Mongolia has been a formidable force in Central Asia ever since its unification nearly a millennium ago. Though its days as a powerful empire are long behind it, Mongolians today take pride in their complex history and shared cultural heritage. Embarking to study abroad in Mongolia will be an educative adventure amidst a rich nomadic culture in one of the planet’s most beautiful landscapes imaginable.

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4 Study Abroad Programs in Mongolia

Round River Conservation Studies
9.56 reviews

Round River Conservation Studies

Mongolia Conservation Program

Round River Conservation Studies' Mongolia Conservation Program p...

Project Dragonfly, Miami University
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Project Dragonfly, Miami University

Earth Expeditions (EE) Study Abroad Courses

Earth Expeditions (EE) are Miami University study abroad courses ...

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Western Washington University
00 reviews

Western Washington University

Western Washington University: Study Abroad in Mongolia!

Immerse yourself in Mongolia's rich traditions and landscapes thr...

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Latest Program Reviews

A powerful group experience doing meaningful science in the wilderness

by: Noah Savage - United StatesProgram: Mongolia Conservation Program
9

This program has to be one of the most unique and transformative study abroad programs out there. On this program, you will spend several months in a remote valley in Northern Mongolia, a ten hour drive on a dirt track away from the nearest plumbing or pavement. Out there, you will work closely with locals on various conservation research projects within the national parks in the area. This program foregrounds the experiential, and you will spend most of your days in the field. While the academics could be a little more rigorous, we asked fascinating questions like how best to manage land for conservation, how to understand the relationship between people and nature, and what we even mean by "nature." In the field work and academics, Round River stands out for their respect and conscientiousness for how to ethically do science as outsiders. They focus on how to help indigenous communities manage their land and constantly self-examine the sociopolitical implications of their presence. In turn, the science we do is hugely important and meaningful to the locals. My research felt so meaningful and appreciated, and I could see a clear cause my work would contribute to. My favorite component had to be the group dynamic the program allowed me to build. Since you live with 7 other students and 3 instructors in close quarters for the entire program, I had the chance to build incredible, loving bonds that made for endless inside jokes and a hugely supportive environment. This program is nothing like partying in Barcelona or being stuck in a classroom; living in a tent in the cold away from internet for several months may not be for everybody, but I see the world differently now and do it again in a heartbeat. Be prepared for lots of hiking, cold weather, and constantly changing or unknown schedule (unavoidable due to the programs dependence on weather and locals showing up... Mongolians have a much looser sense of time than you might be used to in the US!). I highly, highly, highly recommend this program for naturalists, adventurers, avid readers, lovers of nature, aspiring conservationists, those invested in defending indigenous rights, and anyone interested in a truly life-changing study abroad!

A Guide to Studying Abroad in Mongolia

Locations

While it is the second largest landlocked country on the planet, Mongolia actually has a very sparse population of only 3 million citizens. Its landscape thus remains incredibly well-preserved; from the Gobi desert in the southeast to the mountainous terrain of the northwest, one could spend a lifetime exploring its vast and unsettled wilderness. Mongolia is also known as the “The Land of the Eternal Blue Sky” because it is sunny for nearly three-quarters of each year.

Ulaanbaatar, the country’s capital, is far and away the most popular destination where to study abroad in Mongolia. Ulaanbaatar is home to nearly half of Mongolia’s population, so unsurprisingly the majority of its universities are located here as well. Sitting in the heart of the country along the Tuul River, Ulaanbaatar is the cultural, economic, and political center of activity in Mongolia. It is also conveniently connected to the neighboring countries of China and Russia via the Trans-Siberian Railway.

The rest of the Mongolian landscape consists of fairly remote towns and smaller cities. If you study abroad in Mongolia as part of a program that moves around between different locations, then you may get to soak in some smaller destinations as part of your studies. However most traditional study abroad programs in Mongolia remain anchored in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar.

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