SIT Study Abroad Mongolia and Siberia: Nomadism, Geopolitics, and the Environment
- Location(s): Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
- Program Type(s): Study Abroad
SIT Study Abroad
Examine international relations, natural resource management, nomadic traditions, and economic growth from Mongolia's unique vantage point.As a student on this program, you will look at the interplay between foreign engagement, economic developmen... read more
All Reviews
Insight into another culture. A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
Absolutely worthwhile. I developed close and lasting relationships with my host families, made wonderful friends, and explored a unique country. Lucy Page - Williams College View Entire Review
I learned not only about the complexity of natural resource management, especially in a country with such a rural/urban divide, but I also learned (through experiences and observation) about a different culture that challenged and changed my previous world outlook. Brittany Bondi - Gettysburg College View Entire Review

I gained a lot of valuable knowledge about Mongolia and their transition to a more "modern" world (among other things). Martha - Ursinus College View Entire Review
I learned a little about how the world works and also how to be a resilient human. John - Colorado State University View Entire Review
I learned I am capable of anything, it might be difficult and hard, but I can survive it and learn from it and treasure the experience for how it shaped me A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I learned that I want to live more closely with the land. It was definitely worthwhile and I hope to return. Mara M - Middlebury College View Entire Review
yeah, totally worth it Nathan T - Trinity University View Entire Review
It was totally worth it. The first person learning combined with a month long independent project was a game changer for me and allowed me to take charge of my education. This program is so adventurous , its not a drink your way through Europe experience. You will have stories for years to tell about your time in Mongolia. Jacob Stanley - DePauw University View Entire Review
I learned to adapt and adventure. Tommy - Bates College View Entire Review
Going abroad is fun and important. Its character building. Jesse Shircliff - Gettysburg College View Entire Review

I learned about a culture and a place about which I really had no prior knowledge. I'm an equestrian, so I got to learn about Mongolian horsemanship from Mongolians, and it helped me to understand better how although we come from places that are so far apart, we really are similar. Anya Otterson - University of Denver View Entire Review
Totally incredible experience, I learned so much and have a new view of the world. A student - University of Massachusetts Amherst / UMass View Entire Review
I learned how to take responsibility for every aspect of my social and intellectual life, and ask for help when necessary. It was worthwhile. Winston K - Middlebury College View Entire Review
How to function in a horrible place. A student - Austin College View Entire Review
About
As a student on this program, you will look at the interplay between foreign engagement, economic development, and natural resource utilization in the context of Mongolia, a nation facing rapid economic and environmental change. You will scrutinize the multiple ways in which mining, conservation of pasturelands, grazing rights, and other resource management issues are shaping public and private life. For one to two weeks, you will live among nomadic herding communities and experience some of the most pristine natural environments in the world.
Major topics of study include:
- Diplomatic engagement with major global economies including the US and regional relations with China, Russia, and North Korea
- Rapid urbanization and the rise of urban consumption in the context of a dramatic influx and fluctuation of foreign direct investment (FDI)
- The search for a balance between environmental conservation and natural resource development
- Cultural shifts among Mongolia’s pastoral population
- Socioeconomic transformations and political reform
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadProgram Length(s):
- Fall
- Spring
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- Environmental Science
- Area, Ethnic and Group Studies
- Asian Studies
- Mongolian Language, Literature
- History
Website
Take me there!Statistics
SIT Study Abroad Scholarships
Students who are Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO) Scholars will receive a $2,000 award for SIT Study Abroad semester or summer programs.
$2,000
To recognize and support alumni of EIL summer high school programs who also participate in SIT Study Abroad programs. $1,000 for semester programs and $500 for summer. A $400 scholarship is also available to students who indicate that they have an immediate family member who has participated in an EIL or its College Semester Abroad program.
$400 - $1,000
For students enrolled at Hispanic-serving institutions, including member institutions of HACU who demonstrate financial need, SIT will award a $3,000 scholarship for participation in a semester program and $2,000 for a summer program.
$2,000 - $3,000
For students enrolled at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and who demonstrate financial need, SIT will award a $2,000 scholarship for participation in a semester program or $1,500 for a summer program.
$1,500 - $2,000
To recognize students participating in this community service program. Upon receipt of confirmation from a student’s Bonner mentor, SIT will award $2,500 for semester programs and $1,000 for summer programs.
$1,000 - $2,500
To recognize students participating in the National Security Education Program (NSEP) funded award, which focuses on study abroad in areas of the world that are critical to US interests and underrepresented in study abroad. Upon receipt of the student’s Boren confirmation letter, SIT will award a $1,000 scholarship.
$1,000
For students enrolled at Big 10 Academic Alliance universities. Eligible students demonstrating financial need will receive a $1,500 scholarship for semester programs and a $750 scholarship for summer programs.
$750 - $1,500
This is an automatic scholarship to recognize and support students who participate in two or more SIT Study Abroad programs, including alumni of short-term summer programs. The scholarship will be applied to a student’s second full term of study with SIT. The scholarship is $1,000 for a fall or spring semester program or $500 for a full-term, international summer program.
$500 - $1,000
An average of $4,500 (amount varies) is awarded to one female student, 22 years of age or younger, who demonstrates international awareness and a desire to create a more peaceful world through international exchange. This scholarship is available for summer programs only.
$4,500
This $10,000 scholarship opportunity is for one student per year. The student must demonstrate extreme financial need, attend an HBCU (or other minority-serving institution), be a first-generation college student, and have never previously traveled abroad.
$10,000
SIT matches Federal Pell Grant funding up to $2,500 for semester students who use their Pell Grant to help pay the cost of their SIT program. Students utilizing their Federal Pell Grant for SIT Study Abroad summer terms receive up to a $1000 match.
$1,000 - $2,500
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