The Agriculture and Food Systems in Bhutan Himalaya is a three-month semester abroad program covering the wide range of agriculture and food systems in Bhutan. This course consists of Agricultural Systems in the Himalayas, living a Farmer’s Life in the Himalayas and Bhutanese Food and Culture, including the research project. This course likely provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the unique agricultural practices and food systems in Bhutan, with a focus on the challenges and opportunities presented by the Himalayan region.
Participants will unravel the distinctive features, challenges, and opportunities inherent in Himalayan agriculture, exploring diverse agroecological zones, traditional farming practices, and innovative approaches. Dynamic learning methods, including expert-led lectures, collaborative classroom discussions, hands-on fieldwork, and self-directed study, blend seamlessly to provide a comprehensive understanding of the region’s food production systems. A transformative field trip offers firsthand experiences alongside local farmers, ensuring a well-rounded grasp of Himalayan agricultural intricacies. In parallel, participants can immerse themselves in the farmer’s life through another course, gaining a unique international perspective on sustainable farming and mountain livelihoods in rural Bhutan. The curriculum, emphasizing real-life experiences of living on a farm and engaging in daily chores, provides an in-depth understanding of agricultural and rural life in Bhutan. Additionally, explore the rich tapestry of Bhutanese culture through a course focused on traditional food and customs. Delve into the significance of food in Bhutanese culture, learning about local ingredients, cooking techniques, and dining etiquette. The course includes lectures, hands-on experiences, and field visits to comprehend the role of festivals and ceremonies in shaping Bhutanese cuisines. Participants will be assessed through a variety of methods, including quizzes, reports, oral presentations, assignments, practical’s, field visits, and research projects ensuring a holistic and enriching educational experience.
The semester abroad programme is designed to provide students with an immersive experience to explore and learn about unique agricultural practices, Food and culture and immerse in the famer’s life in the Eastern Himalayas.
Mode of Learning
The programme will be delivered using different learner-centred approaches, including cultural immersion, field studies, quizzes, practicals, workshops, seminars, group presentations and assignments.
Cultural Immersion
Students will be introduced to the cultural diversity of the Eastern Himalayan region, gaining insights into the food, traditions, rituals, and beliefs.
Field Studies
Students will be taken to remote villages, communities, and local festivals to witness and experience the food and culture, farmers life and agricultural practice in Himalaya.
Workshops and Seminars
There will be workshops and seminars on various aspects of ethnomedicines, including plant identification, preparation of traditional remedies, natural therapies, and the spiritual and cultural dimensions of healing practices as well as discussion on wild foods.
Documentation
The students will engage with local communities through collaborative projects aimed at documenting and preserving traditional food and culture. They will be encouraged to contribute to ongoing research initiatives.
Research project
Students will engage in research activities in Agricultural Systems in the Himalayas, Living a Farmer’s Life in the Himalayas and, Food and Culture encompass a broad spectrum of studies, including the documentation of agricultural practice, food anthropological case studies and prototyping of the traditional food using the local ingredients.
Student Presentations
The programme will conclude with students presenting their findings, reflections and experiences. This will foster a collaborative learning environment and facilitate the exchange of ideas amongst the students.
Assessment
Learning of the students will be assessed using various approaches, including but not limited to the following: assignments, documentation, research project reports and participation. The programme will be assessed from a total mark of 100 in each of the four modules. Specific details of the assessments and passing marks are provided for in the individual modules.
Finally…
… by participating in this semester abroad programme, the students will not only broaden their academic knowledge but also contribute to the preservation and appreciation of the unique agricultural practices, Farmers life and food and culture in Bhutan Himalaya.