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House in a village in Bhutan

Who we are…

This upcoming spring (March 19- March 27), the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey will be offering a new and exciting immersive learning opportunity to observe linguistic, cultural and environmental preservation, adaptable models of autonomy for indigenous people, and Bhutan’s progressively innovative development paradigm, “The Gross National Happiness Index.” This 4 -unit practicum course will be led by Dr. Jan Knippers Black,  of the Graduate School of International Policy and Management at MIIS, in collaboration with the Royal Thimphu College of Bhutan. Additional emphasis will be placed on the role of the Bhutanese government in the promotion of small business and enhanced standards of living using low-impact technological advances. Challenges to be addressed within these subjects include the encroachment of globalization and the diplomatic approaches that have been effective in restraining such threats.

Why we are going…

Bhutan has only recently opened its borders to travelers in an effort to preserve its rich cultural heritage. Untouched by colonialism or foreign influence, Bhutan has successfully navigated the lure of globalization and mass commercialism in an attempt to guard the sovereignty of the nation from the diluting presence of the outside world.

Bhutan is one of the only places in the world to measure national growth not by economic prosperity, but by the happiness of their people. As stated by Bhutan’s foreign minister, Lyonpo Jigmi Thinley, “individual’s quest for happiness and inner and outer freedom is the most precious endeavor, society’s ideal of governance and polity should promote this endeavor.” This philosophy, coupled with Bhutan’s self-determined national identity is a unique perspective students will have a chance to learn first-hand through onsite courses, lectures from influential Bhutanese leaders, and visits to national heritage sites.

What we do….

Over spring break, students will glean a deeper understanding of the traditional practices, culture, and applied developmental approaches for sustainable growth throughout the country. Working closely with the Royal Thimphu College, students will learn from national models of environmental preservation, community organization, social entrepreneurship, and the role of the Bhutanese government in ensuring that the indigenous social fabric of the population is not lost. Deliverables will encompass reports of 10 to 15 pages; shorter papers within that range might be elaborated with appropriate photos or accompanied by videos. Reports may be in the form of a research paper for an academic journal or in less formal, journalistic style suitable to be featured in a magazine. In either case, the paper should make use of primary sources – that is, arranged lectures and briefings, interviews and conversations, and observations onsite in Bhutan. Papers will be prepared and presented after return to MIIS during the spring semester.