2027 Applications Open March 1

MONGOLIA

Wild & Working Lands

WILD & WORKING LANDS

Mongolia

Experience the vast, untamed landscapes and enduring traditions of Mongolia's wild and working lands on this immersive adventure led by Dean John Koprowski and Associate Professor Kelly Dunning. For centuries, nomadic herders have shaped Mongolia's expansive steppes and deserts, creating a unique relationship between humans and nature that continues to evolve in the face of global change. Today, nearly one-third of Mongolia's population maintains a nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyle, their livelihoods intricately linked to the health of the grasslands, forests, and wildlife.

During the spring semester, online learners will utilize an interdisciplinary approach to explore how Mongolia's ecosystems and cultures are adapting to pressures such as climate change, resource extraction, and shifting economic priorities. Students will examine the delicate balance between conservation and development in one of the world's last great wilderness areas. Students with an interest in careers in policy or international diplomacy can benefit from this trip as Mongolia plays an active role in international peacekeeping missions and diplomacy, acting as a neutral mediator in regional and global conflicts. Mongolia’s democratic governance in a region dominated by authoritarian states makes it an interesting case in global policy.

Students who choose to participate in the optional summer field program will journey across Mongolia's diverse landscapes, from the rolling steppes to the Gobi Desert. Join us to engage with nomadic families, wildlife researchers, and conservation practitioners to gain firsthand insights into the challenges and opportunities facing Mongolia's wild and working lands. Experience the deep connection between Mongolia's people and its unique environments, considering both its rich history and potential futures in a rapidly changing world.

Instructor: John Koprowski | Kelly Dunning

DATES & CREDITS

SPRING COURSE
The program begins with a spring course establishing foundational knowledge in place and landscape studies, coupled natural-human systems, environmental geography, and spatial analysis frameworks that define regional identity and sense of place.

ENR 4965 / 5965 Mongolia Wild & Working Lands | 3 credits

Online Asynchronous, 2nd Block

This spring course is open to all UW students, participation in the field experience is optional.

ENR 4965 / 5965 Field Experience: Mongolia | 1 credit

Online Asynchronous, 2nd Block

Required for field program participants. You will receive an Incomplete grade in this section at the end of spring, to be resolved after field program requirements have been completed.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

FIELD PROGRAM
Your journey starts in Ulaanbaatar, where you'll engage with local conservationists and nomadic communities while participating in immersive cultural learning. The centerpiece of this experience is exploring diverse landscapes from the rolling steppes to the Gobi Desert while staying in traditional ger camps and experiencing nomadic, wildlife, and desert environments.

Field Experience

2027 Dates TBD

PROGRAM ADMISSION

ELIGIBILITY
Open to all UW students.

Application preference is given to students in Haub School and Honors College programs.

PRE-REQUISITES
None.

APPLICATION PROCESS
Application and possible admission interview required. Applications will be reviewed and processed in the order they are received.

APPLY NOW

PROGRAM FEE

PROGRAM FEE TBD $3,750

The program fee is subject to change. Selected applicants will be able to review program fee before confirming participation. Financial assistance available through scholarships.

What's Included lodging, transportation during the program, entrance fees, instruction, excursions, and most meals.

What's Not Included round trip transportation to Ulaanbaatar, Mngolia, some meals (including travel days), UW Education Abroad fee, and UW tuition/fees for spring semester credits.

SCHOLARSHIPS & FUNDING

SCHOLARSHIPS
Haub School Field & Global Scholarship

Award amounts vary based on financial need. Application deadline will be determined by program.

Cheney Global Seminar Scholarship

Competitive application process. Deadlines vary, program participants will receive detailed application instructions.

Other Education Abroad Awards

See other funding opportunities.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

GRANTS

Haub School Research & Creative Activities Grant

Additional research project or creative activity required. Application deadlines: March 15 for summer funding.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information about other possible financial assistance options and application deadlines.

HIGHLIGHTS

explore Hustai National Park, observing the Przewalski's horses as they roam freely across the steppe, a success story of species reintroduction

visit Kharakhorum, Genghis Khan's ancient capital

journey into the Gobi Desert, experiencing the shift from grasslands to desert ecosystems

practice dismantling and reassembling a ger, understanding the design that allows nomads to move their entire home with the seasons

spend nights in ger camps, gathering around the central stove for storytelling sessions and stargazing in some of the world's darkest skies

learn the art of making buuz (steamed dumplings) and suutei tsai (milk tea) from local cooks, tasting the flavors of nomadic cuisine

participate in roundtable discussions with local conservationists and herders, exploring the complexities of maintaining traditional lifestyles in a changing world

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This program involves active outdoor experiences requiring moderate physical fitness.

Participants should be prepared for extended periods of sitting, walking and moderate hiking, and some rustic style accommodations.

Participants should be prepared to carry a pack (20lbs+) and spend full days outdoors in changing weather conditions.

LEARN MORE

INFO SESSION
Meet course instructors and learn more about the spring course and the field program:

Wild & Working Lands Mongolia Info Session

TBD Fall 2026

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

QUESTIONS
Contact Field & Global Program Coordinator:

Melanie Matthews >>> melanie.matthews@uwyo.edu

APPLY NOW

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse