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

Spring Semester ENR 4965 / 5965 Wild & Working Lands

• 2nd Block (Mar. 24 - May 9), Hybrid, MW 12-12:50

• 3 credits + 1 travel credit

• Required pre-trip sessions, dates / times TBD 

May / June travel to Mongolia

Upcoming Programs May / June 2025 (final dates TBD)

PROGRAM FEE 

Includes lodging, in-country transportation, entrance fees, instruction, excursions, and some meals

Does Not Include roundtrip airfare, some meals, UW Education Abroad fee (includes travel insurance), or UW tuition and fees for fall semester credits

Program Fee 2025 Final cost TBD: $4000 / student (will vary with student enrollment)

PROGRAM ACTIVITIES

• 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
  

join us for an info session to learn more >>>>>>>>

APPLY NOW

We are currently accepting applications for Summer 2025 travel. 

Application Deadline: December 20, 2024.