Download a PDF of the 2013 Interim Semester Handbook.

Land of the Thunder DragonGS02BhutanGLOBAL STUDIESSponsorJoe ThomasDarlene PoluanPriceS$3,500Course Length8 daysPost-Interim Experience:Parent’s night / OnlineReflectionsCourse Difficulty:Moderately RigorousAdventure, Student shouldbe physically fitDescriptionNestled in the awe-inspiring Himalayas, Bhutan is a landlocked kingdombounded by two of the world’s largest nations, China and India. The coursewill introduce students to a country, which survives as an ancient culturein a modern world, a “Shangri-La,” if you will. It features various types ofadventure activities such as camping, short treks, mountain biking, raftingand the Bhutanese national sport of archery. These activities, as well as aservice project, will enable us to move in closer to the local population andbe true travellers, instead of simply tourists who view ‘’the locals’’ throughthe panes of a bus window. There will also be opportunities for appreciatingthe arts, local cuisine and the magnificent Himalayan landscape.Additionally, we will visit temples, monasteries, museums, a farmhouse anda national park, receive a lesson on meditation and generate communityservice projects. There will also be a limited time for shopping. By the timewe return to Singapore, we will have slept on planes, in hotels and in tents.This is a great course for open-minded students who are seeking a culturalexperience, as well as some adventure and exposure to a unique country.Note: Due to the physical demands of this course, students with asthma, a heartcondition, or those susceptible to altitude sickness, should consult with theirphysician.Objectives• Students will recognize that Bhutan is a country filled with a rich spiritualbelief and special way of life, creating an exceptionally peaceful countryand society.• Students will discover special customs the Bhutanese practice topreserve their spiritual legacy, as this is inextricably linked withBhutanese history, culture, unique identity and moral values.• Students will develop and identify with Bhutan’s Gross NationalHappiness scale and the four main pillars:- Sustainable and equitable socio-economic development -Conservation of environment - Preservation and promotion of culture -Promotion of good governance ways Practice• Students will be acquainted with and recognize that our entire Himalayanecosystems are in jeopardy as prevailing environmental issues existthroughout the World which prevents an internal government solution.• Students will gain a significant understanding and appreciation ofBhutanese culture, including traditional art, music, handicrafts andarchitecture.RequirementsPre-Course requirements:• Students will attend all scheduled meetings and participate fully in allscheduled activities.• Students will research their assigned topic and present to the group,before the course and for Parents’ Night.Post-Course requirements:• Students will complete a journal and/or a reflective essay.SINGAPORE AMERICAN SCHOOL interim semester HANDBOOK 33