Penn Global Seminars Climate Change in Mongolia

PGS: Communicating Change in Mongolia

I am a student at Wharton, majoring in ESG and Finance with a minor in Computer Science. I made the decision to study abroad because I was driven by a profound curiosity about Mongolia's rich culture and history, as well as a specific interest in understanding the profound impact of climate change in this region.

My course, Communicating Change in Mongolia, a writing seminar that focused on exploring the intertwined effects of climate and culture in Mongolia and beyond.

In the initial phase of the course, we delved into an in-depth study of the book, "Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World." In the subsequent part of the course, we embarked on a creative journey, building our personal portfolios, which included a white paper and an Op-Ed article, both centered around Mongolia. In my case, I chose to explore the pressing issue of air pollution in the region.

However, the highlight of the course came when we transitioned from the theoretical realm to the practical one. In May, we set out on an incredible journey to Mongolia, where we collaborated with various individuals and organizations outside of Penn. Our mission was to contribute to projects that revolved around effective climate change communication.

Among the many remarkable experiences during my stay in Mongolia, one day truly stands out as my favorite. It was the day we had the privilege to visit Ger Hub, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational opportunities to children from nomadic herder families. Witnessing their innovative and impactful approaches to bridging educational disparities left a lasting impression on me. The commitment they showed to making education accessible to all, regardless of their backgrounds, was deeply inspiring.

Additionally, I had the pleasure of meeting our Penn Pals at the Hobby School. This program pairs students from the Hobby School in Mongolia with students from our class to foster cultural exchange. It was a powerful reminder of the value of cultural understanding and global connections.

Furthermore, during my time in Mongolia, I was struck by the importance placed on preserving national culture in the face of globalization. In a world where the homogenizing force of globalization can sometimes threaten traditional cultures, it was heartening to witness Mongolian schools dedicated to upholding their unique heritage.

One of the most remarkable highlights was the extraordinary encounter with the takhi horses. Scientifically known as Przewalski's horse, these remarkable creatures represent a rare and critically endangered species of wild equine, native to Mongolia. The privilege of witnessing them in their natural habitat reminded me of the vital importance of conservation efforts.

I had multiple opportunities to experience the country off the beaten path. One such opportunity was during our visit to a herder family. We spent the day learning about their way of life, which includes herding livestock. We also helped to build a ger (traditional Mongolian tent) and enjoyed delicious food prepared by the family.

Another off-the-beaten-path experience was our visit to the Bankhar Dog Project. This non-profit organization is working to protect and promote the Mongolian Bankhar dog breed, which is a rare and endangered breed. We learned about the challenges that the breed faces and the work that the project is doing to ensure its survival.

I was also grateful for the opportunity to interact with local people and learn about their culture. For example, during our household visits, we were able to talk to families about their daily lives and their hopes and dreams for the future. We also met with a local lady who is a business owner, and she taught us how to make traditional Mongolian milk tea, yogurt, and cheese.

The other people on my trip were amazing. We were all from different backgrounds and had different interests, but we got along well and had a lot of fun together.

My advice to another student looking to study abroad in Mongolia is to be open-minded and to embrace the new culture. Mongolia is a beautiful country with a lot to offer. Be sure to pack for all types of weather and to bring a good sense of humor.

1) What was the most essential item that you packed?

• Portable phone charger

2) What was the most useful term you learned?

• Баярлалаа! (Bayarlalaa!) - You're welcome

3) Favorite Place?

• Tumen-Ekh Ensemble, where we enjoyed a performance of traditional Mongolian music and dance.