University of Wisconsin–Madison

Bhutan: Ori Arvidson (Final Reflections)

Almost two dozen individuals posing for a group photo in a decorated room.
SFS Bhutan Spring 2025 Prom!

When I reflect on the two and a half months I have spent in Bhutan, I find it difficult to summarize my emotions and experiences into just one blog. Not only have I done a lot, but I have also never been great at reflecting, which is something I have tried to work on this semester. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday there is a “yak” where a student is in charge of leading the RAP, which stands for reflection, announcements, and presentation. With all these reflective questions, it has challenged me to slow down and think about the past week, day, or even bus ride. So, if I had to sum up how I feel as I reach the end of the semester, with a little over three weeks left, I would say I feel grateful. Grateful that I had this opportunity in the first place, and that I got to participate in the program, and grateful for the people I have met, both in my cohort, through guest lectures, in town, and the professors. When I was thinking about what kind of study abroad experience, I was seeking out, I knew I wanted something I would not be able to get at UW-Madison, and I would say that this program fulfilled that for me. Both the small cohort model and the frequency of traveling for field and guest lectures are very different from what I have done in UW-Madison for schooling. Maybe it is just because it is in recent memory, but a lasting memory I have from this experience is the prom that the cohort put together. The dining hall was transformed with décor, we got a cake from a local bakery, we wore our Gho and Kiras (traditional Bhutanese dress) and we all contributed songs to put in the playlist. When I first applied to the program, going to an “SFS Spring ‘25” prom was not on my radar. I think it goes to show the welcome surprises that arise with study abroad.

A selfie of Ori in grassy field, with a row of trees behind.

Ori Arvidson

Hometown: Hartford, Wisconsin

Major: Conservation Biology; Environmental Studies

Program: SFS Himalayan Studies

I chose my program is because of the unique ecosystem and landscape of Bhutan and the culture.  I am looking forward to learning about Buddhism and Paro Taktsang.