Mongolia

Nomadic by Nature, Discover the Undiscovered

See Programs

Mongolia is a landlocked country nestled in the heart of East Asia, bordered by Russia to the north and China to the south. It’s the world’s eighteenth largest country by area, but with a population of only 3.3 million, it takes the crown for the most sparsely populated sovereign state.

Think vast, sprawling landscapes with a dramatic variety. Mountains rise majestically in the north and west, while the iconic Gobi Desert stretches across the south. In between, endless grassy steppes dominate the landscape, rippling gently in the wind.

2qcDO7v8Yk2HUE6b769PVA-MCS-Volleyball-2022-11-scaled

People & Community

The vast steppes and mountains of Mongolia have been home to a unique population for millennia. The majority of the people in Mongolia are ethnic Mongols, making up roughly 85% of the population.

While the majority of Mongolians are ethnic Mongols, there are also smaller populations of Turkic people. Buddhism is the dominant religion in Mongolia, with about half of the population practicing Tibetan Buddhism.

e922ef5b24a94fb889666121669c24fd

Food

With long, cold winters and short summers, Mongolians traditionally relied on the milk and meat of their herds for sustenance. This resulted in a cuisine that is meat based – essential for providing energy in the harsh winters. Vegetables are less common due to the limited growing season in Mongolia.

7qw8RQDJuE-oF65YICHGMA-507649-main

School

Study at prestigious international high schools in Ulaanbaatar, Access state-of-the-art educational facilities. Immerse yourself in any one of the top international schools offering AP, IB, and Cambridge curriculums. Customize your learning experience by choosing your preferred subjects and enjoy the scenic beauty of Mongolia

pWHYzlEz3Umq-ZnqsVkrlg-10989127-1078318578846336-3577430221494096400-o

Language

The national language of Mongolia is Mongolian, which belongs to the Mongolic language family. The Khalkha dialect of Mongolian is the most widely spoken variety.

Mongolia is a land of fascinating people with a rich and unique culture. From the nomadic herders to the city dwellers, the people of Mongolia are a resilient and welcoming bunch.

Let AFS guide your intercultural adventure

AFS provides comprehensive orientation for all students and families before, during and after your exchange – AFS volunteers will be there to support and guide you the whole way through! In-person orientation camps in New Zealand and your host country are supplemented by our world-leading online Student Learning Journey, which is an interactive course that brings AFSers from around the world together to develop essential global skills, learn intercultural communication techniques, and practice social impact. This journey will help you maximise your experience, cope with the challenges of navigating a new culture and community, and gain knowledge, skills, and a global understanding throughout your time abroad and as you return to your home country. Find out more about our educational expertise here!

Explore the Programmes Available in Mongolia