Applying to teach in Bhutan
Getting to Bhutan
Teaching in Bhutan
Living in Bhutan
Questions about Bhutan
Applying to teach in Bhutan
How do I apply for a teaching position?
Fill out our online application by clicking here or click on ‘Apply’ in the menu options.
Who can apply?
• Qualified teachers holding a degree in Education, teacher certification or 3 years relevant teaching experience (with references)
• Aged 22-54
• Native English speakers from Canada, The United States, The United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand
• Priority is given to English, Math and Science teachers
• Adaptable and enthusiastic adventurers who are looking to make a difference!
Can I apply if I am over 54?
The age of retirement for Bhutanese citizens is 55 – 60. This regulation is strictly enforced by the Royal Government of Bhutan, and extends to all foreigners. As a result, The Bhutan Canada Foundation is unable to accept applications from teachers over the age of 54.
Do I need to be certified?
All applicants must either be certified, hold a degree in education, or have proof of at least three years relevant teaching experience.
Will my ESL qualification be enough to teach in Bhutan?
That depends. If you have an ESL qualification AND several years of relevant classroom teaching experience you may be considered to teach in English class in Bhutan. However, please keep in mind that the Bhutanese begin learning English in kindergarten and English is the language of instruction throughout the country. This is not an ESL experience. All teachers should be prepared to go into a classroom and deliver a full Bhutanese curriculum.
When is the deadline to apply?
The deadline to apply to teach in Bhutan for the 2012 school year is July 31, 2011. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
When and where will interviews be held?
Interviews will be held on a rolling basis in Toronto or by video chat on Skype.
What is the application process?
After you submit your online application select candidates will be invited to interview. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis in July and August. We will then select the best candidates to submit to the Ministry of Education in Bhutan for final approval. If your interview is successful we will require a package of documents that includes, but is not limited to, letters of reference, university transcripts and proof of teacher qualifications and experience. The Ministry will have approvals for people in early October.
Getting to Bhutan
How do I get to Bhutan?
There is currently only one airline that flies into Bhutan, Druk Air. They fly out of Bangkok, Delhi, Calcutta and Kathmandu.
How do I apply for a Bhutan Visa?
The Bhutan visa application is one page and quite simple. The Bhutan Canada Foundation Toronto staff will assist you in visa applications prior to your departure. Once you arrive in Bhutan you will have assistance applying for a work visa.
Do I need any other visas?
If you decide to fly through India, you need to secure an Indian Transit visa before you leave. This is very important and can take some time. The Bhutan Canada Foundation advises that you begin these preparations well in advance of your departure.
What logistics are looked after?
Once you arrive in Bhutan transportation from Paro International Airport to the orientation location is looked after by BCF. Orientation lasts for two weeks and hotels, meals and transportation out to your posting is taken care of. BCF will provide the visas in Bhutan and work permits for successful applicants. Assistance finding accommodation will also be offered.
What expenses do I need to pay for?
Most teachers need to budget $2,500-$4,000 to cover the cost their Bhutan experience, depending on their flight departure city and available airfare.
Once in Bhutan, BCF teachers will pay for their own accommodation and living expenses out of their monthly salary, which is 20,000 Nu ($500/month.)
The average cost of accommodation is approximately 4,000 Nu. ($90) per month in urban areas and less in rural areas. This amount could be slightly higher or lower depending on the placement community.
Expenses teachers are expected to cover include round trip airfare to Bhutan, travel medical insurance, start up costs on the ground, immunizations prior to departure, and Bhutan work permit and visa. Teachers have two options to cover these costs:
Option 1: Program Fee and Teacher Fundraising Program
Teachers may opt into the TEACHER FUNDRAISING PROGRAM in which teachers may fundraise the cost of their trip. Teachers who opt into the fundraising program must raise a $3,500 program fee, which covers round–trip airfare (booked and organized by the Foundation), comprehensive travel medical insurance and necessary Bhutan work permits and visas.
Teachers who opt into the fundraising program will receive a support package and assistance from the Toronto office to aid in fundraising. All donations made to BCF teachers who are participating in the fundraising program are TAX DEDUCTIBLE and will be receipted by the Foundation. The program fee does not include start up costs or immunizations prior to departure.
If you are interested in the participating in the Teacher Fundraising Program, or have questions please email kristen@bhutancanada.org.
Option 2: Self Funding
Teachers may choose to cover expenses costs out-of-pocket. Teachers who do this may arrange their own travel to Bhutan, but must plan to arrive prior to orientation on the date set by the Foundation. Teachers who choose to self-fund must purchase travel medical insurance through the Foundation.
If you have any questions or would like a more detailed breakdown of anticipated costs, please email kristen@bhutancanada.org.
What kind of support does BCF offer through the Teacher Fundraising Program?
Teachers who opt into the Teacher Fundraising Program will have full support from the BCF office in Toronto. Teachers will receive a detailed fundraising package with guidance, tips, and ideas on how to fundraise. BCF will also provide tax receipts to anyone who donates to a BCF teacher participating in the fundraising program.
Teaching in Bhutan
Explain orientation
Orientation is a two week session that begins when you first arrive in Bhutan. It takes place in the capital city of Thimphu and is an opportunity for teachers to get to know one another, as well as get acquainted with BCF Bhutan staff. Orientation includes curriculum training, language training and cultural lessons, among others. All hotel accommodation and transportation is taken care of during this time.
What will my salary be?
Teachers will be paid a local Bhutanese salary of 20,000 Nu at the end of each month. The salary is more than enough to cover the cost of living in Bhutan, which includes paying for accommodation (approximately 4000 Nu. in urban areas and less in rural areas), food and some travel. The salary is equivalent to approximately $500 USD.
Do I have to claim my salary in my home country?
Yes, every teacher is responsible for filing their own personal in-come tax as per the laws of their own country.
In reporting income in Canada please see more HERE
In reporting income in the United States please see more HERE
Do I need to be able to speak any other languages?
No. English is the language of instruction in Bhutan beginning in grade 2 and all subjects except for local language lessons are conducted in English.
Where will I be teaching in Bhutan?
There are a variety of placements available for teachers, in both urban and rural locations. Rural placements can be very remote, sometimes one to two day walk to the main road, and may not have modern conveniences such as running water and electricity. These remote locations are very community-minded and are the most welcoming of areas. Most of our teachers are placed in the eastern part of Bhutan and are in villages on a main road.
What preparations will be made to prepare me for the teaching position?
The Bhutan Canada Foundation has an office in Toronto, Canada as well as in Thimphu, Bhutan. Prior to departure orientation documents, including packing lists and detailed information on teaching in Bhutan will be provided for you. Upon arrival in Bhutan teachers will participate in a two week orientation session that will include curriculum training, cultural lessons and basic language instruction. Once in the field, teachers have the full support from the BCF Thimphu office, their school administration and their colleagues.
What is the length of contract?
Contracts are for one year (January – December) and are renewable up to 5 years.
What are the consequences for leaving my contract early?
Teachers sign a contract for one year and are strongly encouraged to be held to their agreement. Should one leave before this term, teachers must refund three months of salary, unless termination of contract is due to health issues or death of an immediate family member.
When does the Bhutanese school year run?
There are two terms in the Bhutanese school year. These run from February to June and then mid-July to mid-December. Exams take place at the end of each term.
What type of teachers will be hired?
The Bhutan Canada Foundation is interested in hiring high school Math, Science (preference given to Physics), and English teachers and all elementary disciplines including special education teachers.
What is a typical teaching day like?
Schools vary depending on the populous of the school and if it is a boarding school or not. (Typically boarding school teachers have additional duties). The school day begins with morning supervision followed by breakfast and morning assembly. Seven to eight classes follow with a break for lunch. Evening prayer (Buddhist prayer) is followed by sports and club time as well as evening study.
When are the 2011/ 2012 holidays in Bhutan?
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No.
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Details
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Date
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1
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Losar, Iron Female Rabbit Year
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3-4 February 2011
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2
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Birth Anniversary of His Majesty the King
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21 – 23 February 2011 |
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3
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Birth Anniversary of the 3rd Druk Gyalpo |
2 May 2011 |
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4
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Death Anniversary of Zhabdrung |
12 May 2011 |
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5
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Lord Buddha’s Parinirvana |
15 June 2011 |
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6
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Birth Anniversary of Guru Rinpoche |
10 July 2011 |
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7
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First Sermon of Lord Buddha |
3 August 2011 |
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8
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Blessed Rainy Day |
23 September 2011 |
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9
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Thimphu drubchoe (Thimphu only) |
2 October 2011 |
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10
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Dassain |
6 October 2011
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11
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*Thimphu Tschecu (Thimphu only) |
6-8 October 2011 |
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12
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Coronation Day of His Majesty the King |
1 November 2011 |
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13
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- Birth Anniversary of the 4th Druk Gyalpo
- Constitution Day |
11 November 2011 |
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14
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Descending Day |
17 November 2011 |
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15
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National Day |
12 December 2011 |
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16
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Winter Solstice |
2 January 2012 |
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17
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Traditional Day of Offering |
24 January 2012 |
* Tshechu holidays for respective Dzongkhags will be confirmed by respective Dzongkag administrators.
Living in Bhutan
Will I be able to travel while in Bhutan?
Teachers are free to travel in Bhutan and in the region during their school holidays. If they extend their contract for a second year, they may travel between the end of the first school year (the end of December) and the beginning of the second (the beginning of February).
What is the local currency in Bhutan?
The local currency in Bhutan is the Bhutanese Ngultrum. The Indian Rupee, which is pegged to the Ngultrum, is frequently used in its place.
What are the living accommodations like?
Depending on the placement, accommodations will vary. The more remote locations may not have modern conveniences such as electricity and running water. Accommodations will include cooking and bathroom facilities and will be adequate for living.
Will I have access to internet?
Internet is increasingly available in Bhutan and it is being extended to some of the remotest parts of the country.
Will I have access to a phone?
Cell phones are available for purchase in Thimphu and are the easiest and most effective way to communicate.
Where do I buy food when I am in Bhutan?
Your town will have a local market where you will be able to buy your weekly groceries. There will also be shops in town to purchase supplies and other dried goods.
Can I invite visitors to see me while I am teaching in Bhutan?
Bhutan is very strict about having visitors in the country. Tourists in Bhutan pay a daily tourist fee of $200 a day which is essentially a minimum amount that needs to be spent in one day. BCF teachers are eligible to apply to have two family members visit per year (tourist tax free). Requests will be considered on a case by case basis. All other visitors will have to come as tourists and will be charged the $200 per day standard rate. All visitors (family included) must stay with the teacher who has requested their visit.
Can my spouse come with me?
Yes, spouses, and in some cases children, can accompany teachers and will be exempt from the daily visitor’s fee. However, proof of marriage and a spouse application are required. Accompanying spouses must cover the costs of attending orientation in Thimphu (around $800 for two weeks of accommodation, food, activities, etc.)
Is medical coverage paid for?
Health care in Bhutan is free and accessible to all foreigners, including BCF teachers in the field. The Bhutan Canada Foundation provides travel medical insurance for Canadian teachers, and will provide a stipend of $500 for non- Canadian teachers to acquire their own travel medical insurance. Your policy must include emergency evacuation insurance suitable to remote areas, should one need to be evacuated to India or Thailand for specialist help.
Questions about Bhutan
Where is Bhutan?
The Kingdom of Bhutan is a small landlocked country in South Asia. Bhutan is at the eastern end of the Himalayas and is bordered to the east, south and west by India and China (Tibet) in the north.
I am a vegetarian – will this be a problem in Bhutan?
There is a good variety of vegetarian food available, although much of it is made using a liberal amount of chilli and a smothering of cheese sauce. Ingredients such as nettles, fern fronds, orchids, asparagus, taro and several varieties of mushroom appear in traditional vegetarian dishes. Vegans should ask if a dish contains cheese or eggs when ordering.
What is the weather like in Bhutan?
Located in the eastern part of the Himalayas, Bhutan experiences four distinct climatic seasons – winter, spring, summer and fall. The central districts of Punakha, Wangdue Phodrang, Mongar, Trashigang and Lhuntse enjoy a semi tropical climate with very cool winters, and warm summers. Thimphu, Paro, Trongsa and Bumthang have pleasant summers, but cold or freezing winters with monsoon rains, mainly from June-August. The winter months of November through February are generally dry with daytime temperatures sometimes falling below zero degrees Celsius. The valleys experience strong winds which affect the temperatures. The southern part of Bhutan is tropical and in general the east of Bhutan is warmer than the west of the country.
How high is the elevation in Bhutan?
The elevation in Bhutan ranges from 97 m. in the south to the highest peak Gangkar Phinsum which is 7, 570 m. Most teacher placements are in the 1000 – 2000 m. range.
What is Gross National Happiness?
The term Gross National Happiness (GNH) was coined by Bhutan’s fourth king who opened up the country to modernization. It was developed in an attempt to define an indicator that measures quality of life and social progress in more holistic terms than GDP. Please CLICK HERE to learn more about GNH.
How is GNH incorporated into schools?
GNH is incorporated in every class in Bhutanese schools from English to math. BCF teachers will receive training and information on how to incorporate GNH into their lessons during orientation in Thimphu. To learn more about GNH in the classroom please see this website HERE.
If you have any additional questions please email: kristen@bhutancanada.org