International Cooperative Education
Bhutan
Bhutan recently celebrated more than 100 years of peace,
unity and tranquility. Come spend time in this fascinating mix of old
and new, amid the gorgeous scenery of the mountains and valleys of the
Himalayas.
More than 70 percent of Bhutan is forested, and trekking
is encouraged. No foreign language necessary. Education is a high-priority
with the government, which is a parliamentary democracy where the people
enjoy freedom of speech.
Cities are located at an elevation of about 7500 feet or 2500 m. No
special equipment is needed at this altitude, but please before applying,
spend some time at a high altitude to make sure you are not susceptible
to altitude-related illness.
Food in Bhutan is spicy by American standards,
and is generally vegetarian since most of the population is Buddhist.
They welcome non-Buddhists, as long as you don't try to
proselytize. The entire country is non-smoking (indoors and
outdoors), except for remote villages.
● Teach English, math or
science at the primary and secondary school level, private and public.
Unpaid internship.
● Mechanical or aeronautical engineering
internships at DrukAir, the only Bhutanese airline. Help pilots to understand
the mechanics of the aircraft they will be flying.
Take a
photo tour of Bhutan, read the
Wikipedia article, the
Wikipedia article on the
culture of
Bhutan, or
visit the government's official
tourist site, or a
Bhutanese travel agency website. There are many videos of
Bhutan on YouTube, and you may want to start by watching
this one.
Your local museum may be hosting the traveling show "The
Dragon's Gift: The Sacred Arts of Bhutan" which will be at San
Francisco's Asian Art Museum in spring 2009.
During daylight hours in public, you will need to wear the local dress shown in the
photos immediately below this photo. Staff members will help ICE participants purchase quality
local clothing. Women will need a kera (floor-length skirt), upper jacket,
and local shoes. Men will need to purchase a gho (robe) with a belt
and local shoes with knee-high socks. At the end of the sleeves, men
and women wear removable cuffs (lageys). Click on a photo to see it in
more detail.
Teaching job
The principal of each school will assist with obtaining a visa, and
will attempt to find a local host family where the students can get
room and board. The principal can also assist students to locate independent
housing if they prefer.
Schools are located in the two major cities.
Thimphu has a population
of about 90,000 and is the capital city.
Paro has a population of about
10,000. Both are in the western part of the country.
Engineering job
(More information will be posted once it becomes available)
Photos
We hope you enjoy these photos of Bhutan. Click on a photo to see
it in more detail.
