Every year The Bhutan Canada Foundation recruits qualified teachers to teach in rural schools across Bhutan. Find out if you have what it takes to join this year's group.
www.teachinbhutan.org
3. The Bhutan Canada Foundation
• Mission:
The Bhutan Canada Foundation (BCF) works to further the development of Bhutan and its people through
programs that impact its educational and social institutions. BCF achieves its goals through partnerships with the
people of Bhutan, carrying on a long-standing tradition of Canadian and Bhutanese knowledge exchange,
cooperation and goodwill.
• The partnership between the Royal Government of Bhutan and The Bhutan Canada Foundation was launched
May 4th 2009.
• Since January 2010, BCF has sent thirty-six teachers from across Canada and the U.S. to teach in Bhutan.
• The program has impacted twenty- five different communities and 4,500 students.
4. Teacher Recruitment
• One year placements renewable up to five years.
• Support offices in Toronto and Bhutan.
• Orientation program upon arrival.
• No other languages needed.
• Logistics handled by the foundation.
• Local salary included.
• Accommodation arranged.
5. Who can apply?
• Qualified teachers with either 1) three full-time years of relevant
teaching experience; 2) a degree in Education; or, 3) teacher
certification.
• Ages 21 through 59.
• Native English speakers from around the world including: Canada,
the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.
• Priority is given to primary educators, and English, math, and
science specialists.
Adaptable and enthusiastic adventurers who are looking
to make a difference!
7. School in Bhutan
• School runs six days a week – Monday to Saturday
(half day.)
• School days consist of morning prayers, assembly,
class (7-8 per day), and extracurricular activities.
• In boarding schools, there is also study hall, school
mealtime, and dorm/campus cleanup.
8. Living in Bhutan
• Depending on the placement,
accommodation will vary.
• Remote locations may not
have modern conveniences,
such as electricity and running
water.
• Accommodations will include
cooking and washroom
facilities and will be adequate
for living.
• Internet is available in most
locations.
• Mobile phones are common.
9. Bhutanese Curriculum
• National curriculum created with Canadian
consultants.
• Exam-focused with assessments in grades 8,
10 and 12.
• Visit www.curriculum.bt for more info.
10. Support from BCF
• BCF will secure visas in Bhutan and work
permits for successful applicants.
• The two week orientation in Thimphu,
including hotels/meals, is taken care of by BCF.
• Transportation from the airport to Thimphu as
well as out to school postings is provided.
• Accommodation will be secured for you prior
to your arrival in Bhutan.
13. Where will I be teaching?
There are a variety of placements available for teaching postings.
These consist of urban and rural placements. Rural
placements can be very remote, sometimes a 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.
Rural Bhutan in Autumn
14. Assembly in courtyard School building
Game of volleyball in courtyard View of school from staffroom in Mongar
15. What will my salary be?
• Local Bhutanese salary at the end of each month of 20 000 Nu.
• Covers payment for accommodations, food, and some travel.
• Equivalent to approximately $450, though this can be
stretched further in Bhutan.
16. Do I need any other languages?
No!
• English is the language of instruction in Bhutan beginning in grade 2.
• The national language is called Dzongkha and is a part of the national
curriculum. BCF teachers are not expected to teach Dzongkha (but it is
helpful to pick up some common words and phrases).
• There are many languages spoken in Bhutan including Nepali, Tibetan,
and Hindi among others.
17. Is there access to medical care?
• The Bhutan Canada Foundation faciliates the
purchase of travel insurance for our teachers. This
includes emergency evacuation insurance should
you need to go to Bangkok or Delhi for more
comprehensive medical care.
• Medical care is free in Bhutan to all people
including foreigners. BCF teachers will have access
to hospitals and medical clinics in Bhutan.
• There are not a lot of vaccinations needed for
Bhutan – no placements in malarial areas.
18. What expenses do I pay for?
• Airfare
• Vaccinations
• Travel Medical Insurance
• Accommodation (comes out of monthly salary)
• Start-up costs for when you arrive in Bhutan (furnishings,
gas stove, etc.) – approximately $500
19. Fundraising Program
Fundraising Program Out of Pocket
• Program Fee: $3,500 • Responsible for purchase of:
• Includes: • Roundtrip airfare
• Round-trip airfare • Cost of travel medical insurance
(faciliated through BCF)
• Travel medical insurance
• Cost of Bhutan visa & work permit
• Bhutan visa & work permit
upon arrival
• Fundraising Resouces &
Support from BCF Toronto