Teach in Bhutan

The application to Teach in Bhutan for 2013 is available – Apply Now! 

Looking to teach somewhere outside of the box? Teach in the Kingdom of Bhutan, a secluded and mystical country, virtually untouched by the modern world. Develop new teaching techniques, share expertise with local teachers and steep yourself in the concept and practice of Gross National Happiness, all while exploring an authentic Himalayan culture.

Greenheart Travel is working with the Bhutan Canada Foundation to place teachers in government-funded schools in rural Bhutan.  Teaching in Bhutan is a chance to work in an education system that is in the midst of an exciting and innovative transformation, as the Ministry of Education works to transition to a more interactive, thoughtful and participatory system of education.

Program Length: Contracts are for one year (January – December) and are renewable up to 5 years
Program Start Date: January 2013
Application Deadline: July 27, 2012

Benefits:

• Local accommodation will be arranged prior to arrival in Bhutan
• Salary provided (approx. $450/month)
• Re-signing bonus (if you decide to stay on for a second year) of $1,500 (most use it to go home for the holidays).
• All teachers will attend a 2-week orientation in Bhutan prior to beginning the teaching assignment.
• Teachers have the full support of office in Bhutan
• Successful applicants may be eligible to apply for student loan deferral or reduced payment programs (at the discretion of individual loan providers).
• Teachers DO NOT have to pay the $250/day tourist fee.
  *Flights are not included  

Want to make a positive, long-lasting impact on your community? Is there a great project or idea in your new community that could use funding for further growth? Apply for a Greenheart Grant!  

Requirements:

• Qualified teachers with at least one of the following:
  o Three years relevant formal classroom teaching experience (i.e. teaching a full curriculum; applicants with only ESL experience/TEFL certification will not qualify)
  o A degree in Education
  o Teacher certification (provincial, state, or equivalent) 
• Bachelor's degree
• Ages 21-59 
• Native English speakers from Canada, The United States, The United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand
• Priority is given to primary educators, and English, Math and Science specialists
• Must be highly adaptable, adventurous and love the outdoors 

Accommodation

Accommodation varies depending on where you are placed. Some people have a floor of a traditional farmhouse, others have an apartment in a complex (usually with other teachers at the school), while others actually have accommodation at the school itself. Everyone has electricity (though it can be intermittent) and cold running water.  

Teaching Position

Teachers will carry a full teaching schedule, covering a variety of subjects. Teachers will be trained to integrate the Bhutanese concept of Gross National Happiness into their lesson plans and will be encouraged to provide support, advice and training on western teaching techniques to their local colleagues.  

About Bhutan

A small country nestled in the Himalayas, bordering both India and China, Bhutan is a country ruled by happiness, where culture and tradition are closely guarded, Buddhist values prevail and the majestic peaks of the Himalayas are part of every landscape. Tourists have to pay a $250 per day tourist fee just to visit this country, making it a destination that few are lucky enough to even visit in their lifetime.

What is Gross National Happiness?

Gross National Happiness measures the quality of life and the achievements of a country in more holistic ways than simply Gross Domestic Product or other economic factors. Things like social development, spiritual development, environmental quality, physical wellness, and many others are taken into account. In 1972, His Majesty King Jigme Singye Wangchuck coined the term and implemented Gross National Happiness as the guiding philosophy to Bhutan’s developmental process. Education is an important part of achieving a higher GNH and is something Bhutan is striving to improve and provide to everyone.

Program Expenses:

Teachers are responsible for the flights and start-up costs for this program.

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 to aid in fundraising. The program fee does not include startup costs or immunizations prior to departure (see chart below). Fundraising begins only after you have been accepted to the program, around October 1.

Option 2: Self-Funding
Teachers may choose to cover their costs out-of-pocket. Teachers who do this may arrange their own travel to Bhutan, but must plan to arrive prior to orientation.
Average expenses of the program in Bhutan are around $3,500 - $4,500.

Looking for a short-term teaching opportunity?

If you are interested in short-term teaching opportunities, please check out our Language Exchange Homestay (LEH) program! The LEH program offers full immersion with a host family in France, Belgium, Italy or Thailand in exchange for a few hours of English lessons per week.