Reading Program

With our programs currently on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Bhutan Canada Foundation will continue to monitor the developments both at home and in Bhutan before resuming. We will continue placements when we are confident that we can ensure minimal risks to staff, partners, volunteers, and the communities we serve.

Applications will still be accepted; the information will be saved on file for review as soon as possible. Qualified applicants will be contacted once the programs resume.

Reading Program

The Reading Program is an opportunity for teachers to help build the capacity of Bhutanese students and teachers. During a 4 week classroom placement teachers will help elementary or middle school youth to improve their English reading skills. Volunteer teachers will also mentor Bhutanese teachers, providing them with the chance to discuss teaching pedagogies and facilitate professional development initiatives.

Volunteering in Bhutan

Volunteers will gain exposure to a holistic and sustainable approach to development in Bhutan called Gross National Happiness or GNH. Teacher volunteers will also see firsthand how the ‘Educating for GNH’ initiative is infused in schools through curriculum, cultural practices, and green activities.

Responsibilities

Plan, prepare, and model lessons based on national curriculum to a range of classes (all in English) to support student literacy and learning
Facilitate opportunities for capacity development for Bhutanese teachers through peer mentorship, sharing of teaching pedagogies, and developing professional development activities
Use culturally relevant approaches to teaching and be responsive to the local context
Take a genuine interest in local teacher and student development

In order to qualify applicants must meet the following criteria:

Bachelor of Education or equivalent education in teaching
Three years of classroom teaching experience
Fluent English speaker
Demonstrates the ability to work in a cross-cultural environment
Be in excellent health

Program Fees

All fees are in US dollars

Due to price increases in country, fees will increase for programs starting August 2020.

International flight (to gateway city to Bhutan) – Booked by teacher
Round-trip flight to Paro – $450 – 1,000 (Departing from Kathmandu, Delhi or Bangkok)
Accommodations – $1,100
In country support (transportation and staff support) – $300
Administration and operations fees – $550

Estimated total in US dollars $2,400 – $2,950**

This might look expensive! But it’s actually a much better deal than travelling to Bhutan as a tourist. After flight costs, the Reading Program’s in-country and administration/donation costs are US$1,800 for 30 days, or US$60 per day***. In contrast, travelling in Bhutan as a tourist requires paying a mandatory tourism tariff of US$200-250 per day (including meals). And best of all, you’ll experience everyday life in Bhutan in a way a tourist never will, while also having the opportunity to see Tiger’s Nest, the country’s famous tourist attraction. If you want to hear more, contact us for details.

***Calculation based on March and May 2020 program fees.

Reading Program

Reading Program

Program Fees

2022 Fees (Note: Fees are subject to change once international travel resumes and travel costs are clearer)

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