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Wheaton College has entered into a unique partnership with Royal Thimphu College, the first private college in Bhutan. Together with a Wheaton faculty member, students will spend a semester (Fall only) in Bhutan. Bhutan, the oldest Buddhist Himalayan Kingdom, has been isolated for centuries. Bhutan is often referred to as the last Shangri‐La due to its dramatic landscape and pristine natural resources. Bhutan is committed to environmental preservation and maintaining its rich Buddhist cultural traditions as it enters a period of dramatic growth. In 2008, Bhutan had its first elections, moving from a monarchy to a constitutional democracy. The program is designed to allow students to gain a unique insight into a country in transition.

Program Overview

Wheaton’s Semester in Bhutan offers students a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in a culture rich with history. As visiting students at Royal Thimphu College (RTC), students will have the opportunity to engage on a very personal level with their hosts in Bhutan. This program is designed to allow for a broad range of interests and offers unique opportunities including: living in RTC dorms with Bhutanese students, a practicum placement in a community based organization, and educational excursions.

Students will take four courses throughout their semester: an overview of Bhutanese Culture and Society, a guided practicum experience, and two courses from a selection of those offered by RTC. Students will be awarded 1 Wheaton credit for each of these courses successfully completed.

The Wheaton Semester in Bhutan will be particularly beneficial for students interested in Environmental Studies, Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, Asian Studies, Political Science, Economics, Religion, Women’s Studies, Music and Art, however students in any major will benefit from a semester in Bhutan.

Course Descriptions

• Contemporary Bhutan Culture and Society: This course will be facilitated by a Wheaton faculty member and will include lectures from experts in various areas. The course will cover such topics as Buddhism in Bhutan, Economic Development and Gross National Happiness, Environmental Policy and Preservation in Bhutan, and Gender and Family Roles
• Practicum in Bhutan: Students will spend 8‐10 hours a week at a field placement site and participate in a weekly seminar. Possible practicum sites include: Royal Society for the Protection of Nature, Voluntary Artists Society of Thimphu, RENEW, a domestic violence intervention and prevention program, KUZOO, the English language radio station or the Youth Development Centre.
• RTC Courses from the following: Introduction to the Environment, Eastern Political Thought, Demographics or Social Psychology.
• Essential Dzongkha: This course is a tutorial designed to provide a foundation for a better understanding of Bhutanese society.
• Language and Culture: This course is a tutorial designed to provide a foundation for a better understanding of Bhutanese society through language and culture. It will focus on the practical aspects of Bhutan language and while Dzongkha fluency is not a goal it is designed to provide an entry into Bhutanese society beyond what one would get by speaking only English. View the course syllabus here.
  
  Program Director
  Wheaton College is pleased to announce the program director for Fall 2012 will be Professor Jeffery Timm from the Religion Department.  Professor Timm has years of experience in Southeast Asia having research the monastic traditions of the region. In particular, Professor Timm has experience in Bhutan focusing his study on Drukpa Kunley, as know as the “divine madman”.

Tentative Program Schedule

Students depart US: late July
Orientation: early August (typically first week)
Classes begin: early August (typically second week)
Students depart Bhutan: late November
Program schedule and logistics subject to change.

Housing/Meals/Facilities

RTC has modern residence halls with double occupancy rooms, laundry, and lounge facilities. Included in the program are meals in the student dining hall.

RTC also offers a library, bookstore, sports facilities, and Internet access. There is an on‐campus infirmary and a hospital nearby. A RTC shuttle runs regularly between the campus and the center of Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.

2012 Fall Bhutan Application (for Wheaton students)

For a complete application please visit the Center for Global Education. Applications must be complete before turning them in for consideration. Applications will be reviewed based on interest, willingness to engage with the local community as project partners, and academic standing. As with all study abroad experiences cultural sensitivity and a willingness to expand one’s comfort zone is a must. In addition to the written application finalists will be asked to come in for a brief interview. If you have any questions about the application process please feel free to contact the Center for Global Education.

Excursions

While the program is based in the capital city of Thimphu, Bhutan is a country rich in cultural diversity and environmental splendor. So during the semester we will plan some weekend trips in order to provide students with additional opportunities to experience Bhutan’s natural beauty and the richness of its cultural heritage. One of these may be a two‐day trek. In addition there will be a one‐week excursion to rural Bhutan and field trips to Buddhist monasteries and monastic schools, governmental offices, traditional medicine clinics, as well as local artisan and handcraft centers.

Health and Safety

In addition to ensuring that students have a successful academic experience, students’ health and safety is our primary concern. We have been strongly advised by physicians that due to the high altitude (8,000ft–10,000ft) students with certain health conditions should be advised not to participate in this program. In order to provide the best educational experience for all students, applicants for this program must complete the Health Waiver Form to be signed by a travel health doctor or family physician.

Contact

Make an appointment at the Center for Global Education, ext. 4950. Program details are subject to change at the discretion of the Center for Global Education.

For Non-Wheaton Students

Students who are not enrolled at Wheaton College will soon have the opportunity to be part of Wheaton's program in Bhutan in the Fall 2012 semester. Additional information and application materials are available.