Bhutan, the Land of Learning Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

While time was spent learning in "classroom" the majority of learning occurred in the field or while I was out and about, traveling with the group or exploring with a few other students. With two very amazing American professors the teaching can be compared to your smallish private university class room, but the nature of the program lends itself to experiential learning that is just amazing.

On-site administration of your program

The travel, accommodations, food, and everything logistic about the program is just amazing when you really start to understand the place that your traveling in. The size of the group felt really perfect, I would have not wanted anymore nor any less people in the group. The size made for a very close knit group and interesting dynamic, bigger than a small family, but much smaller than a sports team. Odd way of describing the group size, but you really actually get to know everyone. When I did the program it was only in its second year, really its second session ever. I had no real expectations for the program other than that I was going to have an amazing experience. It is still in the building and shaping process. The bottom line is that you will be traveling to an amazing place, experiencing amazing things, meeting beautiful people and if you go into the whole deal with an open mind about all aspects of the journey you will reach a the final destination much more enlightened about the simplicities of life and with an open mind about unique cultures.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

At one point I stayed at a place very comparable to a bed and breakfast, this was my favorite accommodation of the trip actually. Smallish place with amazing food and a heavy serving of culture. We danced and sang the night away sharing "folk" songs with our Bhutanese hosts.

I do not have any dietary restrictions, but the those in our group had their needs met. The food was generally very good, do realize that you are going to a high altitude area and the local produce there is constrained by the limitations of altitude. With this understood you will be amazed. I hope you like red rice! When you get free time head down to Jakar and get some Jah and momos, poke around follow the locals, they'll lead you to the best spots.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The Rimpoche's Birthday at the monastery, Directed Study in Bhumthang, These were the most memorable events that really stick-out, however I felt that everything that you do when you are in Bhutan is special somehow and you will get something out of it. Sure there will be amazing trips to Tigers Nest or through the capital, but you will get out what you put in. My advise here is to engage in everything that you do on the trip, by the end you will wish you were staying longer.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I felt very safe the entire time I was traveling with the program, in various airports, traveling to and from airports and layovers. You are very well taken care of, the student affairs manager is amazing and our student intern was absolutely amazing to travel with.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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• Dorm
• Hotel
• Other

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• Americans
• Local Students
• Other

• The overwhelming amount of new you experience.

• More freedom to explore once you reach your home base.