Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply?

We're looking for qualified teachers with an education degree, teaching certification or a minimum of three years relevant experience. We accept applications from native English speakers from Canada, The United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. Applicants should be adeventurous, adaptable and looking to make a difference!

 

Do I need to be certified/have a college teaching number?

No- we do not require teachers to be certified or have a college teaching number. However, if teachers are not certified they should either have a degree in Education or have at least 3 years relevant teaching experience.

 

How do I apply for a teaching position?
The teaching application can be reached by either looking in the ‘Work With Us’ tab or by clicking on the ‘Teacher Recruitment’ section on the bottom left on the home page.

 

What is the College Teaching Number?
Certified teachers receive a college teaching number when they are registered with their home province. This organization deals with teaching licenses and regulates teachers within the province. (In Ontario, for example, teachers should be registered with the Ontario College of Teachers and should have an assigned number.)

 

Will I be able to travel while in Bhutan?
Teachers are free to travel in Bhutan and in the region during their school holidays. As well, if they extend their contract for a second year, they may travel between the end of the first school year (the end of December) and the beginning of the second (the beginning of February).

 

What will my salary be?
Teachers will be paid a local Bhutanese salary at the end of each month of 20 000 Nu. This will be enough to cover payment for accommodations (approximately 9000 Nu. in urban areas and less in rural areas), food and some travel. This is the equivalent of approximately $450 Canadian dollars, though this can be stretched further in Bhutan. (This salary is similar to what Bhutanese teachers are paid).

 

Do I have to claim my salary in Canada?
Yes, every teacher is responsible for filing their own personal in-come tax as per the laws of their own country (in this case, Canada).

 

What logistics are looked after?
Teachers will have their transportation from the Paro airport in Bhutan to the orientation session as well as transportation to the school posting looked after. As well, the visas in Bhutan and work permits will be processed for successful applicants. Assistance with finding accommodation will be offered as well.

 

What expenses do I need to pay for?
Teachers will need to pay for their own airfare. Assistance for paying for flights may be available to those people who show financial need. As well, necessary vaccinations for living in Bhutan must be paid for by the participant and should be handled by a family doctor or travel clinic in a timely manner. Teachers need to pay for their own accommodation using their monthly salary which will cost approximately 9000 Nu. in urban areas and less in rural areas.

 

Is medical coverage paid for?
The Bhutan Canada Foundation will provide local medical insurance in Bhutan and evacuation coverage if they need to be sent to India for specialist help.

 

Do I need to be able to speak any other languages?
English is the language of education so other languages are not necessary.

 

What is the local currency in Bhutan?
The local currency in Bhutan is the Bhutanese Ngultrum and the Indian Rupee (pegged to the Ngultrum) is frequently used in place of the Ngultrum.

 

Where will I be teaching in Bhutan?
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.

 

What are the living accommodations like?
Depending on the placement, accommodations will vary. The more remote locations may not have modern conveniences such as electricity and running water. Accommodations will include cooking and bathroom facilities and will be adequate for living.

 

Will I have access to internet?
Internet is increasingly available in Bhutan and it is being extended to some of the remotest parts of the country.

 

What preparations will be made to prepare me for the teaching position?
The Bhutan Canada Foundation has an office in Toronto, Canada as well as in Thimphu, Bhutan in order to make teachers’ transitions as easy as possible. A lengthy orientation session will be held in Bhutan for all teachers and they will be able to contact the office in Bhutan if need be. As well, teachers will receive a lot of support from the administration and other teachers at their schools.

 

What is the length of contract?
Teachers need to commit to a minimum of a one year contract and can extend the contract for up to five years. (The majority of teachers who have taught in Bhutan in the past have extended their contracts for a minimum of two years).

 

What are the consequences for leaving my contract early?
Teachers sign a contract for one year and are strongly encouraged to be held to their agreement. Should one leave before this term, teachers must refund three months of salary unless termination of contract is due to health issues or a death of an immediate family member.

 

When does the Bhutanese school year run?
There are two terms in the Bhutanese school year. These run from February to June and then mid-July to mid-December. Exams take place at the end of each term.

 

What type of teachers will be hired?
The Bhutan Canada Foundation is interested in hiring high school Math, Science (preference given to Physics), and English teachers and all elementary disciplines including special education teachers.

 

What is a typical teaching day like?
Schools vary depending on the populous of the school and if it is a boarding school or not. (Typically boarding school teachers have additional duties). The school day begins with morning supervision followed by breakfast and morning assembly. Seven to eight classes follow with a break for lunch. Evening prayer (Buddhist prayer) is followed by sports and club time as well as evening study.

 

Can I invite visitors to see me while I am teaching in Bhutan?
Bhutan is very strict about having visitors in the country. Teachers are allowed to have two family members visit per year; all other visitors will have to come as tourists and will be charged the $200 per day standard rate. All visitors (family included) must stay with the teacher who has requested their visit.

 

Can my spouse come with me?
Yes, spouses (and in some cases children) can accompany teachers and will be exempt from the daily visitor’s fee. Proof of marriage will likely be needed.