Business, Environmental Studies, and Sciences in The Himalayas
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About this Program
Located between India and China, Bhutan is a landlocked Himalayan paradise. Often referred to as the “last Shangri-la”, Bhutan is known for its natural beauty, diverse landscapes, friendly people, and its official national philosophy of “Gross National Happiness“. To visit Bhutan is to step into a different world – one where concepts such as karma, happiness, tranquility, resourcefulness, and curiosity combine to transform you! API offers students a wonderful opportunity to experience the Bhutanese culture and way of life through study abroad in the capital city of Thimphu. API students will study with Bhutanese students at Royal Thimphu College, Bhutan’s first and only private university institution, administered by the Royal University of Bhutan.
Program Highlights
- Language(s) of Instruction:
- English
- Courses with Locals
- Courses with Study Abroad Students
- Local University Program
- Internship Opportunities
- No Language Pre-Requisites
- Dorm
- Winter Quarter Housing applications open in November
- Spring Quarter Housing applications open in February
- Fall Quarter Housing applications open in May
Level of Immersion
Features
Housing Abroad
Moving can be both costly and stressful, but careful planning can help minimize both. Start by creating a housing plan for before and after your study abroad experience to avoid the pressure of continuing to pay for rent at home. Program fees typically cover housing abroad, so if you expect to incur additional domestic rent expenses, be sure to include these in your budget. If possible, consider staying with family or friends temporarily before you depart or when you return to save on costs.
Housing Residence Life
Education Abroad typically recommends considering Seattle University on-campus housing for when students return from their programs, as Housing Residence Life staff are able to support students in securing housing, while adhering to student preference as best as they can.
Housing Application
Check the Housing Portal for more specific dates
Disciplines
Courseload
Students who participate in an SU-Sponsored, SU-Exchange, or Non-SU program must be fully enrolled at their host university/program provider. Full-time enrollment on a semester-length program is typically 15 US semester credits (not quarter credits) or 30 ECTS credits.
Note: Not all programs/host universities provide syllabi prior to the start of classes. Some may have samples of past syllabi but cannot guarantee that a specific course will be offered during the student's time abroad.
- Credit Range: 36-48
- Credit System: RTC Credits
- Typical Course load: 4
- Credit Per Course: 12-16
Credit Conversion
- Transcript Issued By: Royal Thimphu College - Royal University of Bhutan
- Credit Conversion Rate: 12 RTC Credits = 6 Quarter Credits
- Quarter Range: 18-24
Academic Policy & Minimum Grade Requirement:
- Student will receive transfer credit for their study abroad program and academic grades will not be reflected on their Seattle University transcript and will not be reflected in the Seattle University GPA nor honors calculations.
- For all undergraduate programs, courses accepted in transfer are graded at least a C- when letter grades are issued and at least a 1.5 on the decimal grading system. Courses graded D+ or lower (1.5) will not be allowed either for transfer credit or to fulfill degree requirements.
- Students in the College of Nursing, the College of Science and Engineering, and communication and psychology majors in the College of Arts and Sciences will be required to repeat courses graded lower than C (2.0) if the course is a major requirement or if it is a prerequisite to a major requirement.
- Students in the Albers School of Business and Economics must complete required business courses (including mathematics, economics & accounting) with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Transfer Credits
Letter grades received on this program will not transfer to SU nor factor into Seattle University GPA. If students receive the minimum grade required, credits will transfer toward their Seattle University degree as approved through the required pre-departure Course Approval process. Minimum grade details will be specified during Course Approval for each course taken abroad.
Placeholder Course
The Education Abroad Office will enroll students in a 12-credit placeholder course per term that you are abroad so that students maintain full-time student status and are billed properly. This placeholder course will be replaced by the courses taken abroad upon successful completion and receipt of official transcript.
Program Fees
Program fees are subject to change and based on previous year's tuition, if future tuition rates are not available yet. The purpose of the budget worksheets is to provide an estimate of how much studying abroad is going to cost. Actual spending may vary.
- Fall Semester: $12,000
- Spring Semester: $12,000
Requesting a Financial Aid Estimate
Student Financial Aid allows students to request a financial aid estimate when planning an education abroad experience. Students can bring the completed worksheet of your preferred program to a meeting with a Student Financial Aid Counselor.
Budget Worksheets
Participation Costs
Payment
For SU-Sponsored programs, pay your Seattle University bill through your MySeattleU Student Account for the term(s) you are abroad. The Program Fee is labeled as "MSA Fee" on your bill. Payment deadlines align with Seattle University’s quarterly deadlines and you can sign-up for a payment plan as usual.
Seattle University handles payments to API on your behalf for the program cost. Additional expenses not included in Seattle University’s Program Fee, like special course fees, housing upgrades, and optional excursions, may be billed to you directly by API. Consult the Budget Worksheet for a breakdown of estimate additional expenses.Insurance
Scholarships
There are many study abroad scholarships for all program types. The application process may be easier than you think, but planning ahead is key. Deadlines are often 6-8 months in advance of departure. Check out the Scholarship section of Seattle University Education Abroad website for more information on scholarships and how to apply.
Student Journey
| Approximate Timeline | Phase | More details |
|---|---|---|
| Sept-Jan | Exploration | Students will work with Education Abroad and various supporters (family, academic advisor, etc.) to find a program that best fits student's academic, personal, and professional goals. |
| Feb 1 | Apply | Students will have the opportunity to apply to SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs during next academic year in the Fall around November. The hard deadline is February 1st. |
| Late Feb/Early Mar | Nominations | Education Abroad Office will nominate selected students for SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs. |
| Mar-May (Fall) Sept-Dec (Winter) Jan-March (Spring) | Preparation | Students will complete secondary applications for program providers/host university in preparation of going abroad. Additional preparatory steps include pre-departure orientation, courses approvals, Health Check, Visa application, planning housing arrangements (abroad & Seattle), immunizations, etc. |
Application Steps
- Complete Module I of Global Engagement with Education Abroad Canvas course, including Education Abroad 101 and attending a Planning Meeting with your Education Advisor.
- Complete the SU-Sponsored/SU-Exchange Program Application in Module II of the Canvas course by February 1 for selected program.
If you haven’t joined the Education Abroad Canvas Course yet, Join Now!
Climate
- Spring: Cool and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F). The landscape is lush with blooming flowers, making it a popular time for trekking.
- Summer: Warm and humid, with temperatures around 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). The monsoon season brings heavy rainfall, especially in southern regions.
- Autumn: Cool and crisp, with temperatures from 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F). Clear skies and mild weather make autumn another prime trekking season.
- Winter: Cold, particularly in higher elevations, with temperatures between 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F). Lowlands remain milder, but some areas may experience snowfall.
Travel Resources
- Air: Paro International Airport is the sole international airport in Bhutan, with limited flights from regional hubs like India, Nepal, and Thailand. For more information, visit Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines.
- Train: Bhutan does not have a railway system. Travelers typically rely on air travel or road transport.
- Public Transport: Buses are available in larger towns and cities, but most transportation is by private car or taxi. Roads can be steep and winding due to the mountainous terrain, so allow extra time for travel.
Cultural Resources
- Historical Sites: Major cultural sites include the Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang), Punakha Dzong, and the Buddha Dordenma statue. Bhutan is known for its well-preserved monasteries and stunning mountain scenery.
- Language: Dzongkha is the official language, though English is widely spoken, especially in urban and tourist areas.
- Festivals: Popular festivals include the Paro and Thimphu Tshechus, where locals gather for masked dances and religious rituals. These festivals are held in honor of Guru Rinpoche, who brought Buddhism to Bhutan.
Food & Diet
- Cuisine: Bhutanese cuisine features spicy and hearty dishes such as ema datshi (chili and cheese), momos (dumplings), phaksha paa (pork with chilies), and red rice.
- Dietary Needs: Vegetarian options are widely available, particularly due to the Buddhist influence. Vegan options can be limited but can be requested at many restaurants.
Embassy/Consulate
- U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, India (Also responsible for Bhutan): Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021, India (Phone: +91 11 2419 8000)
Identity-Specific Considerations
- Accessibility: Bhutan’s rugged terrain and lack of infrastructure can make travel challenging for those with mobility issues. Facilities in rural areas may not be accessible to people with disabilities.
- LGBTQ+: Bhutan decriminalized homosexuality in 2021, and the country has made strides toward LGBTQ+ rights. However, social attitudes are still conservative, and LGBTQ+ travelers should be discreet, particularly in rural areas.
- Religion: Bhutan is predominantly Buddhist, with a strong cultural and spiritual influence of Mahayana Buddhism, alongside respect for religious diversity.
- Race & Ethnicity: Bhutan's population is primarily ethnically Bhutanese, with some Nepali minorities; ethnic tensions have historically been an issue, particularly for Lhotshampa communities.
- Gender: Gender roles in Bhutan are influenced by traditional and cultural norms, but women increasingly participate in education, politics, and the workforce.
Visa Requirements
What is a Visa?
A visa is a permission granted by a country that allows foreign nationals to enter and reside there temporarily. Applicants typically need to provide documentation such as an acceptance letter from the educational institution, proof of financial means, and health insurance. Student visas come with specific regulations regarding work rights, travel restrictions, and duration of stay, varying by country.
Below is a brief overview of the current visa requirements for your program. Note that countries may amend visa requirements at any time, so it will be important to follow all instructions given by API.
U.S. passport holders are required to obtain a visa for Bhutan (Non-U.S. citizens should consult their respective consulates). API will handle the visa processing. Further information can be found at https://apiabroad.com/student-visas/student-visa-bhutan/. API will offer additional information and guidance before departure and on-site; however, the decision to grant admission into the country is not in API’s nor Seattle University's control. Keep in mind that entry requirements are specific to the length of your stay, citizenship, and the type of activities you will be engaged in. It is your responsibility to determine specific entry requirements and stipulations prior to the start of your program.