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Teach English in Bhutan

Bhutan may be as mysterious as TEFL destinations get. What’s on offer in this South Asian paradise?

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Nestled between China and India, you might think Bhutan would be a country with a considerable population, incredible trade routes and - like its neighbours - strong links to the rest of the world. However, you couldn’t encounter a country less like those around it. Bhutan only lifted a ban on TV and the internet in 1999, the sale of tobacco is illegal, and there is an immensely strong emphasis on environmental protection and Buddhist tradition.

With just under 780,000 people, Bhutan is landlocked and mountainous, a peaceful country with a youthful population. As far as English is concerned, there is something of a history with the language - Britain entered Bhutan in 1772, and though it was never officially a colony, the British influence in China and India meant that there was a political and cultural impact on Bhutan for subsequent centuries. This was until 1949, when Bhutan signed a treaty with the newly independent India, allowing it influence over foreign affairs. What does this have to do with English? Well, English would become a de facto official language in Bhutan, especially in education, media and commerce, and that remains the case today.

Don’t worry, that’s the history lesson over - but it does make Bhutan a particularly interesting case for those who want to teach English abroad. Fine: it’s not necessarily a hotspot for international tourism, nor is it the easiest to move to. It is, however, incredibly alluring, unique and beautiful. Perhaps most importantly, from an English teaching perspective, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience.

So, are there English teaching jobs in Bhutan? What is teaching in Bhutan like? How difficult is it to get in? What are teaching salaries like? What teaching requirements do teachers in Bhutan meet? Let’s talk about teaching English in Bhutan!

Bhutan: an overview

When it comes to teaching English abroad in Bhutan, it’s important to get an idea of what it’s like as a country. Bhutan, in short, isn’t really like other countries, and teaching in Bhutan is a unique experience, too, with an education system that requires some explanation. Each nation has its traditions, unique culture and quirks, but Bhutan really is individual.

A deeply peaceful country, Bhutan is modernising in some senses, no longer on the UN’s list of Least Developed Countries, it doesn’t have an internationally-focused economy like other countries. Instead, for decades, Bhutan has placed more importance on Gross National Happiness than an outsized economy. The industries in Bhutan are hyper-focused and comparatively small, with a tangible positive impact on the environment, Bhutanese people and the future.

The tourism industry in Bhutan is ever-growing, but economic and social policies in Bhutan are made with an emphasis on the happiness of the Bhutanese people and remaining carbon-negative. It seems unlikely that Bhutan will suddenly become a tourism hotspot and compromise its long-held principles any time soon. 

Yet, for TEFL teachers, there’s an interesting wrinkle to teaching in Bhutan: English is widely spoken, especially in the more densely populated areas. It's spoken in the education system and politics. Bhutan also has a very young population, with one-third of Bhutanese people aged under 14. That means there’s a sizeable number of school pupils who learn in English-speaking institutions. 

Don’t think English is the only language, however - despite Bhutan’s relatively small size, there are about 19 recognised languages and dialects. The most popular language is Dzongkha, which is spoken by about 500,000 people. When you teach English in Bhutan, it's probably handy to know some Dzongkha, just to help assimilate in those early days!

Teaching English in Asia is an incredible experience, one where you’ll encounter several distinct, fascinating cultures. With its unique culture, economy and languages, however, you'll find that teaching in Bhutan isn't really like anywhere else!

Requirements 

So, what do you need to start teaching English in Bhutan? Though Bhutan is a very unique country, and might not be a big hitter economically, it does take education very seriously. The only issue is access - though school is compulsory, this is hard to enforce, given how rural and mountainous much of the country is. Literacy rates continue to improve, however, especially amongst Bhutan’s younger population.

This is all to say that it’s not the Wild West - you need high-quality qualifications to teach English in Bhutan, and Bhutanese employers are discerning. Another key point to note - one we’ll come to in further detail later on - is that teaching jobs in Bhutan are extremely competitive and relatively scarce, so you’ll need high-level qualifications to be considered, especially given that Bhutanese teachers can usually speak English to a high standard. They won't just employ any English teacher in Bhutan, and though it's maybe not one of the more popular destinations on the map, it's probably one of the more competitive in terms of jobs.

Can you teach English abroad as a non-native speaker in Bhutan? It’s possible, provided you have an IELTS or TOEFL qualification, or a degree from an English-speaking institution. Ultimately, it’s up to individual employers whether or not they’ll hire non-native English speakers for English teaching jobs. 

What else will you need to start teaching English in Bhutan, and enjoying the incredible unique culture of this one-of-a-kind Asian nation? Let’s take a look.

TEFL certificate 

Job adverts from Bhutanese employers dictate TEFL certificate to teach in Bhutan. You’ll need to have completed a TEFL course with at least 120 hours of training, as employers recognise this as the industry standard. Your English teaching certification needs to have been conducted by a reputable provider, with courses that have received accreditation from several top authorities.

Degree/no-degree 

Generally, job adverts in Bhutan for English teachers will ask for a degree. Many specifically ask for a bachelor’s degree in Education, specifically, though most won’t ask for a bachelor’s degree in a specific subject. 

A teaching certification, or teaching license, is also commonly asked for by employers to teach English in Bhutan, and this usually implies a degree. Be sure to check with a prospective employer.

If you’re looking to teach English abroad without a degree, don’t despair - while Bhutan may be limited in options, there are nearby countries like Cambodia, Pakistan and Nepal where degrees aren’t always necessary to teach English. 

Experience

Previous teaching experience is usually preferred for English teachers working in Bhutan. Usually, employers look for two or three years of classroom experience.

Visa

Now, when we said Bhutan wasn’t like anywhere else, we meant it. This isn’t a country where you can visit cheaply on a short-term visa, get a lay of the land, find work, and then sort residency out from there. Tourist visas for Bhutan are sorted exclusively through tour operators, and there’s a costly daily tariff to stay in the country. Teaching English short-term on a whim, with a tourist visa, isn't something you could really do in Bhutan.

So, if you’re keen on being an English teacher in Bhutan, you really need to commit. The first step to staying in Bhutan long-term is securing permanent work. Your employer will have to apply for a work permit through the Bhutanese Department of Labour. Securing a work permit will mean that the daily tariff is no longer a problem - instead, you'll have an employment visa.

What do you have to provide to get yourself the right work permit?

  • Work permit application form
  • Completed Employer Undertaking form
  • Completed Employee Undertaking form
  • Copy of passport and employment visa
  • Medical Fitness Certificate (issued by a government-certified medical officer in Bhutan)
  • Passport size photograph

Download our teaching English in Asia guide

Salary, benefits and cost of living 

What kind of teaching salaries are on offer in Bhutan, what kind of benefits can you expect, and how expensive is it to live in Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city? Let’s take a look.

Salary

According to our research, English teaching salaries in Bhutan are usually around 25,108-50,216 Bhutanese Ngultrum ($300-$600/£232-£464) a month at formal schools. Specialist schools can pay an average salary of as much as $1,000 - $1,900 (£774-£1,470) per month, though this is far less common. While searching for job opportunities in Bhutan, you’re far more likely to see salaries listed in USD and CAD. Your salary will depend on your qualifications and level of teaching experience.

Benefits 

Employers are expected to cover any costs associated with visas and work permits, given that your entry into the country is contingent on a job offer. Beyond that, some more elite institutions will offer accommodation and airfare. As previously mentioned, happiness is a very important commodity in Bhutan, so you should also expect a fair amount of public holidays, free healthcare coverage, maternity/paternity leave and sick pay.

Cost of living

What’s the cost of living like in Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan? Let’s start with accommodation - to rent a one-bedroom city centre apartment, you should expect to pay $129/£100 per month. If you’re willing to venture outside the city centre, rents usually come down to about £72/£55 per month. As stated, some employers will offer accommodation for free when you first enter the country to teach, though this won't always be the case.

Utilities are relatively cheap, costing about $22/£17, while internet access - banned until 1999! - costs about $31/£24 per month. 

If you’re looking to experience the full spectrum of Bhutanese cuisine, know that it’s relatively easy to do on a budget. A solo meal in a cheap diner is about $3/£2, while a three-course meal for two in a mid-priced restaurant is $16/£12.50 before drinks. 

Country Avg. monthly salary Degree required Start of term Teaching experience Housing & flights included Suitable for non-native English speakers Age restrictions
Teach in Bhutan 25,108-50,216 BTN
(£232-£464 GBP
$300-$600 USD)		 February Not usually None

Jobs  

Before we get into where you can find jobs in Bhutan, it’s important to go over the specifics of the education system. Don’t worry - this won’t be exhaustive - but there are important differences between what happens in Bhutan and what happens in other countries. 

Schools in Bhutan

To say students have plenty of choices in Bhutan would be putting it mildly. The education system in the country is very different to even neighbouring countries like Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Indonesia or Bangladesh, with an incredible range of options for students.

The types of schools available are as follows: state schools, autonomous schools (not fee-paying, but independent in terms of curriculum), central schools (free boarding schools in remote areas), independent private schools, private monastic institutions, nunneries, a handful of private international schools and state monastic education institutions (governed by Zhung Dratshang, the Monastic governing body).

In terms of options for English language teaching, most of these types of schools are as likely as each other to advertise online. Independent private schools and private international schools usually ask for a higher level of teaching experience and qualifications. Naturally, it’s harder for teachers from outside of Bhutan (certainly non-Buddhist) English teachers to find work in monastic institutions, where the curriculum is Buddhist. 

As ever, it’s important to research individual schools and institutions before you apply for a teaching position. Any school that’s hiring will normally be happy to take any questions. 

Teach English in Thimphu

Much like Bhutan as a whole, Thimphu is a city of idiosyncrasies. A capital without an international airport, Thimphu is the sixth-highest capital city in the world by altitude and is the home of Bhutan’s most important buildings, all while being largely agricultural. 

Its urban area is expanding over time, however, which is good news for prospective TEFL teachers who want to call Thimphu home. With a range of schools - of different kinds - as well as stunning palaces, monasteries and the iconic Clock Tower Square, Thimphu is ideal for teachers who are chasing a completely different kind of lifestyle. 

You’ll find the bulk of Bhutan’s premium educational institutions here, from state schools to monasteries, as well as the small number of private international schools and language schools for adults, many of whom will need English language skills for increasingly outward-looking jobs in business.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q. How much do English teachers make in Bhutan?

    At the entry level, English teachers can expect to make a salary of around 25,108-50,216 Bhutanese Ngultrum ($300-$600/£232-£464) a month at formal schools. Your salary can increase at more elite institutions, depending on qualifications and experience.

  • Q. How to become a teacher in Bhutan?

    To teach English in Bhutan, you’ll need a job offer from a Bhutanese educational institution. From there, you’ll need a work permit and an employment visa.

  • Q. What do I need to teach English abroad in Bhutan?

    Most English teaching jobs in Bhutan will require a bachelor’s degree, a TEFL certificate and some previous teaching experience. 

  • Q. How many teachers are there in Bhutan?

    How many teachers are there in Bhutan?

    There are lots of teachers in Bhutan, and there are a variety of different types of schools.