Bhutan Frequently Asked Questions

 

  • What is the approach to safety for SFS Bhutan? 

    We recognize that our program destinations and the nature of our research activities may present greater risks than those found on a college campus within the U.S. The SFS Bhutan program poses unique health risks to students.

    Due to our interaction with Bhutan's remote, mountainous terrain, we face greater physical challenges and health risks and need to take the right precautions that match these realities. In an effort to admit students to the best fitting programs and to set clear expectations, it is important to pay particular attention to local considerations. We will be living at and around 9,000 ft, and frequently hiking to 12,000 ft. Occasionally we will hike near and drive over passes to 14,000 ft. These altitudes are at elevations that carry additional physical and health risks, including Acute Mountain Sickness. Altitude illness is very common, and can be life threatening. Students participate in day-hikes, extended outdoor field classes, and field research that is conducted in steep forested slopes without trails. This demands a certain level of coordination, physical fitness, cardiovascular strength, and general conditioning to succeed in, accomplish, and enjoy the program. A detailed conversation with admissions specifically about your own personal condition, background, comfort level, and willingness is essential so we can help you make the best decision to see if Bhutan is right for you. For further information, please visit SFS' safety information on the website.

  • I've noticed that there are videos on You Tube about flying into and driving while in the country. Is transportation in Bhutan safe? 

    We are intimately acquainted with the driving conditions in Bhutan and the very exciting flight into Paro. Druk Airlines has expert pilots who successfully fly in and out of the Himalayas on a daily basis, and we have full confidence in the company for safe travel.

    Please visit the Druk Airline website for further information. SFS uses only certified professional drivers for program activities, and we are very impressed with their driving ability, practices, and attitude. Students are not allowed to travel freely or use local transportation aside from official taxis on an occasional basis.

  • How are the medical facilities? 

    Medical care in Bhutan is underdeveloped by high-income country standards in typical and not so typical ways.

    Emergency care is not a specialty here and private practice is largely non-existent. There is one national hospital in Thimphu with a full pharmacy, a comprehensive lab, x-rays, MRI, and medical specialists including surgical specialists, etc. There are three regional hospitals and twenty district hospitals, including one in Jakar, where students will be located for the majority of the time. District hospitals generally have one or two general practitioners.

  • Who is going to be accompanying my son or daughter on this program? 

    Robin Sears, Ph.D., Dean of SFS, is the director of the program and will be joined by another lecturer, a full time highly qualified Student Affairs Manager (SAM), and an intern.

    Bhutanese staff include a program coordinator, lecturers, and support positions. The SAM's role is to facilitate group dynamics, logistics, and medical concerns. The student group will be accompanied by one SFS staff member on the international travel to and from Bhutan, through Bangkok. To view a short biography on each of our staff please visit our staff and faculty page.

  • Is the SFS staff medically trained? 

    Yes! Robin, the SAM, and intern are certified Wilderness First Responders, a 72-hour emergency medical training course.

    The other staff are also certified in Wilderness Advanced First Aid.

  • Can I contact my son or daughter?  

    Yes. Email is going to be the best (and cheapest) way to contact your son or daughter, but cell phone coverage is quite good too.

    Please note that we will not have access to Internet or phone every day, and that when we do, it can be quite slow. There are plenty of places to buy phone cards and SIM mobile phone packages. If there is an emergency and you need to contact your son or daughter immediately, please follow these directions:

    Emergency contact should be with the SFS headquarters office in Salem, Massachusetts. Monday to Friday, 8:30 PM to 5:00 PM (EST), emergency calls should be made to the SFS main line at 978.741.3544. At all other times emergency calls should be made to 978.741.3567. Individuals should press "2" to leave a message that will activate the emergency beeper 24 hours a day while programs are in session. While the headquarters staff will know the whereabouts of the student group at all times, it may require 24 hours or more to get in touch with staff in some cases.

  • How are you traveling while in the country?  

    We will be primarily traveling on a private bus with a local, professional driver. On a three-day trek we will be using pack horses to help us.

  • Where will you be staying? 

    We will be learning and living at the Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environment (UWICE), an international research and training facility.

    This will be a dorm-like setting with shared rooms and bathrooms. This facility is located in Jakar, a small town in the Bumthang district and at an elevation of approximately 9,000 ft above mean sea level.

  • Do students have to pay the daily tariff to the government?  

    No. Students who wish to remain in Bhutan after the program ends, and other visitors, will be responsible for making arrangements with a travel agent, who will charge the full tourist daily tariff.

    SFS will not make visa or travel arrangements for you after the program.

  • Can we visit our son or daughter? 

    After the program, you can visit your son or daughter, however, please keep in mind that there is a daily tariff!

    If students want to continue to travel in Bhutan after the program, they will be required to pay this fee as well and make arrangements WELL in advance through a tour agency.

  • Does my son or daughter need a visa?  

    Yes, but SFS takes care of this.

    The staff member accompanying students into Bhutan will carry the visa letter and will take care of processing upon arrival. The actual visa endorsement is stamped in your son or daughter's passport when they arrive at the airport in Paro, Bhutan. The visa will be arranged to cover only the length of the program. Should students wish to remain in Bhutan after the program they will need to arrange for a visa extension through an authorized travel agent well in advance of their visit.

    **All students' passports must be valid for up to six months past their expiration date!!!

  • Do they have to purchase the group flight through Advantage Travel? 

    Yes! The group flight from JFK to Bangkok, and then Bangkok to Paro is mandatory! Since travel to Bhutan is restricted SFS will be making all of the flight arrangements into Bhutan for students.

    This information will be sent via email as soon as we have made arrangements. Please contact Ellen Reid for any further questions and as soon as we have more information, it is your son or daughter's responsibility to purchase the tickets with Advantage Travel. Parents, if you are planning on traveling to Bhutan, we suggest that you contact Advantage Travel.

  • Is there financial aid available for this program? 

    Yes, we will be offering financial aid just like any other SFS summer program