Located in the heart of South Asia, Bhutan – or Land of the Thunder Dragon – is a natural and cultural wonder. Bhutan is the world’s first carbon negative country due to conservation and renewable energy initiatives. But while its thriving Buddhist culture, and mountainside temples make it an attractive place, tourist fees are incredibly high.
While never officially a colony, British influence meant that English was frequently used in government and business, and high literacy rates among the younger generation creates high requirements for foreign English teachers. Read on for The TEFL Org’s guide on teaching English in Bhutan, from the requirements, salary, visa process, and more.
Key Takeaways
- English proficiency is common in Bhutan, creating a lower demand for English teachers than in other Asian countries.
- Due to a low demand, requirements are high; English teachers need a TEFL, a degree (preferably in education), and prior teaching experience.
- Entry-level TEFL teachers can volunteer in Bhutan.
- Most teaching jobs can be found at private or international schools, but volunteer positions exist.
- Teaching salaries range from Nu.20,000–Nu.50,000 ($210–$530 / £155–£390); teachers at elite international schools can potentially earn up to Nu.90,000 ($950 / £700) per month.
- Teachers need to get an Employment Visa which allows you to work in Bhutan for up to a year; volunteers need their programme to sponsor their visa to avoid SDF fees.
Requirements for Teaching English in Bhutan
Although a developing country, Bhutan takes its education very seriously. Teaching requirements are much higher than in other South Asian countries, because there’s a greater availability of local English teachers.
Do I need a TEFL certification to teach English in Bhutan?
Yes, you need a TEFL certification to teach English in Bhutan. While a 120 hour TEFL certificate is the minimum requirement, some international schools require higher level certification, such as a Level 5 TEFL or a teaching license from your home country.
Can I teach English in Bhutan without a degree??
Yes, you need a degree to teach English in Bhutan. Most young people in Bhutan speak English, and private or international schools hiring foreign English teachers require academically qualified teachers. If you don’t have a degree, you may be able to volunteer as a teacher.
Do I need teaching experience to teach in Bhutan?
Most paid teaching jobs are in private schools or international schools, so you’ll need experience to work in Bhutan. However, you can bypass this with qualifications such as a degree in education or an advanced TEFL course or teaching license.
Visa requirements for teaching in Bhutan
To work as a full-time teacher in Bhutan, you’ll need to get an Employment Visa which allows you to work in Bhutan for up to a year.
The first step to securing a teaching job in Bhutan long-term. From here, your employer will apply for your work permit through the Bhutanese Department of Labour, and then you can apply for the Employment Visa.
Here’s what you’ll need to secure the visa and work permit:
- Proof of employment contract
- Work permit application form
- Proof of education or qualifications, including bachelor’s degree and TEFL certificate
- Clean criminal background check
- Employer Undertaking form & Employee Undertaking form
- Copy of passport and employment visa
- Medical Fitness Certificate (issued by a government-certified medical officer in Bhutan)
Important: Immigration rules can change, and the information above is not intended as legal advice. Be sure to check the official government website or embassy in your region for updated visa rules.
Download our guide to teaching English in Asia
The ultimate guide to culture, life and work as a TEFL teacher in Asia.
Salary and Cost of Living
A combination of Bhutan’s developing economy and availability of local English teachers means that teaching salaries aren’t as high as in other countries. Here’s what you can expect to earn and spend as an English teacher in Bhutan.How much can you earn teaching English in Bhutan?
English teachers can expect to earn around Nu.20,000–Nu.50,000 ($210–$530 / £155–£390) teaching in Bhutan. Teachers at elite international schools can potentially earn up to Nu.90,000 ($950 / £700) per month depending on the institution.
Cost of living in Bhutan
The cost of living depends on a range of factors, such as your location, lifestyle, and more. Teachers living and working in Bhutan can expect to spend around Nu.30,000–Nu.38,000 ($315–$400 / £235–£300) per month, excluding rent.
Rent for a 1-bed apartment varies significantly, ranging from around Nu.3,000– Nu.18,000 ($30–$190 / £22–£140) depending on your location.
Total monthly living costs in the capital city, Thimphu, range between Nu.35,000–Nu.70,000 ($375–$750 / £270–£545). Some employers may offer benefits such as a local-style accommodation (or an allowance).
Food is extremely affordable in Bhutan, with a meal at a local restaurant costing around Nu.250 ($2.65 / £2). So, while you won’t earn an astronomical amount of money, you can save enough to live very comfortably and travel domestically or to neighbouring countries in South Asia with Bhutan’s low cost of living.
| Restaurants | BTN | USD | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inexpensive restaurant meal | |||
| Domestic beer (0.5 litre) | |||
| Regular cappuccino | |||
| Water (0.33 litre) | |||
| Markets | BTN | USD | GBP |
| Regular milk (1 litre) | |||
| Loaf of white bread | |||
| Regular eggs (1 dozen) | |||
| Apples (1 kg) | |||
| Transportation | BTN | USD | GBP |
| One-way ticket (local transport) | |||
| Monthly pass (regular price) | |||
| Taxi start (normal tariff) | |||
| Gasoline (1 litre) | |||
| Utilities | BTN | USD | GBP |
| Electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage (for a regular apartment) | |||
| Regular prepaid monthly mobile tariff with 10GB+ data | |||
| Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) | |||
| Clothing and shoes | BTN | USD | GBP |
| Pair of jeans (Levis 501 or something similar) | |||
| Summer dress in a chain store | |||
| Nike running shoes (mid-range) | |||
| Men's leather business shoes |
English Teaching Jobs in Bhutan
Most English teachers will find opportunities working in private language schools and international schools in Bhutan.
Public schools
Teaching in a public school in Bhutan involves teaching large classrooms with modest resources. Most public school teaching positions in Bhutan come through volunteer programmes, including the Bhutan Canada Foundation (BCF), which collaborates with the Bhutanese Ministry of Education to recruit Canadian teachers to work in rural schools across Bhutan.
What to expect at public schools in Bhutan:
- Volunteer positions
- Large classrooms, less modern facilities
- Focus on engaging and activity-based learning
Private language schools
Private language schools offer supplementary education to young students looking to study abroad. While English literacy is high amongst the younger population, literacy rates are considerably lower amongst older age groups. You may find adults looking to improve career prospects with English language skills in the workplace, and as a result, vocational colleges and business English centres are popular especially in cities.
What to expect at an private language school in Bhutan:
- Working evenings and weekends
- Small classrooms, modern facilities
- Various age groups and subjects
International schools
International schools offer the highest salaries and benefits for English teachers because they offer high standards of education for students. Parents of wealthy families – local and expats – send their students to international schools to learn English as the primary language from highly qualified teachers. While teachers can expect a higher salary and benefits, expectations and responsibilities are much higher.
Popular examples of international schools in Bhutan include:
What to expect at an international school in Bhutan:
- Monday to Friday schedule
- Smaller classrooms, teaching Bhutanese students and international students
- High requirements, including a degree in education, TEFL, and previous teaching experience
- Higher average salaries and benefits than other teaching jobs
Teaching English in Major Cities
From teaching opportunities to experiencing Bhutanese culture, here's where you can optimise your teaching abroad experience in Bhutan.
Teach English in Thimphu
Much like Bhutan itself, Thimphu is a city full of contrasts. Despite sitting in the Himalayas and ranking among the world’s highest capital cities, it has no international airport. Instead, you’ll travel from Paro, with the journey offering sweeping mountain views, cliffside monasteries, and cultural landmarks like Simtokha Dzong.
On arrival, Thimphu feels as surreal as it is captivating. From the enchanting Buddha Dordenma to traditional dance and the historic Tashichho Dzong, the city is rich in artistry and spirituality. For a change of pace, nearby destinations like Haa Valley or the Royal Highland Festival in Gasa offer even more to explore.
You’ll find the bulk of Bhutan’s premium educational institutions in Thimphu, from public schools, monasteries, international schools, and language schools for adults, many of whom will need English language skills for increasingly outward-looking jobs in business.
Ready to Teach English in Bhutan? Don't Forget Your Teaching Certification
Before you head off for a rewarding experience abroad, you'll need your TEFL certification. A TEFL course is much more than a necessary evil to tick boxes, you’ll become a pro at managing large groups, planning lessons, and overcoming L1 interference in the classroom.
Not only is a TEFL certification the first step to becoming a professional in the classroom, but employers will recognise your abilities from reading your CV, paving the way for job opportunities across the globe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much do English teachers make in Bhutan?
Entry-level teachers may be limited to volunteer roles, but qualified English teachers can expect to earn around Nu.20,000–Nu.50,000 ($210–$530 / £155–£390) at public or private language schools. Teachers at international schools can earn up to Nu.90,000 ($950 / £700)
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. The level of English is high in Bhutan compared to the rest of South Asia, so it’s important to have a degree and TEFL or teaching licence to find a teaching job and work visa.
Q. What do I need to teach English abroad in Bhutan?
Most schools in Bhutan will require a bachelor’s degree, a TEFL certificate and prior teaching experience. Again, the level of English is higher than most Asian countries, so you’ll need to be qualified and experienced to find a paid teaching job.
Q. Can I teach in Bhutan as a non-native speaker?
Yes, you can teach English in Bhutan as a non-native speaker. However, with so many local English teachers, you’ll need to have advanced qualifications such as a degree in education, a teaching license, TEFL, and proof of your English proficiency.
