The biggest adventure of my life so far began in July 2018 and lasted for a year. I had the opportunity to study in Bhutan, one of the most mysterious countries in the world. I left behind my usual life and stepped into the unknown. I didn't know anyone and I didn't know much about the country, but I was sure it would be exciting. And I was right.

During this time, I completely left my comfort zone and learned that I was a lot tougher than I originally thought. Fortunately, my home university and the Royal Thimphu College (RTC) have helped a lot to make the first few weeks very comfortable for me due to which the cultural differences were much easier to handle.

In a new country and a completely different environment, it was not easy to be "the exchange student", but in RTC, everyone was kind and helpful. Besides, I was not the only international student so I had other people who were going through similar experiences as mine and so we bonded over the common situations we found ourselves in.

Studying for a couple of semesters in Bhutan is an exceptional opportunity. I can recommend it to everyone, because you can gain experiences that can influence your entire life.

Without the Erasmus+ exchange program, I certainly would not have been able to visit Bhutan and discovered its amazing culture. In addition to learning, I had the opportunity to travel around Bhutan, get to know the countryside, hike, go out with friends, and get to know new people. One of Bhutan’s greatest advantages is that mass tourism has not reached the country - despite all the beauty it has to offer. Due to a conscious and smart decision made by the government, there is a limit on the number of tourists who can visit the country and so in many places, nature is untouched. Modern and traditional aspects blend naturally in the country due to which its towns and cities have a special atmosphere.

RTC differs in many ways from Hungarian universities and colleges, so I learned a lot of new things here. Its biggest advantage is that English is the primary language, which makes the college completely international and open to students from outside the country.

I can safely say that it was one of the best decisions on my part to apply for Erasmus + and come to Bhutan, because it was an experience I will never forget. The exposure to a completely new culture has shown me that the world is much larger and more colorful than I could have ever imagined. 

-Akos Domahidi

Grades (marks) at Royal Thimphu College are assigned to individual students on the basis of academic judgment, using a percentage scale common across the colleges associated with the Royal University of Bhutan. The table below outlines a student’s expected academic achievement/performance using this grading system. This is followed by a description of each level of performance.

For Undergraduate Studies:

80% and above - Outstanding performance: Demonstrates comprehensive understanding of the question or problem and presents evidence of extensive reading of appropriate texts reflected in illuminating references in work. Shows exceptional originality in problem-solving, analysis and evaluation, and presents arguments in a fluent and convincing manner. Displays the ability to synthesize concepts, knowledge, and theory; and exceptional insight and critical thinking.

70-79.9% - Very good performance: Shows clear understanding and interpretation of the question set. Includes all of the most relevant information/issues raised by the question. Demonstrates knowledge of appropriate reading, through reference to texts and journal material. Shows a thorough understanding of theoretical/conceptual issues. Demonstrates ability to present answers in a balanced and coherent way. Shows awareness of value judgments/assumptions embodied in the question. Demonstrates ability to analyze issues raised and evaluate the evidence presented.

60-69.9% - Good Performance: Generally understands the question and interprets the question appropriately. Brings in most of the main points/issues raised by the question. Only isolated reference to reading. Generally understands concepts involved, theoretical understanding rather shallow. Presents points reasonably clearly; demonstrates some analytical ability. Shows awareness of value positions required by the question.

50-59.9% - Satisfactory Performance: Limited understanding of the question set. Discusses some of the main points/issues raised by the question. Limited reference to reading. Some understanding of concepts - limited but accurate factual information. Muddled/unclear presentation. Unsupported value statements.

49.9% and below - Fail: Unsatisfactory standard. Some attempt to address issues in the question but do not quite meet the criteria outlined for an acceptable answer. Marks in this range will be awarded for wrong or negligible answers and nonresponse.

This August, six Bhutanese students will receive the opportunity to pursue B.Sc. Environmental Management studies at the Royal Thimphu College under the WWF - Russell E. Train Education for Nature Program (EFN) scholarship.

1. Pem Dorji Tamang (Full scholarship)

Twenty-year-old Pem Dorji Tamang, has always been interested in science. A bio-science student in high school, Pem was born and raised in the southern foothills of Beteni, Tsirang district. He says that he has wondered about the connection of science to the rural environment that he lived in. This interest grew stronger and he decided to pursue higher studies related to environmental management and science. “Receiving the Russell E. Train Education for Nature Program (EFN) scholarship has galvanized my spirit and given me confidence to achieve this academic goal,” said Pem, the eldest child of a single mother.

Pem and his two younger sisters live with their mother, a farmer, after their father succumbed to illness in 2014. “My family is thankful for the financial support and the wonderful opportunity,” he said. Besides helping his mother sell vegetables and dairy products from their farm, Pem is an ardent basketball lover and has in fact, represented his school team since he was in the eighth grade. Pem is also passionate about counselling and helping his school mates through a peer-helper group. Meanwhile, Pem’s goal is to bring social awareness and strong storytelling to the young Bhutanese on environment conservation. He wants to pursue research projects during the bachelor’s study that provoke critical thinking and explore our natural environment and the human condition. 

2. Dechen Tshomo (Full scholarship)

Dechen Tshomo, 19-years old, loves poetry on nature and the environment. Born and raised in Radi, Trashigang district in eastern Bhutan, Dechen says that she vividly remembers how she accompanied her three siblings to the forest to collect fallen dry branches and twigs for firewood until electricity lit the homes in her village only in recent years. “I have and will always have this special attachment to nature,” said Dechen whose parents are both farmers.

When she saw the announcement for the Russell E. Train Education for Nature Program (EFN) scholarship, Dechen said that she knew instantly that she had to try and avail this opportunity. “The process of applying and the award of scholarship has forced me to take a hard look at where I was as a young responsible Bhutanese, and has built my confidence,” Dechen said, adding that she is a shy person.

Dechen has initiated and participated in several tree plantation activities in her school in Trashigang and aspires to continue this activity even at the Royal Thimphu College.  

3. Wesal Bidha (Partial scholarship)

Twenty one-year-old Wesal Bidha’s passion for the environment began at an early age. She got her first real taste of environmental leadership running her high school’s first-ever fashion show using recycled garbage in 2014. “I spent a lot of time leading cleaning campaigns, awareness programs on recycling and reuse,” said Wesal, a student from Wamrong, Trashigang. Until this year, Wesal has initiated and lead three major cleaning campaigns here in the capital, Thimphu.

A school captain and a scouts leader for several years, Wesal said that this scholarship will further hone her interests as a student-leader. “Through the resources of this scholarship, I will have the opportunity to understand the issues around environment and commit to initiate more creative solutions to create awareness,” she said. During free time, Wesal loves hiking, camping and playing badminton with her three elder sisters and her younger brother.  

4. Nima Khandu (Partial scholarship)

Nima Khandu is a nineteen-year-old student from Tsento, Paro district. Already an active member of Bhutan’s Young Volunteers. In Action (YVIA), Nima spends a lot of time in his neighbourhood advocating on waste management and personal health safety. During his involvement in YVIA, Nima said that his interests in environmental conservation, nature, flora and fauna grew and thus, his application for the Russell E. Train Education for Nature Program (EFN) scholarship.

“At YVIA, we organize programs for young members so that we indulge in productive activities and help our community,” Nima said, adding that this scholarship will further allow him to use this platform to strengthen environmental awareness among young people. He said that his focus academically will, in fact, be to bring social awareness on the vital relationship between human beings and the natural world. Nima is currently working with other youth volunteers on advocating safe work practices and health hazards to mechanics in Thimphu automobile workshops. With both his parents working in the civil service, Nima also enjoys looking after his younger brother and younger sister.  

 5. Sonam Yangchen (Partial scholarship)

Eighteen-year-old Sonam Yangchen’s interest in environment conservation grew during her summer and winter holidays in 2015 when she received an opportunity to work part-time with her relatives to make bio-degradable plates and cups. “This inspired me because what I saw was this simple, eco-friendly product replacing the huge amount of paper and plastic plates being imported,” Sonam said. She said that by receiving this scholarship to pursue environmental studies, she would like to create and understand such initiatives which not only reduce impact on the environment but also provide socio-economic benefit.

Sonam is from Buli gewog in Zhemgang district and feels passionate about the forests. “It is so sad to see the increasing amount of forest we lose each year to forest fire,” she said. At RTC, I would like to embark on a project to understand how and why we must protect our forests. During free time, Sonam said that she loves listening to old traditional Bhutanese songs. “I think most of these traditional Bhutanese songs I love are about nature - the sounds of the birds and the vibrant colours of the flowers” she said.

6. Sagar Basnet (Partial scholarship)

Eighteen-year-old Sagar Basnet is from the remote village of Dorona in Dagana district. Sagar says that he is very fortunate to receive the Russell E. Train Education for Nature Program (EFN) scholarship.  Raised by a single mother, Sagar aspires to be a conservationist and tackle the emerging environmental issues and challenges in Bhutan.

The environment program at the Royal Thimphu College will give me that unique opportunity to study inside Bhutan and understand environmental management,” he said. “I am excited and grateful.” His mother did not receive the opportunity to go to school and therefore, has always encouraged him to learn. Sagar loves playing the guitar and helping his mother run her small shop in Thimphu. Sagar said that academics has always been a crucial part of his life.