Intensive Faculty-led Credited Study Programme

Royal Thimphu College welcomed 16 students and 2 faculty members from Colorado Mountain College for their Faculty-Led Intensive Credited Programme focused on Environmental Stewardship, Sustainability, and Cultural Immersion. Their arrival coincided with RTC's International Day celebration, providing a vibrant start to their immersive experience. The programme offered a mixture of academic learning, practical sessions, and cultural engagement. Students attended theme-based sessions on sustainability, environmental conservation, responsible stewardship, and Buddhism, engaging with well-informed experts. These sessions provided insight into Bhutan's unique development philosophy, spiritual traditions, and commitment to environmental protection and Gross National Happiness (GNH). Field excursions to Phobjikha Valley, Punakha, and Paro further enriched the learning experience. In Phobjikha, students combined cultural exploration with hands-on environmental observations, while similar activities in Punakha and Paro included practical exercises and visits to heritage sites, allowing participants to connect academic learning with Bhutan's landscapes, culture, and conservation practices firsthand. Through this Faculty-Led Intensive Programme, students gained both academic knowledge and practical experience in sustainability, environmental stewardship, and Bhutanese culture and Buddhism.

Royal Thimphu College was delighted to host a team from the University of California, Davis, comprising 16 students and 4 faculty members, for their Faculty-Led Intensive Credited Programme. This yearly programme is part of an 11-year academic partnership and exchange between RTC and UC Davis, fostering enduring collaboration and global academic connections. This year, the programme coincided with RTC's inaugural Partnership Recognition and Award, where UC Davis was honoured for its long-standing friendship and contribution to RTC's growth and international engagement. The recognition highlighted 11 years of fruitful academic partnership, providing invaluable opportunities for students and faculty while strengthening Bhutan's global academic connections. The month-long programme offered a balance of academic learning, cultural exposure, and hands-on fieldwork. Participants attended daily GIS classes and engaged in sessions on Bhutan's history, Buddhism, Gross National Happiness (GNH), and environmental conservation. They interacted with Bhutanese experts, including specialists in tiger conservation and environmental management, gaining deeper insights into Bhutan's development philosophy and ecological priorities. Practical field exercises complemented classroom learning. In Phobjikha Valley, students combined a cultural excursion with GIS mapping exercises during the gentle hike down the glacial valley. Similar GIS-based activities took place during the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten hike in Punakha, allowing participants to explore the landscape through both technical and cultural perspectives. Before departing for Paro, the UC Davis students presented their final GIS projects in Thimphu, showcasing their learning, mapping outputs, and reflections from the field. The programme concluded with an excursion to Paro, highlighted by a memorable hike to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery, an inspiring end to a highly enriching experience. RTC is proud of its long-standing partnership with UC Davis and is honoured to continue hosting this annual programme, which promotes academic growth, cultural exchange, and global engagement for students and faculty alike.