GIS in the Land of the Thunder Dragon
U.S. Department of State
The U.S. Department of State advances the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity, by leading America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance. Visit the U.S. Department of State website for country-specific travel information.
- Program Orientation
- Travel Arrangements
- On Site Transportation
- Entry Requirements for U.S. Citizens
- Entry Requirements for Non-U.S. Citizens
- Insurance
- LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Program Orientation
Pre-Departure Orientation
There will be a program-specific orientation with the instructor and/or program provider at UC Davis. This orientation addresses travel, packing, academics, health and safety, and more. It also provides you the opportunity to meet with others on your program. Prior to orientation, you will receive a Program Specific Guide that will further support program preparation.
On-Site Orientation
Soon after arrival to the program destination, you will have an on-site orientation. The on-site orientation serves to introduce you to the new environment as well as provide on-site resources and support.
Travel Arrangements
Study Abroad will arrange flights for students from Bangkok, Thailand airport (BKK) to Bhutan. The cost of this flight is included in the program fees. Participants are responsible for making their own travel arrangements to Bangkok (BKK) airport. Detailed instructions for making flight arrangements are sent to enrolled students via email once the program is confirmed. Wait to purchase plane tickets until you receive this email. Instructions on how to get to the program accommodations will be included in your Program Specific Guide.
On Site Transportation
Students generally walk to get from place to place on the Royal Thimphu College campus. Taxis are available to take you back and forth to town, for a low fare. You could walk, but it’s a bit hilly. Transportation to your field trips is provided by Royal Thimphu College in a small bus. Some fieldtrips include hikes.
Entry Requirements for U.S. Citizens
A valid passport is required for this program. A visa is required for this program. You will apply as a group with the assistance of the instructor and host university.
Entry Requirements for Non-U.S. Citizens
A valid passport is required for this program. Non-U.S. citizens may require a visa for this program. You will apply as a group with the assistance of the instructor and host university.
- U.S. Embassy in New Delhi
- The Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Bhutan to the United Nations in New York
International students in the United States on an F-1 or J-1 visa interested in studying abroad, should ensure the U.S. visa in their passport has at least 90 days validity remaining whenever they travel abroad. If the U.S. visa expires or is about to expire (even if the I-20 is current), students may be required to apply for the visa to their study abroad country in their home country.
Non-U.S. citizens unable to gain access to the study abroad country will be subject to cancellation fees as shown in the cancellation schedule. For this reason, international students are highly encouraged to research entry to their destination country well in advance, and before enrolling in the program.
Insurance
Participants are enrolled in GeoBlue Global Health Insurance and UC Traveler Insurance for the duration of the program and will be provided with specific coverage information. More details about coverage is available in the Health & Accident Insurance section of our Health and Safety Resources.
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Please be advised that you are traveling to a country where there are limited or uneven protections for LGBTQIA+ people. You are encouraged to learn more about the country and host culture prior to departure. Resources: Equaldex—LGBT Rights in Bhutan, ILGA World Database, and the UC Davis Global Learning Hub's LGBTQIA+ Students webpage. Please contact the program coordinator for further support and resources