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ELC
ELC students and teachers walking single file along a grass path under prayer flags, the Thimphu valley below

Exchanges

Educational & Cultural Exchange

An all-inclusive educational and cultural exchange program — four weeks, six weeks or a four-month semester.

The idea

Not a tour. A term.

Each year, a small group of international students steps directly into the heart of ELC to experience Bhutan from the inside out. They sit shoulder-to-shoulder in our classrooms, share home-cooked meals, wear the traditional gho and kira to assembly, and learn the gentle rhythms of Bhutanese culture. Welcomed into our daily wellbeing circles and practices, many leave with lasting friendships and a deeper sense of what it means to be a compassionate global citizen.

We keep our numbers deliberately small. An exchange works best when a visiting student becomes a real part of our school community rather than a guest, and that kind of connection is something we can offer most fully to a few learners at a time.

A cohort of visiting exchange students standing with their ELC classmates and a teacher in gho on the school courtyard steps
An ELC student placing a white khadar around the neck of a visiting exchange student on arrival
Two exchange students standing in a meadow with local women in kira and rachu, forested hills behind
Two exchange students in gho on the trail below Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest monastery, in the mist

The programs

Choose your length of stay

All three are all-inclusive: accommodation, every meal, uniform and traditional Bhutanese attire, airport transfers, visa charges and the school's own mini excursions. Fees are available on request — choose a program to ask about it.

4-Week Cultural Immersion Program. 4 weeks, April – May. Price on request.
6-Week Extended Cultural Immersion Program. 6 weeks, April – June. Price on request.
4-Month Semester Exchange Program. 4 months, March – June or August – November. Price on request.

International airfare is not included in the program fees. Flights to and from Bhutan are the responsibility of the student or parent.

Included

What the program fee includes

The same for all three programs, for the entire stay.

  1. Accommodation, food and lodging for the entire stay

    • Accommodation arranged by ELC School, including hotels or hostels for school-organized activities where applicable
    • Daily meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks

  2. Essential student items

    • School uniforms and tracksuit
    • Traditional Bhutanese attire — gho or kira
    • School shoes and socks
    • Bedding: blanket, pillow and sheets
    • All stationery items required by the school

  3. Airport transfers

    • Transportation from the airport to ELC School on arrival, and from ELC School to the airport on departure

  4. Visa and visa extension charges

    • Visa application charges and visa extension charges, where applicable

  5. Administration and logistics

    • Program administration, coordination and student-related logistical arrangements throughout the program

  6. Mini excursions

    • Selected mini excursions and cultural experiences organized by ELC School as part of the program

Not included

What the program fee does not include

  1. International airfare

    • Flights to and from Bhutan are the responsibility of the student or parent

  2. Activities and excursions not organized by ELC School

    • Any activities, excursions or trips arranged independently or outside the official school program

  3. Personal spending

    • Personal spending money, gifts and souvenir shopping
    • Meals or eating out independently
    • Other personal expenses

  4. Medical and travel insurance

    • Students are responsible for obtaining appropriate medical and travel insurance for the duration of their stay in Bhutan

Program fees cover the services and items specifically listed above. Any additional costs or personal expenses not included in the program fee will be the responsibility of the student and/or parent/guardian.

How to apply

Send an inquiry, then gather your documents

Fill out the inquiry form below and the school will reach out to walk you through the application process. In the meantime, review this checklist and use it to prepare and gather all the documents required for the application.

Go to the inquiry form
  1. 1

    Visa application form

    • Complete and sign the form.
    Download form
  2. 2

    Means of subsistence form

    • Include passport copies of both parents.
    • Attach proof of income or recent payslips.
    Download form
  3. 3

    Statement of purpose form

    • Clearly explain your goals, motivation and reasons for studying abroad.
    Download form
  4. 4

    Copy of passport

    • The passport must be valid for at least six months from the intended date of departure from Bhutan.
    • Provide a clear copy of the passport.
  5. 5Under 18s only

    Minor consent form

    • Complete and sign as required.

    Provided by ELC School

  6. 6

    Student undertaking form

    • Complete, sign and date the form.
    Download form
  7. 7

    Recent passport-size photograph of student

    • Ensure the photograph meets standard passport photo requirements.

Requirements from ELC School

Parents and students may ignore this section. These documents are prepared and provided by ELC School.

  • Recommendation from the relevant agency
  • Admission / acceptance letter from the academic institution in Bhutan
  • ELC School undertaking for the student exchange program

Please note

The Department of Immigration may request additional documents during the assessment process, if required.

Apply

Register your interest

Tell us who you are, which program you are considering, and when you would like to come.

Once you submit, the school will reach out to walk you through the application process.

We use the details you provide only to answer your inquiry. We never share them with third parties.