Tips for Success in Bhutan

Living in any foreign culture takes some adjusting for you and your host. Cultural imposition is not well received by a host in any country so please do your best to get up to speed on cultural taboos etc BEFORE you go.

Here are some other things you should be aware of:

Personal Space

The Bhutanese have a different approach to personal space and personal property than do westerners. When you arrive in Bhutan you may very well be overwhelmed by the number of people who are constantly arriving on your doorstep, bringing with them gifts of food or asking to look at things you have brought with you from North America. As westerners we may think that this is overbearing or intrusive, but in fact that the Bhutanese are merely worried that new members of their community will feel lonely.

When it comes to personal property the Bhutanese often have a “what’s yours is mine” attitude, primarily based on the fact that, as Buddhists, they have little regard or interest in personal property, as it is of a fleeting nature and relatively unimportant in the grand scheme of human existence.

Time

Unless you're boarding and international flight (and even they can be quite late), schedule in Bhutan really doesn't have much meaning. You are expected to be to work on time but personal meetings are often attended later than scheduled, buses are often later than scheduled, and time has a tendancy to seeminly stand still. Distances are very different in Bhutan than in other countries. Imagine you need to get somewhere and it's about 20 km away. How long do you reckon it would take you to cover that distance in a car... it could be half the day... be patient. Be to your classes on time and do your best to be on time but be patient with those who don't seem to have any concept or remorse about being late.

Driving

Leave the driving to the experts. Roads in Bhutan are trecherous. Driving at night is ridiculous. Accidents are common. Roads are few and far between. People tend to drive like they are part of a rally team and being a passenger can be a gut wrenching experience. Some tour bus operators are conscious of reckless road concern and will take it easier on you but for the most part drivers will expect you to get in and shut up. I know this can be difficult if not impossible but if you have a problem with it, find a driver that suits you or is willing to put up with you and go with him always. Otherwise, as mentioned before, get in. pray to your God and shut up.

Be sure to read as much as possible and keep an open mind. More cultural information on Bhutan