Eleven Kyoto University students, accompanied by three faculty members, traveled to Trashigang District, eastern Bhutan, late August to take part in a two-week international exchange program hosted by Sherubtse College. The participants attended classes in local history, dance, and Driglam Namzhag (Bhutanese etiquette) at the host institution, and, together with four Sherubtse College students, went on a field trip to two village blocks — Khaling Gewog and Radi Gewog, home to upland crop- and paddy rice-farming communities, respectively — where they had an opportunity to talk with local residents at their homes. The study trip also included visits to the Trashigang Dzong fortress, Gewog administration offices, Renewable Natural Resources Extension Centers (RNR-ECs), Basic Health Units (BHUs), Lhakhangs (temples), Gompas (monasteries), and a primary school.
Traveling between altitudes of 900 and 3,800 meters above sea level, the group observed dramatic variations in climate, vegetation, and modes of livelihood, while learning about the health care system, the depopulation trend, and other current issues. They also listened to stories about Ama Jomo and Meme Dangling (believed to be guardian deities), Gyalse Ganapaty (revered as the first reincarnation of Jampel Dorji, the son of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel), and other legendary figures described by the local community. Upon their return, the KU students gave a presentation during morning assembly at Sherubtse College to share their experiences of the field trip, and also took part in a workshop with the four Bhutanese students who had traveled with them. Both the presentation and the workshop were held in English to facilitate understanding among all those present. Through this program, students from both institutions were able to forge new friendships, in particular by enabling them to experience traveling and conducting the field study together.
Examining a Japanese white pine
A courtesy visit to the governor of Trashigang District
Resting against a cypress
Lunch in Khaling Gewog
Performing the Soran Bushi dance in Radi Gewog
Observing a grindstone
KU students give a presentation during morning assembly at Sherubtse College
On the morning of the final day of the program
