The Ministry of Education and Skills Development launched the Bhutan Summer Skills 2025 at the Royal Institute for Tourism and Hospitality (RITH) in Thimphu yesterday. The event welcomed the program’s first batch of 12 international trainees from Canada, Vietnam, Thailand, the United Kingdom and Israel, marking a milestone in Bhutan’s efforts to internationalise its Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector.
The three-week program running from July 14 to August 1 offers training in traditional Bhutanese embroidery, painting and cuisine at the National Institute for Zorig Chusum and RITH. Beyond technical skills, the program includes immersive cultural activities designed to give participants a deeper understanding of Bhutanese values and culture.
The initiative under the Department of Workforce Planning and Skills Development aims to enhance the quality of TVET programs through international collaboration, offer international trainees the opportunity to learn in Bhutan and promote Bhutanese unique culture and traditions.
Welcoming the international participants, the Hon’ble Education and Skills Development Lyonpo said, “Your presence here is more than just academic; it’s also a gesture of friendship and a reminder of the cultural connections that learning can foster.” She added that the program marks a milestone in how we develop skills and share Bhutan’s rich heritage with the world.
The program aligns with the Ministry’s broader vision to raise Bhutan’s vocational education system to global standards. Ongoing collaborations with institutions such as Humber College in Canada, the Tourism Schools of Salzburg in Austria, ITE in Singapore and the Chamber of Skilled Crafts in Germany among others reflect this commitment. These efforts are complemented by the development of joint certification programs and curriculum reforms that integrate international frameworks.
As Bhutan prepares for transformative national initiatives, the internationalisation of TVET is key to building a skilled workforce that meets both local and global demands.
Know more about the Bhutan Summer Skills at https://bhutansummerskills.com
