Eleven international participants from Australia, Canada, Taiwan, Malaysia, Spain and Israel successfully concluded the Bhutan Summer Skills program yesterday, which began on April 13.
The initiative, launched last year, aims to promote Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) internationally while fostering cultural exchange, skills development and global connections.
Throughout the program, participants engaged in interactive learning experiences in traditional Bhutanese courses including cuisine, painting, wood carving and embroidery.
Bijay Gurung, a resource person from the Royal Institute for Tourism and Hospitality shared that the program was not only about learning but also a platform for building friendships and showcasing Bhutan’s rich culture and traditions.
The institute hosted two participants, one each from Canada and Malaysia who explored the richness of Bhutanese culinary traditions by learning to prepare authentic dishes.
Reflecting on her experience, Varsha Pinto from Canada said there was no better way to experience Bhutan. “We not only learned the cuisine and techniques but also bonded through shared experiences. Food made it easy to connect,” she said.
At the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, nine participants from Taiwan, Spain and Australia were enrolled in traditional arts and crafts, with seven in painting and one each in wood carving and embroidery.
Kavyamrutha Narasiman, a 22-year-old participant from Australia and the youngest in the program shared how the experience transformed her perspective. She arrived with no painting skills but became immersed in the details as she learned and explored.
Tashi Tobgay from the institute shared that although the participants were new to wood carving and embroidery techniques, they showed remarkable interest and dedication, often continuing to learn beyond training hours.
According to Marina Codony Lleonart from Spain, the wood carving course helped her gain a better understanding of Bhutanese culture.
Rita Rogatovsky from Taiwan, attending for the second time, described the program as deeply enriching. She said it strengthened her painting skills and brought her closer to her goal of becoming a traditional art teacher.
Participants also expressed appreciation for Bhutan’s hospitality and the opportunity to experience its culture and traditions firsthand.
Addressing the closing ceremony, the Hon’ble Education Secretary highlighted the program as a key step in bringing the TVET sector on the global stage. He added that it reflects our vision to be known not only for its natural beauty but also as a destination for quality skills training.
The program organised by the Department of Workforce Planning and Skills Development, Bhutan concluded with the awarding of certificates.
