{"id":1706,"date":"2024-04-10T16:01:22","date_gmt":"2024-04-10T16:01:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/ie\/?page_id=1706"},"modified":"2026-03-31T16:06:00","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T16:06:00","slug":"smcm-api-in-bhutan","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/ie\/study-abroad\/programs\/smcm-programs\/asia-oceania\/smcm-api-in-bhutan\/","title":{"rendered":"SMCM-API in Bhutan"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"attachment_1707\" style=\"width: 2570px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1707\" class=\"wp-image-1707 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/88\/2024\/04\/API-bhutan-thimphu-gold-statues-and-mountains-659809273-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1440\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/88\/2024\/04\/API-bhutan-thimphu-gold-statues-and-mountains-659809273-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/88\/2024\/04\/API-bhutan-thimphu-gold-statues-and-mountains-659809273-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/88\/2024\/04\/API-bhutan-thimphu-gold-statues-and-mountains-659809273-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/88\/2024\/04\/API-bhutan-thimphu-gold-statues-and-mountains-659809273-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/88\/2024\/04\/API-bhutan-thimphu-gold-statues-and-mountains-659809273-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/app\/uploads\/sites\/88\/2024\/04\/API-bhutan-thimphu-gold-statues-and-mountains-659809273-2048x1152.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-1707\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bhutan &#8211; Thimphu- Gold Statues &#8211; and Mountains<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"one-half in-page\">\n<h4>Pre-Requisites<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Minimum GPA: 2.5<\/li>\n<li>Judicial Check<\/li>\n<li>Academic Conduct Check<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"one-half in-page\">\n<h4>Deadlines:<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>NOW OPEN! Spring 2027 Dates: Mid-February to late June<\/li>\n<li>SMCM Approval Application Deadline: October 1st on<a href=\"http:\/\/smcm.via-trm.com\"> Via TRM<\/a> for Scholarship Consideration, October 15th<\/li>\n<li>API Admission Deadline: EARLY! Apply by the admission deadline on <a href=\"https:\/\/smcm.connect.apiabroad.com\/\">API Abroad\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Estimated Fall Deadline: March 1, March 15<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"one-half in-page\">\n<h4>Highlights<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Study in the Himalayas in the capital city of Thimphu, Bhutan<\/li>\n<li>Have the opportunity to conduct an internship along with your English-taught coursework<\/li>\n<li>Experience a country where the Gross National Happiness is an official measure of success!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"one-half in-page\">\n<h4>Course Equivalencies<\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/ie\/ways-to-study-abroad\/course-equivalencies\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Start Course Planning Here\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<h4>Study Abroad Budget<\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/spreadsheets\/d\/12uIbVWUDXLLTnwcsEFlFUDKD74vjglE8\/edit#gid=819782885\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">View Estimated Semester Budget<\/a> (Organized Geographically)<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h4>Financing Studying Abroad<\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/ie\/financial-aid-scholarships\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Office of International Education Scholarships &amp; Grants<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/apiabroad.com\/scholarships\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">API Scholarships<\/a>\u00a0(Region Specific, DEI, First-Generation, STEM, Gilman Recipients, Intern)<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/ie\/financial-aid-scholarships\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">External Scholarships<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/osfa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Speak with the Office of Student Financial Assistance for Options<\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"clearfix\"><\/div>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-222\" src=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/88\/2014\/12\/lgbtq-friendly-logo1.png\" alt=\"Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Friendly\" width=\"125\" height=\"125\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"clearfix\"><\/div>\n<h4>About the Program<\/h4>\n<p>Are you looking to study the environment, sciences, business, anthropology, or more, in a peaceful and off-the-beaten-path location? This program in Bhutan might be perfect for you! Students enroll at the Royal Thimphu College in the capital city of Bhutan to take English-taught courses while experiencing the beauty of the Himalayas.<\/p>\n<h4>Academics<\/h4>\n<p>Students earn 12-15 US credits at Royal Thimphu College through the support of <a href=\"https:\/\/members.apiabroad.com\/st-marys-college-maryland\/\">API Abroad.<\/a> This program has a variety of ENST-approved courses focused on topics such as biodiversity conservation, energy resources management, environmental ethics, and more. However, it is also a strong option for students of other sciences, social sciences, business, and more. Anthropology students may be tempted to study the Anthropology of the Himalayas or Religion and Rituals, while ECON students might want to take a Bhutanese Economy and Social Capital course.\u00a0 Connect with the Office of International Education to learn more!<\/p>\n<p>Students also have the option to complete a for-credit internship as one of their courses, from a variety of customized placements on or off-campus in Thimphu, such as teaching English to monks in a Buddhist monastery to assisting an NGO with environmental conservation.<\/p>\n<h4>Housing and Meals<\/h4>\n<p>Students on the Bhutan program live alongside the vibrant community of close-knit local and international students at Royal Thimphu College and have access to the university facilities, such as the IT labs, library, canteen, gym, athletic field, and more. Some meals are included in the dining plan for all residential students.<\/p>\n<h4>Location<\/h4>\n<p>Studying in Bhutan offers students a unique perspective on South Asia, tucked in this country which has a population of less than a million people between China and India. Royal Thimphu College is located alongside Thimphu, the capital city of the kingdom of Bhutan.<\/p>\n<p>This campus is nestled in the breathtaking Himalayas, in a country known for its natural beauty and Buddhist temples. Statues and prayer flags pepper the landscape, which students will be able to explore with included program excursions such as the Bumthang, Phobjikha and Wangdue: Spinning Yarns from the Heartland trip and the Punakha: Blossoms, Breezes, and Bold Rapids trip.<\/p>\n<h4>Important Links<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/members.apiabroad.com\/st-marys-college-maryland\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">API-SMCM <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/smcm.connect.apiabroad.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Program Page<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><a title=\"Transfer Credit Policy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/ie\/ways-to-study-abroad\/transfer-credit-policy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Transfer Credit Policy<\/a><\/h4>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\">See the following for how grades and credits are translated back to SMCM. Note: grade equivalencies between U.S. and international institutions are subject to change without notice. the equivalencies provided here are understand to be accurate and up to date as of September 2024.<\/span><\/p>\n<table dir=\"ltr\" border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" data-sheets-root=\"1\" data-sheets-baot=\"1\">\n<colgroup>\n<col width=\"264\" \/>\n<col width=\"362\" \/><\/colgroup>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"2\" rowspan=\"1\">API Bhutan at Royal Thimphu College<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"2\" rowspan=\"1\">Grading System<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Grade<\/td>\n<td>US Grade<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>85% and above<\/td>\n<td>A+<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>80- 84.9%<\/td>\n<td>A<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>70-79.9%<\/td>\n<td>B+<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>65-69.9%<\/td>\n<td>B<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>60-64.9%<\/td>\n<td>C+<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>55-59.9%<\/td>\n<td>C<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>50-54.9%<\/td>\n<td>D<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Below 49.9%<\/td>\n<td>F<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"2\" rowspan=\"1\">Most courses in <a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/apiabroad.com\/project\/program-accreditations-transfer-credits\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Thimphu at Royal Thimphu College (RTC)<\/a> are worth 12 RTC credits.<br \/>\nStudents will receive a Royal Thimphu College transcript.<br \/>\n1 RTC credit equals 10 hours of study (consisting equally of in-class contact hours and self-study hours).<br \/>\nThis equates to a total of 120 hours per course, and 60 in-class contact hours, or 4 U.S. semester credits.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h4><a title=\"Academic and Judicial Policies\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/ie\/ways-to-study-abroad\/academic-and-judicial-policies\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Academic and Judicial Policies<\/a><\/h4>\n<p>The academic and judicial requirements for any student considering studying abroad.<\/p>\n<h4><a title=\"Financial Aid, Scholarships &amp; Fundraising\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/ie\/financial-aid-scholarships\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Financial Aid and Scholarships<\/a><\/h4>\n<p>How financial aid will apply towards your study abroad program and what scholarships are available.<\/p>\n<h4><a title=\"Payments and Services\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/ie\/travel-preparation\/payments-and-services\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Payments and Services<\/a><\/h4>\n<p>Payment processes for semester-long, short-term, and non-SMCM study abroad programs.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Pre-Requisites Minimum GPA: 2.5 Judicial Check Academic Conduct Check Deadlines: NOW OPEN! Spring 2027 Dates: Mid-February to late June SMCM Approval Application Deadline: October 1st on Via TRM for Scholarship Consideration, October 15th API Admission Deadline: EARLY! Apply by the admission deadline on API Abroad\u00a0 Estimated Fall Deadline: March 1, March 15 Highlights Study in<a class=\"tribe-events-read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/ie\/study-abroad\/programs\/smcm-programs\/asia-oceania\/smcm-api-in-bhutan\/\" rel=\"bookmark\" > Find out more &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":187,"featured_media":0,"parent":366,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":{"0":"post-1706","1":"page","2":"type-page","3":"status-publish","5":"entry","6":"has-post-thumbnail"},"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1706","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/187"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1706"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1706\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2288,"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1706\/revisions\/2288"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/366"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.smcm.edu\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1706"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}