Activities of Students of Kyoto University in Bhutan under the Overseas Study Program of International Exchange Course (August 30 – September 11, 2015)

Ten students and two faculty members of Kyoto University visited the eastern Bhutan. Throughout the study tour, dynamic changes of climates, vegetation, and livelihood were observed in the altitude range about 900 – 3800 m. After arriving in Trashigang District, they made presentations about Japanese cultures in Sherubtse College and the students in Sherubtse College made a presentation about history and culture of Bhutan. After that, the students participated in the classes of Driglam Namzhag (Bhutanese Etiquette) and the students of Sherubtse performed traditional and modern dances. The students of Kyoto University together with the five Sherubtse college students conducted field studies in Kanglung, Trashigang, Radhi and Bartsham.
In Kanglung, they visited primary a school and participated into the classes together with children. In Trashigang, we paid a courtesy call on Trashigang Dzongda (the governer) and visited a district hospital.
In the hospital, several students received a pulse diagnosis by Drungtsho (doctor of traditional medicine). In Radhi, the students made visits of farmers’ houses and the several local institutions such as Gewog offices (government offices), Basic Health Units (BHUs), and Lhakhangs & Gompas (temples).
They saw the situation of abandoned paddy fields and listened to the stories from the villagers about animal damages. In Bartsham, they visited a temple and listened to the legend of Chana Dorji (Vajrapani, protector of the Buddha) devouring snakes. The students of the both schools fostered friendships by sharing the experience of the field study.