Engineering Solutions and Cultural Connections in Bhutan
To broaden and develop the professional skills of our team members and widen their scientific network and cultural experiences, the BRT encourages its students to embark on internships and academic mobilities. These internships are connected to their scientific journey and enable them to have hands-on, practical and in-field experiences, which are critical to their future careers. The internships help to hone their communication, time management, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership skills, all of which are highly valued assets in young scientists.
Our PhD student, Antoine Bercy, shares insights from his experience at the Jigme Engineering College of the Royal University of Bhutan.
Enjoy reading as he takes you on his journey!
I had the chance to go to Bhutan thanks to the EU ERASMUS+ program and the kind invitation from our colleagues at the Jigme Namgyel Engineering College of the Royal University of Bhutan.
The journey to the college took a couple of days. I first had a one-day layover in Guwahati, India, before flying to Paro and arriving in Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu. I stayed there for an extra day to explore the beautiful city, with its traditional architecture and culturally rich temples.
After that, it was time to begin the journey across the country to the college. This took two more days, first, a 16-hour bus ride, followed by an 8-hour car drive the next day, before finally arriving.
Once there, I immediately started working with the local team. The project focused on reviving a biogas plant that had been intended to treat food waste from the canteen and use the produced gas for cooking. This would allow the college to be energy independent and no longer rely on propane tanks.
Unfortunately, due to a lack of technical knowledge, design issues in the reactor, and poor support from the manufacturer, the plant had never worked. My job was to help the team better understand the reactor by creating a startup and operation plan, identifying all the problems that needed fixing, and setting up a small laboratory to monitor the reactor’s performance.
Luckily, the trip wasn’t all work, I also had the chance to discover more of the local culture through visits to temples, dinners with my Bhutanese colleagues, and simply enjoying the quiet and peaceful life the country offers. The hospitality and friendliness of the people made a lasting impression on me.
Overall, my trip to Bhutan was an unforgettable experience, combining professional growth with cultural immersion. I was able to support the local team in understanding and planning the biogas plant, gaining valuable lessons in problem-solving and collaboration. Beyond work, the warmth of the people and the beauty of Bhutan’s culture and landscapes made this journey truly inspiring.
For more details on BRT activities, subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on social media for regular updates and highlights!
