International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam has become a superstar exam in Bhutan with everybody wanting to do it no matter what the cost- because it will be recovered. It's the dream exam that everybody does to reach their dreams. Royal Institute of Management(RIM) conducts four tests in a years under the administration of British Council Division in Kolkata and they always had houseful despite the Nu.8000 fee. Some people I heard traveled all the way to
I have a dream to go for masters too, and I know I will do well in this expensive exam if only I wish to. The registration fee is huge going by the Bhutanese salary but I can afford it if I wish to. However, it is not about the exam that I am worried about, and it's not so much about the fee too, I am afraid by sitting for the exam I am questioning the credibility of our education system. After spending seventeen years studying in English language we can't insult our education system by agreeing to sit for English Language Testing, and no friendly country should doubt our English Language proficiency as long as Bhutan government doesn't send illiterate farmers for Masters Degree.
I am grateful to the host countries for offering scholarship to our people but I would be more grateful if they recognize our education system, and make exceptions like they do with some native English speaking countries because we place no less importance on the English language, if at all it is to test English proficiency. The test not only spoils the goodwill of the scholarships but also has big implications on individual's financial strength and the poor nation's weak economy.
Yes, I agree with you sir. We are taught in English medium from our first class, so its quite like insult to what we have learnt.
ReplyDeleteYeah...i too agree with you. English is the medium of instructions at all levels of modern education systems in Bhutan, yet we are dictated our proficiency in the language by the internationally standardized system to be eligible for our further educations in English speaking countries.Credibility of our education must be equated at par with the international education systems in these countries, so that we have a fair play without much hindrance to get into the universities abroad for higher studies.
ReplyDeleteBut the fact is, even for the students who currently reside or study in English speaking countries must meet the required level of English proficiency to be eligible for higher studies. If i m not mistaken, a student should have studied at least 10 years in schools in native country, so that he/she doesn't have to do IELTS/TOEFL tests for higher entries. To waive off IELTS requirement will be one thing and to establish credibility of our education systems will be quite another for the BHUTANESE today.
I second Passu and the same situation happened to me as described by Pema Dezang. Infact just to double assure myself to get a scholarship I even got English Proficiency Certificate from Education Ministry on top of my Bachelor's degree from English speaking country and IELTS.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteEven those from English speaking countries are required to take the IELTS test and if you are so sure of yourselves, your English abilities and the standard of English created in the education system in Bhutan, why do you need to worry about taking the test? Do you have any idea of the number of hoops the Bhutanese government makes foreign teachers jump through to be a part of your system???
ReplyDeleteVicky and lan, Bhutanese Government's procedures in recruiting foreign teacher may be long and inefficient but the procedure is not made thus for business reasons. Bhutan is a poor country- you must have made it out by now- and having to travel all the way to Thimphu and pay Nu.8000 for a test is expensive- and I hope Bhutan Govt. didn't test your ability to speak English? Because it's obvious you can- which is what I am meaning to convey. IELTS is a business.
DeleteWe have not made it out yet. We are still teaching here and it is also expensive to become a teacher in Bhutan for us. With 30 years of teaching experience we are still required to produce a lot paperwork which is expensive for us to get too. That is to say nothing of paying our own insurance costs and airfares to and from Bhutan and all set up costs. We worked for the first 8 months just to earn what we invested to be here. That is why even though we earn good salaries by Bhutanese standards we are still called volunteer teachers. After 2 years teaching we will break even if we go home. We did not come for the money and we love the students but it is expensive for us too.
DeletePS I think Nu 8,000 is a lot too and it is tough to have to go all the way to Thimphu for the test. In many countries the fee has to be paid in US$ or AUD so that is something at least. But that test ensures that you are at the standard required to be able to succeed in an Australian University. Better to know that before you go and not have your government waste scholarship money on students who will not pass. Maybe your government could sponsor the cost of the test at least for those who are successful!
DeleteI too wish to atempt dat test but have no idea of date of dis exam n also wish i knew wat nid 2 b done.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing information it is very useful for study
ReplyDeleteA simple IELTS revision
IELTS is not easy. Only students comprehension and analytical skills are important. Constant practice and confidence are needed for the IELTS. Review and train harder since the test fee is not that cheap. It is need to give it all.
ReplyDeleteielts speaking sample
Facilitating the accessibility of English knowledge to the world comes up By supporting IELTS
ReplyDeleteIELTS score
Thanks for the heads up! IELTS is very challenging and it should not be taken for granted. It needs time as well as constant review and practice.
ReplyDeleteenglish conjunction
Of course a good certification program should teach most or all of these topics, and it's common for schools to give an orientation before teaching starts.
ReplyDeleteielts strategy
IELTS is very important for those people who need to Study In UK . IELTS test methodology is really awesome. I agree that one should pass this test to be able to communicate in UK English.
ReplyDeleteIELTS reading test
I am surprising to see your blog!it has very helpful IELTS preparing Materials and helpful to students who looking forward for making careers by getting admission in USA top university.
ReplyDeleteimprove IELTS Listening Skills
Thanks for sharing this information.
ReplyDelete