Antioch - Buddhist Studies in Bodh Gaya, India

  India

• Other Cities in India: 
Bodh Gaya

Term: Fall 
Dates: Fall (September - December)

Description: Since 1979, students have lived in a Burmese Vihar (monastery) while earning 16 semester credits. Students engage rigorously in a comparative approach to both the theory and practice of Buddhist Studies, culminating in a month-long independent research project. Participants on this program reach their own understanding of the essence that is common to all varieties of Buddhism while learning to appreciate the many cultural and historical environments in which it has flourished.

The program consists of four components:
1. Core courses (students choose from Buddhist Philosophy, Contemporary Buddhist Culture, and History of South Asian Buddhism)
2. Language (students need not have any prior language experience and choose from either Beginning Hindi or Beginning Tibetan)
3. Meditation Traditions
4. Independent Study: Selected Topics (often involving travel in India and neighboring countries)

For two and a half millennia, Bodh Gaya has been a magnet for pilgrims from all Buddhist cultures. It was here under the Bodhi tree that the prince-ascetic Gotama became the fully enlightened Buddha. Constructed temples reflect the architectural styles of Thailand, Burma, Sri Lanka, Japan, China, Bhutan, and Tibet.

Highlights: Participate in the daily life of a Buddhist monastery; become immersed in Buddhist culture, tradition and philosophy; and complete a four-week independent research project - often involving travel - designed around your specific interests.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: Please contact AEA for current costs.

Experience Required: yes

Applicants must have a minimum of sophomore status and be in good standing with their home institution. They should be mature, sensitive, self-disciplines, and able to adapt to new situations. Non-credit applicants need not be currently enrolled at a college, but they should be able to demonstrate intellectual competence and a serious commitment to learning. Applicants from all areas of study with an interest in Buddhist Studies are welcome to apply. Application deadline: March 15

Participants Travel to India in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 30-35

Scholarships are Available. AEA offers a limited number of scholarships for the Buddhist Studies in Bodh Gaya, India program. An AEA guide to scholarship and grant opportunities is located on our website. Financial aid information is available on our website or by contacting AEA.

Application Process Involves:

• Essay
• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application

Antioch Education Abroad - Antioch University's Mission Statement: Since the 1950s, Antioch Education Abroad (AEA) has continued to develop and offer high-quality study abroad programs. By integrating resourceful academic content with cultural immersion, these innovative programs support and enhance students undergraduate experiences, both academically and culturally. Our students embrace the challenging opportunities to engage in deeply rewarding, often life-changing experiences of living and traveling abroad. AEA faculty, experts in their respective fields, lead students on these explorations in diverse locations worldwide. In todays world, the experience of studying and living abroad is vital in preparing oneself for successful completion of an undergraduate degree, a graduate program, or a career in the professional world. Students may choose an AEA program to meet those needs. AEA faculty and staff make a special effort to personalize the study abroad experience for each participating student and to make the connection between theory and practice explicit. Our apprenticeships, internships, and independent study projects offer students the opportunity to address their individual interests, involve themselves in hands-on experiences, and gain the global competency that is necessary in today's society, both professionally and personally. Students in our programs gain a renewed sense of their power and purpose as scholars and globally conscious citizens.

Year Founded: AEA was established in 1956.