Discover North India

  India

Dharamsala

Term: Summer 
Dates: June - August

Description: Home to the Dalai Lama and Tibetan government-in-exile since 1959, the bustling town of Dharamsala is now the center of the Tibetan refugee community. Here Tibetan traditions of education, language, medicine and religion are studied, preserved and upheld. For two weeks, each student lives with a Tibetan family in Dharamsala while exploring the community's culture, history, institutions, language and people. Then we travel to another area of Tibetan influence, Ladakh, where residents have lived in relative peace for the last thousand years in settlements nestled amid the high, dry peaks of the Indian Himalaya. Known for the pilgrim traders of many religious traditions and ethnicities, Ladakh is where we work along side local artisans and explore the traditions and threats to the area's ecological, cultural and economic life. After our Leh-based independent study projects and artisan internships, we conclude the program with a trek to snow-tipped mountains where we hike, camp, deliver health care supplies and explore villages that are nestled amid the world's highest peaks.

Highlights: Welcome to our youth programs. Here you will be able to learn about our rich learning adventures and the spectacular landscapes we explore. As you travel through these pages, imagine Asia's vibrant colors,enthralling gold and jewel, encrusted temples, brightly adorned mazes of outside markets, the awesome Himalayas. Savor the aromas, fragrant burning incense, spattering yak-butter candles, spicy coconut curry. And hear the sounds, moisture dripping slowly down jungle vines, mesmerizing chants of monks, footsteps of devoted pilgrims walking toward sacred, distant places. Hidden within these itineraries are spontaneous adventures and infinite personal discoveries, here amid the richness of Asia, waiting for you.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: 6000 - 6500

Experience Required: no

Application Process Involves:

• Other
• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Where There Be Dragons's Mission Statement: Through expertly guided and honest introductions to the cultural and physical landscapes of developing Asia and Latin America, and through Experiential Education that stresses the empowerment of the student, Dragons strives to cultivate cultural awareness and sensitivity, opportunities for personal growth through physical and emotional challenges, and a commitment to the communities through which we travel, providing young adults with a richer understanding of themselves, and of the social and physical worlds around them.

Year Founded: 1992