Emory Tibetan Studies Program in Dharamsala, India

  India

Dharamsala

Term: Spring 
Dates: January - May

Description: Academic Focus: The study abroad program in Dharamsala, India focuses on the study of Tibetan language, philosophy, culture, and civilization. In addition, individual research projects are an important component of the program.

Program Information: Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas and home to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Dharamsala is the cultural and intellectual capital of the Tibetan exile community. The program integrates academic study, traditional Buddhist pedagogy, field research in the Tibetan community, and guided explorations of contemplative practice. This unique combination of theory, practice, and immersion provides an excellent opportunity to explore numerous cultural, political, historical, and religious dimensions of the Tibetan world.

Highlights: Details: The program begins with a four-day orientation in Delhi. We then proceed to the Institute of Buddhist Dialectics, Sarah campus, located at the base of the mountains and home to 300 young refugees engaged in graduate studies. There our students live with Tibetan roommates, attend classes taught by Emory and IBD faculty, and celebrate Losar (Tibetan New Years). After spring break, we move to Upper Dharamsala and coursework continues at the main IBD campus. During the program, we join the community in attending two weeks of teachings by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama will also offer a private teaching session with students. Other activities include weekly field trips and speakers, and opportunities to attend sessions of the Tibetan Parliament, monastic debates, Tibetan opera season, and commemorations of Tibetan Uprising Day. The program concludes with one month of supervised field research.

Courses: Students enroll in four courses and earn a total of 16 credit hours. The courses include Tibetan Culture and Civilization, Tibetan Buddhism: Philosophy and Practice, Tibetan Language and Independent Research. For ideas of potential topics of research, please view the list of research proposals under additional resources below. Students earn a total of 16 credit hours.

Living Arrangements: While both at the IBD Sarah campus and the Tibetan guesthouse, students will live in furnished double rooms with common baths. At Sarah, students will live with Tibetan roommates and eat most meals on campus. In Upper Dharamsala, breakfast and either lunch or dinner will be provided, with stipends given for the third meal. During the research period, stipends will be provided for travel, food, lodging, and research assistance.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: Contact us for more information.

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to American Participants.

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Transcript

Emory University: Center for International Programs Abroad's Mission Statement: The Center for International Programs Abroad is dedicated to fulfilling Emory College's commitment to internationalization through study abroad. In collaboration with Emory faculty, CIPA develops, promotes, and administers programming for undergraduate students that encourages both intellectual and personal growth through challenging scholarship and cultural immersion. Its services support students and faculty before, during, and after the study abroad experience in order to ensure that study abroad is an essential part of an Emory College education.