Tibetan studies in Dharamsala, India
Website: http://www.emory.edu/CIPA/PROGRAMS/SEMESTER/tibetanstudies.html
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 seat of
the Central Tibetan Administration and the cultural and intellectual
capital of the Tibetan exile community. This program integrates academic
study, traditional Buddhist pedagogy, immersion in the Tibetan community,
field research, and guided explorations of contemplative practice.
Approximate Dates: Spring: mid January - late May
Application Deadline: October 15 for Spring
Eligibility Requirements: A minimum 3.0 GPA, following at least 3
semesters of college-level work and enrollment at an accredited
institution the semester prior to the study abroad semester. No
language requirement. Students must meet with Dr. Tara Doyle as
part of the application process.
Details: After a two-day orientation at
Emory University, students will fly to Delhi as a group. The group
will then proceed to the
Institute of Buddhist Dialectics (Sarah Campus) for six weeks of
intensive language instruction, lectures on Tibetan culture, and
excursions to nearby sites. Students will also have the opportunity
to live with Tibetan students for a two-week period. The group will
then move to a Tibetan guesthouse in Mcleod Ganj ("Upper Dharamsala")
for nine weeks of language and coursework at the main campus of the
Institute of Buddhist Dialectics (IBD). During this time, students
will have the opportunity to witness the Great Prayer Festival (Monlam)
and teachings by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Other special events
include weekly field trips, guest speakers, and performing arts events.
During the last four weeks of the program, students will be engaged
in independent research projects in Tibetan Studies.
TENTATIVE Spring 2004 schedule.
Courses: Tibetan Culture and Civilization; Tibetan Buddhism: Philosophy
and Practice; Introduction to Tibetan Language; Independent Research
and Sample Research Proposal: Selected Topics (total 16 credit hours).
This unique combination of theory, practice, and immersion will provide
students with an excellent opportunity to explore the cultural, educational,
political, historical, and religious dimensions of the Tibetan world.
Living Arrangements: While both at the IBD Sarah campus and the
Tibetan guesthouse, students will live in furnished double rooms
with common baths. In general, 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.
Costs: Students pay regular Emory tuition* and a Program Fee* which
includes room, board, and airfare. The Spring 2004 Program Fee was
$3000; for Spring 2005, students should expect an increase of at
least 3-5% due to the rising cost of living and changes in foreign
currency exchange rates. (Check the CIPA website for updated information.)
An estimated $500-$1000 will be needed for living expenses and local
travel. Financial aid is available for eligible Emory students as
well as Emory and non-Emory scholarships and grants. The non-refundable
$300 application deposit will be applied toward program tuition.
*All costs are subject to change.
Application Checklist: 1) Fill out Emory Study Abroad Application
or Visiting Student Application for Non-Emory Students, 2) Fill out
Secondary application for Tibetan Studies which includes: a) Tibetan
Language Statement, b) Research Proposal, c) 2 letters of recommendation,
d) Transcript. ALL FORMS MUST BE COMPLETED AND RETURNED TO CIPA BY
THE STATED DEADLINE.
Faculty Contact:
Dr. Tara Doyle, Religion/Asian Studies
Tel: 404-727-9416, tndoyle@learnlink.emory.edu
CIPA Contact: to make an appointment, please call 404-727-2240
Kristi Hubbard, Study Abroad Advisor
Tel: 404-727-2240, khubba2@emory.edu
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