LRZTP 7 FAQs

  •  Is the course restricted to FPMT members or students committed to be an interpreter for FPMT?
    Unlike previous curses, LRZTP7 is open to all students from all traditions, whether a member of FPMT or not, and whether committed to be an FPMT interpreter or not.
  • Is there a difference in terms of fees between those students committed to be an apprentice interpreter in an FPMT center and those who are not?
    Yes, as the tuition fees for the students committing to be an FPMT interpreter are partially sponsored (for students committed to serve as FPMT interpreter = around 7170US$;  for  freelancers = around 8300US$).
  • Are the second two years of the course (training as apprentice interpreter in an FPMT center) optional?
    They are, if you do not commit to become an FPMT interpreter, you do not have to complete those final two years of training.
  • Is there a required level in Tibetan to enter the course?
    Applicants should have at least a basic knowledge of the alphabet (together with prefixes, suffixes, post suffixes, sub- and super-scribed letters) and basic reading skills to enter the course. If you wish to apply but do not have this level yet, you can come a few weeks early and train with a conversation partner that we can introduce you to, or train with online tutors.
  • Are there days off when His Holiness the Dalai Lama teaches in Dharamsala?
    As much as possible the schedule will enable the students to attend His Holiness’ teachings in Dharamsala.
  • What is included in the tuition fee?
    The classes, conversation partners sessions, visiting guest teachers, workshops, lunch, tea twice a day, and all course materials.
  •  Is lunch provided at the school?
    Yes, our cook Acha Choezom-la cooks a delicious, clean, vegetarian lunch for us. The price of lunch is included in the tuition fee.
  • Where can I live?
    There are rooms to rent in the school building, All rooms have attached bathrooms and there is the possibility of setting up a stove in the room (even though there is no actual kitchen). Otherwise, there are many apartments to rent around the school in Gangchen Kyishong, and in McLeod Ganj, with monthly rent ranging from Rs. 4500 to Rs. 8000.
  • How can I get an Indian visa?
    You should contact the Indian Embassy in your country, each country has its own process of getting Visa. In order to stay in India for the duration of the program students of LRZTP are asked to register at the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives and apply for a student visa through them. Classes at the Library are included in the daily schedule of LRZTP.
  • Is LRZTP a registered institute when applying for a student visa?
    No, students of LRZTP should apply for a student visa from the Library of Tibetan Works and Achieves. for more information click here
  • What is the weather like?
    Lower Dharamsala is at an altitude of 1400m, while McLeod Ganj is around 1750m, making them considerably cooler than the plains below. During the months of December and January, snow and sleet is common. Temperatures in January can dip below freezing, while June can go up to 38°C, and the monsoon season from July to September is very wet indeed.
  • How do I reach Dharamsala?
    By land: Most people come to Dharamsala by bus. It has good connections with other parts of North India, although the journeys are often slow due to the narrow winding roads in the hills. The main bus terminal is in Lower Dharamsala, but some public HRTC buses to Delhi and Pathankot go all the way to the bus station of McLeod Ganj, where you can also book advance tickets for the return trip. Unreserved HRTC buses from Pathankot take 3/4 hours to Dharamsala/McLeod Ganj. Many private bus companies are available for travel from Manali, Dehradun and Delhi. Overnight buses from Delhi, many private ones leaving from the Tibetan colony of Majnu ka Tilla, take upwards of 12 hours and cost anywhere from Rs. 650 for a basic bus to Rs. 1000 for a plush Volvo.By train: The nearest railhead is at Pathankot (Chakki Bank), 90 kms away from Dharamsala, a comfortable overnight journey from Delhi. A taxi from Pathankot to McLeod Ganj takes about 3 hours. You can also take the bus, which is usually crowded. By bus it is about 4hrs journey to Dharamsala.By air: Spice Jet and Air India fly to Dharamsala daily. The airport is approximately 30 minutes by taxi from Mcleod Ganj. During and just prior to the monsoon season, flights may be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.
  • Is there an age restriction?
    There is no age restriction, everyone with the will and ability to study is welcome.
  • Can someone join the program in the middle?
    The course will not accept new students in the middle of the year.
  • How many students will be in class
    The maximum number of students in the next course will be 20.

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