Frequently Asked Questions about the Intensive Tibetan for Dharma Course

FAQ-for Tibetan Language for the Dharma short course

If you have any questions about the program please contact us on lrztp.manager@gmail.com

Do I need to know some Tibetan before joining the course?

Not necessarily. The course will start from the very beginning and gradually progress. If you have some knowledge that will of course be helpful but it is not a prerequisite. Some of our star students began without any prior exposure to Tibetan.

What are the Course Tuition fees?

Total – $650 USD. Indian citizens can apply for a $500 USD grant, sponsored by Khyentse Foundation.

In case the course does not open, will I get my deposit back?

Yes, in that case we will refund your deposit.

Is the course taught in English?

Yes, the teachers will teach the course in English and Tibetan. Students are required to have a good level of English.

Is the course teacher a Tibetan?

Two teachers will conduct the course – Gen Julia Wilson and a Tibetan native speaker. That way you will be exposed to the correct pronunciation of the Tibetan language and a model who has accomplished learning from a non-native perspective.

What is the cost of renting a room in Mcleod Ganj?

The area of Mcleod Ganj has a growing demand for rental houses, therefore the prices are continuously increasing. Usually, in Mcleod Ganj, a room with a toilet attached and maybe a kitchen will cost around 5500-10000INR. The bigger the room, the more expensive. If you find a room in Gamru village, near the Tibetan Library, it will be cheaper, but you will be a bit far from the center of the village. The price to rent a guesthouse for a day varies and depends on the season. During April–May it can range from 500–1000 INR each night for the average single room with bathroom attached.

What is the cost of food in Mcleod Ganj?

It depends on what you eat and how much you eat. A meal could be around 100-300INR; if you cook for yourself the price becomes a bit cheaper.

How is the weather during October-December?

It is usually still rather warm (above 15 degrees Celsius) but closer to December the temperatures may start going down. At the beginning of December it may be chilly with occasional rain. It is good to bring with you some warms clothes

Do we have to be Buddhist in order to attend the course?

Not at all, the registration for the course is open to everyone who wishes to learn the language. However, during the course we are asking the student to commit to abide by the course moral code (refrain from killing, stealing, sexual offending, lying, taking drugs and to follow HH the Dalai Lama’s advice about the practice of Shugden).

What is the daily schedule of the course?

Daily schedule:
11:00 – 13:00; conversation partner class
13:00 – 14:00; lunch break
14:00 – 16:00 class with the main teacher

Is it possible to learn so much in only eight weeks?

You will not learn fluent Tibetan in eight weeks because we cannot cover the vastness of the Tibetan language in that short time, but we will help you make your first steps in Tibetan in a graduated structured teaching style and supportive joyful learning environment.

Four hours does not seem so intensive, why aren’t there more hours daily?

We think that four hours of Tibetan study a day is intensive enough. On top of the four hours of school, the students have to do homework and revision which takes an additional few hours a day. Talking from our experience, studying Tibetan is difficult and is better done with a relaxed and happy mind, so a few hours of free time a day could be useful for the learning process. Also some students need time in the morning to do their practice. Previous experience in intensive courses at our school showed that having more than four hours can be tiring to students.

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