Tibetan Language Course for international students

* 2011 - 2012 Tibetan Language program admission is Full.

Tibetan language class for international students at Sarah Tholob are guided by experienced teacher. Sarah college offers advanced Tibetan language programs to Tibetan students at undergraduate level which makes it an ideal environment to study all aspect of Tibetan language and culture. International students can take advantage of this unique opportunity by making friends with Tibetan students who then become an important partner to practice what is being taught in the class.

A few foreigners when they first came here to study Tibetan language, we don't have any special class for them. They studied Tibetan language from our teachers in their spare time. In Dharamshala, the interested group in Tibetan Language and Buddhism are growing gradually, and so are their challenges. Financially, they have to face the huge rent, costly requirements and high tuition fee (that too for a limited hour). Academically, short of qualified teacher, limited resources and unsuitable environment all adds to their discouraging factor. Through the constant request of many acquaintance and under much deliberations with our concern staffs,  'The Tibetan language class for international students'  finally took birth in 2004 primarily to help the foreigners in learning Tibetan language at much cheaper cost and under more favorable environment. We offer a unique environment where learning of Tibetan language takes place naturally. So, those who wish to join here should completely be aware of our motive and cooperate with us for our mutual benefit.

Program Overview: Beginners and Intermediate

Program Period: July of current year to April end of next year

Duration of the Program: 10 months

Number of students enrolled: Maximum 25

Prerequisites: A reasonable understanding of English

Fees for one month: Rs. 5250 (inclusive of double room with common bath, food and tuition)

Fee structure with details of additional facility charges.

Admission process

Admission into Tibetan language for beginners is fairly simple. Students will write an email (chts_info@yahoo.com) stating their interest. There is no formal due date for submission of application. Admission is based on first come first serve basis. Students are required to fill up the registration form once they arrive college campus by paying Rs. 150.

Admission will be confirmed only after making advance payment for three months. Fees once paid are non-refundable.

Course Fee

The total charge for one month course is Rs. 5250, inclusive of double room with common bath, three time meal in the common dinning hall and tuition fee. The room and food are fairly simple and basic. Students can apply for single room, single room with bathroom but this will depend on the availability of rooms in the dormitories. For these facilities there are additional charges on top of Rs. 5250.

Students from Indian, Nepal and Bhutan interested to join this course will get 25% fee waiver. However, admission confirmation is strictly based on availability of seat.

Tibetan nationals from north America and Europe will get admission into this program anytime during the year as a special case. They can also choose to leave anytime depending on their convenience.

Course duration

The duration of beginners course is 10 months. Students are expected to study minimum of three months in this class. If in case a student withdrew from the course but the fees are not refundable.

Tibetan Language course for beginners:

Course Description:

The course for beginners is designed for complete beginners. The course aims to introduce students to the basics of Tibetan grammar by incorporating reading, writing, conversation and building vocabulary.

The fifth class will be introduced later when students gain fair understanding of Tibetan. This class is mainly to familiarize students with Tibetan terms that are not used in colloquial Tibetan. The text for this class is 'Lectures on Tibetan Religious Culture' by Geshe Lhundup Sopa.

Timetable

The Tibetan beginners course will meet four hours daily from Monday to Friday. Following classes will be conducted on a daily basis (Monday - Friday):

1. Basic Tibetan Grammar

2. Colloquial Tibetan

3. Vocabulary

4. Conversation

5. Lectures in Tibetan Religious culture - to be introduced in the middle of the program

Prerequisites

Students are expected to have some understanding of English to sit in this course. Teaching will be in Tibetan medium but there will be some help with English to create confusion.

Class Format: lecturers, drills, quizzes, activities and class discussions.

Tibetan Language course for intermediate:

Course description

International students having completed beginners course at Sarah Tholob or equivalent proficiency in Tibetan will be admitted into the intermediate Tibetan language course.

Prerequisites

Students in the intermediate course are expected to have minimum of 6th grade standard in Tibetan language. Therefore, students must have fair ability to read, understand and speak Tibetan.

The medium of instruction will be strictly in Tibetan language. The focus will be on central Tibetan dialect.

Course subjects:

1. Basic Tibetan Grammar:

• Sumchupa; text Lekshay Jonwang (gsum cu p, legs bSd ladon dbng)
• Takjuk; Text Kanae Salwai Melong (rtgs 'jug dk' bnd bsl b'i me long)

2. Vocabulary: Teacher will use a text book published by college.

3. Buddhist Studies: Student can choose any one of the Buddhist Philosophy or Tibetan language and grammar class on campus.

Text; Lectures in Tibetan Religious Culture

Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism by His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Nagarjuna's Letter to a friend

A Guide to Bodhisattva Way of Life

Words of My Perfect Teacher

Riglam or The Debate in Tibetan Buddhism

Dusdra, Lorig and Takrik (These classes are offered only to Philosophy class)

For further information and registration please write to Principal/Secretary chts_info@yahoo.com