The Tibet Fund (TTF), in partnership with the College for Higher Tibetan Studies (CHTS), Sarah, a branch of the Institute of Buddhist Dialectics (IBD), is pleased to announce the 2025 Summer Tibetan Study Program (STSP). This program is designed for young Tibetans born or raised in the west to deepen their understanding of Tibetan culture, history, and civilization. Hosted in the vicinity of Dharamsala, the cultural and intellectual hub of the Tibetan exile community, STSP offers a unique opportunity to connect with and learn about Tibetan heritage.
Participants will gain an in-depth understanding of their cultural traditions, the Tibetan exile community, and issues facing Tibet. They will also explore the challenges and opportunities encountered by the exiled Tibetan community as it strives to preserve its cultural identity and values amidst globalization. The program combines rigorous academic coursework, language studies, contemplative practices, cultural immersion, and field trips to provide participants with direct and meaningful experiences.
The Institute of Buddhist Dialectics (IBD), Dharamsala, was established by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1973, and its branch, the CHTS, Sarah, is renowned as a premier center for advanced Tibetan studies. CHTS, Sarah, also collaborates with leading institutions in the United States—Emory University (Georgia), Earlham College (Indiana), and Gustavus Adolphus College (Minnesota)—to offer Tibetan Study Abroad Programs.
Since 2014, The Tibet Fund and IBD have jointly facilitated the Summer Tibetan Study Program, which has welcomed close to 200 participants from the United States, Canada, and Europe. While TTF manages program facilitation for young Tibetans in the West, IBD-CHTS and Sarah provide expert teachers, lecturers and logistics. Students will attend classes at the CHTS, Sarah campus and immerse themselves in the vibrant daily life of the Tibetan community in Dharamsala.
We are excited to offer this enriching program to empower young Tibetans with a deeper connection to their cultural roots and a broader perspective on Tibetan issues and traditions.
Weekend Edu-Pilgrimage: July 17 – 20, 2025
A mandatory educational pilgrimage to Tashi Jong, Palpung Sherabling monastery, Bir Settlement, Chauntra and Tso Pema will be organized by the college. Students will share transportation costs, room charges, and food during the tour. The expected cost for the entire tour is US$100 per student. This fee is not included in the program fee. Our program coordinator will lead the tour and make all the arrangements. The Weekend Education – Pilgrimage fee and the program registration fee should be paid to the Tibet Fund.
THU., July 17 | Leave CIHTS, Sarah after lunch, stop over at Tashijong and check into Palpung Sherabling Guest House, Guided tour of Sherabling, Kargyue Monastery
FRI., July 18 | Excursion to BIR Tibetan settlement, visit Nyingma monastery and TCV Chauntra school
SAT., July 19 | Check out from Palpung Sherabling guest house, stop at Dzongsar Shedra Monastery, Chauntra, and drive to Riwalsar. Check into the guest house and group KORA around the lake.
SUN., July 20 | Early morning hike to Guru Rinpoche statue and cave, return to CHTS, Sarah in the afternoon
Program Curriculum
The STSP is very academic in nature and applicants are expected to take active participation in all the courses and immersion activities
Meditation & Buddhist Culture Course
Instructor: Geshe Tenzin Dhamchoe
Reference Material: Gen Lamrinpa, Calming the Mind: Tibetan Buddhist Teachings on the Cultivation of Meditative Quiescence, Snow Lion Publications (recommend buying)
The primary focus of this course will be how one can achieve a deeper level of mental peace, tranquility and stability through the implementation of tools and methods found in Tibetan Buddhism. The class will also discuss traditional methods to enhance loving kindness, compassion, and warm-hearted feelings, which are the basic sources of joy for oneself and others at large. As such in each session, in addition to lectures and discussion sessions with visiting faculty, there will be short a guided meditation.
Tibetan Culture and Civilization
Instructor: Dr. Dawa Lokyitsang and Mr. Passang Tsering
Required Texts: “Freedom in Exile” – The Autobiography of the Dalai Lama of Tibet and “TIBET: A History” by Sam Van Schaik (Yale University Press)
This course discusses on the Tibetan civilization, history, politics, religious traditions, artistic practices, and social institutions of contemporary Tibetans. However, to contextualize this material, Tibet’s historical background, cultural practices, and institutions (both before and after the Chinese government established the Tibetan Autonomous Region) will also be studied. In addition to lectures by CHTS faculty, field trips to local sites and organizations, as well as participation in important religious holidays, pilgrimage activities, artistic performances, and cultural events, will be an integral part of this course.
Tibetan Language for Beginners, Pre-Intermediate and Intermediate
Instructors: Mrs. Wang Bhomo, Ms. Dhondup Dolma and Mr. Yonten Wangchuk
Reference Material: Tibetan Language for beginners, CHTS publications (sold at CHTS)
This course is intended as an introduction/intermediate level to spoken and written Tibetan. It will meet for two hours daily and include Tibetan grammar, reading, writing, speaking, and oral comprehension. Students intending to join the intermediate program must sit for a placement test.
Tibetan Buddhist Philosophy and Secular Ethics
Instructor: Geshe Tenzin Tselek
Materials: Compilation of text (sold at CHTS)
The Buddhist tradition has evolved a profound understanding of the inner world of the mind and ways to transform it; science has developed a sophisticated understanding of the material world. Both science and Buddhism share the contribution they can make to humanity’s well-being as a fundamental aim. The reference book will be ’The Universe in a Single Atom’ by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Identity, Action, Reflection
Instructor: Mr. Passang Tsering, Geshe Tenzin Dhamchoe and guest speakers (Friday evening)
Materials: Compilation of reading materials (sold at CHTS)
This course is designed to be a forum to assist the students in processing the experiences of living and studying in Dharamsala community and reconnecting with their culture. Through discussion, meditation, interaction with CHTS student community, readings and guest speakers’ students will reflect upon their own identity and place in the world.
