Nepal

Overview

In this course, you will build language skills through daily formal instruction as well as one-on-one sessions with a native Tibetan language partner. After an initial language proficiency assessment, you will be placed in a beginning, intermediate, or advanced class. You will immerse yourself in the Tibetan language through your language classes and while living with a local homestay family in Kathmandu, Nepal. You will also have opportunities to practice your growing Tibetan language skills through conversations with members of the local community, including political refugees and Himalayans who have been educated in Tibetan-administered schools across the South Asian subcontinent.  

On excursions, you will visit some of the most important World Heritage sites of Tibetan and Himalayan Buddhism and civilization and learn about life in hillside villages. In recognition of your host country’s national culture, you will also take an essential Nepali language course and may participate in additional optional activities. 

SIT is also offering a supplementary online Tibetan Language course during the fall semester. 

Highlights

• Immerse yourself in conversational Tibetan.
• Expand your language skills by communicating with your Kathmandu homestay family in Tibetan.
• Learn about critical Tibetan and Himalayan political and religious concepts.
• Explore urban World Heritage Sites and rural mountain settlements.

Prerequisites

Through oral proficiency testing you will be placed in beginning, intermediate, or advanced classes.