OverviewCultural Exchange
The purpose of the Cultural Exchange Program is to increase the mutual understanding between Tibetan people and students of other countries by means of an educational and cultural exchange. The Cultural Exchange Program is designed to directly involve young adults in the daily life of the Tibetan community through educational training and voluntary employment opportunities.
The Program has been operating for the past 3 years with three universities from both Canada (Oshawa, Ontario) and the United States (Denver, Colorado and St. John’s, Minnesota). The Culture Exchange Program is offered to university students on a flexible time commitment basis ranging from a minimum of 2 weeks up to many months.
The students can be provided with homestay accommodation to integrate themselves into daily Tibetan life. As part of the Culture Exchange Program, Tibetan language classes as well as daily lectures are given, for example, on Buddhist philosophy, traditional thangka painting, Tibetan astrology and the current political climate in Tibet. Click here to find out more about activities.
Our mission
- Educate international people and cultures of the world on the unique cultural heritage of Tibet.
- Preserve the Tibetan culture and ensure it is retained in the future.
- Promote interest and awareness of the current Tibetan political situation and encourage people of the world to become involved.
- Educate the Tibetan people on other cultures of the world and share experiences.
Benefits
All of humanity relates to each because we are similar, yet, we can learn from each other because we are different. Participants will gain many benefits from the Cultural Exchange Program including:
- Learning something new about the student’s own culture and point of view by seeing it from a fresh perspective;
- Gaining a true in-depth understanding of Tibetan culture and society;
- Learning another language (Tibetan);
- Building lasting friendships with Tibetans in the Dharamsala Region; and
- Increasing the student’s confidence and comfort with people from other cultures.
The Culture Exchange Program is a long term investment in a better future for Tibetans and all peace revering people of the world. Perhaps the greatest power of the Program is the power to convert countries into people and to translate ideologies into aspirations and dreams.
Fees
The maximum number of participants we can accept for any one programme is 20, the minimum is 7. The total amount for 15 students for a two-week program would be around 600 euro/ 650 US dollars (per studet or what?). This includes Reception, Cultural Introduction and Lecture Fees but excludes food and lodging/homestay. However we will help to find accommodation as per the participants’ desire. They can choose from homestay, monastery, nunnery, and hotel accommodation.
Please note that the exchange programme is OPEN FOR EVERYONE, NOT ONLY TO STUDENTS; while the majority of groups who have so far participated have been University-based, we can also organize projects for any other groups who are interested in experiencing Tibetan culture.
To organize a Cultural Exchange Programme for your group, discuss your exact requirements,,together with our coordinators develop a specific programme incorporating the lectures, classes, excursions and other activities to meet your personal needs and interests, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Volunteering
The exchange students are further invited, should they so choose, to participate in volunteer opportunities in the community. Click here to see the current volunteer opportunities available.
