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Tibet/Bhutan: Tibetan and Himalayan Studies

Program Overview

Explore traditional and contemporary Tibetan and Himalayan culture in this transnational program originating in Dharamsala, seat of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile. Students examine topics including the history and practices of Buddhism and the current social and political situation of the Tibetan community-in-exile. Students interact with experts that range from government officials and local scholars to representatives of nongovernmental and religious institutions.

The semester includes an excursion to the Tibet Autonomous region in the fall semester, or to the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan in the spring semester. The Tibet trip explores the effects of Chinese policies and expansion in both rural and urban areas in the Tibet Autonomous region and their impact on traditional culture. The Bhutan excursion focuses on government efforts to preserve traditional culture and values through its unique policy of Gross National Happiness (GNH).