The Overseas Linguistics Study Program
The Overseas Study Program offers an extraordinary opportunity to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey, immersing oneself in the rich traditions of Tibetan culture by living and studying alongside a community of 4500 monks. Conceived in 2005, OSP initially began as an initiative to support the young monks at Sera Mey Monastery. However, over time, the program has evolved into a remarkable pathway for individuals seeking to deepen their knowledge of Tibetan language and spirituality. The sprawling monestary campus is akin to a large American university with a beautiful library, and numerous coffee shops and cafes. Students are welcome to sit in on the large monastery pujas and to go to the debate park. There is also a local dog rescue which many of our students have volunteered with.
Past alumni have gone on to become prolific translators, and pursued advanced studies in Tibetan and other classical languages.
Nestled in a remote settlement in the jungles of South India, Sera is situated a scenic two-hour journey away from the nearest city.
Accommodation at the monastery is modest and simple.
To be eligible for consideration, applicants are required to possess proficiency in reading Tibetan and must demonstrate a genuine passion for delving deeper into the language's intricacies.
Sera is located a 6 hour drive from Bengalaru Airport. Accommodation at the monastery is simple and modest. OSP Students should expect a rigorous program of language studies and are required to attend all classes and to complete all homework assignments.
Group sightseeing activities on days off are optional. Students will also have the opportunity to give back to the monastery by volunteering at the Sera elementary school for young monks. The monastery is located close to a number of amazing temples and heritage sites.
3 meals are offered daily, giving students the opportunity to spend time with Ari Khensur Rinpoche and the rest of the monks.
What to Expect
Daily Schedule
*Daily schedule will depend on the monks availability, and may change
8:00am: Optional group breakfast w/monks
9:00-10:15am: Spoken Tibetan language class
10:30-11:45am: Scriptural Tibetan translation class
12 pm: Lunch
2:30-3:30pm: Debate class (3x/week)
4:00-5:15pm: Applied spoken Tibetan class
6pm: Optional group dinner w/monk
Gen Norbu
Norbu was born in Tibet, and now lives in the refugee camps in India. With ten years of experience teaching Tibetan language and classical texts to non-Tibetans, he is the perfect addition to our program. Dedicated to promoting cross-cultural understanding and appreciation, Norbu is an experienced educator with a Master's degree in English and a Bachelor's degree in Art and Buddhism Philosophy. He brings a fun and engaging style to learning Tibetan.
OSP Teachers
Gen Yonten
Geshe Yonten is currently preparing for his Hlarampa geshe exams and has lived at Sera since he was 9 years old. An excellent teacher who uses humor and his knowledge of the west to connect with his students,
Geshe Jamyang
Hlarampa Geshe Jamyang has spent the last 30 years at Sera Mey. He is an excellent debate teacher who is known for his endless patience when it comes to answering students' questions.
In Memory of Geshe Lotar
Geshe Lotar was a monk for most of his life. He served his teacher, Khen RInpoche Geshe Lobsang Tarchin for many years, and then later served as the Vice Abbot and Debate Master at Sera Mey. Geshela raised over 100 boys in his 65+ years at Sera. He loved teaching our OSP students Lam Rim. We will miss his humor, his love, and his stories.
Accommodations
Students will have the option to either stay with the monks at Geshe Lotar's house, which will provide you with a lot of laughs, or at the Sera Mey Guest House, which will provide you with more privacy. Accommodation is pretty basic, though there are several higher end rooms at the guesthouse which come with a living room and air conditioning.
Trip Expenses
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Price depends on choice of accommodation and includes room and meals for 30 days, and roundtrip transportation from Bangalore airport to Sera, as well as many sightseeing trips. Airfare not included.
Partial scholarships are available