Kathmandu is the capital city of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal. The city lays at the crossroads of ancient and modern civilizations in Asia and is itself in the throes of balancing rapid development with tradition, capacity and inequality. The city lays at the bottom of a valley surrounded by famed and little known mountains. Rich with history and culture, it holds several important pilgrimage sites for Hindus and Buddhists as well as seven UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Host Institution: Rangjung Yeshe Institute (RYI) was founded by renowned monk Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche as an institution of higher learning for those wishing to deepen their understanding of Buddhist philosophy and practice. RYI has been conducting seminars and study programs in Nepal for more than 25 years. Since 2001, the Institute has worked in close partnership with Kathmandu University to manage the Kathmandu University Centre for Buddhist Studies at RYI which offers undergraduate and post-graduate degree courses in Buddhist Studies and related topics. RYI offers expertise in Buddhist philosophy and in Tibetan, Sanskrit and Nepali languages. Students interested in researching these themes should apply.
Mentor: Dr. Karin Meyers was born in the United States and was first introduced to the academic study of Buddhism as an undergraduate at Hampshire College. After studying abroad at the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies in Sarnath and the Buddhist School of Dialects in Dharamsala, India, she worked at the Buddhist Peace Fellowship in Berkeley, CA. Dr. Meyers attended graduate school at the University of Chicago Divinity School, where she completed her PhD in 2010. She is continuing to study Buddhist philosophy, Tibetan and Sanskrit with Tibetan and Nepali scholars while teaching in the BA and MA programs at RYI's Centre for Buddhist Studies.
Program Dates: Between June 1 - August 11
Program Length: 8 Weeks
Housing: The institute can arrange for homestays in the Boudha neighborhood with Tibetan, Nepali or Sanskrit (limited) speaking households depending on the student’s interest in language and/or cultural studies. Otherwise, Students will find their own housing. SAC can assist in the search.
Internships Available: for 4 students
Applications are due Monday, January 29, 2018.
Interested applicants should APPLY HERE.