Questions about the Courses
In which languages are the courses given?
Unless otherwise stated, the courses are offered directly in English.
We are fortunate to have teachers who are fluent in English and familiar with the English Dharma terms. This year we are also offering a course directly in Mandarin for Chinese students.
We offer translation into other languages for groups of 6 or more students. Please contact us for availability. Simultaneous translation is delivered via FM radio broadcast. Students need to supply their own radio receiver (Walkman or any regular FM radio) and earphones.
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What are the minimum requirements necessary to qualify to join the study program?
We welcome people from all walks of life, backgrounds and levels of education. The course material is challenging and requires an investment of time and attention in order for students to receive the benefit of the teachings.
We are not equipped to take care of students who have a pre-existing medical condition (physical or mental) which requires monitoring or can potentially result in disruption for other students.
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How can I prepare for the Philosophy Studies?
It would be beneficial to prepare by reading materials related to the course you plan to take. You will find suggestions in the course description along with any available translations of the main texts. We will include links to sources of study material when available.
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Is there an opportunity to learn Tibetan during the 3 month Philosophy semester?
We offer Tibetan Language instruction at various levels simultaneously with the philosophy courses. Please visit this page for detailed information.
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How can I prepare for Tibetan Language Studies?
If you have already studied the Tibetan Language, it is always a good idea to review your text and notes before coming to the IBA. Please visit our Tibetan Language course descriptions for the prerequisites for each level and recommendations on how to prepare.
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Are students from other Buddhist traditions welcome to participate?
Of course! Our main focus is the study of classical Mahayana Indian texts. These form the basis of traditional programs for monastic universities of all Tibetan traditions. Our Khenpos rely mostly on the commentaries of Sakya scholars to elucidate the main texts. We do not teach Vajrayana tantras or practices, so there is no conflict of lineages.
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Do I have to be a Buddhist to attend?
Our doors are open to all people who have a genuine interest in the Buddhadharma. Besides students who have deep roots in the Tibetan tradition, we currently have students from purely academic backgrounds. We also attract meditators without any affiliation who wish to deepen their knowledge of Buddhist spiritual theory that will enhance their practice.
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Is it possible to study a subject without having taken previous courses?
Ideally students would progress through the courses gradually, developing their knowledge of concepts and key terms. Although it would be helpful to have some familiarity with the subject matter or terms, it is not essential. Each course is presented as a separate and discrete unit without relying on previous studies.
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Can students record the courses?
Students can record classes for their own personal study purposes. We encourage students to take advantage of current technology to further their studies. Many students also find it helpful to bring their laptops and a USB mini-drive to transfer files.
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If I cannot come for a full course, is it possible to attend a portion of it?
Students can attend a minimum of 2 weeks of any course. We provide accommodation only for students who attend courses. We also do not offer short-stay facilities in the manner of a hotel. There are many accommodation options in Kathmandu including monastery guesthouses and hotels in close vicinity to the IBA.
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Participation and certificate?
Students are expected to attend all classes and review sessions. Certificates will be issued to students who have at least 80% attendance and who meet the examination requirements for that course. Students must attend a minimum of 2 weeks to participate in a course.
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If I start the program and decide to withdraw, can I receive a refund?
Within 15 days after the commencement of classes students who wish to withdraw must submit a written request to the office. Refunds will be made in Nepalese rupees, according to the exchange rate in effect at that time, after deducting a US$150 administration fee. No refunds will be provided to students after 15 days of school attendance.
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Is it possible to participate in the program by correspondence?
Due to the in-depth nature of our program, we do not offer any courses by correspondence. If you are unable to travel, you may wish to consider online programs offered by other Institutes. (eg. Lama Tzong Kapa Institute)
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Questions about the Student Experience
How many students participated last year?
Our one month course attracted 37 students and was translated into Spanish and Mandarin.
The two month philosophy course was attended by 26 students of various backgrounds.
Our annual retreat, led by Khenchen Appey Rinpoche drew 76 eager students from all parts of the world.
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What does a typical day look like?
Nepal rises with the sun. Many people take the opportunity to meditate in the mornings. The days starts with a hearty breakfast at 7am. The main philosophy teaching begins at 8am in the spacious shrine room. The various Tibetan classes take place before lunch time. Everyone gathers at noon for a relaxing buffet lunch in the main dining room. Apart from the review class, the afternoon offers free time for students to spend in different ways: walking to the Boudha Stupa, studying in the library, practicing Tibetan with speaking partners, visiting with other students during tea breaks and so forth. The long afternoon comes to a close with dinner at 6:30pm. Evenings are a quiet time for study, reflection and meditation and the occasional lively discussion. It often rains at night during monsoon season. See daily schedule here.
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Is there a student orientation?
Each course and the retreat have an orientation for students. It is held the day before each course starts, at 3pm. At this informal meeting, students will meet the staff, teachers and fellow students. The rules and regulations will be introduced and questions regarding the schedule will be clarified. Students are expected to arrive a day or two before the commencement of their courses in order to attend the orientation and to adjust to a new time zone.
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What sort of menu choices does the IBA offer?
We offer a wide assortment of mostly vegetarian choices in a weekly rotation. Lunch and dinner frequently also feature non-vegetarian dishes. The meals are wholesome, tasty, and nourishing. We do not have any sweet desserts, but lunches and dinners often include some fresh fruit and/or fresh yogurt. We are not equipped to meet the needs of those who have food allergies or specific nutritional requirements.
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Are there cooking facilities available to students?
Some students find it convenient to have beverage heaters in their rooms. The student bedrooms are not equipped for cooking. We also do not allow students to use the IBA kitchen without supervision. We sometimes have a fun cultural exchange in which students, cooking together in the kitchen, prepare a taste of their traditional cuisine to share with everyone.
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Is there a group daily meditation practice?
There is an open group meditation every morning at 6:30am in the shrine room. The shrine room can be used all day but most people do their personal practice in their rooms.
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Does the IBA supply sheets, bedding, and towels?
Students are given bedding, bath and hand towels which they are responsible for keeping clean. Some students find it helpful to use a mosquito net made for covering a single bed. Students should bring their own personal care items such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc.
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Is a professional counsellor available to help students with personal difficulties?
There are senior students and sangha members who can assist students with personal problems but there is no professional counsellor or psychologist on staff.
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Questions about the IBA facilities and services
What library and research facilities are available?
The library has a beautiful view of both the IBA courtyard and the surrounding hills dotted with monasteries, schools and rice fields. The library houses significant collections of texts in 3 languages: Tibetan, English and Chinese. There are several editions of the Tibetan Canon along with magnificent collections of commentaries.
The English language books are organized in general subject categories: art, Buddhist Studies, culture, history, language, philosophy, politics, practice, Sutra and Vajrayana.
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Is there wireless Internet connection available?
To facilitate students' ability to stay in touch with friends and family, the IBA has developed a wireless network (WIFI) for internet users on campus. Internet access also enables research, file sharing and information storage. The network is accessed by students' wireless laptops in most locations on campus or by desktop computers in the student lounge. Be forewarned that the connection speed is very slow by international standards.
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Electricity, voltage and plug formats?
The electric current in Nepal is 220 volts. If bringing electronic equipment, pack a couple of two prong round or two prong flat adapter plugs and the appropriate transformers. Plug adapters and transformers can be purchased inexpensively here. Laptop users should not worry since all laptops include voltage transformers built-in to their plug adapters. We currently experience scheduled blackouts two days a week for a couple of hours.
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What are students' rooms like?
Each student room is furnished with a single bed, closet, desk and chair. There is a spacious bathroom, with several toilets and two shower areas on each floor, shared between approximately ten rooms. Windows have glass and screens so they can be opened at night for fresh air. Most rooms have a balcony, overlooking the farming lands and residential areas of Kathmandu. Each room has only one electrical outlet that can be expanded, if needed, with power strips purchased here. Nothing can be hung or affixed to the walls or furniture.
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Are there laundry facilities available?
Pickup and drop-off laundry service is available during the semester at approximately 10 to 30 RS per item. You can also wash some or all of your clothes by hand. Washing detergent and soap are available for purchase locally but softeners and other products for delicate clothing are harder to find.
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Are there field trips organized by the Academy?
The IBA facilitates student field trips to holy pilgrimage sites in the Kathmandu Valley. The trip costs are shared equally by participating students and are generally very affordable. Some of the destinations have included Namo Buddha, Pharping, caves of Milarepa and ofPadmasambhava, Swayambhu Stupa and many monasteries and lamas of the 4 traditions.
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Is there somewhere to store personal belongings during the interval between terms?
Students can store their items in the safety of the IBA storage room at no cost.
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What kind of telephone access is there for students to make personal calls?
Students can make local calls from the IBA office phone. Long distance calls must be made outside. There are internet cafes and public phone service shops available at the Boudha area which provide internet services, fax and long distance phone calls (some provide Voice Over Internet Protocol - long distance service at substantially reduced prices) which will enable you to maintain contact with your family and friends easily. Some students may wish to bring their cell phone for use in Nepal.
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Questions about living in Nepal
What are unique items I can hope to buy in Nepal?
All practice materials such as bells and dorjes, offering bowls, statues, thangkas, and brocades are either made in Nepal or can be purchased here at a fraction of the prices in the West. Inexpensive Indian editions of major Buddhist classics can also be purchased in the bookstores in Kathmandu. Made to measure clothing is available at very favorable prices. Pashmina shawls, rice paper crafts are wonderful lightweight items to take back as gifts.
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What are the average costs of restaurants and transportation?
The public transportation in Kathmandu includes taxis, public buses and three wheelers. Taxis cost around Rs150 from the Boudha area to the Thamel shopping area; the cost of public buses and three wheelers are usually less than Rs20.
Meals can range from Rs100 per person at local restaurants to Rs1000 at a big Hotel.
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What is considered appropriate clothing?
Clothes should be comfortable for sitting in the cross-legged position and respectful to the teachers and sangha.
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What kind of footwear should I bring?
In Nepal 95% of the people wear rubber sandals. These are convenient to clean, especially during the muddy monsoon season. Some unpaved roads are rough and some students prefer to wear protective footwear that rinses easily while being sturdy and giving good traction. Ideally footwear should also be easily removable for going in and out of the shrine room.
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What other expenses should students take into account when planning their budget?
Aside from travel, toiletries, etc. and the IBA course fees stipulated on the web site, students should allow for expenditures on textbooks, laundry, field trips, tourist visa renewals (see details), gifts for friends and relatives back home and any ritual practice materials you may wish to acquire inexpensively (since they are made here).
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What should students bring with them?
The following is suggested as a guideline to facilitate in planning your trip. Many personal-use items are available in Kathmandu. There are supermarkets, pharmacies and retail stores in the Boudha area where the IBA is located, as well as bigger establishments in other areas of Kathmandu (around 20 minutes away by car/taxi from Boudha). Although you will find that you can purchase almost anything here, it is a safer bet to bring whatever you know you will need with you as the choices here may be limited.
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A teller or debit card (this being more useful than a credit card)
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Pens, notebooks, highlighters are necessary but can also be bought locally
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Sunhat and sunglasses
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Short sleeved shirts
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Long sleeved shirts
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1 light jacket or windbreaker
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Durable pants such as jeans or corduroys
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Skirt, mid-calf or longer length is optional for women instead of pants (no short skirts please)
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1 pair of sandals (rubber beach thongs are ideal for wearing in showers)
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Personal toilet articles-soap, toothbrush, shaving needs, towel, shampoo, tampons or sanitary pads, etc.
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Good flashlight, batteries
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Sunscreen lotion
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Insect repellent or mosquito net
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Prescription medicine, vitamins and supplements (unobtainable here)
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Cold remedies and over the counter medicines you normally use
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Laptop computer
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MP3 or other audio recording device with rechargeable batteries
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USB stick (external mini-drive)
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Special foods (for example, herbal teas, good coffee, health foods and snacks which you like)
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Rain poncho or folding umbrella (you can buy very good umbrellas here)
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Alarm clock
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Tea or coffee mug if you wish to take to your room
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