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College of Liberal Arts: Buddhism in Nepal (Outgoing Program)

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  • Locations: Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Program Terms: Fall
  • Restrictions: OSU applicants only.
Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Fall 2025 04/15/2025 ** Rolling Admission TBA TBA

**
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Program Provider: OSU - Departmental Program
Program Description:

Overview

Buddhism Studies Brochure PageTibetan Buddhism preserves a rich philosophical and practice oriented tradition. On this semester length program, students will be able to study this tradition in a living monastery, taking classes on Buddhist philosophy and history, as well as gaining insight into the day to day lives of Buddhist monks and nuns.

This program is set at the Rangjung Yeshé Institute, an organization that has been teaching Buddhism to western students for almost twenty years. Participants will study Buddhist Philosophy with traditionally trained monks, complemented by classes with western scholars. They will also be able to take courses on Buddhist history and Nepalese religion, and those who wish will have the opportunity to study meditation with an acclaimed meditation master. But perhaps most importantly, students will be immersed in Tibetan Buddhist life. Classes are held on the grounds of Ka-Nying Shedrup Ling Monastery, among the most important Tibetan monasteries in Nepal. Set in the bustling town of Boudhanath—just outside of the city of Kathmandu, Nepal—this monastery and its environs are the heart of the Tibetan settlement in Nepal. Because of this, students will be able to engage with the daily realities of Tibetan Buddhism on a daily basis—an experience like no other in the world.

Classes begin in late August and run through early December, allowing students to be in Nepal during the year's best weather.
 

Areas of Study

Students who participate in this trip are required to take a Buddhist philosophy course, taught by a traditionally trained Tibetan monk (in English!). This course is the heart of the RYI experience, and meets daily. OSU students will receive nine credits for this class. In addition, students will be encouraged to take courses in Buddhist History and Culture (4.5 credits) and / or Nepalese Religious Traditions (also 4.5 credits). Finally, students are encouraged to take a language class, either Tibetan, Nepali or Sanskrit (4.5 credits).

Requirements

This program is designed for undergraduate students with an interest in religion, but this does not mean you must be a Religious Studies major or minor. All interested students are welcome to apply.
  • Minimum of Sophomore standing at the time of the trip.
  • Minimum GPA of 2.75 or permission of the instructor.
  • Background in Buddhism is great, but not at all required.
 

Cost Estimates

Program Cost Estimates

Program Fee (tuition) $5,000
Housing (homestay, including meals) $1,000
Accident & Sickness Insurance $260 (approximate)
International Airfare $2,000 (approximate)
Passport $165
Visa or Entry/Exit Tax $100
Book & Supplies $100 (approximate)
Local Transportation, Meals, Misc. Expenses $1,500 - $3,000 (estimated range)
OSU GO Admin Fee $400
CLA Enrichment Programming Fee $500
CLA Scholarship (anticipated) -$500
Total Estimated Expenses $11,025 - $12,525
 

Additional Info

For more information, please contact the program coordinator: Dr. Geoffrey Barstow.