Tibetan Studies in India Program

Is there an application form?
Yes, the form is online. Please follow the instructions on Applying to the Program.

Do I need a passport to apply?
Yes. You will need a current passport with two blank pages for the India visa application. You must have the passport in hand when you apply to the program.

I know that one of my references has to be a professor. Who should the other be?
Anyone who knows you well and can attest to your interpersonal skills, maturity and suitability for an intensive program in a very challenging cultural context.

What are the selection criteria?
No hard criteria. We look for people who have good academic reasons for undertaking this program and who seem to be academically serious and mature. We try to balance the group by areas of study and to make sure that students from all of the Five Colleges can participate. Having done some preparatory work, or having some previous multicultural experience is an advantage but is not necessary.

Can first-year students apply?
No. First-year students are not eligible for this program.

Are there any prerequisites?
No.

Do I need to speak a language?
English is essential. No other language is necessary, but Tibetan and Hindi are great assets.

How many students go on this trip?
Fifteen from the Five Colleges.

Will our classes be taught in English?
Some of the classes will be taught by English-speaking professors; some will be taught through translators.

What does my fee cover?
Your visa, round-trip air fare from Boston, all transportation, food and lodging and program-related costs in India, ground transport from Boston to your home campus.

What doesn’t my fee cover?
Your passport, getting to Boston, gifts for your mom, stuff you might want to buy in India, your medical preparation, your discretionary spending in India.

How much additional money do I need?
That depends on your medical insurance (immunization costs and coverage varies), how far you will be from Boston at Christmas, and how much you like to spend on yourselves and friends.

If I am not a Smith College student, how do I get financial aid?
Talk to the appropriate folks on your campus.

If I am a Smith student, can I get financial aid?
Yes. You may apply for an International Experience Grant to help cover the costs of the program. *Note: any IEG funds awarded will be disbursed directly to the program to cover fees and expenses of the program. More information can be found on the Summer & Interterm Opportunities page.

 *Note that the application deadline for this grant may differ from the application deadline for the Tibetan Studies in India Program.  

Can I make my own travel arrangements?
No. You must travel with the group.

Can my partner come?
No.

Do I need all those immunizations?
Yes. It is dangerous to be in India without these immunizations. In order to protect you, other members of our group, our hosts, and the integrity of the program, we require that all students are appropriately immunized. There are no exceptions, for any reason.

If I don’t take the course for credit do I still need to go to class?
Absolutely. Participation in all program activities and attendance at all classes is required.

Do I have to attend the introductory classes?
Absolutely.

Do we get to tour around India?
No. You will be in Sarnath/Varanasi almost the entire time, except for a weekend trip to Bodh Gaya and Raj Gir and two days in Delhi.

Is this really academically intense?
Yes.

Where do we live when we are there?
At a very nice guest house on the campus.

What is the food like?
Vegetarian Indian and Tibetan—very good and very healthy. Meals are prepared by the dedicated kitchen staff at the guest house. We can accommodate some dietary restrictions, but our capacity is limited—regional cuisine relies heavily on dairy, chili, and wheat, and clinical allergen protocols are not available. Students with significant food allergies or restrictions should review the Program Environment Fact Sheet and contact the program director to discuss their situation before applying.

What will the weather be like?
Cool at night, warm during the day, probably no rain. You will need a sweater or light jacket, but also clothes suitable for warm weather.

Health Disclosure & Accommodations

Students who rely on regular therapeutic support—counseling, psychiatric care, or ongoing medication management—should discuss participation with their care providers before applying. Once accepted, all participants will be required to complete a physical examination. If you have health conditions, disabilities, or dietary restrictions that may affect your participation in the program, we encourage you to discuss them not only with your doctor but also with the program director. Some conditions can be readily accommodated; others may require creative problem-solving; in some cases, we may conclude together that the program environment cannot adequately address certain needs.

All participants are covered by supplemental international health insurance through GeoBlue at no additional cost. This policy covers office visits and prescription medications with certain limits. Students experiencing difficulties with their physical or mental health while abroad should contact the program director, who can help connect them with appropriate resources. Our goal is to ensure that students who participate can do so safely and can engage fully with the program’s academic and experiential components. If you have questions, please reach out to the program director before applying.

Immunizations

Participation in this program requires up-to-date immunizations. The following are mandatory: measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR); Hepatitis A and B; meningitis; tetanus; typhoid; and malaria prophylaxis. Students are also encouraged to consider rabies and Japanese encephalitis vaccination. These immunizations protect you, other members of the group, our hosts, and the integrity of the program. There are no exceptions. Dr. Tara Dumont, Smith’s physician, will explain these protocols during one of the mandatory introductory classes.

Program Environment

This program operates in a challenging physical environment that differs significantly from what students typically encounter in the United States. We strongly encourage all prospective applicants to read the Program Environment Fact Sheet carefully before applying. The fact sheet describes conditions including air quality, temperature and housing, physical accessibility, crowds and sensory environment, program pace, food and dietary accommodations, medical facilities, and psychological or psychiatric services. If after reading the fact sheet you have questions about whether this program is right for you, please contact the program director.