From 2002, Lha has b een organizing a mutual learning exchange program every year for about 70 – 100 foreign students. So far, the main groups have been coming from American institutions and colleges which include Tulane University, Centenary College and Loyola University New Orleans. We have also had several students come from Taiwan Christian University and Rustic Pathways, which is an organization that offers high school students the opportunity to travel and study abroad in a variety of cultural exchange programs.

In Lha’s mutual learning exchange program, one student from a foreign country pairs up with a Tibetan student for at least 3 – 4 hours a day, in which time they may learn more about each other and their cultures, improve the English skills of the Tibetan student and, in general, simply exchange their personal knowledge. This year, we have had about 120 foreign students (which is more than normal)c

ome to Dharamsala and volunteer their time and energy typically to teaching English as well as giving massage and computer courses. Also, Lha offers classes for Tibetan cooking, Tibetan language and art, and general Tibetan cultural knowledge that many volunteers enjoy and support through their participation

The groups also travel to nearby towns and areas to develop a more experiential understanding of the local Tibetan refugee and Indian communities and cultures, as well as to gain more practical knowledge as to how and what they can do to help improve the lives of the more underprivileged and needy people which are so prevalent throughout all India. These places include the rather small town Tso-Pema, as it is known to Tibetans (or Rewalsar to Indians) – which is also quite sacred to Hindus, Buddhist and Sikhs alike – the much more rural village-town of Bir that has a considerably large Tibetan community, and the thriving, market-town of Mandi, which is a very traditional Indian town. The students also spend some time in the overwhelming, hustle-and-bustle capital city of India, Delhi, wherein they may experience a completely different view of everyday Indian, as well as human, life.

India is a remarkable and genuinely magical place, and there truly is no other place like it. It is considered “The Heart of the World,” and it is amazing how many people come to really understand what that means. In India, everything is experienced in a totally new way, and one cannot help but to feel the meaning and beauty of each and every moment they are there.

We are very grateful for the ability to provide the opportunity for people to come and experience India and its vibrant cultures. Thank you everybody for all of you help and support!

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