The third batch of annual “Intensive English Language Course for Geshes and Khenpos” successfully concluded on May 26, 2023 at Lha Charitable Trust with a simple gathering of students, teachers and staff. 13 monks registered and 10 of them completed the course.

The three-month course was especially organised for Geshe or Geshema (for women) and Khenpo who have completed the highest level of academic training in Tibetan Buddhism and who now wish to learn English. During the course, the monks had three classes from 9 am to 1pm taught by three different teachers. The classes were divided into; Vocabulary and Grammar, Listening and Writing and Reading and Speaking.

The Lha team and the students would like to sincerely thank our teachers; Ms Cynthia McGowan, Ms Maree Callaway and Mr Kalsang Tsetan. Mr Keith Gilbert and Ms Candice Stone also helped as the substitute teachers.

“I enjoyed the classes which focused more on introduction to Buddhist terminologies and overall, I would have benefited more if my level of the language was a little better since all the teachers are native speakers. Spending time with teachers who don’t speak Tibetan was a new experience and was a great help in learning pronunciation,” said Geshe Kunchok Gyatsok from Drepung Loseling monastery in South India

Geshe Yeshi Gyatso from Mindroling Monastery in Dehradun said that he had come to learn English as he wants to share Tibetan culture and religion to interested people. He also mentioned that participating in this program gave him exposure to different learning experiences outside of the monastic education system. He appreciated the one-on-one tutoring sessions and conversation classes apart from the regular program.

*Geshe or Geshema for women and Khenpo, is equivalent to a Doctorate in Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and is the highest level of training in Tibetan Buddhism.