On 9th September 2013, a group of 13 social work students from Tulane University School from New Orleans, USA, led by Dr. Ron Marks (Dean) and Dr. Carolyn Weaver, arrived in McLeod Ganj, Dharamsala, on an exchange programme with Lha.

The exchange programme with Tulane University was started in 2002, and each year brings approximately ten to sixteen groups of foreign students from various countries across the world to McLeod Ganj.
After learning about Lha’s social work initiatives, the 2013 Tulane student group met with mutual learning partners from the Tibetan community, who worked with them throughout their stay, sharing their experiences while practising English with the students.
The students made various informative visits to the Tibetan Library, the CTA (Central Tibet Administration), Norbulingka at the Tibetan Cultural Centre, TCV (Tibetan Children’s Village School) and also did a sight-seeing tour of McLeod Ganj.
They then attended lectures by the secretary and staff of TWA (Tibetan Women’s Association) and other political personnel, where they were informed about the issues of Tibetan people.
In addition to their academic studies, the Tulane students visited Bir Tibet Settlement, Tsopema and Mandi, and had a chance to experience the natural beauty of Himachal Pradesh by trekking to Triund.
This group was particularly fortunate in that they were granted the privilege of a private audience and one hour interaction with His Holiness the Dalai Lama on 26th September.
A farewell dinner was held on the evening of the 26th at Ahimsa House after which the group departed McLeod Ganj.

Lha would like to thank Tulane University for their continued support of the exchange programme, and their participation with and support of the Tibetan community.

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