Frequently Asked Questions

The following provides information on common questions about the programs at CBS.

How quickly can I expect to learn Tibetan?

Tibetan is an very complex language and both challenging and time-consuming to learn. Students should therefore not expect to master this language as quickly as other second languages they may have learned in the past. One needs to master a new alphabet, a difficult pronunciation system with many regional variations, and a new way of looking at grammar. In addition, the classical and colloquial languages have many differences, so they must be studied in slightly different ways. Some students choose to emphasize one over the other, depending upon interest. The first year language classes aim to give students a solid basis for understanding classical and colloquial construction. Students are also taught simple conversation patterns and train with native speakers in small groups to develop conversational skills. In Classical Tibetan, students spend 8 weeks studying grammar and then begin implementing grammatical studies in reading excerpts from classical texts.

It is important to note, that the focus of the education at CBS is on Philosophy. Students who are searching for an intensive language program or who have a deadline to become a translator should realize that they must augment this program privately with outside tutors (we keep a current list of reliable instructors) and strongly consider a home-stay option in which one gets continuous practice of colloquial Tibetan. To become fluent in Tibetan students should expect several years of committed studies. That said, the language program currently offered is one of the most rapid paths to fluency and by the third year of classes students will have gained a sufficient level of Tibetan to follow philosophical teachings offered directly in Tibetan.

How are the traditional philosophy classes taught?

A significant part of the philosophy classes at CBS are taught by Tibetan monastic professors (in Tibetan: Khenpo) according to traditional Buddhist teaching methods. The lectures are translated orally into English. Traditionally, a text is explained in great detail making use of one or more Indian and Tibetan commentaries. The amount of text covered in one day varies greatly depending upon text difficulty and potential interpretations as well as the level of the class. Philosophy classes are taught for one and a half hours per day with about 15-20 minutes of that period devoted to question and answer sessions, although these vary at the discretion of the professor. Students are expected to review the material presented in class daily and be prepared to answer specific questions the following day. A central notion in the Tibetan learning system is that the root verses are memorized or reviewed many times to internalize the meaning. The suggested study method is that students read and re-read the root verse until they feel they can correctly comment on its significance (with the aid of the commentarial support given in class or commentaries). Exams in these traditional courses are usually a combination of demonstrating knowledge of Buddhist key concepts and essay questions that test the student's ability to analyze textual passages

Can I place out of courses if I have already studied elsewhere?

This depends upon the documentation you have available as well as the instructor and Director of Studies' evaluation of your credentials. Please submit any such requests in writing as early as possible with a description or photocopy of documentation so that these issues can be clearly settled before you arrive. The Administration office cannot rule on these requests; answers must come from the Director of Studies and the Dean of Kathmandu University.

How much class time does the program involve?

First year students have philosophy classes 5 days per week for 90 minutes. Language classes run between 3 and 5 hours per week and history classes are 3 hours per week. Class attendance is an essential component of the class and students are required by CBS policy to meet an attendance level of 80%.

How much homework is expected?

This is an international standard university program and the study and homework expectations are on par with any other reputable international university. Class preparation time will vary by the individual, but students should expect a considerable amount of homework each day. As with any academic program, the volume and difficulty of the work will naturally increase from semester to semester and year to year.

What happens if I have to miss a quiz or exam?

Students bear the complete responsibility for communicating attendance issues with both the administration and the faculty member involved. Generally, a missed quiz or exam without prior arrangements with the instructor results in a "0" or "F" grade. Students should therefore discuss any particular issues in advance with their instructor.

Can I drop classes without penalty?

Students are required by Kathmandu University to maintain 9 credits of study per semester with 80 % attendance. Students may "test" a class for two weeks and withdraw with no financial penalty. Courses dropped after two weeks are considered "incomplete" and no financial reimbursement will be paid. The maximum length allowed for a student to complete the BA program is five years and for seven years the BA Honors program.