What is Project Dharamsala?

Project Dharamsala is a University of Denver International Service Learning program that combines service work with academic study in Northern India during Winter Interterm. The program is based in Dharamsala (where students will spend about three weeks volunteering), but the group also tours Delhi, Agra, and other points of interest in Northern India.

Students will interact with Tibetan and Indian people and be engaged by speakers from organizations based in Dharamsala. During past programs, students have been privileged to have an audience with His Holiness the Karmapa or His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.

Project Dharamsala is designed for students to study the history and culture of India and of Tibet in Exile, with special insights gained through service work in the communities of Dharamsala and McLead Gang.

We are currently exploring the possibility of offering a homestay or temple stay option for PD participants. During the second and third week in Dharamsala, students would be able to live with Tibetan families or in a nunnery/monastery. These living situations provide students an unequivocal perspective into the culture of Dharmasala. Furthermore, they would expect the friendships made during these weeks to last a lifetime. By living with Tibetans, students will cross the line from being a tourist observing life in India, to an active participant and community member.

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What is International Service Learning?

International service learning is:

      volunteer service united with academic study for credit;
      a means of integrating classroom theory with active and          reflective learning in the world;
      a way to help others while immersing yourself in          another culture;
      an opportunity for dual exchange of ideas with people          from other countries; and
      a challenging and rewarding way to learn and gain          international experience.

Simply put, it's your chance to put classroom learning to work in the field, get an inside glimpse of life in another culture, and learn from others as you engage in service alongside them.

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Who may apply?

Project Dharamsala is open to all undergraduate and graduate students regardless of their prior travel, academic or work experience. Mature, self-motivated individuals who demonstrate a positive attitude, initiative, flexibility, and strong interpersonal skills are invited to apply.

Currently, this program is open only to University of Denver students.

Students are selected based on the quality of written applications, an interview, and a recommendation (see the application form).

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Academic Component

Course Name: "Project Dharamsala: Tibet in India"
ABRD 3510, Five (5) Quarter Credits; CORE 2429

Taught by University of Denver Philosophy Professor Jere Surber, Project Dharamsala will help students gain a basic understanding of Indian and Tibetan history, religion, and culture and a familiarity with the contemporary political and social issues facing the Tibetans in Exile in Dharamsala.

Students will investigate topics such as:

• The principal religions of India (Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism)
• The unique features of Tibetan Buddhism
• The four major ‘orders’ of Tibetan Buddhism
• The symbolism and techniques of Tibetan art
• The ‘cultural construction’ of Tibet
• The political conflicts and issues facing Tibet in Exile and the role of the Dalai Lama
• Tibet’s historical and current relations with its neighbors, especially India and China
• Human rights, women’s rights, and gender and class issues
• Mughal architecture (Taj Mahal, various forts and temples)
• Theory and practice of service learning
• Teaching English as a second language

Students are required to:

• Participate in an orientation retreat currently scheduled for the last weekend in September 2008
• Attend and participate in five academic seminars (2-5 pm on five Fridays: Oct. 10, 17, 24, 31, and Nov. 7)
• Do the assigned readings and written assignments
• Participate in classroom and reflection sessions while in India
• Volunteer approximately 60 hours in Dharamsala
• Keep a journal documenting their volunteer experience in India
• Create a portfolio that integrates classroom learning with in-country experience (due in January 2009)
• Attend a re-entry session upon return to Colorado (in January)

Students are strongly encouraged (though not required) to enroll in Prof. Surber’s “Asian Philosophy: Indo-Tibetan Buddhism” (PHIL 2080, fall quarter 2008, Tues/Thurs 10 – 11:50 am)

Course syllabus

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Service Component

Students will volunteer twenty hours per week (approximately 4 hours/day) in Dharamsala for a total of about 60 hours of service.

Students work in placements ranging from tutoring young Indian schoolchildren to helping write documents for Tibetan human rights organizations. Each student will also be paired with a participant from Gu-Chu-Sum, an organization that works with ex-political prisoners in Tibet. DU students will tutor the Gu-Chu-Sum participants each afternoon for one hour.

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Project Dharamsala Staff

Jere Surber, tenured professor in Philosophy, is the new Faculty Advisor for Project Dharamsala, taking over this year from his colleague, Prof. Roscoe Hill. Jere conducts the seminars before the program, accompanies the students during their time in India, and marks the portfolios. He is a veteran of many DU Study Abroad offerings and also teaches a course on Indo-Tibetan Buddhism in the Philosophy Department in fall quarter that students may wish to consider taking in conjunction with Project Dharamsala.

Phone: 303-871-2063 (Office)
Email: jsurber@du.edu
Office: Sturm Hall #270

Emily Braucher, Program Coordinator, helps lead the retreat and the seminars in the fall. She also accompanies the students in India, where she coordinates the volunteer placements and facilitates group sessions designed to help students reflect upon their experiences. Emily is currently pursuing a dual Master's degree at DU in Cultural Anthropology and International & Intercultural Communication. She joined the DU community in fall of 2007 after years of guiding, living and traveling across Asia, Africa, Latin America and The Pacific.

Email: Emily.Braucher@du.edu
Office: Sturm #104


Melissa Schaap, International Service Learning Coordinator, is responsible for the administrative aspect of Project Dharamsala. Melissa is available to answer any questions you may have regarding the program, including the application process, finances, scholarships, program concerns, travel concerns, academic concerns, etc.

Email: Melissa.Schaap@du.edu
Phone: 303-871-4909
Office is located in the International House

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