This program is based in Dharamsala, 500km north of Delhi. Perched on the southern edge of the Himalayan Mountains, the cultural history of the region dates back to the time of the Hindu epic Mahabharata. The area is currently home to a variety of vibrant cultural communities.
Tibetan refugees first settled in the region in 1960, and soon afterwards set up the first school to serve the children of the community. The Dharamsala area is now an important centre of Tibetan culture, education, and administration.
Tibetan Schools provide both modern education and traditional understandings, and aim to ensure that the basic needs of all children are met (food, clothing, shelter, health care, and emotional and spiritual support). Within contexts of economic challenges, dislocation from homeland, and a widely dispersed global diaspora, the Tibetan education system remains central to the development and maintenance of community cohesion.
As part of the 401/02 practicum, SFU students will liaise with Tibetan educators, NGOs, and community members to explore the cultural, historical and socio-economic contexts that continue to influence decisions and practices in the Tibetan education system and to develop understandings of how this system differs from and is comparable to the Canadian system. In collaboration with Tibetan educators, PDP students will develop and implement activities within Tibetan schools.
The majority of teachers are fluent in English, hold Bachelor of Education Degrees from Indian Colleges, and are passionate about their work and their contributions to the community. While PDP students will have the opportunity to learn the basics of the local language, they will be teaching in program areas that are delivered in English language. Proficiency in Tibetan or Indian languages in not required.
In order to gain a greater understanding and appreciation of Indian communities and contexts, PDP students will visit culturally and historically significant sites in the region. Destinations include Delhi, the Golden Temple in Amritsar, and ventures to Himalayan towns such as Manali, and Rishakesh.