Students and Volunteers
Thangde Gatsal, which means the harmonious garden of thangka painters,
works to preserve the traditional teaching of thangka painting by training
a new generation of painters, including two select foreigner students
each year. Each student enrolled at Thangde Gatsal will receive individualized
instruction on how to paint a high quality traditional thangka from one
of only a handful of highly respected thangka painting masters in the
world.
The classes will be given in English and students will live with
a Tibetan family as they begin to explore the intricate work that goes
into the traditional Tibetan art of thangka painting.
We are located in a small community near Dharamsala,
India. In Hindu, Dharamsala means “pilgrims rest house”,
which is fitting, as it is the seat of the Tibetan Buddhist spiritual
leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and the exiled government of Tibet.
As a result of the Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1949, traditional Tibetan
customs, culture, and religion are at risk of being lost forever. Dharamsala
is a place where Tibetans can find refuge from the strict Chinese rule
and is an ideal spot for traditional and contemporary Tibetan culture
to thrive, including the art of thangka painting.
Your Home Stay Experience in Kandi, India
Your home stay and the Thangde Gatsal studio are located in Kandi, India.
Kandi is located 3 km (2 miles) from Lower Dharamsala and a twenty-minute
taxi ride from McLeod Ganj. Lower Dharamsala is comprised of mostly Indian
locals and offers all the amenities you will need during your stay in
India. McLeod Ganj is home to a large number of exiled Tibetans and their
families. Tibetan cultural sights, activities, and crafts abound in this
small community.
Dharamsala (including Lower Dharamsala, McLeod Ganj, and surrounding
communities) sits at an altitude of 2,000 meters (6,560 ft) on a pine-covered
mountain-ridge from which rise up steep mountains on three sides and the
Indian plains extends from the fourth. With the mighty Dhauladhar ranges
above, rising to 5,200 meters (17,000 feet), and the Kangra Valley below
there are plenty of places to explore or to admire from Thangde Gatsal’s
front porch. Dharamsala has a population of approximately 19,200 people,
5,000 of which are Tibetans.
Foreigners pass through town regularly to experience Tibet’s rich
history, culture, and religion while foreign and Indian tourists alike
frequent the region for its mild temperatures and beautiful surroundings.
Application Process
1. Apply
Please download
and complete the Students & Volunteers Application Form, and send
it to:
Thangde Gatsal
Vill. Kandi
V.P.O. Khanyara – 176218
Dharamsala,
Distt. Kangra
H.P., India
2. Evaluation and Confirmation
We will respond within two weeks of receiving your application
as to whether we are able to accept you into our program. If we are able
to accommodate your request, we will also discuss the details of your
project and program at this time.
3. Payment
We request that you send all forms and payment 4-6 weeks before
your program starts.
Costs and Schedule
Program Fees Include:
- Your own room at an on-site home stay
- Full board serving authentic Tibetan and Indian meals
- Pick-up and Drop-off from the bus stand in Lower Dharamsala
- All painting supplies
- 24 hour staff support
- Internet access for academic uses
- Tuition and fees
- Each student will leave with their own finished painting, however
the cost does not include the price of mounting your painting in a brocade
Program fees do not include:
- International airfare, passport or visa fees, traveler’s health
insurance, independent travel during the program, or personal expenses.
Program fees:
$500 of your program fee should be received by Thangde Gatsal
no later than one month after you’ve received a letter of acceptance
to the program. Should this payment not be received, your enrollment
will be considered cancelled. For further clarification or extenuating
circumstances, please contact Sarika Singh at sarika@tibetanpaintings.com.
- One month: $2200 USD
- Three weeks: $2000 USD
- Two weeks: $1500 USD
- One week: $1000 USD
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; however only one student
is accepted for each session so please apply early to ensure your position
in our program:
Start: 1st Saturday of the specified month
Completion: The Monday 1-4 weeks after your start date
FAQ
Is the program open to non-US participants?
Yes, the programs are available for individuals form any country who wishes
to learn the detailed art of thangka painting.
I'm no longer attending school; may I participate in your program?
We strongly encourage anyone who is over the age of 18 and interested
in the art to apply.
Do you accept late applications?
We have no application deadline but due to a high level of interest and
small number of openings, spots may fill years in advance. Please check
our web site for current availability before submitting your application.
How much spending money do I need to bring?
The amount of spending money you need is largely determined by your spending
habits. If you are going to buy lots of gifts for your family and go out
with friends on the weekends, we recommend $10-15/day. If you plan on
spending more time with your host family and new local friends, it is
recommended that you bring $5-10/day. In addition to the daily spending
money, bring $100-$200 to as a back up and to cover things like airport
taxes and weekend excursions.
What kind of project and program support will I have?
You will be staying in the home our Thangde Gatsal’s Directors who
will be able to answer any questions you may have.
Can you tell me about my host family? Will I have roommates?
You will have your own room in the home of Sarika (Director), Lobsang
(Founder and Master Painter) and their two young children.
Are Visa or Passports necessary?
Visas are necessary for India and can be purchased from your embassy.
The cost is $60 for a 6 month visa plus any fees your embassy charges.
If coming from the US, please visit www.state.gov for more information
and application.
Is their access to the internet and phones?
There are many places in Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj where international
calls can be made. While internet access at the studio is reserved
for staff and specific project efforts, general internet use for volunteers
may be found at any of a number of very inexpensive internet cafes
in town costing roughly $0.50-$0.75 per hour.
What kind of vaccines or inoculations do I need to get prior
to my program?
No inoculations are required to travel to India. However we recommend
that participant’s tetanus - diphtheria and measles booster are
current, as well as, vaccinations for typhoid, Polio, Japanese Encephalitis,
and Hepatitis A and B. You may also consider getting shots for meningitis
and rabies. We recommend that you consult a travel physician and your
family physician prior to the trip.
What is the food like on the programs?
Participants can expect lots of substantial and traditionally prepared
meals. Tibet is known for its excellent soups, protein rich grains used
in porridges and breads, and momos. Indian meals will also be served and
typically include rice, traditional bread, and a flavorful curry. You
will be provided sanitary food while getting exposure to the traditional
meals of both Indians and Tibetans.
What are the amenities like in the town I will be living?
The towns themselves are relatively developed with running water, electricity,
and paved roads. While Thandge Gatsal’s studio meets Western
standards in cleanliness and amenities, however the drinking of tap
water should be avoided throughout India.
Q: Do I have to speak Tibetan to participate in the Thangde Gatsal
program?
No, although learning Tibetan and/or Hindi could be a very rewarding experience,
you will be able to communicate and get around Dharamsala speaking only
English.
|
