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🇳🇵 Nepal /Culture & Society

Buddhism studies draw international students to Kathmandu

From Kathmandu Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Hundreds of international students are traveling to Kathmandu, Nepal, to study Buddhism, creating a small but growing educational migration in the opposite direction of the country's typical student exodus.
  • Students from the U.S., Germany, China, and Nepal are enrolling in intensive summer courses and degree programs at institutions like the Kathmandu University Centre for Buddhist Studies at Rangjung Yeshe Institute.
  • This trend highlights a growing global interest in Buddhist philosophy and traditions, offering international scholars a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a living Buddhist heritage.

In the heart of Kathmandu, amidst the ancient chants and spinning prayer wheels of monasteries like Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling, a different kind of pilgrimage is underway. Hundreds of international students are drawn to Nepal, not for trekking or tourism, but for the profound study of Buddhism. This marks a significant, albeit small, reversal of the typical educational migration, where tens of thousands of Nepali students leave annually for opportunities abroad.

Vera Hogg, a 20-year-old student from New York, exemplifies this trend. Studying at the Kathmandu University Centre for Buddhist Studies at Rangjung Yeshe Institute (RYI), she found an intensive summer program that her home university couldn't offer. "I wanted to learn about the practice of a religion that I don’t know much about," Hogg shared. She was surprised to discover a vibrant community of international students, all seeking to deepen their understanding of Buddhist philosophy, translation, and contemplative studies.

I wanted to learn about the practice of a religion that I don’t know much about.

— Vera HoggA student from New York attending the Kathmandu University Centre for Buddhist Studies at Rangjung Yeshe Institute.

These scholars, hailing from countries like the United States, Germany, and China, are enrolling in short summer courses, semester exchanges, or even full bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. They are attracted by the chance to immerse themselves in one of the world's oldest living Buddhist traditions, studying classical Tibetan and Sanskrit alongside Buddhist philosophy. The RYI, for instance, offers a blend of traditional monastic instruction from Buddhist monks and academic teaching from international scholars, including anthropologists and philosophers.

While Nepal's higher education sector often sees its brightest minds depart, this influx of international students focused on Buddhist studies signifies a growing global fascination with the subject. It presents a unique opportunity for Nepal to leverage its rich spiritual heritage, attracting scholars who contribute to the local economy and engage with the country's deep-rooted Buddhist culture. The quiet classrooms and serene courtyards of Kathmandu's monasteries are becoming hubs for a new generation of global Buddhist scholars.

I've been really surprised by how many American and international college students I’ve met here. Not only at RYI, but just around Kathmandu.

— Vera HoggExpressing her surprise at the number of international students studying Buddhism in Kathmandu.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathmandu Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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