Tibetan Language Program
The University of Kansas offers Tibetan through the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures (EALC).
Why Study Tibetan?
Tibetan is spoken by approximately six million people in living on the Tibetan plateau, which spreads across China, Bhutan, Nepal, and parts of northern India. This plateau, often called “the roof of the world”, is bordered by the Himalaya mountain range, which includes Mount Everest. Literary Tibetan is the language of the most extensive corpus of Buddhist texts in the world, only a miniscule fraction of which have been translated into other languages. Learning Tibetan is, as such, a path to knowledge of one of the world’s great religions, as well as to ancient teachings in the fields of philosophy, art and eastern medicine.
Students can use Tibetan to fulfill a language requirement, or as part of numerous degree programs, including majors, minors and graduate degrees.
KU is one of the only institutions in the United States offering Tibetan. Because few people in the United States study Tibetan, speaking this language is a skill that can set you apart in your future research or career. Students taking Tibetan may also apply for scholarships for language study, including FLAS Fellowships.
KU offers elementary and intermediate coursework in Tibetan. Check out our list of what's offered for the current semester.
Tibetan language courses can be a part of many degree programs, whether used to fulfill a language requirement, or completing a major, minor or graduate degree focused on East Asia. Talk to your academic advisor to explore all your options.
- The KU Career Center has online resources for exploring career paths for different majors. Check out the specifics for East Asian Languages and Cultures, or look at those for other majors.
- KU students can also sign up for a free account with My World Abroad, which has extensive resources on preparing for an international career, including career options, and job search tips.