Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Language Courses
It is possible to enrol in a Tibetan-language course at Lhasa's Tibet University. There are
two semesters a year, but international students can only begin studies in autumn and must
register by 31 March. Beginner up to advanced level language classes are available as well
as cultural classes on such topics as calligraphy, history, and painting. For an application
form contact the
Foreign Affairs Office
( 0891-634 3254;
www.utibet.edu.cn
;
Tibet University,
Lhasa 850000, Tibetan Autonomous Region)
. Once you are accepted, the university will help ar-
range a student ('X') visa and, after three months, residency status in Lhasa. Students have
to stay in campus accommodation. It should also be possible to hire a private tutor from the
university.
Many travellers find it more convenient to study at Dharamsala or Kathmandu, although
students say that the mix of dialects and high levels of English make them less effective
places to study. Courses offered there include Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, Tibetan lan-
guage and Tibetan performing arts.
Many universities in the West also have Tibetan language courses and it's also possible
to take classes just about anywhere with a private teacher via Skype.
Legal Matters
Most crimes are handled administratively by the Public Security Bureau (PSB; Gōng'ānjú),
which acts as police, judge and executioner.
China takes a particularly dim view of opium and all its derivatives. Foreigners have been
executed for drug offences (trafficking in more than 50g of heroin can result in the death
penalty). It's difficult to say what attitude the Chinese police will take towards foreigners
caught using marijuana - they often don't care what foreigners do if it's not political, and if
Chinese or Tibetans aren't involved. Then again the Chinese are fond of making examples
of wrongdoings and you don't want to be the example. If arrested you should immediately
contact your nearest embassy, which is probably in Běijīng.
In general, as you must travel throughout Tibet with guides, refrain from doing anything
that would get them in trouble, such as visiting monasteries alone in Lhasa, photographing
riot police or military installations, talking politics openly or even visiting private Tibetan
homes without special permission.
