Carleton Global Engagement: Buddhist Studies in Bodh Gaya, India
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Study and meditate while living in a monastery near the site of Buddha Shakyamuni’s enlightenment.Since 1979, this program has become recognized for the academic excellence of its comparative approach to both the theory and practice of Buddhism. T... read more
All Reviews

I learned to meditate, let go of stress and anxiety, manage travel itinerary, and have expanded my sense and understanding of both my own privilege as an american and global sociopolitical issues. I also understand my own american culture better in contrast with my first hand experience of Indian culture. Brain A - Berea College View Entire Review
Words can't do it justice. As a student of religion and political science interested in Buddhist practice, this program was an excellent fit. Living in a monastery and keeping up with the program's schedule requires considerable discipline but it is entirely worth it. As a result of living and studying within the heart of a Bu... A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
Wow, that is difficult. As Suzuku Roshi says, "To study Buddhism is to study the self. To study the self is to forget the self." I guess I have gotten to know my self a bit more intimately and thereby have learned to stop clinging to the idea of a self. I learned how to rationally prove that nothing neither exists nor doesn't ex... A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
This was undeniably a great jumping off point for both my meditation practice as well as fueling my interest in India. Alexa R - Amherst College View Entire Review
I changed from a Biology major to a Religious Studies major after attending this program. It greatly expanded my knowledge and awareness on how other parts of the world live in profound ways. I had never been to a third world country before and seeing all the poverty, and illness was really eye-opening. But also seeing all the ... Hanna N - Willamette University View Entire Review
One of the absolute best experiences of my life, socially, personally and academically. Gabe J - University of California - Santa Cruz View Entire Review
This program was incredible. In addition to gaining extensive knowledge about Buddhism, I gained so much insight into myself, my beliefs, and the way that I think about the world. Jonah H - Middlebury College View Entire Review

I felt more than I have ever felt before. Tamara W - Tufts University View Entire Review
I gained an awesome insight into Buddhism, had a great research opportunity, met awesome people, did awesome things, and ate awesome food. Jonathan W - University of Iowa View Entire Review

Know that anything I say here is but a speck of what my life is experiencing, because I cannot even see the extent of impact/influence this program has had on me. I feel like I'm generally a happier person or perhaps I'm more aware of it or its easier somehow. I watch myself, my thoughts, my behavior as an understanding outsider... Maria M - The College of Wooster View Entire Review
I've learned the language of Buddhism by being fully immersed in the culture, wisdom, and love of the tradition. Because of this program, I've changed my major to Religious Studies and plan on integrating spiritual wisdom into my future practice as a doctor. I found a home in Bodh Gaya and I'm sure I will return countless times ... Lisa W - Northwestern University View Entire Review
About
Study and meditate while living in a monastery near the site of Buddha Shakyamuni’s enlightenment.
Since 1979, this program has become recognized for the academic excellence of its comparative approach to both the theory and practice of Buddhism. The program weaves together the diverse resources of Bodh Gaya, a unique pilgrimage center in northern India, home to more than 40 Buddhist temples within a largely Hindi and Muslim community. Each temple offers a gateway for students to explore a particular culture and region where Buddhism manifests around the world, including Tibet, Sri Lanka, Burma, Japan, Bhutan, and others.
Through comparative study, the program examines each of the three major Buddhist traditions and their historical development: Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana. Students live in a Burmese Vihar, or monastery, where our highly qualified team of faculty and on-site staff provide an engaging and supportive environment. In addition, the program includes group travel to Varanasi and New Delhi, as well as a month-long Independent Study Project at the end of the semester that includes the opportunity to travel to a Buddhist community in India or neighboring countries.
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadResearch
Program Length(s):
- Fall
Instruction Language(s):
- English
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- Asian Studies
- South Asian Studies
- Tibetan Language, Literature
- South Asian Languages, Literature
- Hindi Language, Literature
- Liberal Arts, General Studies
- Philosophy and Religious Studies
- Religion / Religious Studies
- Social Sciences
- Sociology and Anthropology
- History
Minimum GPA:
2.0Year Founded:
1979Website
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Carleton Global Engagement Programs Scholarships
The scholarship is need-based, and aims to support broader access to study abroad opportunities through Carleton College. In order for the scholarship application to be reviewed, the applicant must have completed a Carleton Global Engagement program application by the application deadline. Scholarship awards range from $1000 to $3000.
1000-3000