"My experience at the Thangka Academy was one of intense cultural, academic, and spiritual discovery. For three weeks, I studied Thangka painting, Tibetan Buddhism, and the Tibetan language for independent undergraduate research through the School of International Training. A unique institution, the Thangka Academy's mission to educate both visitors and the local community about traditional Tibetan culture is genuine and effective. I learned many things about Tibetan culture from Teacher Lobsang Khedup, whose wisdom resonates in my head and will continue to do so for many years to come. Living and learning conditions at the Center were adequate, with the surrounding Old Town and Tibetan Buddhist temples of Shangri-La providing a relatively serene living environment. With patience, discipline, and a love for learning new things, prospective students will find the Thangka Academy and the town of Shangri-La itself to be places of discovery." Erin Hoshibata , Hawaii, USA University: The University of Puget Sound (Tacoma, Washington, USA

"Each morning, the chill of the plateau gives way to warmth as we join the students for breakfast, everyone brimming with enthusiasm for the day ahead. It's a community suffused with friendly spirit. Nestled deep in old town, the Center is a welcome refuge from the clamor of the county town, and its inhabitants are some of the finest people here."  John Collins Zinda, USA "The Thangka Academy Academy is full of joyful and hardworking students, and I feel lucky to be among them for a few months." Elisa Collins Zinda, USA

Shangri-la is a very beautiful area with high mountains, a picturesque Old Town along with temples and monasteries to visit. Living at the Thangka Academy was a great experience; the accommodations are simple but cozy and the surrounding area of Shangri-la has much to offer. The real treasure of the Academy though is not its surroundings but its people. Even if you lack strong (or even any) Tibetan or Chinese language skills you will feel very welcome; it also may come as a surprise to you at how strongly you can connect with another human being without too much verbal communication. Lama Khedup, the master at the Academy, is wise and compassionate and the Tibetan students at the center are very friendly and open about their culture. I found that being at the Thangka Academy was not only a time to reflect personally, as you participate in morning chanting or an evening Tibetan Buddhism class with the master, but also an opportunity to increase my intercultural understanding. Zeben Kopchak "Studying with Master Lobsang Khedup was a true privilege.  From early in the morning to late in the evening, his concern and support of his students is a testament to his vow--to preserve Tibetan culture and help all sentient beings.  Learning both Tibetan language and Buddhism from this master, I feel that I have learned a great deal not just about both of these topics, but about life in general.  I do believe that this has been a life-changing experience, and that these changes are all for the better.  I am grateful that the causes and conditions were appropriate to meet him and all of those who have made the Shangri-La Cultural Center a success.  Thank you to all of those who made my time studying with the SIT program even more rewarding!" David Harmon