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TRISONG TIBETAN LANGUAGE ACADEMY:
How It Works


1. Choose Your Preferred Course

Select the option that best matches your learning goals, preferred pace, and level of commitment. Longer courses offer progressively lower hourly rates, making sustained study more economical.
 

2. Contact Us

Contact the Trisong Tibetan Language Academy and let us know your chosen subject of study: Classical Tibetan, Colloquial Spoken Tibetan, Modern Literary Tibetan, Buddhist Textual Readings, or one of the Translation Training programs. We will then discuss your goals, schedule, and next steps.
 

3. Make Payment

Full payment is required before scheduling your first session. We accept PayPal, Wise, and bank transfer.
 

4. Begin Your Studies

After payment confirmation, we'll schedule your first session and begin your customized Tibetan language journey.

TRISONG
TIBETAN LANGUAGE ACADEMY

Courses & Tuition

​Invest in Your Tibetan Language Journey. 
 

Whether you're learning Classical Tibetan for Buddhist study, Colloquial Spoken Tibetan for travel and conversation, or developing professional translation or interpretation skills, you can make significant progress in your studies with specialized courses from the Trisong Tibetan Language Academy.

Choose Your Course.

All course options can be applied to any of the following subjects of study: 

1) Classical Tibetan (Textual, Traditional, Scriptural)

2) Colloquial Spoken Tibetan (Spoken, Conversational)

3) Modern Literary Tibetan (20th or 21st Century Literature & Media)

4) Buddhist Texts in Tibetan (Religious or Philosophical Focus)

The above subjects can also be studied in combination or alternation.

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Single Lesson
Hours: 1 hour
Per Hour: €50/hr
Tuition Fee:
 €​50

Best For: A first experience of personalized Tibetan instruction, an individual consultation, or focused work on a specific question or topic. Ideal for prospective students who wish to discuss their learning objectives, assess their current level, and identify an appropriate approach to studying Tibetan.

Short Module

Hours: 10 hours

Per Hour: €45/hr
Tuition Fee: €450

Best For: Those seeking an introduction to Tibetan or intermediate/advanced students wishing to achieve a specific learning objective. Depending on the subject and the student's background, the Short Module of ten hours can provide an introduction to Tibetan script and foundational grammar, establish the basics of spoken Colloquial Tibetan, introduce the foundations of Classical or Modern Literary Tibetan, or begin to work through a selected Tibetan text.

Medium Module

Hours: 20 hours

Per Hour: €40/hr

Tuition Fee: €800

Best For: Students seeking steady, structured progress toward their learning objectives. The Medium Module of twenty hours provides sufficient time to develop a stronger foundation, consolidate essential knowledge, and build skills in areas such as grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, spoken communication, or textual analysis. Recommended for students seeking more than a brief introduction and wishing to establish a consistent study routine.

Long Module

Hours: 30 hours

Per Hour: €35/hr

Tuition: €1050

Best For: Students seeking sustained, in-depth study and substantial progress toward clearly defined learning goals. The Long Module of thirty hours allows for a more systematic approach to developing language skills, strengthening comprehension, working through longer or more complex texts, and consolidating knowledge through guided practice. Particularly suitable for students who wish to establish a strong foundation or pursue focused study in spoken Tibetan, modern literature, classical texts, or Buddhist textual and philosophical traditions.

Extensive Module

Hours: 40 hours

Per Hour: €32.5/hr

Tuition: €1300

Best For: Students seeking sustained, in-depth study and substantial progress toward their Tibetan language learning goals. The Extensive Module of forty hours provides time for systematic language development, consolidation of grammar and vocabulary, improved reading comprehension or spoken communication, and guided work with longer or more complex Tibetan texts. Particularly suitable for students pursuing serious, sustained study of Classical Tibetan, Colloquial Spoken Tibetan, Modern Literary Tibetan, and/or Buddhist textual and philosophical traditions.

Course Types Available

All packages can be applied to any of these subjects of study, each focused on a different aspect of Tibetan language and literature:

Classical Tibetan

Master traditional script, grammar, and literary forms to read historical texts and classical Buddhist literature. Ideal for scholars and practitioners studying sutras, commentaries, and philosophical works.

Colloquial Spoken Tibetan

Develop practical speaking and listening skills for travel, daily communication, and field research. Learn modern vocabulary and conversational fluency in Central Tibetan (Ü-Tsang dialect).

Modern Literary Tibetan

Read contemporary prose, newspapers, academic publications, and 20th-21st century Tibetan literature. Perfect for university students and researchers engaging with modern Tibetan media.

Buddhist Texts in Tibetan

Deep textual reading with commentary, specialized terminology, and proper hermeneutic understanding of Mahāyāna and Vajrayāna sources. For serious practitioners and scholars.

Special Training Tracks
In addition to the four main course types above, we offer specialized training modules in the following categories:

 

Colloquial Spoken Tibetan Conversation Training
Intensive speaking and listening practice + vocabulary deep-dive

 

Buddhist Philosophy in Tibetan
Philosophical texts and doctrinal analysis + special Buddhist terms deep-dive

 

Reading Sūtras in Tibetan
Mahāyāna scriptural study and extensive textual readings + guided commentary

 

Chanting Texts in Tibetan
Pronunciation and intonation for liturgical recitation + reading Vajrayāna practice texts

Professional Translation Training

Develop Professional-Level Translation Skills
with Personal Mentorship from Expert Translators

For dedicated students seeking to transition from language learning to professional translation work, we offer comprehensive Tibetan-English Translation Training Programs combining extensive theoretical instruction, supervised translation projects, and portfolio development. These courses are tailored to the individual student's professional goals and particular interests in translation.

All aspects of the translation process are covered in these courses, with in-depth explanations of word choice, grammatical adaptation, doctrinal context, advanced Buddhist terminology, linguistic nuance, written composition, and best professional practices for practical Tibetan-English translation methodology. 

Translation Training Programs

Fundamentals of Tibetan Translation
Translation Methodology | Grammatical Analysis | Terminology | Supervised Translation Practice

€1,000 · 20 hours of instruction

Covers translation fundamentals, methodological principles, grammatical analysis, lexical choice, and Tibetan–English translation practice, including 1–2 supervised translation projects.
 

Intermediate Tibetan Translation Methodology
Integrated Methodology | Doctrinal Precision | Terminological Consistency | Revision | Portfolio Development

€2,000 · 40 hours of instruction

Develops more sophisticated translation methodology, doctrinal and terminological precision, written composition, revision techniques, and a portfolio of supervised translation work, including 2–4 supervised translation projects.
 

Advanced Tibetan Translation Specialization
Specialist Mentorship | Complex Textual Analysis | Substantial Translation Projects | Preparation for Publication

€3,000 · 60 hours of instruction

Provides extended specialist mentorship, comprehensive translation training, advanced textual analysis, substantial portfolio development, and preparation of suitable work for potential publication, including 3–6 supervised translation projects.
 

Prerequisites:

Applicants should possess at least intermediate reading proficiency in Classical Tibetan and/or Modern Literary Tibetan. Ideally, students will have completed at least one year of serious prior study and developed the ability to read basic Tibetan prose.

Program Focus:

These programs emphasize translation methodology, textual interpretation, and advanced translation practice rather than introductory Tibetan language instruction. Prospective students are welcome to contact the Academy to discuss their background and determine which program best suits their current level.

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Training Structure:

  • Translation theory and methodology

  • Supervised translation of authentic Buddhist texts

  • Detailed feedback and revision guidance

  • Professional terminology development

  • Portfolio development for publication or professional work
     

For more information, contact the Trisong Tibetan Language Academy.

Scheduling & Class Format

Optimal Schedule for New Students
—Beginner and Lower Intermediate Students: 1-2 sessions/week
—Upper Intermediate and Advanced Students: 2-3 sessions/week
—Intensive Study (For Students of All Levels): 4-5 sessions/week


Session Length
Sessions are available in lengths of 1-hour/60 minutes, 1.5 hours/90 minutes, or 2-hour/120 minutes. Prices are charged per hour.

Frequency
We recommend a minimum of 1 session per week for effective learning. Students may choose up to 5 sessions/week.


Class Format
All sessions conducted online via video conference (Zoom, Google Meet, or WhatsApp).

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Time Zones
Instruction is usually delivered from the Eastern European Time Zone (EET). We work with students worldwide to find convenient scheduling across all time zones globally.


Flexibility
Classes are scheduled according to your availability and the teacher's work commitments.

PAYMENT INFORMATION


Accepted Payment Methods
We accept payment via the following methods:

  • Wise — Preferred method for convenient, low-cost transfers.

  • Revolut — For quick, affordable transfers.

  • PayPal — Available for secure commercial payments. Transfer fees may apply. 

  • Direct Bank Transfer — Available upon request, requiring a transfer fee.
     

For payment details and instructions, please contact us.


Payment Policy

  • Payment in Advance: Full payment is required before the first session is scheduled.

  • Cancellation and Refunds: Please contact us if you need to cancel before your course begins. Once instruction has commenced, course fees are generally non-refundable.

  • Transfer Fees: Students are responsible for any applicable sending or intermediary bank fees associated with their payment. Please ensure that the full invoiced tuition amount is received.

  • Accepted Currencies: Course fees are quoted in euros (€). Payment in US dollars (USD) may be accepted at the equivalent amount calculated using the applicable exchange rate, confirmed before payment.

  • Payment Confirmation: Your course will be scheduled once payment has been received and confirmed.
     

PayPal Payments
PayPal processing fees vary according to the transaction and the sender's location. Any applicable additional charge will be communicated before payment, where permitted by applicable rules. Please confirm the total amount due before completing your payment.

Direct Bank Transfer 
International transfers may incur additional sending, receiving, or intermediary bank fees. Please contact the Academy for instructions before initiating an international transfer.

What's Included in Every Course

✅ Fully Customized Curriculum
Tailored to your specific goals and learning pace.

✅ Flexible Scheduling
Classes arranged according to your availability.

✅ Online Convenience
Study from anywhere via Zoom, Google Meet, or WhatsApp.

✅ Course Materials
Recommended textbooks and resources provided free of charge.

✅ All Course Types Available
Classical Tibetan, Colloquial Spoken Tibetan, Modern Literary Tibetan, or Buddhist Texts in Tibetan.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Important information about our Tibetan language courses.

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How long will it take to complete my course package?
Completion time depends on your weekly class schedule. With 2 to 4 one-hour sessions per week:

 

10-hour course: 3–5 weeks (0.6–1.2 months)
20-hour course: 5–10 weeks (1.2–2.3 months)
30-hour course: 8–15 weeks (1.7–3.5 months)
40-hour course: 10–20 weeks (2.3–4.7 months)

 

Can I switch between course types during my package?
Yes! Your package hours are flexible. You can combine Classical Tibetan textual study with Colloquial Spoken Tibetan conversational practice, or switch focus as your goals evolve.

What happens if I need to reschedule a session?
Please provide 24-hour notice for rescheduling or cancellation. Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours notice may be forfeited.

Can I pause my course and resume later?
Life happens! You can pause your course at any time. We recommend resuming within 3 months to maintain momentum, but contact us if you need a longer break—we're happy to work with you.

Do my hours expire?
Purchased hours must be used within 12 months of payment date. This ensures course continuity and learning effectiveness.

What materials do I need?
We'll recommend specific textbooks and resources based on your course type. Most materials are available as PDFs or can be purchased online. A notebook for practice is recommended.

Is there a refund policy?
Full payment is non-refundable once your first session begins. If you need to cancel before starting, contact us to discuss options.

What level of Tibetan do I need to start?
Complete beginners are welcome! We customize instruction to your current level, whether you're learning the script for the first time or already have intermediate proficiency.

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Ready to Start?
Contact us today to enroll in your chosen package.


Email: trisonginstitute@gmail.com
 

Questions?
We're happy to discuss which course or study program is the best fit for your goals. Feel free to reach out to discuss options!


Learn More About Our Academy →
Read Student Testimonials →

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