Beginner 101

Your first step into speaking Colloquial Tibetan

Build confidence in reading, speaking, and holding everyday conversations in Tibetan.

Over six modules, you'll learn to read and pronounce Tibetan script, build sentences, and hold simple conversations about daily life. This course combines live classes, pre-recorded resources, and one-on-one practice with native speakers to give you a solid foundation in the Central/Exile dialect.

6

Modules

Module 0–5

Format

Live + Tutor + Moodle

Time Commitment

~10 hrs/week

Prerequisite

Must read Tibetan script

Colombian woman learning Tibetan in her room with laptop

What You'll Achieve

By the end of Beginner 101, you will:

Reading illustration

Read and pronounce the Tibetan script with confidence

Grammar illustration

Have a solid understanding of the unique Tibetan grammar, such as the བདག་གཞན། system.

Conversation illustration

Try your first conversations about school, family, small talk, etc.

Cultural illustration

Start understand Tibetan culture and your own learning.

A Peek Inside Beginner 101

Watch a key-point video or webinar snapshot to meet your non-human classmates

Key Point Video

Webinar

What You'll Get in This Course

Live Learning

  • • Weekly live classes
  • • Small Learning Communities (SLC): groups of ~4 students meeting weekly
  • • One-on-one tutor sessions
  • • White Wednesday Talks (optional) focus on Tibetan culture

Study Resources

  • • Animated key-point videos (5 min)
  • • Grammar webinars (30–60 min)
  • • Dialogue podcasts
  • • Module-end challenges

Digital Tools

  • • Anki flashcards
  • • Interactive exercises
  • • Games
  • • Songs
  • • Lab-like speaking practice

Support & Progress

  • • E-Portfolio with personalized feedback
  • • Moodle platform (access on any device, tech support)
  • • Class recordings available for review
  • • Send questions in advance if you'll miss a session
📚

Auditing option

If you prefer a lighter commitment, you can audit the course. Auditors follow the same weekly pace as full students and join an SLC, a tutor class, and self-study. You'll still have access to Moodle resources and YouTube recordings, but you won't attend the Saturday live classes (except the forum) and won't receive teacher feedback. Tuition is lower, and we ask that you keep up with the group so your SLC stays lively and supportive.

What Our Learners Say

A few words from our Beginner 101 cohort.

❝

Amazing course, very interactive, modern, and carefully designed. The whole team is very caring; I always felt supported.

❝

Everything is excellent, the materials, the teachers, the structure, and how the program is done.

❝

It is easy to see that a great deal of thought went into the organization and development of this course; it strikes the right balance!

❝

The beginners course has been my first shaky steps into the world of Tibetan. It is a very nice welcome, a foundation I can build on.

❝

Very well organized.

❝

A wonderful course. It brings in an element of community that makes learning enjoyable and consistent. The tutors were great and patient.

Your Learning Team

Meet the teachers, tutors, and companions who make learning fun.

Teachers

Franziska Oertle

Franziska Oertle

Lead teacher

Sees her work as a personal contribution to preserving Tibetan culture and Dharma.

Tutors

Tutor Team

Tutor Team

Native speaker tutors

Kind, patient speakers in India & Nepal.

Companions

Ms. Giraffe

Ms. Giraffe

Learning Companion

Nerdy grammar scout.

🐾 P.S.

Pets are welcome learning buddies too: they're patient listeners who never complain about grammar mistakes!

Monastic student learning

Our Methodology

Our approach is both student-centered and learning-centered. We believe that people learn best when they are active, curious, and supported by a caring community.

Dr. Fink's Taxonomy

We draw on Dr. Fink's 6-fold Taxonomy of Significant Learning, which highlights knowledge, application, integration, the human dimension, caring, and learning how to learn.

Soft Skills

Special focus is placed on soft skills: reflection, self-awareness, collaboration, and empathy. Students are invited to keep an e-Portfolio and share reflections in forums, helping them grow not only as language learners but as human beings.

Joy and Humor

Joy and humor are essential to our method. A smile, a bit of laughter, and curiosity keep learning light while ensuring deep progress.

Want to Learn More about our Methodology? Here's a Detailed Video

Practical Details

Everything you need to know before enrolling

Prerequisites

  • • Ability to read and pronounce Tibetan script (དབུ་ཅན།)
  • • No speaking skills required — we start with simple phrases
  • • If you can't yet read, join the Alphabet Pre-Course first
  • • Open, curious mindset for online group learning

Tuition & Financial Support

  • • Sliding scale tuition: $475 minimum
  • • Alphabet Pre-Course: $150 minimum
  • • Auditing version: $300
  • • Monastic rate: $325
  • • Payment plans and sponsor option available

Refund Policy

  • • Refund depends on withdrawal timing
  • • Up to 70% refund if leaving during Module 1
  • • Reduced percentages as course continues
The Heart of Tibetan Language, Vol. 1 — cover

Discover the textbook that accompanies this course

The Heart of Tibetan Language, Vol. 1

with accompanying workbook

Order hardcopy → Order from Vajra Bookshop → Get eBook on Google Play → Get the Audio files →

Why Choose Beginner 101?

This course gives you more than grammar and vocabulary — it offers a supportive community, personalized tutor sessions, and a playful, caring approach to learning. With small groups, live feedback, and diverse learning activities, you'll gain both skills and confidence while enjoying the process.

Ready to Start Your Tibetan Journey?

Join our next Beginner 101 cohort and begin speaking Tibetan with confidence.

Next cohort will start in September 2026
Explore Beginner 102

Don't want to wait that long? Check out our self-paced courses and see if you can catch up to join the Beginner 102 cohort in January 2026.

Explore Self-Paced Beginner Courses →

Beginner 101 FAQ

What is Beginner 101?

Beginner 101 is the first part of our Heart of Tibetan Language program. It includes Module 0–5 and gives you a solid foundation in colloquial Tibetan. You'll learn through live classes, key-point videos, grammar webinars, practice with peers, and weekly 1:1 conversations with native speakers.

Do I need to know Tibetan before I join?

You need to be able to read and pronounce the Tibetan script. Speaking skills are not required; we'll start with simple phrases. If you don't read Tibetan yet, you'll need to take the Alphabet & Reading Pre-course first.

What will I learn during Beginner 101?

Have a solid understanding of the unique Tibetan grammar, such as the བདག་གཞན། system. Have simple small talk conversations about school, family, one's home country, etc. Grow your own meta-cognitive skills, meaning "learning how to learn".

How much time should I plan each week?

Plan for about 10 hours per week. This includes live classes, self-study, practice with your learning group, and your weekly 1:1 with a native speaker.

How long is each module?

Modules in Beginner 101 run for 4 weeks. This pace balances steady progress with time to review.

When are the live classes?

There are four live sessions per module, every Saturday. Two time slots are offered so you can pick what works best each week. You don't need to commit to one slot in advance. All live classes are recorded in case you can't attend live.

What if I miss a class?

You can send your questions ahead of time and watch the recording afterward. Recordings are shared privately with enrolled students.

Who are the teachers?

Beginner 101 is taught by Gen Nat Thammamitr, Gen Melissa Katz, Gen Lhakpa Tsering-la, and sometimes Franziska Oertle. You'll also be supported by tutors, your Small Learning Community, and weekly Tibetan conversation partners.

What materials are included?
  • Live classes with teachers
  • Key-point videos for every lesson
  • 1–4 pre-recorded grammar webinars per lesson
  • Weekly SLC meetings
  • Weekly 1:1 sessions with native speakers
  • A digital practice lab
  • An e-portfolio to track your learning
  • Anki flashcards, games, songs, and podcasts
  • Optional "White Wednesday" cultural talks
Which textbook do I need?

We use The Heart of Tibetan Language, Volume 1 plus the exercise book. You can buy them as ebooks on Google Play or order the hard copy from Dharma Publishing, Vajra Bookstore in Kathmandu, Lotus Winkel in Holland, or Garuda Bookstore in Switzerland.

What platforms and tools are used?
  • Moodle for resources and assignments
  • Zoom for live classes
  • Gmail to share recordings
  • WhatsApp for tutor-class logistics
How much is tuition?

Tuition follows a sliding scale. The minimum fee for Beginner 101 is $475. The Alphabet Pre-course is $150. Monastics can apply for a sponsored rate ($325). Auditing is available for $300 ($225 for monastics). If needed, you can also pay in installments.

Do you offer scholarships or sponsorships?

Yes. We offer scholarships for monastics and invite students with means to add a $108 sponsorship to help others join.

What is the refund policy?

If you withdraw and we can replace you from the waiting list, you'll receive a partial refund:

  • Module 0: 70%
  • Module 1: 65%
  • Module 2: 55%
  • Later: 40%

If we can't replace you, refunds are smaller:

  • Module 0: 55%
  • Module 1: 40%
  • Module 2: 30%
  • Later: no refund