Intermediate 201

Lower Intermediate

Build on your Beginner foundation to hold richer, more confident conversations in Tibetan.

Over six modules (Lessons 11–15 plus review), you'll expand your grammar and vocabulary. Topics include travel, health, clothing, housing, and different kinds of jobs. This course combines live classes, pre-recorded resources, and one-on-one tutor practice to develop fluency in the Central/Exile dialect.

6

Modules

Lessons 11–15 + review

Format

Live + Tutor + Moodle

Time Commitment

~10–12 hrs/week

Prerequisite

Beginner 101 & Beginner 102 or equivalent

Man discovering Lhasa

What You'll Achieve

By completing Intermediate 201, you will:

Grammar illustration

Review and consolidate key Beginner concepts

Vocabulary illustration

Use new grammar structures such as conditionals, auxiliaries of probability, and modal verbs

Conversation illustration

Expand your vocabulary on topics like travel, health, and festivals

Cultural illustration

Build confidence to participate in longer, more varied conversations

A Peek Inside Intermediate 201

Curious about our teaching style? Watch a sample lesson and grammar webinar.

Key Point Video

Webinar

What You'll Get in This Course

Live Learning

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

Study Resources

  • • Key-point videos (5–10 minutes each)
  • • Webinars (30–60 minutes) with detailed grammar explanations
  • • Dialogue, songs, and learning challenges
  • • e-Portfolio with personalized feedback

Digital Tools

  • • Anki flashcards with audio and example sentences
  • • Access to Moodle resources and activities: language-lab like speaking practice, all kinds of exercises, and IT HelpDesk support

Live Classes

  • • Weekly live classes on Zoom in two time slots
  • • Live forum discussion about cultural and meta-cognitive topics
  • • Class recordings available (YouTube)
📚

Auditing option

If you prefer a lighter commitment, you can audit the course. Auditors follow the same weekly pace as general 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 Intermediate 201 cohort.

❝

After so many years of yearning to learn Tibetan language, I am immensely grateful to have found SINI and Franziska Oertle's course in colloquial Tibetan. The team is fantastic, tutors are inspiring, and classmates are joy to work with. I particularly appreciate the grammatical explanations and tables, the way that new vocabulary is presented through association with other words and very practical examples, and the method of learning, including small learning communities, and e-portfolios through which the study becomes a spiritual practice as well. What I appreciate more than anything is that it is designed to suit very different types of personalities, learning styles and language levels – I have learnt so much from that. Thank you!

❝

This class has been very well structured. I found that any confusion I had required creative thinking and more participation on my behalf which benefited me as a student. There was a lot of encouragement both from teachers and students. I liked the three-week pace for that season of my life, and I think the four-week pace may benefit me for the more active summer/fall months. All the best. Thank you.

❝

The course is very well structured, we have a wide range of resources, an effective small learning community and very good and kind teachers. Franziska-la is such a great studious leader. I am very pleased to be part of this! Thank you. I can't wait to continue my studies!

❝

Best Tibetan course available. Gen Franziska-la is incredible. This course felt a little rushed; there is not enough time in three weeks to absorb and use all the amazing resources. Thank you from the heart.

❝

I am grateful for this opportunity to learn the Tibetan language that I consider a sacred language just like Sanskrit, and am amazed at all the care and creativity that goes into the making of this course.

❝

I wish I had more time to delve into this course as much as I wish. The textbook and webinars are so helpful and I really like how there are more practice activities incorporated into the live class.

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

  • • Alumni of our Beginner Courses (Beginner 101/Beginner 102) are qualified
  • • Newcomers: must have completed The Heart of Tibetan Language Volume 1 or equivalent studies
  • • Entrance presentation (short video) required for all newcomers
  • • Module 0 (Learning how to learn online) required before course start

Tuition & Financial Support

  • • Sliding scale tuition: $475 minimum ($325 for monastics)
  • • Auditing version: $300 ($225 for monastics)
  • • Payment plans and scholarships 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. 2 — cover

Discover the Textbook That Accompanies This Course

The Heart of Tibetan Language, Vol. 2

Lessons 11–15 with accompanying workbook

Order hardcopy → Get eBook on Google Play → Order in Europe via Vajra Bookstore →

Why Choose Intermediate 201?

Intermediate 201 gives you the tools to expand beyond simple conversations. With engaging classes, tutor support, and a playful, reflective learning environment, you'll grow into a more confident and flexible speaker of Tibetan.

Ready to Advance Your Tibetan Journey?

Join our Intermediate 201 cohort and take your Tibetan to the next level.

Next cohort will start in September 2026
Explore Intermediate 202

Don't want to wait that long? Check out our self-paced courses and see if you can catch up to join the Intermediate 202 cohort in January 2026.

Explore Self-Paced Intermediate Courses →

Intermediate 201 FAQ

What is Intermediate 201?

Intermediate 201 is the Lower Intermediate Course. It begins with a short review of Beginner grammar and then continues with Modules 2–6 (Lessons 11–15) of The Heart of Tibetan Language, Volume 2.

Who can join Intermediate 201?

If you completed Beginner 101+102 with us, you're ready.

If you studied The Heart of Tibetan Language, Volume 1 elsewhere, you can also join.

If you learned Tibetan in other settings, we recommend reviewing Volume 1 and/or buying access to Beginner videos and webinars ($150).

Except for alumni of Beginner 101&102, you'll submit a short entrance video (partly in Tibetan, partly in English) to confirm your level and tech skills.

What will I learn?

You'll expand into Intermediate grammar and conversation, covering topics like traveling, clothing, health, housing, and different kinds of jobs. Grammar includes verbalizers, conditionals, modal verbs, auxiliaries of probability, and more.

How much time should I plan each week?

Ideally, plan for about 10–12 hours per week.

How long is each module?

Each module is four weeks — a middle pace between "speedy Ms. Giraffe" and "relaxed Mr. Sloth."

When are the live classes?

There are four live sessions per Module, all are on Saturdays. Classes are offered in two time slots (morning and evening CE(S)T). You can choose week by week; no need to commit in advance. One live session per module is a Forum Discussion focused on soft skills. Optional White Wednesday cultural talks are also included.

What if I miss a class?

All live sessions are recorded and shared via Moodle or YouTube (private link). You can send your questions ahead of time if you know you'll miss a class.

Who are the teachers?

Intermediate 201 is taught by Bhargavi Viswanath. You'll also work with native speaker tutors and your SLC.

What materials are included?
  • Live classes with practice, games, songs, and discussions
  • Key-point videos (15–20 minutes, with non-human companions)
  • Grammar webinars (Approx. 45 min - 1:15 min, 1-2 per Module)
  • Live Forum on soft skills
  • Weekly SLC meetings
  • Weekly 1:1 conversation with native speakers
  • Digital practice lab
  • An e-portfolio for reflection
  • Anki flashcards, games, and songs
  • End-of-module challenges
Which Textbook Do I Need?

We use The Heart of Tibetan Language, Volume 2 and the exercise book. Hard copies are available from Dharma Publishing (US) or Vajra Bookstore (Kathmandu). Ebooks are also available at an affordable rate.

What platforms and tools are used?
  • Moodle for resources and assignments
  • Zoom for live classes
  • YouTube for recordings
  • Gmail for recordings and Google Drive
  • WhatsApp for conversation partners
How much is tuition?

Tuition is on a sliding scale. The minimum fee is $475 ($325 for monastics). The auditing option is available for $300 ($225 for monastics).

Can I pay in installments?

Yes, installment plans are available. Contact us before registering.

Do you offer scholarships or sponsorships?

Yes. Monastics can apply for a scholarship. Students with means are invited to add a $108 sponsorship to support others.

What is the refund policy?

If we can replace you from the waiting list:

  • Module 1: 70% refund
  • Module 2: 65%
  • Module 3: 55%
  • Later: 40%

If we cannot replace you:

  • Module 1: 55%
  • Module 2: 40%
  • Module 3: 30%
  • Later: no refund