Prospective Students

Studying at RYI is an unforgettable experience, and for nearly all the right reasons! Nepal is a remarkably diverse and enriching country of outstanding natural beauty that both challenges and rewards students in equal measure. Take a stroll through the ancient Durbar Squares of the Kathmandu Valley and be transported back to a bygone era of outstanding cultural and artistic prowess, or spend vacation days hiking in the Himalayas or white water rafting on the country’s magnificent rivers. Either way, you will be acutely aware of having been transported to an astonishing place.

But it is the opportunity to study Buddhism at the highest possible level in an authentic monastic setting that seems to strike the loudest chord with students. The value of this experience seems to ease many of the frustrations that accompany living in a developing country including those related to frequent power cuts, traffic congestion and the occasional general strike!. In 2012, 90% of students ranked courses taken at RYI as either excellent or very good with levels of student satisfaction in general being very high. Students also talk frequently about the great friendships they make with “kindred spirits” from around the world, the warmth of the Institute’s teachers and staff and the rich potential for personal growth through that arises through intensive study and practice.

The Institute is a friendly place. Just spend one lunchtime at the excellent vegetarian restaurant at Utpala Café and you will know what we mean. The atmosphere is lively and the conversation warm and engaging. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and tea, coffee and excellent cakes throughout the day – Open all week. It’s also a wireless hotspot.