1. What is the meaning of dhang-shab-pa?
Dhang-shab-pa is a Tibetan word that means someone who has volunteered his or her service.
2. What are the volunteering eligibility requirements?
Tibet Corps seeks passionate and civic-minded Tibetans who are interested in engaging in tangible work in service to Tibetan people and polity.
Applicants should:
Be Tibetan, or a person of Tibetan origin.
Be a current college student, a recent graduate, a current professional, or a retired professional.
Have expertise or specialized knowledge in a professional field or subject which may include traditional skills and cultural knowledge
Be prepared to commit at least three months to service
3. How do I apply for a Tibet Corps position?
Application is a two-step process:
Complete the online application by clicking on the apply button below each service opportunity. You will need to have: the service code listed on each opportunity, your resume or your transcripts for upload, and two external references.
Sit for a phone or online interview
Applications will be reviewed and filled on a rolling basis, so the sooner you apply, the better. Online submission of applications is preferred.
4. How are Tibet Corps opportunities drafted?
Tibet Corps service positions arise out of a clear need expressed by a host institute typically a department or entity affiliated with the CTA. The dhang-shab-pas do not supplant the role and work of existing staff, but instead fill a clearly defined and needed role. Dhang-shab-pas will support and strengthen the capacities of existing staff and infrastructure. Most service opportunities will require the dhang-shab-pas to work in close partnership with one or more staff to ensure that the learning and know-how is diffused and transferred across the host institute. A dhang shab pa’s service term is finite, however it may be that the dhang shab pa’s connection to the host institute will continue over time so that the dhang shab pa will be a back up resource in a growing reservoir of Tibetan talent and support.
5. What is the difference between a member and dhang-shab-pa?
Any Tibetan college student and active/retired professional can register online and become a Tibet Corps member. We encourage everyone to register, as one of the program goals is to create a large and vibrant online community of Tibetan professionals and university students.
A dhang-shab-pa is a member who has made that extra commitment. S/he has applied for a specific service opportunity and is currently working (or has worked) on a Tibet Corps project.
6. What are the three different service tracks?
The three service tracks are: Student, Professional and Fellow.
Students, those who are currently pursing an undergraduate degree and recent graduates, have opportunities to serve in Tibetan schools and selected projects within CTA. Third and final year undergraduate students and recent graduates will be given preference in the selection process.
Professionals constitute both active and retired professionals. This group includes Tibetans who possess specialized knowledge and experience in a certain field or subject.
Fellows are professionals with over twenty years of experience and who possess deep expertise. These are individuals who hold or have held senior leadership positions in their professional careers. Fellows can respond to specific projects on the website, or may be recruited to do high level work related to strategy, training, and advising.
Each Tibet Corps opportunity is flagged with one or more of the three service tracks. So, if a service track is tagged with ‘Professional/Fellow’ then that opportunity is best suited for professionals and fellows rather than a student applicant.
7. The experience level required says ‘Mid-Advanced.’ Can I still apply?
Any professional is welcome to apply. However, applications of those with at least 3-5 years of experience will be given preference
8. Where are opportunities located?
Service opportunities can be based in Dharamsala within one of the CTA departments or autonomous entities, or field-based in one of the Tibetan settlements and schools, or certain service opportunities can also be virtual.
9. What is a virtual opportunity?
Some Tibet Corps opportunities, primarily those that are research and writing oriented, can be done virtually. These opportunities are ideal for those with the required skill sets and experience, and able to work with minimal supervision. Recruiting, screening, placing and supervising are done virtually.
Virtual dhang-shab-pas are also required to sign a service contract at the start of service where the responsibilities, tasks and guidelines are outlined. Orientation, setting communicating goals, assessing progress and giving regular feedback will all happen online primarily between the volunteer and the contact person at the host institute. A Skype or Google+ account will be needed.
10. What happens after my service application is approved?
A Tibet Corp staff person will contact you to review and discuss the details of your service, timeline, logistics, etc. You will be asked to sign a service contract detailing your responsibilities and other service guidelines. It will be your responsibility to apply for a valid visa and make travel arrangements to and from Dharamsala. Once you arrive in Dharamsala, you will receive a tailored orientation and be connected to a staff contact at the host institution. If the position is field based then the program will assist with your travel arrangements and get you to the project site.
11. Will I receive guidance and support?
During the service period, you will have regular check-ins with both your host institute contact and program staff of Tibet Corps. In these sessions we will cover your progress, answer questions, facilitate communications, and provide as much support as possible to create a positive service environment.
12. What kind of financial assistance can I expect from Tibet Corps?
The program will assist you with housing should you need one. A nominal monthly stipend is available upon request to cover meals and local transportation. You are responsible for travel expenses to and from Dharamsala and for all health-related expenses during your service period.
13. What about health insurance?
Dhang-shab-pas are responsible for their own health care during service. For those coming from outside India, consult with your insurance provider and confirm if your policy applies overseas, or you may also choose to obtain health insurance from a domestic provider in India.
14. What is the work schedule?
All dhang-shab-pas are required to follow the same work schedule that applies to staff of the host institute. The program strongly discourages taking personal time off during the service period unless it is an emergency. It would be best to schedule personal and family-related travel before and after the service period.
15. I head up a Tibetan NGO and would like the services of a dhang-shab-pa as well. How can I make a request?
The scope of Tibet Corps is currently confined to CTA and a select number of Tibetan schools in India. In phase two, the program is considering inviting a selected number of Tibetan NGOs (TiNGOs) to participate.
16. I’m not Tibetan. Can I apply?
Generally no. The primary objective of Tibet Corps is to make Tibetans more self-reliant by enabling Tibetans to help themselves. However, those outside the Tibetan community may apply for selected projects where Tibetan applicants cannot be found. These applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis taking into account the expertise offered and the needs of the host institute. Interested applicant should write directly to contact@tibet.corps with the service code mentioned on the subject line. Non-Tibetans should not fill out the online application form.
17. I’m not yet ready to become a dhang-shab-pa. How else can I help?
Join Tibet Corps as a member and create your profile. Spread the word to your family and friends and encourage them to join utilizing your social media network. Host an information session in your area. The program would be happy to work with you. Recruit someone you know who would be a good match for one or more of the opportunities posted. Consider making a donation.