A Tibetan-American Educator’s Odyssey

Nawang Phuntsog

Jun 2024 · Library of Tibetan Works and Archives

About this ebook

Embark on a captivating journey through the intricacies of the Tibetan diaspora in this insightful auto-ethnography. Set against the backdrop of colonialism and modern geopolitics, the narrative offers a nuanced exploration of personal displacement and its far-reaching impacts. Delve into the experiences of individuals grappling with the challenges of leaving behind their homeland, navigating unfamiliar territories, and achieving academic milestones while preserving their cultural heritage in the face of adversity. Through heartfelt reflection and poignant storytelling, this narrative sheds light on the resilience and hope that permeates the Tibetan community and invites readers to engage with themes of identity, belonging, and the human experience in a rapidly changing world. The author’s academic odyssey mirrors the trajectory of Tibetan education in exile, infusing their story with authenticity and inspiration for future generations.

About the author

Nawang Phuntsog, a Professor Emeritus, born in 1954 to an ordinary Tibetan farming family, attended Tibetan Refugee schools in Darjeeling and Dalhousie. A chance encounter in 1968 with a stranger from Germany led him to St. Francis School in Lucknow. He earned a doctorate in education from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1993. In 1995, he became the first tenure-track Tibetan to teach at a major US College of Education and briefly served as the Chair of the Department of Elementary and Bilingual Education before retiring during the Covid-19 pandemic in August 2020. His academic journey closely parallels Tibetan education in exile, making his story authentic and inspiring.