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About Facilities & Services
What library and research facilities are available?
The library has a beautiful view of both the IBA courtyard and the surrounding hills dotted with monasteries, schools and rice fields. The library houses significant collections of texts in 3 languages: Tibetan, English and Chinese. There are several editions of the Tibetan Canon along with magnificent collections of commentaries.
The English language books are organized in general subject categories: art, Buddhist Studies, culture, history, language, philosophy, politics, practice, Sutra and Vajrayana.
Is there wireless Internet connection available?
To facilitate students' ability to stay in touch with friends and family, the IBA has developed a wireless network (WIFI) for internet users on campus. Internet access also enables research, file sharing and information storage. The network is accessed by students' wireless laptops in most locations on campus or by desktop computers in the student lounge. Be forewarned that the connection speed is very slow by international standards.
Electricity, voltage and plug formats?
The electric current in Nepal is 220 volts. If bringing electronic equipment, pack a couple of two prong round or two prong flat adapter plugs and the appropriate transformers. Plug adapters and transformers can be purchased inexpensively here. Laptop users should not worry since all laptops include voltage transformers built-in to their plug adapters. We currently experience scheduled blackouts two days a week for a couple of hours.
What are students' rooms like?
Each student room is furnished with a single bed, closet, desk and chair. There is a spacious bathroom, with several toilets and two shower areas on each floor, shared between approximately ten rooms. Windows have glass and screens so they can be opened at night for fresh air. Most rooms have a balcony, overlooking the farming lands and residential areas of Kathmandu. Each room has only one electrical outlet that can be expanded, if needed, with power strips purchased here. Nothing can be hung or affixed to the walls or furniture.
Are there laundry facilities available?
Pickup and drop-off laundry service is available during the semester at approximately 10 to 30 RS per item. You can also wash some or all of your clothes by hand. Washing detergent and soap are available for purchase locally but softeners and other products for delicate clothing are harder to find.
Are there field trips organized by the Academy?
The IBA facilitates student field trips to holy pilgrimage sites in the Kathmandu Valley. The trip costs are shared equally by participating students and are generally very affordable. Some of the destinations have included Namo Buddha, Pharping, caves of Milarepa and ofPadmasambhava, Swayambhu Stupa and many monasteries and lamas of the 4 traditions.
Is there somewhere to store personal belongings during the interval between terms?
Students can store their items in the safety of the IBA storage room at no cost.
What kind of telephone access is there for students to make personal calls?
Students can make local calls from the IBA office phone. Long distance calls must be made outside. There are internet cafes and public phone service shops available at the Boudha area which provide internet services, fax and long distance phone calls (some provide Voice Over Internet Protocol - long distance service at substantially reduced prices) which will enable you to maintain contact with your family and friends easily. Some students may wish to bring their cell phone for use in Nepal.
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