What is Students for a Free Tibet
Students for a Free Tibet (SFT) is a global network of students and activists, supporting Tibetans in their struggle to regain freedom and resist China’s occupation of Tibet. Having begun in Princeton, New Jersey in 1994, SFT has become an international movement, with people from more than forty-five countries making up its membership. The group seeks to keep public awareness of Tibet’s struggle with China high, create a positive future for Tibetans living in exile, and strengthen grassroots activism in the global Tibetan freedom movement.
Why Travel Matters
Understanding the complexities of Tibet can be difficult, and this is why students and activists across the world are encouraged to participate in organized trips to the region. By visiting Tibet, especially with SFT, travelers can observe the reality of Chinese oppression first-hand and gain perspectives that they are unlikely to find in other media sources. Moreover, travelers have the chance to meet with cultural and religious dignitaries, hear personal stories from traditional communities, and interact with Tibetans in exile. Travel provides unique insight into the current situation in Tibet and an appreciation of the resilience of the people – it is often these emotional connections that catalyze a passion for standing in solidarity with the Tibetan cause.
The Trade‐Offs
Tibetan travelers benefit greatly from travel to the region. However, it is important to keep in mind the risks that come from traveling to Tibet, which is firmly under Chinese control. Although China has loosened some restrictions on foreign travelers in recent years, visitors should still be wary of the real possibility of heightened surveillance, and even detention. Travelers must remember that by going to Tibet they are likely providing a level of tacit approval of China’s policies in the region. To mitigate this risk, SFT advises travelers to be discreet and respectful of local customs and Tibetan people. Of course, the restrictions vary from region to region and travelers are advised to check their identity documents before sending them in, as certain passports are not accepted.
Organized Trips
Organized trips to Tibet with SFT are beneficial for both travelers and local Tibetan communities. Going with a group ensures that travelers will have access to local Tibetan guides and authorities in case of any problems, as well as the chance to avoid getting lost and/or harassed.
Organized trips guarantee that travelers will be able to get accurate, up-to-date information about the situation in Tibet and immerse themselves in the local communities. Such trips also benefit the Tibetan communities; by bringing travelers to the region, the group provides an economic benefit to the local population in the form of paid fees, gratuities, and donations.
The Impact of Travel
Although travel to Tibet can provide insight into the situation, it remains to be seen how much of an impact it can have on the freedom movement. It is not enough to merely educate oneself on the region – in order to make a concrete change, travelers should take advantage of their unique experiences and use them as a platform to spread awareness and advocate for better treatment of Tibetans.
This can include anything from joining SFT campaigns, forming local chapters, and lobbying their government for more effective tactics against China, to volunteering and fundraising for Tibetan causes. Additionally, travelers can keep track of and document the situation in Tibet in the form of photos, videos, blog posts, and more, to help spread awareness and build solidarity with Tibetans.
Building Awareness
An additional way to make a lasting impact is by utilizing social media to build awareness and keep Tibet in the news. By sharing our stories and photos of Tibetan people and Tibetan culture, activists can ensure that the issue of Chinese oppression in Tibet does not fade from the public consciousness. This gives the movement a much-needed platform, allowing activists and travelers to showcase the truth of life in Tibet, which is often downplayed or glossed over in mainstream media.
Moreover, the Tibet freedom movement cannot exist without public support, meaning it is up to us to keep the issue at the forefront of people’s minds and break through the wall of silence. It is also about creating cultural understanding, which can be done through the respectful exchange of information and by emphasizing how cultural differences, rather than political divides,can unite us.
Supporting Local Activists
In addition to spreading awareness, travelers should also strive to support local activists. This can be done through donating to local organizations, being aware of any protests that may be taking place and advocating for their right to peacefully demonstrate, and learning about the issues the activists are facing and sending donations to help support their struggles.
Travelers should also seek to provide financial and moral support to exiled Tibetans across the globe, such as those living in India or Nepal. Supporting refugees and their families financially can not only help to alleviate their suffering, it can also catalyze the cross-cultural exchange of ideas and information.
Educating Communities
Finally, travelers should aim to educate the broader Asian-American community about Tibet’s situation. Through forming connections with local organizations and activists, travelers can help share stories about the Tibetan people’s struggles for freedom and hope. Furthermore, by engaging with local leaders in conversations about human rights, travelers can use their unique knowledge to offer guidance and support.
By actively engaging with the community, travelers can also help to break down stereotypes, encouraging a greater level of self-awareness among Tibetans. Ultimately, by fostering understanding and compassion between different groups, travelers can help create a safer, more unified world.
Challenging Unethical Tourism
Travelers should also make a conscious effort to challenge unethical tourism, which often contributes to the erasure of Tibet’s cultural heritage. This means being aware of the ways in which tourism companies are exploiting Tibetans, understanding the consequences of their actions, and pushing for better standards of practice. Additionally, by speaking up and boycotting unethical companies, travelers can stand in solidarity with local activists and fight to ensure that Tibetans’ rights are respected and protected.
Standing in Solidarity
Traveling to Tibet is a valuable and powerful experience – it allows travelers to gain insight into the realities of Chinese oppression, while also creating meaningful connections with the local population. By taking an active role in supporting the Tibetan freedom movement, engaging with local communities, and challenging unethical tourism, travelers can put pressure on China to respect Tibetans rights and freedoms. Ultimately, by utilizing their experiences and knowledge, travelers can stand in solidarity with Tibetans in their fight for freedom and justice.
