Tea Study Series
The Tea Study Series is a structured, beginner-friendly course for anyone curious about tea — its history, science, culture, and craft.
Over six modules, participants build real knowledge and hands-on skills: how tea is grown, processed, and classified; how to taste and evaluate it like a professional; how brewing variables affect flavor; and how tea has traveled across cultures and centuries.
The program moves between weekly online sessions (theory, discussion, case studies) and biweekly in-person labs (brewing, tasting, sensory training). Each module connects what you learn at home to what you practice in the lab.
The capstone project asks each participant to design and host a small, public-facing tea experience at Tzu Chi Center—putting everything learned into practice as a host, educator, and storyteller.
- Identify and evaluate the six major tea categories by appearance, aroma, taste, and processing method
- Apply professional brewing variables (temperature, quantity, steeping time) to different tea types
- Understand how terroir, trade routes, and cultural traditions shaped tea around the world
- Design a tea setting (Chaxi) and pair teas with food intentionally
- Plan and host a tea experience for a specific audience
- Anyone interested in tea — no prior experience needed. The program is conducted bilingually in English and Mandarin as needed.
- Commitment to both online and in-person sessions is expected. Missing 3 or more sessions may affect eligibility for the graduation certificate.
- Registration required.
Program Mission
- To deepen our understanding of tea as a cultural, spiritual, and ecological practice while cultivating community through shared rituals and learning.
Program Goals
- Foster community engagement and intergenerational dialogue through tea.
- Explore the history, migration, and cultural expressions of tea across regions.
- Practice mindful techniques for tasting, brewing, and serving.
- Design and host an open-to-the-public tea experience.
Tuition
- $670/person After June 30.
- Early Bird (ends June 30) / Bring a Friend (no limit): $619/person (save $51 per person when you sign up with a friend)
- Financial support is available for those who need it — please fill out our assistance application for details.
Dates, Time & Location
Date: July – September 2026
Time & Location: In-Person at Tzu Chi Center: Sundays, 1:00–3:00 PM｜Online (Zoom): Fridays, 7:00–9:00 PM
Timeline
- 7/12 Sunday, Orientation
- 7/17 Friday, Online session 1
- 7/19 Sunday, In-person session 1
- 7/24 Friday, Online session 2
- 7/26 Sunday, In-person session 2
- 8/7 Friday, Online session 3
- 8/9 Sunday, In-person session 3
- 8/21 Friday, Online session 4
- 8/23 Sunday, In-person session 4
- 9/18 Friday, Online session 5
- 9/20 Sunday, In-person session 5
- 9/25 Friday, Online session 6
- 9/27 Sunday, In-person session 6
Registration Timeline
- Early Bird: Ends June 30
- Bring a Friend: No limit
- Registration Closes: July 14
Requirements
- The class will start with a minimum of 6 people signed up, and the maximum capacity is 12 students.
- Open to anyone interested in tea culture and mindful practice
- No prior tea experience required
- Commitment to attend both in-person and online sessions
- Registration required (limited spots available – will provide registration link soon)
- Program includes a participation fee (financial support and volunteer-based options may be available- will provide more detail later)
Secure your spot now with just a $52 deposit and pay the remaining balance through other payment options. Please note the deposit is non-refundable. Contact us to learn more
Registration closed
More Tea Programs
The Seasonal Tea Experience is a mindful tea tasting series rooted in gratitude, connection, and Tzu Chi values. Held once each season (Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter).
Tea & Tranquility is a monthly one-hour session at Tzu Chi Center NYC. Facilitated by wellness practitioners, it weaves tea practice with gentle self-care for a quiet, mindful pause.