Have you always wondered what life is like in a monastery or are you curious to learn more about Buddhism? Become a volunteer and teach the monks English while in return you learn about their life!
Most of the Tibetan exiles and refugees have been living in monasteries, practicing their religion and trying to rebuild their cultural heritage in their own way. Very poor families have been putting their kids in monasteries as monks or nuns so they can have a shelter, meals and some education. Some live forever learning Buddhist philosophies, methods of meditation and rituals and practice celibacy.
All the scriptures are written in Tibetan, by teaching English you will help the monks translate old Buddhist scriptures in English to preserve them and to be able to share their knowledge. Besides that, they are really keen to learn English and they also like to learn about the western world, life styles, cultural, history and geography. The monks will share their wisdom and knowledge so you will fully experience Buddhism.
It is an experience you will not find anywhere else and will not forget easily!
Your duties:
- Teaching English classes for a variety of age groups from 4 to 20 years of age, for 2 to 3 hours a day
- The focus will be on conversational language
- You can make your own lesson plans. Some monasteries have their own curriculum
- Creating extra activities like art and sports
- Follow the rules of monastery
- You may be asked to help organize the library as some monastery have small libraries
- You can help in the kitchen to prepare the meals in the morning and evening if needed
- Volunteers can join the daily morning worships
- Drinking liquor and smoking is strongly prohibited inside the monastery
