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Brilliant 4.72rating (254)

Buddhist Monasteries English Teaching

location
4 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Learn more about Buddhist philosophy and culture
  • Interact and communicate with the monks and immerse yourself in their way of life
  • Teach both young and older monks basic reading and writing in English

Highlights

  • Learn more about Buddhist philosophy and culture
  • Interact and communicate with the monks and immerse yourself in their way of life
  • Teach both young and older monks basic reading and writing in English
  • Create lesson plans and activities to teach in class

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    50+

    About the program

    Imagine living with Monks in an authentic Buddhist Monastery. If you're interested in learning about Buddhist philosophy and culture and enjoy the idea of some solitude.

    Teach various subjects including English and have one on one English conversation class to the monks at the monasteries. You will also get a chance to learn about Buddhism while doing this. You will be teaching to novice monks, both adults and children! You will be staying either in the monastery or ...

    About the program

    Teach various subjects including English and have one on one English conversation class to the monks at the monasteries. You will also get a chance to learn about Buddhism while doing this. You will be teaching to novice monks, both adults and children! You will be staying either in the monastery or in an accommodation nearby, this will allow for fully immersing into the lifestyle of the monks!

    PLEASE NOTE: Culture Week is highly recommended for all participants joining the Teaching at Buddhist Monasteries program. This helps to minimize culture shock and adapt to life at the monastery.


      During the monastery teaching phase, you will be accommodated at the monastery itself. We have access to various monasteries in different locations including Kathmandu, Pharping, Namobuddha, and Serlo – Everest region. Serlo monastery is the one furthest one which takes about 12 hours of jeep drive and stay overnight in Phaplu and then the next day of about 4 hours hike to the Serlo Monastery. Monastery in Namobuddha is about 4 hours drive from Kathmandu. Pharping is about 2 hours driving from Kathmandu.

      Location
      Kathmandu, the capital and largest city in Nepal, is an incredible place! The contrast of decaying buildings, smell of incense, street sellers, historic temples and incredible mountain views will invigorate your senses and keep you inspired to learn more about the amazing history and culture. For several hundred years, Kathmandu was one of three rival royal cities, along with Bhaktapur and Patan. The highlight of Kathmandu has long been Durbar Square, the largest of the palace squares in the three royal cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Temples and monuments of varying shapes, sizes, styles, and faiths can be found here. This small, mountain-sheltered valley is the historical centre of Nepal, a place where kingdoms rose and fell, where palaces and temples were built and rebuilt, and where Nepali art and culture was developed and refined.

      Pharping is around 19km South from Kathmandu and is full of Buddhist monasteries. The location is situated within green rolling hills, with plenty of small day hikes to do in the surrounding area. 

      Namobuddha is also known for its Buddhist temples, stunning forest and mountain views and plenty of day hikes. Its around 45km South East from Kathmandu. 

      Serlo is our most remote location, set within the Everest region. With stunning scenery, this placement would suit those wishing to get off the beaten track a bit. 

      Typical day

      Example day to day (breakfast, lunch, dinner included daily).

      You will teach different subjects including English to the monks, both young and old, for about 2 to 3 hours every day. Apart from this activity, you are free to also take part in other activities such as kitchen gardening or at the ...

      Typical day

      Example day to day (breakfast, lunch, dinner included daily).

      You will teach different subjects including English to the monks, both young and old, for about 2 to 3 hours every day. Apart from this activity, you are free to also take part in other activities such as kitchen gardening or at the library etc.

      *Schedule possible to change due to the project and community needs at the time. Volunteer flexibility and adaptability is important to a positive volunteering experience. 


      Free-time activities

      The weekends are always open for your leisure. The local team will assist you in organising additional travel plans with heaps of local knowledge. Shopping in Kathmandu is an experience all its own. Thamel, Kathmandu’s tourist hotspot, is where shoppers can find Nepalese, Tibetan and Indian ...

      Free-time activities

      The weekends are always open for your leisure. The local team will assist you in organising additional travel plans with heaps of local knowledge. Shopping in Kathmandu is an experience all its own. Thamel, Kathmandu’s tourist hotspot, is where shoppers can find Nepalese, Tibetan and Indian artifacts, woodcarvings, handicraft and an assortments of unique clothing and apparel. There are also several malls where you can find fashionable clothing and grocery stores, offering everything from wine to breakfast cereals. There are numerous dining options available throughout the city, including Italian, Indian, Thai, Korean and Chinese in addition to a variety of local cuisine.


      Requirements

      Requirements

      Minimum Age: 18 years

      In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

      Language Skills

      You need to speak English (intermediate level)

      Education Requirements

      at High School level

      Criminal Background Check

      required

      Required Documents

      Police check or working with children check

      Nationality Restrictions

      No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

      Time Commitment

      Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

      What's Included

      What's Included

      On-site Services

      Accommodation
      3 meals p/day weekdays / 2 meals p/day weekends
      Arrival airport transfer (Sat/Sun arrivals)
      Filtered drinking water, coffee & tea
      1 day orientation
      Daily transportation to project
      In country 24/7 support & emergency assistance
      Fundraising support
      University course credits (where applicable)
      Certificate of Completion

      Airport Pickup at Tribhuvan International Airport

      Programs begin every Monday, and volunteers are required to arrive the day prior, for orientation before the project. Your accommodation on the Sunday is included in the program fees.

      A free airport pickup is included when arriving to Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). You must arrive between the hours 06:00 to 24:00 on Sunday.

      If arriving outside the pickup times, you can book a private transfer or extra night for an additional fee. 

      Alternatively, if arriving early you could wait at the arrival’s terminal for the pickup time, book accommodation at the airport and meet us during the pickup times or make your own way to the project (we will advise on how to do this).

      From the airport to Kathmandu accommodation, it takes 45 minutes by taxi.

      For Pokhara placements you will be picked up at KTM airport and spend the first night (Sunday) at the accommodation in Kathmandu. On Monday you will have an orientation day in Kathmandu (no orientation is offered in Pokhara). On Tuesday, you will be transferred to Pokhara, before starting your project on the Wednesday. If your first project is in Pokhara then the transfer is included. If first volunteering in Kathmandu, and then changing to a project in Pokhara, you will need to pay extra for the transfer. 

      For Buddhist monastery placements please note that transfers between Kathmandu and monasteries are not included in the program fee. You will be picked up at KTM airport and spend the first night (Sunday) at the accommodation in Kathmandu. On Monday you will have an orientation day in Kathmandu. On Tuesday, you will transfer to the monastery. We highly recommend doing the cultural orientation week add-on project for monastery projects, so you have a full understanding of the local culture. 

      Accommodation

      You will be housed within the Monastery itslef, or within the volunteer center/guest house if you choose a location close to the city.  Please advise your preference upon making a booking. Below is an example of a volunteer house, situated in Kathmandu. 

      Located in the heart of Kathmandu, about 1 hours drive from the airport, the volunteer centre houses up to 20 volunteers with 4-6 people sharing one room (single gender rooms). They have modern bathrooms; a modern kitchen and dining room, mini library, a fully furnished living room, TV, computer, wifi, DVD player, fans, live-in staff on call 24/7, a garden complete with a comfortable covered area and 24/7 security. Centrally located, there are several gym’s nearby as well as local supermarkets, ATM’s, mobile phone shops etc.  

      *For couples or those wanting more privacy, there are upgrade accommodation options available for an additional cost. This must be booked well in advance and is subject to availability.

      *Accommodation may be in our local centre or in close proximity, depending on availability and time of year.


      Private Room Upgrade: please contact us directly for options and pricing

      *Please note: Upgrade prices can change, so please check the price with us first

      Food & Beverages

      You will be provided with three meals a day on weekdays and two meals per day on weekends. The meals are a mix of Western and Nepalese food, consisting mainly of vegetarian dishes including rice and vegetables. You can expect to have a chicken dish about once per week. You can also choose to eat out at any of the local restaurants.

      Internet Access

      Good access at the project site
      You don't have to pay anything yet

      What's NOT included?

      What's NOT included?

      Flight Tickets

      The nearest airport is Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu. We assist you to find cheap flights to Nepal. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

      Travel Insurance

      Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Nepal provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

      Vaccines

      If you are intending to volunteer in Nepal you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Nepal. VACCINE CHECKER

      Details on arrival

      Program starts every Monday. Arrivals on Sat/ Sun. If arriving on Sat, an extra night is charged.

      Availability
      Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

      Program Fees

      $418 per week 4 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

      Payment methods

      Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

      NO CREDIT CARD FEES


      Duration

      4 - 12 weeks

      Deposit

      Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.


      Final Payment

      You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

      You don't have to pay anything yet
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      Location

      Asia > Southern Asia > Nepal > Kathmandu

      Meet your project coordinator

      Lauren
      254
      reviews
      4.72
      Brilliant
      1989
      Founded

      Verified

        Very high response rate
      Spoken languages: English
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      Travel dates

      1. - 1. Jan 1

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