Description

Our volunteers teach novice Buddhist monks, middle school to high school age, at different monastery schools in Chiang Mai. The program aims to enhance the knowledge of monks and novices in both religious and secular subjects and provide secondary education for boys who are unable to afford such opportunities elsewhere. Many of the novice monks are orphans from the hill tribes, and some of them are learning Thai as a second language and English as a third. These teaching positions are a great way to learn about Buddhism and contribute in a meaningful way!

Most of the schools only teach novice monks, but not all of the faculty and administration are Buddhist monks. One of the schools has both novice monk students and non-monk students (however the majority are monks) separated by classroom.

Alms rounds start the morning, then the day begins with morning assembly at the monastery schools. All the novices line up and the faculty and staff give morning announcements, followed by prayers and meditation. Classes begin at 8:30. Fresh Thai curries and stir fried dishes, served over steamed jasmine rice are served for lunch. Volunteers are encouraged to share their lunch time chatting with novices and other staff. After lunch, more prayers and meditation is practiced before classes resume in the afternoon.

Highlights

Orientation includes a city tour, language class, visit from a Thai travel nurse, assistance in setting up a Thai cell phone, and a chance to meet all the other new ELIers.

Participants in this program live in the volunteer house, a short commute from downtown Chiang Mai and close to cafes, shops, and restaurants. Rooms are equipped with air conditioning.

In volunteers' spare time, common activities include riding elephants, visiting the many Buddhist temples in the area, and enrolling in Thai cooking and massage classes.

It is best if volunteers arrive on a date below before 8pm, so orientation can take place over the weekend and volunteers can start their program bright and early on Monday.

2011: January 7, January 14, February 4, February 18, March 4, March 18, April 1, April 15, April 29, May 13, May 27, June 10, June 24, July 8, July 22, August 5, August 19. For dates after this please inquire.

Qualifications

Volunteers do not need any specific qualifications, but should enjoy working with young adults and be open and respectful to Buddhism and other cultures. Volunteers should be proficient in written and spoken English. Volunteers should be creative, considering there is a lack of teaching materials within the school.

This program requires all volunteers to submit a certified police background check before volunteer service begins.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

2 Weeks start at USD700

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

The program includes pre-departure assistance, airport pick-up, orientation and nurse consultation when you first arrive, accommodations, 2 meals a day, and 24 hour assistance by our in-country team. Volunteers purchase their own plane tickets and travel insurance.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

ELI volunteers come from all over the world, but they have many traits in common: They are interested in other cultures, they are looking for an immersion experience, they are flexible, they enjoy meeting new people, and they are passionate about their programs.

Age Range

18-83

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Other
• Phone/Video Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

ELI-Experiential Learning International's Mission Statement

ELI's full name, Experiential Learning International, reflects our philosophy. We believe that the most compelling life lessons come through experience, and that international experiences are among the most profound influences on our sense of self and our view of the world. ELI facilitates flexible international learning programs for independent travelers by partnering with local organizations to give participants the opportunity to experience and contribute to sustainable ongoing local projects throughout the world.

Year Founded

2001