 Nepal has many beautiful Buddhist monasteries. Most of them are Tibetan monasteries opened by Tibetan refugees who fled the Chinese occupation. These monasteries house thousands of monks who have adopted monkhood from early ages. They study and live in the monastery. They mostly use Tibetan language and hence, their chances of learning English are very limited. However, with the recent changes in the world of communication, the Rinpoche (or the high Lama) of the monasteries has realized that the monks need to learn English if they are to spread the teaching of Buddha and communicate effectively with western people. Knowledge of English is imperative also because of the growing popularity of English language all over the world. Hence, the monasteries are looking for volunteers to teach English to Buddhist monks. Teaching English to Buddhist monks is an excellent opportunity for volunteers who are interested in Buddhism. In the monasteries, volunteers will also have a wonderful opportunity to learn Vajrayana form of Buddhism. You’ll witness colorful rituals and prayers and you can also indulge in meditation.
Your activities as a volunteer
As a volunteer in Buddhist Monk teaching project, you will primarily work as English instructors in monasteries or in monk schools. You will teach English to Tibetan kids for 3-4 hours a day. In addition to teaching English, you will also assist in extracurricular activities and administration. In the evening, you can organize games, drawing, singing and dancing programs or other creative extracurricular activities.
Mornings and late evenings are free. If you love Buddhism, this is the perfect time to join meditation, rituals, prays, and songs with the Buddhist monks. This project gives perfect opportunities to immerse in Buddhist religion and lifestyle.
Project skills required
No specific skills and qualifications are required to volunteer in teaching Buddhist monk project. However, you must be at least 18 years of age. Volunteers should also be flexible, practical, self-motivated and open minded about learning new cultures. Many monasteries in Nepal have a strict code of conduct and dress codes. Volunteers are required to follow all rules and regulations of monasteries. Interest in Buddhism, flexibility, and self-motivation help volunteers make their stay rewarding and memorable.
Project Location
Kathmandu: Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal. It’s also known as the city of temples. The orphanages are located in and around Kathmandu. Each orphanage accommodates between 20 and 30 underprivileged children.
Chitwan: Rampur, Chitwan is located at 4 short hour's drive from Kathmandu. Currently, 35 orphans stay in the orphanage. In Chitwan, volunteers can enjoy elephant rides in the forest of Chitwan and witness one-horned Rhinos and maybe even a Bengal Tiger. You can also take part in canoeing, bird watching, and witness impressive sunrises and sunsets.
Meal/Accommodation/Support
VAN will manage your entire accommodation, food and supervision during your stay. During this project, you will stay in the monastery (monk hostel). You’ll be provided a simple room and use communal toilets. You’ll be served 3 local meals a day. Staying in the monastery provides you with a wonderful opportunity to experience the culture and tradition of Buddhism. Our staffs will visit your placement in every two weeks. During the visit, we will check on your progress and make sure you’re satisfied.
Your life as a volunteer in Nepal
As soon as your plane lands at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you’ll find us at your service. One of our staff members will be there waiting for you preferably holding a placard with your name. For this, all you need to do is send us your flight itinerary at least four weeks prior to your departure. In case of delayed flights, please go directly to our contact hotel, the details of which will be given in your placement sheets. Alternatively, you can call our coordinators. The telephone numbers of our country coordinator and emergency contacts will be there in your pre-departure guidebook too.
After you've settled in, we’ll provide a two week long orientation program where you’ll be familiarized with the language and culture of Nepal. During this time, you’ll also go around cities like Kathmandu and Chitwan participating in cultural shows, visiting museums, going rafting, on jungle safaris or bird watching.
Afterward, you’ll be placed in your preferred project. During this time, you’ll stay either with the host family or a hostel as per your choice. Undoubtedly, the projects as well as accommodation will be perfectly safe. You’ll be provided with local meals three times a day. If traditional Nepali food doesn’t appeal to you, you’re welcome to buy your own food and prepare it. Volunteers can reach our coordinator at any time. They are ready to support you whenever you need them. We also conduct regular supervision/meetings when we visit our volunteers every 2 weeks to make sure that things are going good for them.
(Note: Volunteers attending this project will have to contribute an additional fee of USD $ 100/month as assistance to the monastery. The additional fee will be directly handed over to the monastery’s management.)
|
