from 1,562€

Excellent 4.8rating (150)

Buddhist Monasteries English Teaching

location
4 - 20 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Excellent 4.8  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

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

Especially suitable

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!

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.

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

Services by Involvement Volunteers IVI

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 on Sunday, you can book a private transfer for US$50.

If arriving during the week, or on Saturday, we charge US$50 for any extra night’s accommodation before your program, and another US$50 fee for a private transfer.

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 (approx US $150 p/room p/week). This must be booked well in advance and is subject to availability.

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

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

4 weeks (min. stay) 1,562€
8 weeks 2,733€
12 weeks 3,850€
20 weeks (max. stay) 6,247€
Average fees 351€/week

Program fees

351€ per week 4 - 20 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES


Duration

4 - 20 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with Involvement Volunteers IVI during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


Meet your organization

Involvement Volunteers IVI

Excellent 4.8 rating (150 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 1989

Verified by Volunteer World

  Very high response rate

Coordinated by

Lauren

Spoken languages: English

About the project

IVI are a non profit org with 28 years experience providing responsible volunteer placements in 15 countries worldwide. We help you connect with inspiring opportunities

Meet your organization

Involvement Volunteers International delivers positive social change to developing communities and vulnerable populations through local, national & international volunteering.  Our projects empower the skilled & un-skilled to catalyse the efforts of local partners in creating a better world.


WHO WE ARE

Founded in 1989, IVI is a pioneer of overseas volunteering.  Back when there was no internet and phones were a luxury in many parts of the world, we traveled to developing countries in search of credible NGO's in need of manpower and global volunteer resources.  Some of the many relationships we forged are utilized to this day. 

We are passionate about volunteering and giving back to society and in particular developing communities which are less fortunate than us.  In this way, we combine travelling with volunteering to help people make a positive impact overseas.

SOCIAL EXPERIENCES
All of IVI’s projects have a strong social element at the core.  With more manpower (& womanpower!) we can truly catalyse the efforts of our local partners.  This means you're sure to meet loads of like-minded people from all parts of the world.   This type of experience truly broadens your understanding of the world and yourself, opening your heart to new enlightened ways of thinking .   With your new found travel companions, you'll have plenty of opportunity to explore and have fun!  

Our projects create a unique platform to experience the true heart and soul of a destination rather than simply the tourist areas.   We'll involve you in meaningful & responsible volunteer work that really benefits the local communities.

AFFORDABLE VOLUNTEER TRAVEL
As a non profit org, we are not motivated by shareholder profits.  Our fee structure is fully transparent to ensure volunteers hard earned money is going directly to the areas where it is most needed.  It is vitally important to us that the presence of volunteers has a positive and sustainable impact on the local communities we work with.   

We charge a one off US$275 application fee per volunteer to cover the running of IVI including administration overheads, project inspection costs, marketing, and salaries.

The program fee starts at $150 p/week and goes straight to the in country management to cover arrival airport transfers, on the ground coordination, orientation, accommodation, meals, in country 24/7 project support, project development, donations and related administration costs.   

In comparison to many of our competitors, our programs are incredible value.

SAFETY & RESPONSIBLE PROGRAMS
With approx 80-90% of our volunteers being single young female travelers, volunteer safety is of the utmost importance.  All of our projects include a dedicated 24/7 in-country management support contact as well as a dedicated placement manager pre/post journey.  This ensures you will be cared for every step of the way.    The local teams are highly experienced and qualified to manage emergency situations.

All IVI projects have been personally inspected to ensure the standards meet necessary guidelines for quality and safety.  In addition, we monitor and maintain communication with local embassies to oversee potential issues in order to notify volunteers and their families accordingly.   

Our Australian team are available 24/7 and only a phone call away.

Our responsibility also extends to the local people which is why volunteers working in childcare related fields must provide a criminal background check before they travel.   Our ultimate goal is the long term development of the communities we work with, hence we work closely with our local partners to ensure that projects are needs driven and sustainable. 

SUPPORT

From your very first inquiry, right through to your welcome home, you'll have the same dedicated volunteer manager at every stage.  We are experts in the field and will provide you in depth insights about what to expect and how to prepare to ensure you have an amazing experience overseas.  Every project includes a detailed welcome pack which provides all aspects needed such as in country contacts, what to pack, cultural values, basic language guides and much much more.   

On arrival at your destination, you'll be greeted by one of our in-country team and in many cases 1 week orientation is provided to help ease you into the way of life and ensure you're equipped with the right customs to ensure a successful volunteer abroad experience.  

FUN!
Volunteering abroad is quite possibly the most rewarding experience you will have in your life!   We know this not only through our own experiences, but through the testimonies from thousands of volunteers we have successfully placed worldwide over 27+ years in operation.  Volunteering overseas is not only rewarding.   It's fun!   You're meeting new people, you're seeing new sights, and you're expanding your understanding of yourself and the world.  You're experiencing something real and life changing in many ways...  

GET INVOLVED WITH IVI TODAY!

150 reviews · rating4.8

Jennifer Steinborm rating4.4

2024 at Support Woman & Children Commune

From the first day in Fiji I felt incredibly welcome there! Mere and Masi were very helpful from the start and showed me everything. I enjoyed working with the women at the Lovu HART Village at the office and when kindergarten started I loved seeing the kids every day and helping them where I could. ..
ANNA RATTERO rating4.2

2024 at Kindergarten Teaching Assistant

È stata una bellissima esperienza, stare con i bambini è stato magnifico! Loro non parlano bene inglese quindi ho comunicato con loro usando soprattutto sguardi e gesti. Si ha la possibilità di conoscere persone del posto, conoscere una nuova cultura e offrire il proprio contributo nel fare ...
I can’t express enough how much Meki, Tima and Paulina took care of me. They would even fan me when I was eating and if I was lying on the front deck (anywhere I was actually if they thought it was needed😆) I’ve never been fanned before😆 Sitting up the head of the table being fanned and ...
Gabriele Heumann rating4.8

2024 at Nutrition & Public Health Outreach Assistant

Vielen Dank für die tolle Erfahrung. Ein besonderes Lob für Carrun, ich würde es gerne immer wieder machen. Dankeschön auch am Marie und Masi tolle Gastfamilie. Ich kann sie nur weiterempfehlen ...
Errol S rating5

2024 at Turtle Conservation Assistance

It was an amazing week working with a diverse group of volunteers from around the world. We got to experience working with turtles from nearly hatched to around 8 months old. They were extremely cute and you could really see the impact of the volunteering when we released them into the wild. It ...
I went for four weeks in Bali to teach English in a kindergarten to children. I made it throug games and exercises. They were very friendly and respectful. They have immediately considered me as their teacher. They knew very little English but all that I had to do was smile and use gestures. For any ...

Location

Asia > Southern Asia > Nepal > Kathmandu

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