English Teacher to Buddhist Monks

Background information

In Cambodia, Buddhism is a religion of nation. 95% of the Cambodians believe in Theravada Buddhism, and the monks hold an important place in society. As known, for Cambodians, Buddhism is more than just a religion. Pagoda’s (Buddhist temples) are also important for education and many boys spent some times as a monk. During the Khmer Rouge time, the majority of monks have been killed and nearly all temples have been destroyed. But afterwards, Buddhism once again became the state religion and every Buddhist boy is expected to to become a monk for a period in his life. 

Volunteer work

Volunteer will teach English in a pagoda to the young monks. Most importance is to improve the monks basic English and conversational skills. Volunteers need to prepare lesson plan for each lesson. Volunteer will teach English to young monks and their age is around 11 years old. The level of English is beginner.

Recommendations

It is important to note that monks are highly respected. We recommend that volunteers need to understand about monks' life as much as possible before you can join this program. Volunteers should bring some materials for their Teaching such as pictures, poster, color...etc so this can help them to learn new words faster.

The location

This program is in Siem Reap province. Every volunteer will stay at a partner guesthouse in Siem Reap town. To go to work volunteers also can ride a bicycle which it's take only around 15min from the accommodation. 

You will teach English 2 hours per day from 2pm to 4pm Monday to Friday. Volunteer will get the weekend off.  As you teach only 2 hours a day volunteer can do the lesson plan in the morning or help another project for teaching or childcare. This program we can also arrange for you if you want to do more work. 

Every volunteers will get the weekend off. There are many places volunteers can visit at the weekend in Siem Reap including the Angkor Wat the famous historical place, Kulen waterfall, Old market, night market... 

Volunteers can also travel by bus to visit many provinces at weekend or during national holiday such as to Sihanouk Vill and Kampot to see beaches. Siem Reap is small town but a lot travelers come to visit the temples, you will find a lot of western bars, supermarkets offer western articles, and especially the old market and the pub street is the spot for travelers. 

But of course, you will also find the Cambodian Culture everywhere in the city. Walk around the different markets, try the food of the food stalls at the street or just walk around the streets, there is really always something to explore.