Teaching to Buddhist Monks
Coordinator | Lauren
Coordinator | Lauren
Book with Flex Option!
Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
Highlights
Integrate into the monks way of life for a true cultural experience!
Teach writing, reading and conversational skills through various activites
Teach basic English to novice monks
Stay in a stunning mountainous region
Volunteer at a Buddhist monastery, teaching children and adult monks English and other subjects. Stay in this beautiful mountain town!
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
50+
Teach novice monks English in this stunning mountainous setting! Here you’ll be interacting with monks on a regular basis, learning about their way of life and exchanging ideas and intercultural learning. The project involve s various monasteries and monks are aged between 8 to 25. The monastery has classes between Nursery to Grade 5. Each class approximately has 10 to 15 students. You will mostly be teaching English but can also teach, Math, Science , or a subject of your choice.
*January and February are winter vacations in Buddhist Monasteries, thus this project will not function during this part of the year.
Location
Sikkim is a small state in northwest India, bordered by Bhutan, Tibet and Nepal. Spectacular scenery coupled with Buddhist monasteries are the highlight of this fascinating region.
Typical day
Monday to Friday
You will teach primarily English and various other subjects to the monks, both young and old, for around 2 to 3 hours of various age groups every day. There are various allotted starting time at the monasteries, thus you will be given the time schedule at the project location.
*This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.
*January and February are winter vacations in Buddhist Monasteries, thus this project will not function during this part of the year.
Free-time activities
Weekends are always free for relaxing or sightseeing of your choice. Our ground operators will help you organise additional trips with special (non tourist) rates which can be paid directly in local currency. As a volunteer you will gain access to local knowledge, opportunities and value you simply would not find if staying as a standard tourist.
Around Sikkim, there are plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking, old ruins, museums, temples, and markets.
Sightseeing
Shopping/
Souvenirs
Souvenirs
Climbing
Hiking
Museum/
Opera
Opera
Yoga/
Meditation
Meditation
Requirements
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.
You need to speak English (basic level)
required
at High School level
Police check or working with children check
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
What's Included
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
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 Pakyong Airport, Sikkim (PYG). You must arrive between the hours 08:00 to 20:00 on Sunday.
We can also collect you from Siliguri Bagdogra Airport, Bagdogra (IXB), between 08:00 to 14:00 on Sunday, but this is not included in the fee, so will incur an additional cost.
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 Pakyong airport to accommodation, it takes approx. 45 minutes by road. From Bagdogra airport, it’s around 5-6+ hours.
You will stay at our volunteer centreIn our center, where there is a small library, a dining room, a lounge area where you can hang out with fellow participants and a beautiful garden to relax. The house sleeps 2-4 people per room, and includes wifi, hot showers, bed linen, fans and moisquito nets. There is a refrigerator which you are welcome to use to store food and beverages.
The meals are a mix of Western and Indian food, consisting mainly of vegetarian dishes including rice and vegetables. You can expect to have a chicken dish about twice per week. You can also use the kitchen facilities to cook for yourself or eat out at any of the local restaurants.
Good access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport (IXB) in Bagdogra. We assist you to find cheap flights to India.
Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for India provides security and is a plus to have.
If you are intending to volunteer in India you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for India.
Dates & Fees
NO CREDIT CARD FEES
Details on arrival
Program starts every Monday. Arrivals on Sat/ Sun. If arriving on Sat, an extra night is charged.
4 - 20 weeks
Program fees
4 weeks
(min. stay)
$1,350
8 weeks
$2,470
12 weeks
$3,570
20 weeks
(max. stay)
$5,200
Average fees
$299
/week
Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated.
Involvement Volunteers IVI
will let you know about the final price during your application process.
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.
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.
Why book with Volunteer World
Volunteer World is the world's leading comparison platform for international volunteer opportunities. We guide you through a safe and easy
application process
- including all necessary payments. Planning your next meaningful trip with Volunteer World gives you free access to our:
Quality Assurance
High ethical standards & transparent social impact
Flex Option
Change your reservation at no extra costs
Refund Guarantee
We refund your fees if Involvement Volunteers IVI cancels your trip
Support & Mediation
We cover your back no matter what happens
Our services are free of charge!
All program fees are charged directly by Involvement Volunteers IVI.
What are people saying about Volunteer World?
Teaching to Buddhist Monks
Volunteer at a Buddhist monastery, teaching children and adult monks English and other subjects. Stay in this beautiful mountain town!
$299/week
You might be also interested in
Escazu, Costa Rica
As part of our local animal shelter, you'll be responsible for a variety of activities such as feeding, maintenance and engaging with animals!
Quepos, Costa Rica
Volunteer and save turtles, make a difference and meet one of the most beautiful beaches in the world! Join us in Pacific CR!
Tenerife, Spain
Contribute to critical whale & dolphin conservation initiatives in the beautiful subtropical island archipelago - Canary Islands.
Napoli, Italy
Help the refugee and migrant community to gain a foothold in Europe by supporting shelters, schools, health care and activities tailored to their long-term integration.
Lovina, Bali, Indonesia
Work in local kindergartens in Bali's northern beaches and teach the children basic English words and phrases in an informal and fun way, such as songs & dancing.
Antigua, Guatemala
Work at assisted living-facilities, helping with people who are physically or mentally disabled, elderly patients, and children infected with HIV.
404 Not Found
Why am I seeing this?
You requested a page that doesn't exist on this site any more. This could be caused by a link you followed that was out of date, by a typing in the wrong address in the address bar, or simply because the post has been deleted.