Buddhism Immersion Experience

location
1 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Perfect 4.6  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Good response rate

Highlights

  • Create cultural exchange opportunities through our efforts with the locals.
  • Give you some practical experience in light construction and renovation work.
  • Support the local Thai community by improving their living standards with our construction and renovation efforts.

Highlights

  • Create cultural exchange opportunities through our efforts with the locals.
  • Give you some practical experience in light construction and renovation work.
  • Support the local Thai community by improving their living standards with our construction and renovation efforts.


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples

    About the program

    Experience the transformative traditions of Thai Buddhism through ancient rituals, meditation, chanting, immersing yourself in the rich spirituality and personal growth.

    In this program, you will have the remarkable chance to engage in the ancient ritual of offering alms to the Monks, which takes place in the morning. This practice holds great significance in Thai culture and Buddhism, symbolizing generosity, respect, and support for the Monastic community. By ...

    About the program

    In this program, you will have the remarkable chance to engage in the ancient ritual of offering alms to the Monks, which takes place in the morning. This practice holds great significance in Thai culture and Buddhism, symbolizing generosity, respect, and support for the Monastic community. By participating in this ritual, you will not only observe but actively contribute to a time-honored tradition that has been passed down for centuries.

    Additionally, in the evening, you will have the opportunity to partake in uplifting meditation and chanting sessions. Meditation is a fundamental practice in Buddhism, offering a pathway to inner peace, mindfulness, and self-discovery. Guided by revered spiritual leaders, you will learn techniques to calm the mind, cultivate awareness, and deepen your connection to the present moment.

    In the Thai Buddhism program, you will embark on a cultural immersion journey that delves into the rich traditions and religious practices of Thailand. By actively engaging in various activities, you will gain a profound understanding of Buddhism, have the chance to assist monks in their daily routines, and deepen your own spiritual journey through meditation practices.

    During your time in the program, you will visit a temple where knowledgeable monks will share their wisdom and teachings in English. Your assigned coordinator will be available to help overcome any language barriers and provide support throughout your experience.

    The program caters to individuals of all levels of experience, whether you are new to Buddhism or have prior knowledge. The daily routine at the temple begins early in the morning with chanting and a meditation session. Following this, you will witness the tradition of alms-giving, where the monks receive offerings from the local community. Afterward, a communal breakfast will be enjoyed at the temple.


    Typical day

    Participants will receive an introduction to Buddhism and Thai meditation techniques, followed by guided meditation sessions. You will learn various methods to cultivate mindfulness, such as breath-focused meditation, and explore different postures including sitting, walking, and lying down. This ...

    Typical day

    Participants will receive an introduction to Buddhism and Thai meditation techniques, followed by guided meditation sessions. You will learn various methods to cultivate mindfulness, such as breath-focused meditation, and explore different postures including sitting, walking, and lying down. This exploration will help you find the posture that best suits your practice.

    Lunch is served at around 11:00, as Buddhist monks typically have their main meal during this time and refrain from eating after midday. Participants can choose whether or not to have dinner. In the afternoon, there will be additional meditation practice for 1-2 hours, followed by free time to continue personal meditation or assist with temple chores.

    In the evening, there will be chanting and meditation sessions with the monks, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere. After the practice, you will have the opportunity to engage in discussions and ask questions directly to the monks, deepening your understanding of Buddhism.


    Free-time activities

    Chiang Mai, a charming city in northern Thailand, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and diverse range of activities. Here are some activities you can enjoy in Chiang Mai:

    • Explore ancient temples: Chiang Mai is home to numerous breathtaking temples, each with its own ...

    Free-time activities

    Chiang Mai, a charming city in northern Thailand, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and diverse range of activities. Here are some activities you can enjoy in Chiang Mai:

    • Explore ancient temples: Chiang Mai is home to numerous breathtaking temples, each with its own unique architectural style and history. Visit the iconic Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, situated on a mountain offering panoramic views of the city, or explore the intricate artwork and peaceful atmosphere of Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh.
    • Vibrant night markets: Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Chiang Mai's night markets. The most famous is the Sunday Walking Street Market, where you can browse through a vast array of local handicrafts, artwork, clothing, and try delicious street food. The Saturday Night Market on Wualai Road is another must-visit for its vibrant stalls and cultural performances.
    • Traditional Thai cooking classes: Learn the art of Thai cuisine by joining a cooking class. Discover the secrets of Thai flavors and techniques as you prepare and savor classic dishes like Pad Thai, Green Curry, and Tom Yum soup. Many classes also include a visit to local markets to select fresh ingredients.
    • Spa and wellness treatments: Indulge in relaxation and rejuvenation with traditional Thai massages and spa treatments. Chiang Mai is renowned for its wellness offerings, including herbal steam baths, hot stone therapy, and herbal compress massages. Treat yourself to a blissful pampering session in one of the city's renowned spas.
    • Trekking in the mountains: Venture into the picturesque mountains surrounding Chiang Mai and embark on a trekking adventure. Hike through lush jungles, encounter local hill tribes, and discover hidden waterfalls. You can choose from a variety of trekking options, ranging from half-day excursions to multi-day treks with overnight stays in remote villages.
    • Cultural experiences: Immerse yourself in Thai culture by attending traditional festivals and engaging with local communities. Chiang Mai hosts the Yi Peng Lantern Festival and the Songkran Water Festival, where you can witness vibrant parades, traditional dances, and participate in joyful water fights. You can also visit local hill tribes to learn about their unique traditions and way of life.

      Chiang Mai offers an incredible blend of historical sites, natural beauty, cultural experiences, and warm hospitality. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a deeper understanding of Thai culture, this vibrant city has something for everyone to enjoy.


    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 (basic level) or English (intermediate level)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    Required Documents

    Police check (or equivalent) showing that you have no previous criminal convictions

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    Be keen and enthusiastic to learn about Buddhism

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Global Nomadic

    Project Fee includes: 

    • accommodation
    • airport pickup
    • orientation
    • in-country support
    • project activities
    • 3 meals per day (2 meals on weekends)
    Private rooms are available for an additional €100 per week.

    Airport Pickup at Chiang Mai International Airport

    You will be met at the airport by a project representative and brought to the project HQ upon arrival.

    Accommodation

    During your stay in Chiang Mai, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation that offers standard facilities to ensure a pleasant stay. Accommodations at the temple will be simple, with basic amenities provided such as a mattress, pillow, and blanket.
    The accommodation includes amenities such as WiFi, allowing you to stay connected, hot showers for your comfort, and fans to keep you cool in the tropical climate of Chiang Mai.

    Food & Beverages

    • 3 meals per day 
    • 2 meals on weekends

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) in Chiang Mai. We assist you to find cheap flights to Thailand. 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 Thailand provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Thailand you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Thailand. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    You will be met at the airport by a project representative and brought to the project HQ upon arrival.
    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    1 week (min. stay) 976€
    3 weeks 1,464€
    4 weeks 1,952€
    5 weeks 2,440€
    7 weeks 3,416€
    9 weeks 4,392€
    24 weeks (max. stay) 11,711€
    Average fees 731€/week

    Program fees

    731€ per week 1 - 24 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 24 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 Global Nomadic during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Global Nomadic

    Perfect 4.6 rating (38 reviews)

    Agency - founded in 2009

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Good response rate

    Coordinated by

    Jeremy

    About the project

    We believe real change can happen when people find life-enhancing opportunities.

    Meet your organization

    Who we are

    Global Nomadic empowers positive change by connecting people with projects

    Global Nomadic was founded in 2008 with one clear goal – to empower change by connecting people. We believe real change can only come about when people are able to find the right opportunities with the right organisations. Over the past years, we have grown to offer high-quality international internships in a wide range of professional fields, but our aim is still the same; connecting people with projects.

    We provide aspiring young professionals with exactly what is needed to set them apart in the very competitive world we live in. We exist to help you further your career through educational international work experience placements, but also to help NGOs around the world carry out their community-building work, by connecting them with you. By working with local NGOs, charities, and communities you will gain excellent experience and valuable skills, aiding you to further your ambitions – whilst making a difference where it’s needed most.

    This world is not a perfect place – and we don’t claim to be able to fix it. But what we can do is provide a bridge between you and the people who can. Our mission is to work towards a better and more stable world by connecting people with projects. We believe we work better together than apart. We believe travel and exposure to other cultures, beliefs and ways of life are the best ways to achieve this. We believe you can travel the world and travel your career.

    What we do

    We provide access to vetted, worthwhile international internships in a wide range of professional fields.

    We work in a range of different fields from veterinary medicine and environmental conservation to journalism, public health, business development and education – matching you with reputable, worthwhile organisations around the world. Unlike many other volunteer organisations, we have personally visited and vetted our project partners, to ensure you a safe and worthwhile international experience.

    We also choose to only work with partners whose projects contribute to their local community in a sustainable manner. We do not support, nor advocate orphanage tourism or irresponsible wildlife conservation projects. Our aim is to help our project partners focus on their core work by offering an easy way to find committed interns and volunteers to support their daily activities.

    Our volunteers

    Global Nomadic is a trusted community meeting space connecting people with NGO projects around the world.

    We also offer helping you to source and organise the best flights, insurance, visas and all the many other things you will need before you reach your project destinations, including country guides, packing lists and much more! We want to make sure that you have the volunteering time of your life.

    Global Nomadic personally visits all volunteer sites to ensure a quality experience for volunteers. You will receive support before, during and after your placement.

    38 reviews · rating4.6

    katalin csernai rating5

    2024 at Nutrition Outreach Assistant

    The programme was well organised . It is a very meaningful programme. Everyone was very friendly and supportive. I can warmly recommend it to anyone this experience ...
    Kylie Jones rating5

    2024 at Working at a Local Food Shop

    This was our first volunteering experience and we absolutely loved it. The feeling of gratitude and humility at being able to assist a little bit is so rewarding. What an amazing team of kind and hardworking staff and volunteers, and the warm smiles and greetings we had from customers I will never ...
    Enya Niedermeier rating4.8

    2024 at Teaching and Sports Education

    The Green Lion staff are some of the nicest people I have ever met. The other volunteers were so nice too and it was very easy to find likeminded people to hang out with. The program itself was amazing and also educational. Doing sport with the children was so fulfilling and everyone was polite and ...
    Dominic Aeschlimann rating4.8

    2024 at Construction & Renovation of Community Facilities

    I have been two weeks in the project to help in diffrent stuff like painting and prepairing bricks. I enjoyed it a lot and the locals were so happy when they saw it. The stuff is lovley and the other voulenteers too. i would do it immediately ...
    Anais hulot rating3.2

    2024 at English Literacy Teaching

    Incroyable expérience dans une école malgache. L'accueil a été très chaleureux, les enseignants sont très heureux de nous accueillir et leur enseigner l'anglais est plus qu'utile car ils vivent sur une île plutôt touristique. J'ai vraiment eu le sentiment de leur apporter quelque chose. J'ai ...
    Beatriz Nicolau rating5

    2023 at Whale & Dolphin Conservation in Italy

    I had the privilege of participating in this program which I can only describe as the best experience of my life. Angelo, the driving force behind this initiative, is an incredible individual dedicated to making the world a better place. My week on board was nothing short of amazing, offering me a ...

    Location

    Asia > South East Asia > Thailand > Chiang Mai

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