Monastery Teaching to Buddhist Monks

location
4 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Brilliant 4.7  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Highlights

  • Learn about Buddhist culture in a monastery
  • Teach English and other subjects like math and science
  • Immerse yourself in the lifestyle for an authentic and cultural experience

Highlights

  • Learn about Buddhist culture in a monastery
  • Teach English and other subjects like math and science
  • Immerse yourself in the lifestyle for an authentic and cultural experience
  • Help improve their speaking abilites and increase their confidence.
  • Stay in a stunning setting!


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    50+

    About the program

    Learn about Buddhist culture in a monastery while teaching English to novice monks. Teach English and help improve the language skills of the monks.

    Volunteer in the enchanting city of Darjeeling, nestled in the Himalayas, where Buddhist monasteries thrive. Darjeeling is renowned for its mist-covered mountains, sprawling tea plantations, and captivating monastic sites. During the program, you will stay within the monastery, and will have the ...

    About the program

    Volunteer in the enchanting city of Darjeeling, nestled in the Himalayas, where Buddhist monasteries thrive. Darjeeling is renowned for its mist-covered mountains, sprawling tea plantations, and captivating monastic sites. During the program, you will stay within the monastery, and will have the opportunity to impart English language skills to the monks within a classroom setting.

    PLEASE NOTE: Culture Week is highly recommended for all participants joining the Teaching at Buddhist Monasteries program. This helps to minimize culture shock and adapt to life at the monastery.

    By spending time at the monastery, you will learn more the teachings of Buddhism, embracing various aspects of the Buddhist monk's way of life. Your lessons will be focused towards novice monks covering different age groups.

    The project encompasses multiple monasteries, accommodating monks aged between 8 and 25 years old. These monasteries offer classes ranging from Nursery to Grade 5, with approximately 10 to 15 students in each class. While your primary subject will be English, you will also have the freedom to teach other subjects, such as Mathematics, Science, or any subject of your preference. 

    Aims

    • To help teach monks English
    • Immerse yourself into the lifestyle in a monastery and learn about Buddhism
    • Teach other subjects such as math and science
    Location
    Darjeeling is a hill station in the state of West Bengal in India. Set amongst steep and snowy mountains, the city of Darjeeling has been popular with locals as well as international travellers as a great holiday destination. Darjeeling also has much more to offer. The climate is cold here throughout the year. Tea plantations and picturesque monasteries add a unique value to the atmosphere in Darjeeling.

    Typical day

    Schedule 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.

    This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and ...

    Typical day

    Schedule 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.

    This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

    *Schedule possible to change due to the project and community needs at the time. Volunteer flexibility and adaptability is important to a positive volunteering experience. 




    Free-time activities

    Here are some things you can do when visiting Darjeeling, India:

    Tiger Hill: Visit early in the morning to catch the breathtaking sunrise over the Himalayas. On clear days, you can see the majestic peaks of Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga.

    Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train): Take a ride on this ...

    Free-time activities

    Here are some things you can do when visiting Darjeeling, India:

    Tiger Hill: Visit early in the morning to catch the breathtaking sunrise over the Himalayas. On clear days, you can see the majestic peaks of Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga.

    Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train): Take a ride on this UNESCO World Heritage-listed narrow-gauge railway, offering scenic views of the tea gardens, valleys, and mountains.

    Tea Garden Tours: Explore the lush tea plantations for which Darjeeling is famous. Many estates offer guided tours where you can learn about the tea-making process and sample different varieties.

    Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park: Home to endangered species like the snow leopard, red panda, and Himalayan wolf, this zoo is dedicated to the preservation of Himalayan fauna.

    Japanese Peace Pagoda: Marvel at this serene Buddhist stupa built by Japanese monks, offering panoramic views of Darjeeling town and the surrounding mountains.

    Hiking and Trekking: Darjeeling offers numerous trails for hiking and trekking enthusiasts, ranging from easy walks to challenging treks, such as the Sandakphu trek.

    Batasia Loop and War Memorial: Visit this engineering marvel of a railway loop and pay homage to the Gorkha soldiers who sacrificed their lives in various wars.

    Observatory Hill and Mahakal Temple: Enjoy panoramic views of Darjeeling and visit the Mahakal Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is highly revered by locals and tourists alike.

    Himalayan Mountaineering Institute: Learn about the history of mountaineering in the region and pay tribute to Tenzing Norgay, the first man to summit Mount Everest along with Sir Edmund Hillary.

    Chowrasta Mall: Stroll along this bustling promenade, lined with shops selling souvenirs, handicrafts, and local delicacies. Enjoy a cup of Darjeeling tea at one of the many cafes while soaking in the lively atmosphere.


    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)

    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

    Program fees include:
    • Accommodation
    • 3 meals p/day 
    • 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 Bagdogra 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 Siliguri Bagdogra Airport, Bagdogra (IXB). You must arrive between the hours 08:00 to 14:00 on Sunday.

    If arriving outside the pickup times, we charge an additional fee for any extra night’s accommodation before your program, and an extra 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 Bagdogra airport to the accommodation it’s around 4+ hours by road.    

    Accommodation

    Participants will stay at the monastery itself and get to experience monastic life as a part of the monastic family.  Sharded or private rooms are available. We have several monasteries we work with and many of them are located to nearby shops and towns, etc. 

    *Accommodation may be in our local centre or in close proximity, depending on availability and time of year.

    Food & Beverages

    You will be provided with 3 meals per day. Food will be a mix of Western and Indian food, consisting mainly of vegetarian dishes including rice and vegetables. 


    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Internet Access

    Sorry, no access at the project site

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport (IXB) in Bagdogra. We assist you to find cheap flights to India. 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 India provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in India you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for India. 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) 1,430€
    8 weeks 2,483€
    12 weeks (max. stay) 3,580€
    Average fees 327€/week

    Program fees

    327€ per week 4 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    4 - 12 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

    Brilliant 4.7 rating (204 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 1989

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Excellent 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!

    204 reviews · rating4.7

    What a fantastic trip. Getting the opportunity to live in a village for a week was so incredibly special, and all of our hosts quickly became like family. The work itself was challenging at times but very rewarding, and I felt like we were making a difference within the communities that we worked ...
    The team of us who were placed in Moala were instantly taken in by the family we were living and were made to feel part of the family. I am grateful for this experience, for the people I met and for the wonderful people who cared for us throughout the 2 weeks. This trip has inspired me to pursue ...
    What an incredible experience to be able to live in amongst the island community, fully immersed in village life. I really really enjoyed my stay and it was so amazing to explore the island in my free time. In the classroom, it was mostly helping kids one on one with the work assigned by the ...
    I am so blessed to have been lead by amazing dietician and naturopathic professionals who have inspired what I hope to be in this field one day. Words and pictures could never capture how life changing this experience was, and what beautiful souls these people hold. Pictures also don’t capture how ...
    There were so many highlights to this trip! However the one that stood out the most was living in Moala village for one week. The team of us who were placed in Moala were instantly taken in by the family we were living and were made to feel part of the family. The people we visited in Moala, Yako ...
    hannah rupp rating5

    2024 at Primary Teaching Support

    I had such a great time in Zanzibar. The accommodation is really good, it’s clean, you have a very sweet balcony and the bedrooms are good. Also the roommates and coordinators are were really nice 🥰 I really enjoyed my time at the school and I loved to work with the kids 🥰 I made so many ...

    Location

    Asia > Southern Asia > India > Darjeeling

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    Contact Lauren
      Excellent response rate
    English

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