Are you interested in Buddhism? Ever wonder what living at a temple would be like? This one of kind gap year experience allows volunteers insight into daily life at Buddhist schools and temples while contributing your service as a volunteer English teacher!

Buddhism: As a volunteer teaching in a Wat you have several unique opportunities. You can observe the daily life of the monks and experience how they live, what they think and what they feel. As well as learn English from volunteers, the monks are eager to teach in return about Buddhism so the potential to gain knowledge and insight is endless! The project staff are happy to coordinate and assist with further Buddhist or meditation learning.

Your volunteer role: Volunteers are placed at Buddhist temples around Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand. This is an incredible opportunity to learn about Buddhism, Thai culture, and temple life. You will be teaching the novice monks a variety of subjects that can depend upon your own interests.

Upon arrival at the Chiang Mai airport a member of our local team will be there to greet you and pick you up. They will give you an overview of Thai culture, Thai language, Buddhism, and give you a tour of the Buddhist temple you will be teaching in. We will also be with you at the school introducing you to the students, teachers, and principal. Volunteers will likely be teaching conversational English at the temple schools. The teaching will include helping the local Thai teacher as well as leading classes on your own. This project has a custom curriculum, which we will provide along with teaching materials and classroom resources. 

Outside of the classroom we encourage all volunteers to take advantage of working with monks by meeting and speaking with them, and taking part in all of the school/temple activities. The monks are eager to share their knowledge about Buddhism, but it is up to you to engage and talk with them. Please also tell our local team if you are interested in Buddhism and we can arrange temple tours and meetings with other English-speaking monks!

During your time in country you will staying in our local volunteer house. 

Your volunteer experience: This is your time to grow, broaden your perspectives, and learn about a new culture and religion while volunteering at a Buddhist temple in Northern Thailand. It is also a fantastic way to help these novice monks learn English and valuable skills through cultural exchange. Teaching experience is not required but a flexible and positive attitude are a must. Volunteers must be respectful of culture and religion at all times, and is something we take very seriously. Come and immerse yourself in Buddhist and Thai culture while giving back to the school and community!