 Teaching Buddhist Monks
Trip code: LKA2
Sri Lanka is a Buddhist country, where thousands become monks each year and lead a secluded life following the teachings of Buddha. They mostly learn only the Buddhist scriptures either in their native language or in Pali, the language most Therava Buddhist text are written in. However, today the interaction between the monks and the society, in particular the people from the West, are increasing everyday. More and more people are showing greater interest in learning about Buddhism and are coming to Sri Lanka to learn. But the monasteries, or known locally as Pirivena, are resource poor and can’t afford to educate their monks in English. Rustic Volunteer and Travel is now collaborating with some of these Pirivena and is offering volunteers a wonderful opportunity to teach monks at the monastery. In return, you’ll experience Buddhist rituals and meditations carried out inside the monastery.
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| Project/Volunteer's Life: |
Volunteers will mostly teach English to monks. They usually range from 8-21 years of age. The monks are usually very eager to learn from foreign volunteers and are very well behaved. Teaching in the monastery will provide you with an opportunity to learn about the life of the monks and experience Buddhist prayers and rituals. |
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| Skills and Qualification |
Whilst there are no specific qualifications and skills required to join the project, you’ll have to be fluent English speaker (not necessarily a native English speaker). You should also respect the monks at all times and the respect the culture and prevailing values inside the monastery. If you’re open minded and flexible during the project, you’ll enjoy your stay and achieve more. |
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| Meals/Accommodations: |
Rustic Volunteer and Travel manages room/food for volunteers. Volunteers live with the host family and you will be provided with a separate, clean and modest room as well as local meals three times a day. Staying with a host family will provide you with a wonderful opportunity for you to learn about the culture and lifestyle of Sri Lankan people. Volunteer will also have an access to our office in Sri Lanka and mobile phone number of our coordinators. Our staffs also visit volunteers in each 2-4 week interval as a part of the program. Details covering living accommodations provided prior to arrival. |
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| Project Locations: |
 Teaching projects are available in Galle (2004 Boxing Day Tsunami & largest remaining fortress in Asia), with shops, banks & internet cafes nearby. Sri Lanka is a strategic naval link between West Asia and South East Asia, and has been a center of Buddhist religion and culture from ancient times. Famous for the production and export of tea, coffee, rubber and coconuts, Sri Lanka boasts natural beauty, tropical forests, beaches and landscapes, as well as its rich cultural heritage, making it a world famous tourist destination. Volunteers can organize different possible excursions during and after the project to visit places of interest. There is a tourist infrastructure already in place the volunteer can use during weekends. For example: Buddhist festivals, parks, wildlife sanctuaries, bazaars, markets, restaurants, temples, museums, palaces, hotels, and many more.
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| TRIP Upgrade: |
| Rustic Volunteer and Travels offers a variety of volunteer projects and travel packages in Sri Lanka. You can customize or upgrade this travel itinerary to meet your specific interests. Please contact our travel advisor for more details. |
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