Volunteer Teaching Monks in Chiang Mai

Volunteers joining this program teach novice Buddhist monks, ranging in age from 12-18, at five different monastery schools in the beautiful city of Chiang Mai. Objectives of the schools consist of "enhancing the knowledge of monks and novices in both religious and secular subjects" and "providing secondary education for boys who are unable to afford such opportunities elsewhere." All the students at four of the schools are novice monks and many, but not all, of the faculty and administration are Buddhist monks. One of the schools has both novice monk students and non-monk students (however the majority are monks) separated by classroom.

Volunteers assist the Thai faculty with English (and optionally in art) education roughly 20 hours a week (Monday – Friday).

You will have the choice of either leading your own class or assisting a Thai teacher in his or her daily lessons. Your placement is completely dependent upon your level of comfort within the classroom. Depending upon your educational background, you may also want to teach art or help in other subject areas and activities that may be occurring at the school during you service. It is important to the school administration that volunteers aid in English education at the school, but also that volunteers receive a rich experience about Thailand, Thai culture and Buddhism during their service. For this reason, be prepared to learn as much as you teach. Also, know that Thai Buddhist monks aren’t known for being in a hurry. Therefore, the atmosphere at the temple schools is rather relaxed.

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Program Requirements

Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the beginning of the program. Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. Volunteers should be proficient in written and spoken English.

Project Location

The project placement is located in the city of Chiang Mai which is Northern Thailand’s largest city. Chiang Mai is a pleasant city, encircled by mountains and lush rice fields.

During your Free Time

Volunteers can take part in the Thai Cookery classes or Thai Massage course which are available all around Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai also boasts of restaurants of every international cuisine. During the weekends, you can travel to the cities of Pai , Chiang Rai or fly down to the capital city of Bangkok.

What we provide

Airport Receive/ Transfer: Volunteers are picked up from the Chiang Mai International Airport in Chiang Mai by the coordinator or representative. Those volunteers who will be already in Chiang Mai will be met by the staff at a designated meeting point decided beforehand. Please note that volunteers are provided pickup from the airport between 8am and 8pm only.

Orientation: All volunteers are provided with a two day orientation before starting their project work. The Orientation session covers areas like, local Thai culture, greetings, locations, transportation etc. Volunteers are also given a city Tour of Chiang Mai.

Lodging: Volunteers are provided accommodation in a volunteer’s home in Chiang Mai. Accommodation is shared with other volunteers. The volunteer house accommodations are located in safe and secure neighborhoods within the Chiang Mai city. To view the volunteer accommodations video tour , click here

Food: Volunteers are provided with breakfast at the home everyday. You are invited to join the teachers and students for lunch at school every day.

Insurance: Volunteers have the option to purchase Travel and Medical Insurance at a nominal extra cost from Volunteering Solutions. To buy insurance from Volunteering Solutions, please click here

In-country support: 24 hours support provided by our local staff. You will be provided with the contact details of the local coordinator and staff who will be contactable 24 hrs once you are in country.

Pre-departure information: After we receive full and final payment all participants are provided by a pre-departure information booklet by e-mail which will have all vital information about your program. The Pre Departure Information Booklet provides the complete details of the country, project locations, Visas, Immunizations, Things to Pack list, Accommodations, Contact Information etc.

Start Dates

The project starts on 1st and 3rd Monday of the month. Volunteers need to arrive 3 days prior to the start date, on a Friday. Volunteers should book their flights to arrive in Chiang Mai between 8am -8pm.

Please note that positions in this project are not available during the following period due to school breaks

» October

» March-May

Program Costs

Volunteering Solutions strives hard to keep costs low and offers one of the most affordable volunteer abroad programs. Compare our prices and services to other organizations and you would be surprised to see the difference.

USD GBP EUR

2 Weeks	3 Weeks	4 Weeks	5 Weeks	6 Weeks	7 Weeks	8 Weeks	Extra Weeks
$650	$700	$800	$900	$1000	$1100	$1200	$125

Please Note: -An application fee of $200 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.

2 Weeks	3 Weeks	4 Weeks	5 Weeks	6 Weeks	7 Weeks	8 Weeks	Extra Weeks
£455	£490	£560	£630	£700	£770	£840	£88

Please Note: -An application fee of £140 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.

2 Weeks	3 Weeks	4 Weeks	5 Weeks	6 Weeks	7 Weeks	8 Weeks	Extra Weeks
€520	€560	€640	€720	€800	€880	€960	€100

Please Note: -An application fee of €160 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.

What are you Paying For ?

24 hrs Assistance and support from Staff
Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information
Airport Pickup
2 Day Orientation and half day city tour
Cultural Dinner and Show
Food - 2 meals a day
Accommodation
Travel & Medical Insurance (Available at an extra cost)

What's NOT Included ?

Airfare
Visa Fee
Return Airport Drop
Local Transportation
Vaccinations

Does Volunteering Solutions help with Visa?

Receiving a tourist visa for tourism purpose is the volunteer's responsibility. Volunteering Solutions strongly recommends all volunteers to apply and get a tourist visa before departing for Thailand. If needed, Volunteering Solutions do provide with written document which would help volunteers in getting the Visa.

When should I apply for the volunteer programs in Thailand?

We are able to offer placements from every 1^st and 3^rd Monday of each month year round. Because of the increasing volume of applications, participants are requested to apply in advance to secure their spots.

How long does it take to process my application?

Once you have applied, we will send you details of your placement usually within 7-10 working days.

How do I get to the program location?

Your country coordinator will take you to your placement and introduce you to everyone after giving you a basic orientation about the program/city/culture etc.

I want to know more about accommodation arrangements?

We provide you with accommodation from your start date to the end of the program. Accommodation will either be in the volunteer’s home or with a host family. Accommodation is shared along with other volunteers. You need to bring your own toiletries, mosquito net and sleeping bag.

Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the Thailand-based volunteer programs?

The only qualifications are: -

-- Volunteers must be 18 years (for summer program, minimum age requirement is 17 years) or older at the beginning of the program

-- Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment.

-- The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.

-- Be in good health.

What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?

We recommend you speak to your doctor before coming. The following are recommended vaccinations: -

Hepatitis A and B
Typhoid

Are there more expenses once I arrive in Thailand?

Your program fee covers you for food, accommodation, airport pick up, Orientation, Pre departure information and in country staff support. You will need to cover yourself for your personal expenses, such as traveling, telephone, internet, shopping, sightseeing etc. However you should carry around $40 - $50 per week for your basic personal expenses, such as water, local transport, phone etc.

Is there phone and internet available on projects?

Yes there is usually a phone at every placement we provide. However you will have to use Internet café’s to use Internet. It is strongly recommended that you carry a mobile phone while travelling to Thailand. You can get international roaming or can simply buy a local sim-card from the airport when you arrive.

What hours will I volunteer every day?

Volunteers usually work for 5 to 6 hours a day depending on their program. You will have weekend off so you can go to travel on weekends. However some organizations will need you to work on some Saturdays as well.

Where can I change my money in Thailand? Are there ATMâ€™s in Thailand?

You can change money in any bank or at the airport by showing your passport. There are ATM's located all around the Chiang Mai/Bangkok city.

Can couples or families join the volunteer program?

Yes, couples and families are welcome to join our programs. We make special provisions for families joining our volunteering programs; we will be able to provide them with program placements and accommodations together.

What will be the food arrangement?

The host family provides two or three meals per day. Depending on your host family you will be provided with two or three meals a day. Lunch and dinner will be rice, a bowl of soup, fried meat (chicken, beef. pork or fish) and a lot of vegetables. Thailand food is light and healthy and is not very spicy and hot.

Do I need to buy health insurance?

Volunteers have the option to purchase Travel and Medical Insurance at a nominal extra cost from Volunteering Solutions. To buy insurance from Volunteering Solutions, please click here

What sorts of clothes are required for Thailand?

Lightweight clothing and rainwear is recommended as well as warmer clothing for the evenings (light jacket and/or light sweaters). A pair of walking shoes is highly recommended as well.

Do you recommend any cheap airlines flying into Thailand?

We would recommend you to visit, http://www.kayak.com, http://www.orbitz.com to have more details on cheap airlines to Thailand.

When do I need to arrive in Thailand for my program? What will happen once I arrive in Thailand?

All volunteers need to arrive two days before their program start date. Volunteers are picked up from the Chiang Mai/Bangkok International Airport by the local coordinator or representative. Those volunteers who are arriving overland or are already in Thailand will be picked up from the bus station or at a meeting point decided beforehand.

Carmella Caltagirone (USA)

The highlight of our trip was when our kids were able to repeat back to us phrases we had taught them three days beforehand that we never even expected them to remember. It was so touching...... read more

Elly Zacharakis (Australia)

The experience was both challenging and very rewarding. The teachers and students at the school were warm and welcoming...... read more

Stephanie Glover (United Kingdom)

Stephanie Glover-Volunteer Teaching Monks

I had the time of my life at my placement. I couldn't have asked for anything better. The highlight of my volunteering trip was seeing the children respond to me and become less shy, me feeling comfortable to stay at the school...... read more

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