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 15-20 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.

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 Thailand’s second largest city. Located in Northern Thailand, 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.  

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.

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 home is located in a very safe and secure neighborhood of the city of Chiang Mai.

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: All participants are covered for full comprehensive Travel and Medical insurance for their time of stay in our project. To view a copy of the Insurance Coverage provided, 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.

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 offer you the lowest prices with professional services to volunteer abroad. Compare our prices and services to other organizations and you would be surprised to see the difference.

 What are you Paying For ?
» 24 hrs Assistance and support from VS Staff
» Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information
» Airport Pickup
» Orientation
» Food
» Accommodation
» Travel & Medical Insurance
 
 What's NOT Included ?
» Airfare
» Visa and Visa extension fee
» Airport drop, airport taxes
»Local Transportation
» Any personal expenses