Teach English to Buddhist Monks in Sri Lanka

Project Summary

Teaching English to Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka is a great opportunity for volunteers to become intimate with age-old Buddhist rituals and traditions while interacting with young monks. Volunteers will teach in a temple school traditionally known as Pirivena. This school is a project of Global Crossroad's partner organization and assists with the development and educational enrichment of Sri Lankan monks.

 

The daily life of a Buddhist monk is far removed from technologically advanced society. This project allows volunteers to be part of a centuries-old culture and exposes the monks to current teaching methods and technology. It is a win-win situation. Volunteers will spend their time with the monks ranging in age from 8 to 21-years-old and teach them English through immersion and conversational interaction. Volunteers can also take on other subjects of interest that could benefit the students. This project is one of the most cherished opportunities for our volunteers helping in Sri Lanka. Come and find out why.

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  • Program:Volunteer in Sri Lanka
  • Projects:Teach English to Buddhist Monks in Sri Lanka
  • Start Dates:1st and 3rd Mondays of each month
  • LocationGalle, Sri Lanka
  • Departure and End Point: Colombo International Airport
  • Language Need:English Fluency
  • Accommodation and meals: Host Family and Sri Lankan meals three times daily
  • Activities:Teach English to elementary schoolchildren and support other curriculum needs
  • Working Hours:25-35 hours per week

Volunteer Responsibilities

As a volunteer in teach English to Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka project, volunteers primarily teach English to monks ages 8 to 21-years-old. Volunteers may be asked to support the school's extra-curricular activities such as sports, arts, etc. Activities vary based on volunteers’ skills and interests.

Skills/Qualification Needed

No specific qualifications are required to teach English to Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka besides English fluency, but your understanding of Sri Lankan culture and language will enhance your experience. Consider enrolling in our one-week Language & Cultural Immersion program. Experience teaching or training others is considered a plus. Volunteers should familiarize themselves with Buddhism and understand the restraints of the monks’ daily lives.

Volunteer in Sri Lanka: Project Locations and Free Time Options

The locations for our volunteer in Sri Lanka are in and around the small beautiful town of Galle, approximately 120 km from Colombo. Galle is one of the most popular tourist areas of Sri Lanka boasting a nice beautiful coastline and diverse landscapes including beaches, marshlands, dry planes and hills. There are many prominent landmarks in Galle that stands as an ideal example of a fortified city built by the Europeans in South and Southeast Asia. The lasting architectural style is a unique fusion of European buildings with South Asian traditions. The Galle Fort is a world heritage site and remains the largest fortress in Asia built by Europeans.

 

Free time allows volunteers to explore beautiful beaches or visit various Buddhist and Hindu temples as well as mosques, churches, parks, zoos, national parks, museums and art galleries. Many beautiful communities on the north side of Galle provide a chance to explore Sri Lankan village life. Volunteers will have access to internet cafés and other traveler amenities in Galle and many restaurants in Galle serve western-style foods.