The GSC Buddhist Immersion EFL Program in Thailand allows participants the opportunity to experience life in a Buddhist monastery (wat) and the rich cultural traditions embedded in Thai society. At the same time, participants contribute through teaching English to novice and older resident monks, as well as visiting monks preparing to become international meditation teachers. Thailand volunteers participate in the daily routine of the temple while joining in meditations, chants, or ritual celebrations. Meditation training is also offered daily by some of the best meditation teachers in Thailand.
Teach English Abroad in Thailand
Participants in the Buddhist Immersion EFL Program have the unique opportunity to fully involve themselves with temple life while serving the local community by teaching English. Buddhist temples in Thailand have traditionally served as places of wor
ship and education. Therefore, opportunities exist for volunteers to teach basic and conversational English to mature monks as well as young novice monks in a temple school. The novices often come from low-income families and go to the temple schools to study standard subjects like Thai, math, sciences and English. Thailand volunteers provide a valuable service to students in need. Learning English is essential for the success of these young monks who often receive all their educational services through the temples. In addtion, volunteers may also teach English to older monks including those preparing to become international meditation teachers.
Learn Meditation Techniques
During the day, volunteers will have opportunity to participate in 2 to 3 meditation sessions by a bilingual monk before the evening meditation. The main meditation teacher and program coordinator is a retired Cornell professor who is a senior ordained monk at the wat.
Experience Living Thai Buddhism
Volunteers can realize the daily experience of
living Thai Buddhism in a monastery following precepts, chanting, meditating,
studying, giving alms, performing rituals, and living the simple life close to
nature. Participants chose to follow the meditator’s 8 precepts (2 meals/ day)
or lay person’s 5 precepts (3 meals/day). [Thai Buddhists take 8 precepts
temporarily while staying in a wat to focus on bettering themselves.] The
program also includes a weekend visit to a village or town to experience the
life of lay Buddhists in their community. Participants spend two nights at a
local monastery and participate in all wat activities along with their warm and
welcoming community hosts.
Comments from past participants:
I didn't know much about Buddhism and wasn't sure what to expect. I
tried to keep an open mind and couldn't have followed a better approach. I was
able to purify myself mentally and spiritually. The environment of the wat
emanates peace and contentment. The monks were some of the most peaceful,
respectful people I have ever met and led by example rather than proselytizing.
Our monk meditation teacher guided us with patience and a sense of humor. All
in all, it's hard to think of a time better spent. I have become a more
confident, clear-thinking person.
