Teaching Buddhist Monks – Chiang Mai, Thailand

COME TO THAILAND AND HELP ITS DEVELOPMENT
EDUCATION IS THE FUTURE

Providing education to monks is one of the most sought-after activities by volunteers from around the world. Many children from disadvantaged villages come to these institutions to receive formal and spiritual education.

These institutions tend to focus on the spiritual side, which creates a pressing need for quality formal education, and the contribution of international volunteers is greatly appreciated. The students also usually live at the center, which lets volunteers extend their workday if they wish.

Activities

The students’ age group is 8 to 25, with different grade and education levels. Day-to-day activities may include:

• Teaching English, math, and social skills.
• Brightening up the classroom with paint.
• Games and sports activities.
• Creating materials and teaching aids for teaching and learning.

The activities are designed so that no previous teaching experience is required to take part in the project. Teaching materials, daily lesson and activity planning, and ongoing support are provided to help you make the greatest possible impact.
Volunteers who take part in teaching activities make a direct, long-term contribution to students’ development, increasing their confidence, academic performance, and future prospects.

A volunteer’s day to day

The volunteers you’ll live with come from all over the world and are very different people. But sharing such a profound experience gives the volunteer house a warm atmosphere of companionship and friendship that you feel the moment you land. It’s something close, something special.

So, among friends, your day starts with breakfast in the dining room before heading to your project, where you’ll be welcomed with open arms, since volunteers are highly valued and respected en la Thailand. You will usually work de 8 a  13:00, que no es sino un tiempo enormemente gratificante donde tu ayuda te reportará más a ti que a ellos.

Por las tardes, ya de vuelta en la casa de voluntarios, reuniones de planificación y  tendrás tiempo libre para visitar la ciudad o realizar las actividades de inmersión cultural del programa. And on weekends… free to rest, or to travel!

Accommodation and meals

 The Chiang Mai volunteer accommodations are ideally located in Suthep, a very quiet area next to the university and a short distance from the projects, shops, restaurants, transportation, etc.

It has rooms for 1 to 2 people with AC, private bathrooms, a terrace, lounges, a shared dining room, TV, Wi-Fi, a kitchen, and much more… And always under the supervision and care of the coordinator. Everything so you feel at home.

As for the food, typical Thai dishes are prepared that you’ll love. Rice, legumes, omelets, vegetables, chicken… 3 meals a day are included.

The “Colors of Thailand” Packages

2-week programs

LAMPANG – CHIANG MAI

Saturday: We travel north to Lampang, enjoying the mountain scenery along the way. We then visit the Elephant Conservation Centre and its hospital to learn about elephant care and protection.
Sunday: We visit the sacred Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple high in the mountains, followed by a traditional Hmong village.
Includes transfers, guide, hotel, entry tickets, breakfast, and dinner.

CHIANG MAI – CHIANG RAI

Saturday: We visit the Mae Khachan hot springs and the striking White Temple, Wat Rong Khun. In the afternoon, we continue to the ancient city of Chiang Saen and the Golden Triangle at the border of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos.
Sunday: We relax and visit a traditional tea farm.
Includes transfers, guide, hotel, entry tickets, breakfast, and dinner.

Additional for 3-week programs

ERAWAN AND KANCHANABURI

Friday and Saturday: Overnight bus to Kanchanaburi. We visit Erawan National Park and its seven-tier waterfall, explore the tropical landscape, and ride the historic railway across the River Kwai bridge, with visits to Hellfire Pass and the Second World War Memorial Museum. After breakfast, optional activities include bamboo rafting on the River Kwai.
Sunday: Return to Chiang Mai, free time, and transfer to the international airport.
Includes three excursion nights, one hotel night in Kanchanaburi, transfers, sightseeing, an English-speaking guide, entry tickets, and breakfasts.

Additional for 4-week or longer programs

KRABI AND PHI PHI ISLAND

Thursday: Flight to Krabi, gateway to southern Thailand and the Phi Phi Islands. Krabi has more than 150 islands and dramatic rock formations surrounded by white-sand beaches and turquoise water. Its national parks also feature hot springs and remarkable geological sites. Overnight at the hotel.
Friday: Visit Railay Beach and take a seven-island tour, including Chicken, Tub, Si, Taming, Mae Urai, and Poda islands. Overnight in Krabi.
Saturday: Travel by speedboat to the Phi Phi Islands. Enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, rock climbing, and jungle walks, and visit Maya Bay, Loh Samah Bay, Monkey Beach, and Pileh Lagoon. Return to Krabi by boat and stay overnight.
Sunday: After breakfast, transfer to Krabi International Airport for your flight home.
Includes the flight to Krabi, three hotel nights, transfers and sightseeing, an English-speaking guide, entry tickets, breakfasts, and one meal.

• Work in Buddhist monastery schools. A school tutor and the coordinator will help you plan.
• The program starts and ends in the city of Chiang Mai.
• Project duration: from 2 weeks to 1 year.
• Arrival date: Monday, per the calendar on the last page of the program. Arrival airport: Chiang Mai International.
• Working days: Monday to Friday. Typical working hours: 08:00 – 13:00. Total volunteer hours: 25-30 hours per week. Packed lunch or lunch at the school.
• Weekends: we suggest our “Colors of Thailand” packages, or simply time for yourself, to explore the city and the culture…

The program includes.

Our organized programs include everything (or almost everything), plus 24/7 supervision and support at the destination, so all you have to worry about is having a good time and living your experience.

• Personalized pickup at Chiang Mai International Airport and transfer to your accommodation.
• Orientation and training about Thailand, local customs, and the project you’ll be working on.
• Accommodation in the Volunteer House, per the program.
• Three meals a day / seven days a week (on excursions, per the program)
• Cultural immersion activities you’ll love.
• Daily transportation from the accommodation to the project (round trip)
• 24/7 support, every day
• Administrative costs
• Transfer to Chiang Mai airport at the end of your volunteer program
• Certified €200 contribution to the CiENViDAS project
• International Volunteering Certificate from the CiENViDAS Foundation

The program does not include.

• Flight.
•  Thailand visa (easily processed online). Not required for stays under 30 days for many nationalities — check yours.
•  Travel and medical insurance. (*)
  * TRAVEL INSURANCE: you must take out travel and medical insurance for your peace of mind. Or, if you prefer, we can
  offer our special insurance for volunteers, with cancellation coverage, for approximately €80 (2 weeks).

You can deduct 100% of the program cost on your next tax return (in Spain).

•  Contact us for stays longer than 3 months, a combination of projects, or UNIVERSITY INTERNSHIPS.
•  Special group discounts.
•  Ask us about the possibility of doing excursions 3 and 4 in 2-week programs.
•  Excursion 4 (Krabi and the Phi Phi Islands) takes place in the last week of your volunteer program and ends at Krabi airport, from where you’ll take your flight back home.
•  Programs start and end on MONDAYS, so your flight to Chiang Mai should arrive between 10:00 AM Monday and 6:00 AM Tuesday, and depart Chiang Mai between 8:00 PM Sunday and 10:00 AM Monday. Airport transfers at different times may incur an extra cost of €20.
•  Start Date Table:

Don’t wait — spots are limited.

• Prior training: No prior experience required — just enthusiasm and commitment!
• Program open to men and women.
• Minimum age: Be 18 years old at the start of the program. If you are a minor, you’ll need to present consent signed by your parents or guardians.
• Language skills: A basic level of English is required to make communication easier during the program.
• Required documents:
  • Résumé (CV).
  • Completed pre-registration form.
  • Criminal background check up to date.
• Attitude: An adventurous, caring spirit and a real desire to learn, help, and make the most of this unique experience.

This program is designed for people who want to transform lives while immersing themselves in an enriching culture.