Volunteer to Teach English to Buddhist Monks in Laos

Vacancy: Volunteer to Teach English to Buddhist Monks in Laos
Company: Global Vision International
Category: Gap year projects (Community development, Teaching English, Teaching)

Dates: 2007 Start dates: 27 June, 25 July, 29 August, 31 October, 28 November, 26 December

Cost: From £ 790 depending on duration.

Description:

Luang Prabang is the former royal capital of Laos, it is about 900 km northeast of Bangkok, Thailand, and is home to Wat Siphoutthabat, the largest school for monks and novices in the city. The national government relies heavily on foreign aid to support itself, and therefore very little funding flows to rural education. As a result, many rural boys move to urban areas to ordain as Buddhist monks and further their education and opportunities for the future by attending schools such as this. Over 700 novices live in the other temples and come here each day to study.

Sadly there are only 2 teachers to teach English; the school’s most popular subject. Volunteers are needed to assist in the English department delivering quality education to the students and helping to further their education in an attempt to someday break the cycle of poverty which dominates this beautiful land.

As a volunteer you will receive cultural orientation to help acclimatize to the unique conditions in Laos. Topics covered will be regional history, Buddhism, Lao society and culture, basic Lao language, and a tour of the city over the course of several days. Your placement will also include a trip to the stunning Khuang Sii Waterfall, a boat trip up the Mekong to the Pak Ou Buddha Caves and a weekend in the sleepy town of Muang Ngoi where you will have the opportunity to go trekking, boating, walking, caving or even try your hand at traditional fishing. Alternatively you might want to take this time to just relax and appreciate the view.

Please note that volunteers should possess a Bachelors degree in any subject, be equipped with a native fluency in English and a basic knowledge of computers.

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