PLEASE NOTE: The Buddhist Immersion Program will be moving to a new monastery and is currently in its final stages of restructuring and development.  More information about the new program will be available in March and we anticipate that programs will begin running in June of 2012.  Please check back for further details on the status of this program. 

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 novices and resident monks, the local community, 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. Families are also invited to participate together in this unique cross-cultural experience, providing children the opportunity to learn from as well as teach young novice monks and local Thai children.

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 worship and education. Therefore, opportunities exist for volunteers to teach basic and conversational English to monks as well as novices and the local community 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 addition, volunteers teach English to monks including those preparing to become international meditation teachers.

Learn Meditation Techniques

During the day, volunteers will have opportunity to participate in meditation sessions by a bilingual monk before the evening meditation. The main meditation teacher and program coordinator is a retired United States university 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 temple serves 2 meals and the third is carry-out. Volunteers have found the two-meal adjustment surprisingly easy. Items like yogurt that are not chewed are permitted all day. Accommodations will be either at a comfortable residence across the street from the wat or in men’s or women’s dorms on the wat property. Participants staying on the wat grounds will share a living space with one other volunteer in a dormitory building with fans. The four-week and longer programs also include a weekend stay in a village or town to experience the life of lay Buddhists in their community. Participants spend two nights 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. "

"Extremely valuable! In meditation I felt completely weightless, at peace and stillness. I reached a level of peace and stillness that I never had before. I’m not sure exactly what happened, but it was the most beautiful experience of my life. This is a wonderful program. Everyone was very kind and patient. The food was great! Just keep doing what you are doing!"

“This trip was a truly joyous experience. I was able to immerse myself in a lifestyle that’s both vastly different than my own, but very intriguing. I was able to learn about myself and others in a profoundly meaningful way and to the benefit of the local community.”
    -Eric M., GSC Thailand Buddhist Immersion Volunteer

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