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Host rating
75 %
Last replied
17 Apr 2024
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 6 days
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Description
I am Rev. Mediyawe Piyarathana, Senior Lecturer in English at Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura. I need the support of English Workawayers for teaching English to monks.
Programme to Teach English to 154 Monks from January to April 2024
Dear Workawayers, I need the support of English speakers (mostly native) to teach English to 154 new undergraduate monks at the Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura, in the orientation programme. The programme will start on the 10th of January 2024 and continue until the 10th of April 2024. It is alright to join the programme in the middle, as we teach them simple things at the beginning.
Teaching English at Ashokaramaya, Matara
I want the help of male volunteers to teach English to the Vice Chancellor of our university and the monks of his temple, amounting to 30–50. Even in our university, there are about 360 monks learning English. The Vice Chancellor maintains Pirivena, a residential educational institution for monks. We would like someone to teach English to monks while improving the chancellor's English knowledge. We will facilitate for the volunteers all the necessary things. I will coordinate all the activities. I will accompany volunteers for sightseeing and provide everything they need. I have to inform you that I am currently doing my PhD TESOL research degree at the University of Stirling, Scotland, UK.
If a workawayer is to do the teaching, as many did, I will negotiate with the Vice Chancellor and facilitate the work. If a female workawayer wants to teach English to Buddhist nuns, I can arrange a nunnery, as several female workawayers had a wonderful time, as in the reviews. I hope to help and facilitate workawayers with pleasure.
General Guidelines to Workawayers with the feedback of the First Workawayer
You will be living in a temple. It’s important to:
1. Dress appropriately. Long pants are essential. You should have at least two white shirts to wear to alms, the dining room, and chanting, as well as for other special occasions.
2. There are two types of monks at the temple: little monks and elder monks. Always be respectful to Venerable Monks and Buddhist practices.
3. The monks will give you ample guidance and instructions. For example, you may go in the temple. Don’t go to areas of the temple unless you have first been invited or asked the elder monks if it is ok.
4. If you want to leave the temple for some time in the day (for example to go to the beach), tell one of the elder monks. Otherwise, they will be concerned about where you are.
5. Take this amazing opportunity to learn as much as you can about Buddhist philosophy; the elder monks will be happy to share Dhamma teachings with you, as well as books to read. The monks are so generous, and discussing Dhamma with you is helpful for them to explain Buddhism.
6. Participate in temple life. You will really love serving alms in the dining hall to the monks at breakfast and lunch and worshipping, such as attending chanting at night.
7. Take all opportunities to talk with little monks. The best is one-on-one conversations with each and every little monk! Some will be harder to reach, and some will be very keen to talk. But, with patience and kindness, keep trying and all will be very happy to talk with you
8. Be aware of little monks’ daily schedules. They work very long days, starting at 4 a.m., and have many commitments. Try not to interfere with their other commitments. For example, visiting them at their pirivena (school for monks). It was better to visit at their break time (2.45) rather than during class when they need to study.
9. A good time to talk with little monks is 9.30–11.30 a.m. each morning. There will also be many other chances during the day or evening for informal discussions with little monks, either individually or in groups.
10. Little monks really want to practice speaking English but haven’t had a lot of opportunities to do so. It’s good to ask them about things they know about! Family, village, Buddhism, Sri Lankan culture, sports, hobbies, foods, fruit, and vegetables. Speak slowly and clearly. You will find it useful to speak first with the older little monks, and they can also help explain things to the younger little monks when you get stuck.
11. It is good to learn some Sinhala words, for example, greetings. Everyone will hugely appreciate the effort, and it will help explain your English questions—for example, how many brothers and sisters they have, etc.
12. You will meet some wonderful lay people (devotees) who come to the temple. When talking with devotees, please seek clarification on anything you’re not sure about from the elder monks.
13. Don’t give your mobile phone or other communication devices to the little monks.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Teaching
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
They can learn Buddhist practices, the way monks learn, learn Buddhist doctrine if they like, engage in sightseeing in various parts of Sri Lanka, enjoy Sri Lankan food and be happy with monks sharing life.
Help
I would like some help from a volunteer to teach English to the Vice Chancellor and the monks in his temple at Ashokaramaya, Isadeen Town, Matara.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Sinhalese: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
My language interest is in English. I am working as a Senior Lecturer in English, and I want to get exposure to various English Accent.
Accommodation
A room with attached bathroom with or without AC.
What else ...
They can engage in sunbathing, surfing since the place is near the sea in Matara in the Southern part of Sri Lanka. They are free to travel by informing the monks about leaving according to the instructions for safety.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
I would like to communicate with people in English for exchanging ideas about diverse cultures and improve my English with different accent technological means.
Space for parking camper vans
I can facilitate with parking etc.
Can possibly accept pets
No.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Maximum 2 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (8)
There is no doubt that teaching monks and living in the monastery is a truly unique experience. For me it was a chance of a lifetime and I enjoyed every minute… read more
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
There is no doubt that teaching monks and living in the monastery is a truly unique experience. For me it was a chance of a lifetime and I enjoyed every minute… read more
My main responsibility was to teach small nuns English. Can be a little bit challenging as they have different English level but they are very happy to learn especially by English games.
I had my own room with bathroom and the food was fully… read more
What you will expect:
- A nice room to yourself, unless another layperson comes to stay.
- Great food, a perfect way to experience all the dishes here in Sri Lanka
Breakfast and lunch are provided, and they will especially make you dinner if you wish.… read more
Being away 2 months from the monastery, I had the edge to write this review and express my takeaways… read more
