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Share culture and learn about Buddhism & Confucianism in the heart of Taipei, Taiwan

Availability

  2025 

 Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    We are an academy. While we are not a monastic temple, we do have residential monastics and a daily practice schedule or special events that you are welcome to join or may be asked to help with preparing and set up. We focus on Buddhist and Confucian teachings and run classes and ceremonies throughout the semester, as well as provide a deep understanding of traditional Chinese culture.

    While the main programming is in Mandarin there are four English classes (on Wednesday and Sunday) and two Mandarin classes with live English translation (on Monday and Saturday).

    We are a vibrant community that embraces kindness and Buddhist/Confucian ethics. Our members span various generations, offering a wonderful opportunity to connect with diverse individuals.

    Additionally, we also operate an Organic Farm in Dongshi (2hrs south of Taipei) that offers a longer term & quiet volunteer experience.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Charity Work
    Art Projects
    Language practice
    Help with Eco Projects
    Teaching
    Farmstay help
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
    Help with Computers/ Internet
  • Interests

    Interests

    Music
    Performing arts
    Photography
    Sustainability
    LGBTQ
    Culture
    Vegetarian or vegan
    Self development
    Farming
    Charity work
    Cooking & food
    Languages
    History
    Art & design
    Books
    Hiking
    Nature
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    In addition to language and cultural exchange, it is an open-minded space that encourages interaction and collaboration with anyone interested in Buddhism and Confucianism. Apart from routine classes, we also have weekly chanting and meditation sessions and other cultural activities here or at outside locations from time to time. Our community is tightly bonded, and we hope you can experience our unity, achieve personal growth and spiritual insights here!

  • Projects involving children

    Projects involving children

    This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

  • Help

    Help

    You can get the most out of your experience if you are particularly interested in:

    - Engaging in daily conversations about Buddhism, Confucianism, or culture
    - Performing light editing of Mandarin to English translations and texts
    - Creating or managing social media content for English-speaking audiences
    - Undertaking general maintenance and cleaning of the academy building
    - Video editing, or utilizing any of your other skills!

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    English: Fluent
    Chinese (Mandarin): Fluent

    This host offers a language exchange
    This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
    You can contact them directly for more information.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    A private or a shared room (when occupancy is high) will be provided, along with a shared bathroom. We prepare Buddhist (no garlic, onion, scallion, chives, leeks) vegetarian/vegan meals and great if you can help in this!

    Please note that alcohol and smoking are strictly prohibited.

    We cannot accept couples.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    We encourage you to engage in our community activities but also flexible time off for you to explore Taipei's history and culture. Our location is only five minutes from Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Station, making transportation around Taipei/Taiwan generally very convenient.

    As we are an active school promoting Buddhism and Confucian values, we kindly ask guests to refrain from drinking or bringing alcohol onto the property. Overnight guests and bringing meat or fish are not permitted. We also urge that you interact respectfully and modestly with our students, volunteers, esteemed guests, and teachers. Basic clothing etiquette may be required for some activities. (such as long sleeves/pants, socks, subdued and avoiding very casual, revealing, or sports wear styles)

    While we can provide a rich cultural experience we are primarily looking to host people with a strong interest in Buddhism or Confucianism and experiential learning through participation in our events, classes, and dialogues.

    When applying, it is helpful if you send:
    - proposed itinerary (2 weeks maximum stay for 1st time volunteers)
    - possible dates you'd like to arrive/depart
    - some brief information about why or what you'd like to learn about Buddhism/Confucianism and your experience with it
    - brief expectations and learning or skills outcomes you may have

    If the dates work for both of us we'd like to have a short video call with you and 1 or more staff members here to answer any questions!

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    We can host digital workers at our Organic Farm in Dongshi. This opportunity is for those looking for a longer term stay (1+ month commitment) and are willing and capable to work on a small semi-rural organic farm. This is ideal for someone interested in: farming, Mandarin language, and having a quiet and regular environment with minimal distractions. Once a week there is a nearby Buddhist ceremony and Sundays opportunity to join Mandarin language classes on Confucianism. Each week members from Taipei will come down for weekend classes.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

Host ref number: 784854738737

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