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9 Apr 2026

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Description
Our Buddhist academy focuses on education and run classes and events throughout the semesters, as well as provide a deep understanding of traditional Chinese culture.
While the main programming is in Mandarin there are classes translated from Mandarin or in English throughout the week. Though we are not a temple or monastery- there is a resident monastic, daily Buddhist practices, and life focus and we cultivate a respectful environment.
We are a vibrant 20 year community that embraces kindness and hospitality. Our members span various generations, offering a wonderful opportunity to connect with diverse individuals.
For those generally interest, at our academy in Taipei, we offer a 2-week exchange.
Folks looking for a deeper Buddhism study may apply for a 1-month exchange.
We also operate an organic farm in Dongshi (2hrs south of Taipei) that offers a longer term & quiet experience. 2 weeks ~ 2 month stay.
We typically don't accept volunteers for February/July as we do semester preparation. We hold 3 week intensive bilingual retreats in January (farming and meditation) and August (classical text study and meditation). All of our classes and programs are offered freely and beginners or curious folks are welcome.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Teaching
Gardening
Farmstay help
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet

Interests
MusicPerforming artsPhotographySustainabilityLGBTQCultureVegetarian or veganSelf developmentFarmingCharity workCooking & foodLanguagesHistoryArt & designBooksHikingNature
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
In addition to language exposure 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. For those interested you can help with meal prep and cooking as well. You can also meet other overseas volunteers to explore Taipei with. Our community is dedicated with shared values- we hope you can experience our mutual support attitude, achieve personal growth and develop your spiritual insights here. Many of our volunteers end up learning about their own cultural differences and expectations through seeing how a community based in traditional culture functions.

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

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): FluentThis 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
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. Great if you can help in this!
Please note that alcohol and smoking are strictly prohibited.
We cannot accept couples.
What else ...
We encourage you to engage in our community activities but also use your time off 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 a school, we ask guests to refrain from drinking or bringing alcohol, meat, or fish onto the property. We also urge that you interact respectfully and modestly with students, volunteers, esteemed guests, and teachers. Buddhist spaces have a basic clothing etiquette: no exposed shoulders, midriff, chest, shorts/skirts, or tight/sportswear/flashy clothing. We wish to maintain a neutral study environment for everyone.
Ideal volunteers are those with a clear interest in Buddhism or Confucianism and want experiential cultural learning through participation and curiousity.
When applying, it is helpful if you send:
- proposed itinerary (All regular volunteers are fixed at 2 weeks. Those interested in studying Buddhism more intensely can apply for 1 month stay after fulfilling pre-requisites.)
- possible dates you'd like to arrive/depart (we prefer you begin on a Monday)
- 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

Internet access

Limited internet access

We have pets

We are smokers

Can host families

Can host digital nomads
Taipei has full internet access. The Dongshi farm requires you to rent a pocket wifi or purchase data on your phone if you require a connection.

How many Workawayers can stay?
Two

My animals / pets
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Cultural exchange:
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The Farm: The farm offered a quiet and relaxed environment with a lot of predictability and routine, which I personally really enjoyed. While I was there, each day… read more
During I was already following chinese class in an other school and the team was nice enough to let me adapt my schedule accordingly.
However there is lot of to do and to learn, I think it's… read more
After being on the road for quite a while, I loved… read more
All of the staff and volunteers here have such kind hearts,… read more
This place… read more
The work I did was a mix of household duties and office work,… read more
Even though I’m not great with hot and humid weather in Taipei and only speak basic Mandarin, everyone… read more
While working at our headquarters, Anna contributed by interviewing our founder and preparing delicious meals for the family. She also helped… read more
There was a lot of discovering for me as I didn't know much about Buddhism and working on a translation of one of their books was a nice way to get in touch with it.
I really enjoyed my time… read more
Davison and the academy members were welcoming and helpful. I learned a lot about Buddhism, especially while working on one of their books and during Davison’s lecture. Thank you for your… read more
I have been to this workaway during the two last weeks of june, and was first invited to attend a 3-days conference on Buddhism and AI at Taipei. there, I was sleeping at the headquarters, a… read more
Decided to… read more
I was lucky enough to… read more
