Help teach English to monks in Matara, Sri Lanka

Infos

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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.
  
  Teaching English at Ashokaramaya, Matara (at Our University's Vice Chancellor's Temple)
  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. 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, and have come back to stay in Sri Lanka until December 2024 for my research data collection.
  
  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 okay.
  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 having 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 everyone 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.

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  Types d'aide et opportunités d'apprendre

  Enseignement
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  Objectifs de développement durable de l’ONU que cet hôte essaie d'atteindre

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  Qu'est-ce que c'est ?
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  Echange culturel et opportunités d'apprendre

  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.

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  Aide

  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.

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  Langues

  Langues parlées
  Anglais: Courant
  Sinhalese: Courant

  Cet hôte propose un échange linguistique
  My language interest is English. I am working as a senior lecturer in English, and I want to get exposure to various English accents.
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  Hébergement

  A room with a separate bathroom with a fan. One room is available with an attached bathroom in the new building.

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  Autres infos...

  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.

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  Informations complémentaires

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    Accès Internet

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    Accès Internet limité

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    Nous avons des animaux

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    Nous sommes fumeurs

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    Familles bienvenues

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  Possibilité d’accueillir les 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.

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  Espace pour garer des vans

  I can facilitate with parking etc.

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  Possibilité d'accueillir les animaux

  No.

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  Combien de volontaires pouvez-vous accueillir ?

  Deux

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  Nombre d'heures attendues

  Maximum 2 hours a day, 5 days a week

Feedback (9)