TEFL BUDDHIST EXCHANGE PROGRAM DETAILS:
The TEFL Buddhist Exchange program is similar to other Paradise TEFL programs in that it offers the same certification and coursework assignments and structure. In addition however, it provides TEFL teachers with the chance to learn and interact with a local rural population and Buddhist monk Pra Da Nai who will facilitate the Buddhist Studies portion of the course.
As part of ParadiseTEFL’s goal to increase cultural and religious sensitivity among our participants, we also offer a TEFL Buddhist Exchange program where future TEFL teachers have the opportunity not only to become certified instructors but to participate as student's of the Buddhist philosophy and tradition with daily monk chats and dharma talks to better understand the religious beliefs which permeates our student's lives through out many parts of South East Asia.
BUDDHIST STUDIES:
Pra Da Nai is the head of his own temple and has a Master’s degree in English from Thai University. He is the head of another wat (temple) near the newly constructed school at Wat Ban Pong. Pra Da Nai welcomes all people who wish to learn more about Buddhism. He has been studying the philosophy for the last thirteen years and continues his own research through a PhD program in Buddhist Studies at Chiang Mai University. He has invited TEFL students to participate in events held in and around the Mae Sai valley such as Dharma Talk “monk chats,” meditation-chanting and musical events.
Many monks in the area, and their constituents, frequently travel to other Northern Thailand temples to provide assistance in English language studies, fundraising and relief efforts particularly for low income Thai nationals as well as Burmese Refugees in near the border. Every summer during the Songkran water festival Pra Da Nai runs a 3-4 week “Novice Buddhist Program,” which numerous local Chiang Mai Thai boys and young men are invited to attend as well as visiting men and women from Western English speaking countries.
A DAY IN THE LIFE:
A typical day in the village might consist of morning meditation, followed by a leisurely breakfast or lunch and time to explore the delightful mountain scenery. By mid afternoon we begin to prepare for class and practice teaching which almost always takes place in the early evenings during the week. The specifics of the schedule will be decided once you arrive and discuss the events at the temple and options for the particular month and weeks in which you chose to participate. In general, however, classes run in the late afternoon or early evening so that the local Thai student villagers and farmers have a chance to finish work and eat before practice teaching begins. There is evening chanting and musical practice and performances upon occasion as well.
For more information and registration for this, or any of the Paradise TEFL franchise programs, please don't hesitate to contact us today!
No comments:
Post a Comment