Job Discussion Forums

[PierogiMonster]

Hi all

I recently applied for the post of Head Teacher at a Thai Buddhist monastery (managing volunteer English teachers on a more or less part-time basis). With my love of teaching and interest in Buddhism/meditation, it sounds like the perfect combination.

If I am offered the job, I will have to pay a volunteer placement organisation $1500 USD, in return for which I get the 'job', free accom, food and meditation training for a year.

I know the advice is not to pay agencies for a usual paying job, but what do those of you with experience of volunteering think? I think it's reasonable to pay someone for managing this process, but do you?

P.S. I've checked out the website of both the monastery and the US agency involved and they both look very professional and genuine. I've also had a Skype interview with two high-placed members of the agency staff, and all seems well.


Thanks for any input
J.

[tttompatz]

You are aware that you can join any temple, put on the orange robes start your training, get free room and board and all the meditation you can handle for free?

Not really free, you have to do the same work as any other monk-in-training including the morning walk.

The only costs you will have are your visa related expenses (visa and extension) and regular reporting.

OR you can pay them $1500 and get the same deal.

.

[PierogiMonster]

No, i didn't know (all of) that. Thanks so much.

It's not only the meditative side that interests me: I'd also like to work a bit at the same time and put something managerial on my teaching CV for later. That's why it seems such an interesting opportunity.

[Skyblue2]

This is just a middleman setting up volunteers at a wat. Imagine if he could do it at 50 wats around the country. And repeat every time someone quit after 6 months ...

You're paying to fund someone's business/lifestyle, and they're using your good will and generosity to play you like a sucker. My two cents: choose a wat you like, go to practice there, and offer to help them out by teaching them English ...

[MaiPenRai]

[PierogiMonster]

Thanks for that: PM sent.