Monastery Projects Abroad Create Educational Opportunities and Change Lives
Vancouver, BC (PRWEB) December 23, 2016 -- An international volunteer from Mexico, Patricia Martinez Orozco, recently completed a 3-month volunteer abroad program at a monastery through CrossContinental.org. Over the course of the 3 months, she stayed with a local host family and worked at a monastery in Nepal. In the attached video (https://youtu.be/rhlikAyA59Q), Patricia talks about her volunteer abroad experience in Nepal.
- Choosing a Volunteer Abroad Program in Nepal
Patricia chose to volunteer abroad in Nepal, over many other destinations because she felt drawn to the Nepali culture. She says, “I have a very strong feeling that I need to learn from the culture and religion that Nepal has to offer. I further wish to experience firsthand this world and these ideas that are so different from what I grew up with.”
However, Patricia was very clear about her primary goal as she points out, “I want to go and learn from this fascinating culture. However, any knowledge or experience that I may obtain, should only be a side effect. The most important thing for me is to go and help others.”
She wanted to teach English to the little monks because it was a language that she was familiar with. She also believed that more opportunities, both at home and internationally, are available to those who have a grasp of the English language. For personal reasons, volunteers like Patricia choose to join Cross Continental to travel, experience new cultures and to do some good in the world.
When asked what she wants to get out of the program, Patricia comments “A deeper understanding of humanity, and of who I am today and who I want to become.” International volunteers through CrossContinental often walk away from their assignments with a deeper understanding of the world and a better appreciation of another culture. For all these reasons, Patricia chose to volunteer abroad and work at the monastery to make a difference.
- Monastery Projects Abroad in Kathmandu Area
While volunteering abroad through CrossContinental, Patricia was placed at a monastery project in the Kathmandu area. She held classes for approximately 55 little monks, ranging in age from 6-13. From this intimate perspective she was able to observe life at the monastery first hand.
Tibetan Buddhism is taught in the language of Tibet and often the little monks are unfamiliar with the English language. The day at the monastery generally starts very early in the morning. The little monks start their worshipping session with their teacher (who is called a LAMA). After a small breakfast in the morning they resume their studies of Buddhism until the midday meal. The lunch is served at 12pm noon followed by a couple of hours of recreation time before their studies resume. Life in the monastery is very simple and often the little monks are spared some time for games and other extracurricular activities.
For those who are eager to expand their horizons, this eye-opening experience offers insights into the Nepalese culture, monastery lifestyle, and gives people the opportunity to learn about a new culture, eastern philosophy, and Buddhism religion, all at the same time. Volunteers like Patricia help children learn how to speak, read and write English. They organize activities for the children in the monastery, such as movies, extracurricular activities and even Kung Fu classes. Volunteers help teach personal hygiene practices, and offer clerical assistance when needed.
Speaking of her most rewarding experience, Patricia says, “One of the most rewarding experiences (because I’ve had many) with my work was seeing the progress of my students at the monastery. Some more, some less, but nothing is perfect; and as long as they all got something from me or from the class that will help them become the beautiful beings that I know they can be. I can’t ask for more.”
- The Volunteer Abroad Experience with CrossContinental.org
The host family for Patricia’s assignment was close to the supermarket and not far from major routes For Patricia, it was only a 25 minute bus ride to the monastery, and meals were provided.
Speaking of the support and the overall experience she had through CrossContinental, Patricia says, “I’ve been happy with both the local coordinators and my host family.” She continues, “I am so grateful for having had the experience I had. I am so glad I found CrossContinental and that I decided to go do my volunteer work with their help. The staff was helpful and kind from the beginning. Even when I was sitting at home writing emails. I felt like I was being taken care of.”
International Internships and volunteer abroad programs through CrossContinental.org are a good value with the benefit of gaining international work experience combined with first-hand cultural learning.
Access valuable resources or plan a life-changing trip at https://www.CrossContinental.org. See more programs and information in the attached video (https://youtu.be/4YgkrLF3FZE).
About CrossContinental.org:
Cross-Continental Solutions provides affordable yet flexible international learning programs, including volunteer abroad, intern abroad, cultural immersion, language study, and gap year programs. A large variety of work placement options are available such as: Teaching, Healthcare, Community Development, Business Coaching, HIV work, Care-giving, Orphanage Work, Journalism, Photography, Wildlife, Agriculture, Environmental Protection, Microfinance, Tourism, Marketing, and more. Programs are available at many locations around the world, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America. By living and working side by side with locals, participants gain an exceptional cross-cultural experience and the opportunity to truly make a difference. For more details, visit CrossContinental.org.
Jian Leslie, Cross-Continental Solutions Inc., http://www.crosscontinental.org, +1 604-700-6096, [email protected]
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