Intercultural learning and language classes for students in an alternative Buddhist school
       Jiri Mountain, Jeonbuk          September 2 - November 30, 2008

Volunteer project: Little School is the first alternative middle school founded by Buddhist sect. It is located near the Buddhist Temple called Silsangsa in Jiri Mountain National Park, one of the top beautiful and high mountains in Korea. The school’s philosophy is based upon the Buddhist teaching which allows students to engage in learning about the value and the spirit of nature. Volunteers will experience various traditional Korean culture and beautiful nature around the school, temple and the local area. They will also have a chance to do meditation, learn traditional instruments and talk with monks about their interest in Buddhism.

Volunteer work: The project is aimed to provide students with intercultural learning. Being with international volunteers will help students develop global thinking. Volunteers will lead intercultural classes such as country introduction and language classes (mainly English). They will be also responsible for participating in after-school activities such as climbing mountains, traveling with students, language class, and club activities. They can also join in various school activities with students. Having skills such as dancing, singing, acting, teaching languages (other than English) and other educational skills can be very helpful.

Profile of the volunteer:
• Ability to teach and communicate in English (non-formal English teaching)
• Interest about Korea and Buddhism (learning the language and culture in the local area)
• Skills to manage club activities (e.g. music, dance, sports, theatre, etc.)
• Interested and enjoying working with teenagers
• Previous volunteer experiences abroad
• Initiative and active personality
• Flexibility and positive mind

Number of participants: 2

Language: English

Documents to be submitted: Motivation letter, resume and a picture are requested with application.

Duration of the project: 3 months. The date to start and finish can be changed if requested by the applicant, subject to approval by the Korean host.

Accommodation: At the school dormitory. Three meals a day are provided.

Location: It's in Jeonbuk Province (south west of Korea), about 4 hours by bus from Seoul.

Terminal: Incheon International Airport

Age range: 19 - 40 years old

Pocket money: Volunteers will receive 100,000 Won per month (about $100 US) for pocket money.

Participation fee: $590 CAD
 

Organic farming and language classes with the residents of an alternative community
       Sanan Village, Gyeonggi          September - October 2008

Volunteer project: For a long time, people have been searching for a happy life and the answer is still under investigation. In order to pursue a happy life in a peaceful and harmonious way, a group of people gathered in Sanan village in 1984. Sanan village was established as an idealistic community. Now, around 40 people (including children) live together there. The community follows the philosophy of an environment-friendly and non-possessive society. People in this village want to encourage young people to give more attention to the environment and share the public resources together. If you are interested in a new perspective way of living, which seems very different from "normal and capitalized life", this project will give you some ideas.

Volunteer work: There are various environmental events and activities organized by the community. There will be weekend workcamps and festivals held in the village. Volunteers will have a chance to participate in those events and meet many other young Korean volunteers. They will work with the village people to help out with manual farm work such as collecting eggs in chicken houses and organic vegetables from fields. Volunteers will also tutor foreign language (English or other language, non-formal) to the children and adults in the village. There will be culture exchange with village children and grown-ups through sports, cooking, small trips and so on. Volunteers will also get a chance to learn Korean or Japanese language (there are some Japanese residents as well). They will be able to experience the warmth and kindness of the people and healthy food from the nature. 

Profile of the volunteer:
• Ability to teach or explain in English (non-formal English teaching)
• Interest about Korea (learning the language and culture in the local area)
• Interested and used to work outdoors
• Previous volunteer experience
• Initiative spirit and autonomy
• Flexibility and positive mind
• No allergies to chicken
• Not very strict vegetarian

Number of participants: 2

Language: English

Documents to be submitted: Motivation letter, resume and a picture are requested with application.

Duration of the project: 2 months. The date to start and finish can be changed if requested by the applicant, subject to approval by the Korean host.

Accommodation: In a house of the community. All food is organic and therefore, very healthy and delicious, even to foreigners.

Location: Sanan Village in Hwasung, Gyeonggi Province, is 80 km south of Seoul.

Terminal: Incheon International Airport

Age range: 19 - 40 years old

Participation fee: $590 CAD
 

to see a short movie from a Korean project with kids, click here

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