India: volunteer in Buddhist Relief Mission in the city of Kolkata (March 13, 2009).  Kolkata (formally known as Calcutta) served as the capital of India during the British Raj until 1911.  Kolkata, is by far not a small city, 72 cities and 527 towns and villages and a population of over four and a half million.  A city rich in history and culture, there is always a place to see and explore.

The climate is tropical; that is it is hot and humid.  The monsoons (raining season) generally hit in June, it is a perfect location for teachers who love to sit and read under tropical trees in the hot afternoon.  Don't worry the house comes with air conditioning. 

Photo Contest! Teachers get out your camera! Today's ESL & EFL News from around the world!

History: Buddhist Relief Mission is an organization started in Japan more than twenty years ago, registered as a non-profit in Michigan, and still going.  About 15 years ago, the mission started supporting several student monks in India. After a few years, they formed an organization, Young Buddhist Students Literacy Mission < www.bmission.net> Bodhisukha Monastery was established in Barasat shortly after. A few Years later Bodhisukha School began, an English medium school for local children (mainly Hindu and Muslim). They also offered free education to several boys from Northeast India. These boys live at the monastery and help the monks.

In 2001, the president of the school, one of the first monks, discussed the possibility of an intensive English course for Burmese monks studying at universities in India. This became a reality in 2006. Bodhisukha School is on vacation mid-March to mid-April, so the classrooms are available. Monks, not only Burmese now, gather and stay at the monastery for the course.

The Buddhist Relief Mission is specifically located at Barasat, Badu (1 hour from Kolkata, 15 min from mission), Barasat, Kolkata and the housing is right on campus.  The provided housing comes equipped with a single bed, table/chairs, fan, and air conditioner.  Once you, the teacher, arrive at the relief mission, little money is required.  The school provides meals on top of housing. 

Directors Notes:

It is a very exciting program, where the students, almost entirely monks studying at universities in India, study diligently for six-eight hours a day for one month. They are the most eager students any teacher will ever encounter in his or her lifetime.

Furthermore, the teacher is completely free to teach as he or she likes, trying any valid exercises from one's own portfolio.

The details are available at: <http://www.brelief.org/biec.html>

The only stipulation is that the teacher be a volunteer. There is no remuneration whatsoever.  However, meals and accommodation during the course are provided, and, being a 501(c)3 organization, all expenses, including airfare, can be deducted as a donation on US income taxes.

The 3 year old establishment is a great opportunity for a beginning teacher who needs experience, the individual discerning whether or not to become a teacher, or the teacher that wishes to give back to the community.  Classes are between 20 and 30 students large with high school, university and adult students.

The syllabus, which covers all four ESL skills, is cooperatively developed by the teaching team, and each member is free to teach according to his or her own methods, incorporating favorite lessons from his or her professional dossier. Each student receives a grammar text book from which teachers plan lessons, but they are by no means restricted by this. - http://www.brelief.org/biec.html

Seeing that the teacher will be immersed right into the Buddhist community, it is a huge learning experience right from the birthplace of Buddhism.

Location Map (Click to Enlarge)


Original Data (Click to Enlarge)


Further Details Please contact:

Ken and Visakha Kawasaki
Buddhist Relief Mission
Kolkata India
kawasaki@brelief.org
+94-77-964-9292


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kolkata
http://www.brelief.org/biec.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barasat

ESL Daily is not affiliated with the establishment and can not be held responsible. 
All inquiries should be made to the establishment directly