There are no specific qualifications needed to join the teaching Buddhist Monks program in Sri Lanka . However, it is important to note that monks are highly respected social figures in Sri Lanka . Monks follow strict and exemplary life rules, and only interns with serious discipline can the project. Separate temples/schools exist for male and female monks and interns will only teach their specific gender.

Interns in this amazingly unique project teach monks and nuns ranging from 8-21 years of age. Interns may assist with various extra-curricular activities, which could include sports, arts, music, etc. Teaching English at a Piriven to these eager, young monks will provide interns with an extraordinary opportunity to immerse in the ever fascinating and enlightening Buddhist culture, teachings and philosophies. Many past interns have commented that this particular project is one of the most memorable, engaging and mind-opening experiences they have had in their lives.

In Sri Lanka , all interns stay with well-screened host families ( in most situations this is with our in-country coordinator or local staffs). Our host families are socially respected and are well versed in the art of hosting international interns . Host families offer a safe home, private rooms (occasionally rooms will be shared with other same-gender interns ) and shared bathroom facilities with running water and a “local” style toilet. You receive three prepared meals per day. If you will be out of the house during lunch hour, you can request a lunch "to go" that you can take with you or eat out on your own. Host families provide typical meals that are traditional to Sri Lanka . Rooms are shared, as are bathroom and kitchen facilities. For a small additional fee, interns can opt to stay in a modest seaside motel. Please note this preference in the initial internship application.

Throughout the internship project, our local staff stays in contact with interns with either face-to-face visits or via email/telephone and interns have 24/7 access to our in-country staff. With longer placements, we visit our interns every two weeks (when possible) and interns are always welcome at the local office. If project placement is local, we request that interns stop by the office once a week to keep us posted on how they are doing with their home stay and project. If project placement is very far, then our local staff members maintain communication by either email and/or phone.