Have you ever considered volunteering abroad? It can be a life-changing experience, and that’s exactly what happened to me when I decided to teach English as a Foreign Language (EFL) at a Buddhist center in Mongolia. The opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture, make a difference in the lives of others, and improve my teaching skills was something I couldn’t pass up. And now, I want to share my new ESL teaching adventure with you. I’ll be taking you through my journey to the Buddhist center in Mongolia, my experiences teaching EFL, and the lessons I learned along the way. So sit back, relax, and let’s embark on this adventure together.
Volunteering to Teach English in Mongolia
I am excited to embark on a new adventure teaching EFL at Shedrup Ling. It is a Buddhist Center in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. My journey started last year when I volunteered at Nalanda Monastery. Through them, I offered my services to teach English in Mongolia for a year. Now, I am a few days away from my departure via a flight through Chicago and Seoul, Korea.
Even though I recently completed a bike tour across Canada, I couldn’t be more thrilled to teach in Mongolia. I have spent the past few months preparing and packing for this journey. And I am ready to immerse myself in the culture and share my knowledge of the English language. This opportunity is a blessing, and I am lucky to have the chance to make a positive impact on the students’ lives.
As I wait for my departure date, I am trying to relax and enjoy the moment. I know I am embarking on a life-changing experience. I can’t wait to share my adventures and stories with you all.
Shedrup Ling: A Buddhist Center in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
The Shedrup Ling center is a bustling hub of activity. It offers classes in Buddhist teachings and meditation techniques to Ulaanbaatar residents. It is the headquarters of the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT) in Mongolia. It oversees its projects throughout the country. As an EFL teacher, I will be living and teaching at Shedrup Ling. I will be immersing myself in the center’s vibrant community.
I am excited to explore the center’s facilities. The center includes several classrooms and a spacious gompa (teaching and meditation room). And there is a technology room used for translating Buddhist texts into Mongolian. Accommodations for our teachers and visiting volunteers are also provided within the center.
Despite it’s many programs, Shedrup Ling still manages to maintain a welcoming and peaceful atmosphere. One of the highlights of the center is the Cafe. It is open to the public seven days a week. It serves delicious food and providing a space for community members to gather and relax.
I am looking forward to being a part of this dynamic community and contributing to the English Language program. As I embark on this new adventure, I am eager to see what the future holds and excited to share my experiences with you.
Teaching English at Shedrup Ling: Class Schedule and Details
I am both excited and nervous about the upcoming classes in Mongolia. My first day of teaching is only a week away. And I am grateful to have my TESL certificate from Oxford Seminars to help guide me through this new experience.
I will be teaching a total of five classes per week, with two classes each day from Monday to Friday. Each class will be three hours long, starting at 4:30 pm and ending at 7:30 pm. I will be teaching both intermediate and pre-intermediate classes. I’m told I will have around 20-25 students in each class.
Preparing for my classes has been a process of researching and creating lesson plans. I am excited to meet my students and help them improve their English language skills. And I want to learn more about the Mongolian culture and way of life too.
My background in Mechanical Engineering and Physical Therapy may seem unrelated to teaching English. But I know that my diverse skill set will help me bring a unique perspective to my classes. I am confident that I can provide my students with an engaging and informative learning experience. And I look forward to seeing how they progress throughout the year.
To be continued…
I am excited to begin my journey to Mongolia to teach English at the Shedrup Ling Buddhist Center. It’s a new adventure for me, and I’m looking forward to sharing my experiences with you through my blog. If you want to keep up with my travels and adventures, be sure to read my next blog post. I’ll share more details about my trip and what I’m looking forward to in the days ahead. Thank you for following along with me on this journey. And I hope you’ll continue to join me on this exciting adventure!
Resources:
- World Fact Book: Mongolia
- World Atlas: Mongolia
- FPTM Mongolia & Shedrup Ling Center is where they teach English
- Mongolia FAQ: about Mongolia and Mongolians
- Bolor Dictionary for Mongolian<->English
