We offer volunteering program
As more people opt to travel more sustainably and meaningfully, Shaolin Temple Yunnan and Chengdu volunteer programs in China are booking up quickly for 2023. You will want to take advantage of these humanitarian volunteer opportunities!
Volunteer involvement is a critical part of the temple community. Many combine our volunteer programs in China with learning Kung Fu and Buddhism at the Temple, visiting the area and immersing themselves in the local culture on weekends. We firmly believe in contributing to the community and the benefits that volunteering creates for the individuals involved and the community it develops.
You can get involved with several volunteering opportunities, from jobs as simple as helping in the office with administrative tasks, communicating with students, getting involved with the little monks or daily Temple activities.
Whether you are interested in helping with daily volunteering tasks, we have members donating their time and skills within all facets of the Temple.
The benefits of volunteering:
- Build self-confidence
- Contribute to a higher cause
- Helping others and building a solid community
- Learn new valuable skills
- Gain an edge when applying for a job with recorded community volunteer hours
- Opportunities to travel and network
We are very proud of our volunteering culture and the people who have contributed to our Temple over the years. Studies show that volunteering contributes to a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life.
This is a safe and fun environment to be part of, make long-lasting friendships and learn some of the best martial arts styles and cultural activities. We are breaking social barriers with fantastic opportunities for full-time sponsorship, activities and events for everyone.
Volunteering program benefits
Volunteer Persona Requirements
The ideal volunteer should be:
Super friendly and have excellent communication skills
Skilled in blogging/ photography/ videography
Fluent in Mandarin and English languages
We genuinely need helpful, enthusiastic volunteers eager to learn and teach
Q&A
One or two per period, depending on the Temple requirements.
All year round.
5 hours per day organized morning or evening depending the Temple requirements.
1 day off on Monday. If the Temple work is done, we might be able to accommodate one-two day per month. This will be discussed at the Temple prior to the free period. The Temple free days are set for Monday and Tuesday.
Yes, we offer accommodation on Temple grounds in shared rooms. The food is vegetarian.
You are expected to pay a 200 USD application fee which includes your full uniform and T-shirt, which must be worn on Temple grounds at all times, and 1 pillow and linen and visa application documents. The Temple does not cover snacks, transportation to and from the airport/train station, toiletries, local trips, insurance or medical bills.
Kung Fu training is free of charge, and you are welcome to train in your free time. In addition, you can take part in the Temple events, Buddhist ceremonies, cultural classes and meetings. These activities are also free of charge.
Yes, we will issue you the invitation letter for the visa and supporting documents via email. If you require original documents, a fee for postage applies.
We will provide all you need as materials and training to ensure your work is up to the required standard. At the end of the volunteering period we will issue for you a certification for your volunteering period and a letter of reference to help you in your future plans (if required).
English is required. Other languages are a bonus. Volunteers who can speak and write Chinese mandarin are preferred. However, the person’s character and skills are essential.
Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province, “The Best And Most Fantastic Place To Live In China”. The area has been seen as a microcosm, a country within a country called “Heaven on Earth.” The city is a haven for intellectuals and scholars. It is sometimes called the “Little Paris” of China. The Temple is about 50 km from the centre of Chengdu, on the Paotai mountain.
Yes, there is free Wi-Fi on the Temple grounds and the living quarters. To surf the net freely, you will require a VPN.
What you are required to provide us with
- The length of stay and the exact period.
- We offer a trial period of 1 month which will be extended if we are happy with your work. If we are unsatisfied with your work, you will be asked to leave the Temple.
- Within the temple grounds, it is forbidden to smoke, drink alcohol, eat meat products, watch illegal and immoral programs, or take any drugs. In addition, we do not allow the public display of affection towards students, monks, or masters. We expect these rules to be accepted and respected. In case the rules are not respected, you will be dismissed.
- If your application as a volunteer is successful, a volunteer contract will be issued with expectations to be met.
- Do you have any allergies concerning food? Please inform us.
- Do you have health insurance? A medical clearance is expected to be given when arriving at the Temple.
- Please send us a CV (resume with photos attached) in English and at least two references for your character and work ethic. All documents must be in English.
- You may also be required to undertake a Working With Children Check (if your volunteering work involves working with the little monks) or a Police Check (criminal record) for the health and safety of our community.
*Disclaimer: Please do not apply for the volunteering program if one of the following apply to you: chain or heavy smoker, alcoholic, drug addict, have mental problems or STD, difficult character, suffer from anxiety, depression or anger and behavioral issues. We thank you for your understanding.
We currently are offering 1 volunteering place
Start date: 1st of June - 1st of August 2023
The ideal candidate will be competent in prioritizing and working with little supervision. They will be self-motivated and trustworthy.
Administrator work requirements
- Excellent verbal communication skills and interpersonal abilities;
- Strong time-management and multitasking abilities.
- Aptitude for learning new systems.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality of the Temple information.
- Excellent organizational skills.
- Receiving and directing visitors/ students or groups.
- Assist the Temple staff, students and masters whenever necessary.
Full details will be provided to the successful volunteer.
Apply here
*Incorrectly completed applications will be automatically rejected. Please fill out all the fields correctly as directed.
Inquiries without proper answers or an attached CV will not be considered, and we won’t be able to reply.