How to Volunteer and Live in a Buddhist Monastery from Italy in 2026

Last Updated: December 03, 2025

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Volunteering at a Buddhist monastery is more than just travel; it’s a meaningful journey. For many Italians planning for 2026, it offers a chance to learn about different cultures, practice meditation, and enjoy a calm, slow-paced life that’s hard to find in everyday busy routines.

Whether in Sri Lanka, Nepal, or Thailand, the experience is simple, disciplined, and very meaningful. For Italians, it’s easy to join since most programs are available year-round. You’ll spend part of your time helping with chores or teaching, and the rest living a peaceful life focused on kindness and regular routines.

Starting your planning early helps you research, contact monasteries, arrange visas, and choose the country that fits your goals—whether it’s teaching English, helping with daily tasks, or participating in a meditation retreat.

How to Join a Monastery as an Italian Female

As an Italian woman, you can join a monastery in Nepal, Sri Lanka, or Thailand, but each country has different customs. Most women join as lay practitioners, volunteers, or meditation students. Some may become nuns depending on the tradition and how long they stay.
First, find a monastery that welcomes foreign women. In Sri Lanka, many nunneries follow the revived bhikkhuni tradition. Nepal’s Tibetan monasteries, like Kopan Monastery, are more open to women learning and practicing.

In Thailand, full female ordination isn't officially recognized, but women can become mae chee and follow an 8–10 precept practice.

Once you've chosen a monastery, send a message to the coordinator. Tell them about yourself, how long you want to stay, and if you want to volunteer or study.

At the monastery, your food, accommodation, and daily activities will follow their routine. You'll wear modest clothes, live in gender-segregated areas, and take part in meditation, chanting, or simple chores. You don’t need previous experience—being sincere and respectful is enough.

How to Join a Monastery as an Italian Male

Many Italian men find it easier to join monasteries, especially in traditions like Theravada where short-term ordination is common. In Thailand and Sri Lanka, many monasteries welcome foreigners who want to experience monastic life for a little while. 

You can volunteer, teach English, or even become a temporary novice (samanera) for a few weeks or months. Wat Pa Nanachat in Thailand is designed for foreigners, making it easier to communicate and get guidance. In Sri Lanka and Nepal (around Pokhara or Kathmandu), monasteries and schools also offer chances to teach or help with daily tasks.

Most monasteries ask you to stay as a lay guest for a short time first. During this stay, you’ll follow the daily routines, learn the schedule, and get used to monastic life. If you decide to take temporary ordination, you’ll shave your head, follow the rules, join chants, and fully participate in meditation practices.

Join a Monastery for a Month

A one-month stay at a monastery is ideal for Italian travellers seeking a mix of volunteering, relaxation, and cultural exploration. Programs in all three countries are open all year and welcome beginners. 

You’ll usually spend 4–6 hours a day teaching English, cleaning, gardening, or helping with rituals. The rest of the time is for meditation, reflection, and learning from the monks. In Nepal, stays often include daily prayers and rituals. 

In Thailand, you might join the morning alms round and evening chanting. Sri Lanka has quiet monasteries in the hills that focus on meditation. One month is enough time to get used to the disciplined life, learn the basic teachings, and feel more peaceful.

Finding Buddhist Monasteries in Italy

Your search starts online in Italy. Websites like BuddhaNet’s World Buddhist Directory, Volunteer World, Volunteer FDIP, Love Volunteers, and IVHQ list monasteries and volunteer options with reliable info. Social media groups, travel forums, and Italian Buddhist communities can also help. 

To get a spot for 2026, send 5 to 10 messages, introduce yourself clearly, and mention your preferred dates. It usually takes one to two weeks to get replies. 
Many monasteries in Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand prefer to email directly, so be patient and polite. Doing this early research helps you compare places, costs, what to expect, and living conditions before making a decision.

How to Become a Buddhist Monk as an Italian Woman

For Italian women, becoming a fully ordained nun (bhikkhuni) depends on the country and tradition. In Sri Lanka and Nepal, the process is clearer for Western women, but in Thailand, it is mostly limited to mae chee ordination.

If you’re serious about this, the first step is to live as a lay practitioner for a few months. This helps you learn about the discipline, daily schedule, and teachings. After that, you can ask to become a novice in traditions that allow it.

In Nepal, Tibetan nunneries offer organized study programs, teachers, and supportive communities for those who want long-term training.

Becoming a fully ordained nun is a big spiritual commitment that takes time, guidance, and multiple stays. If you just want to volunteer or learn, being a laywoman is enough.

How Much Does It Cost to Live in a Monastery

Living in a monastery costs less than most travel experiences. Dana, or generosity, means you get food and a place to stay in exchange for helping out or contributing. 

Most programs in Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand ask for a small fee to cover meals, lodging, and airport pickup. Here are the typical costs for one month:

• Sri Lanka: €250–€450
• Nepal: €300–€600
• Thailand: €200–€800

Flights from Italy cost between €500 and €800, depending on the time of year. You’ll also need to pay for a visa and travel insurance. Living inside the monastery is simple and cheap.

International Travelling from Italy to Join a Buddhist Monastery

Traveling from Italy is easy, with direct flights from Milan or Rome to places like Colombo, Bangkok, or Kathmandu. Most Italians can get a visa when they arrive or apply online without much hassle.

Once you arrive, getting around usually means taking buses, trains, or short taxis to the monastery. Pack simple, light clothes, carry basic first-aid items, and be ready to live simply. Food is vegetarian, days start early, and you’ll need to follow the monastery rules about being quiet, dressing modestly, not talking too much, and helping out with chores.

If you plan early for 2026, you can find cheaper flights, reserve your spot, and get ready slowly for living in the monastery.

Conclusion

Volunteering and staying in a Buddhist monastery in Italy in 2026 offers an opportunity to slow down, learn, and enjoy a quieter way of life. Whether you wish to teach, meditate, or deepen your understanding of Buddhist traditions, monasteries in Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand provide tranquil environments conducive to personal growth.

For a month or longer, you’ll become part of a community rooted in discipline, kindness, and simplicity. This experience can leave you with a richer understanding of yourself, the culture, and a lifestyle centred on mindfulness. Approaching it with honesty and an open mind can make this one of the most meaningful journeys of your life.

FAQs

Can I live in a Buddhist monastery even if I’m not Buddhist?

Yes. Most monasteries accept foreigners of any belief, as long as you respect the rules and lifestyle.

Do I need teaching experience to volunteer?

No formal qualifications required. Basic English and a positive attitude are enough.

Is it safe to volunteer in Nepal, Sri Lanka, or Thailand?

Yes, most areas with monasteries are safe, especially for international volunteers following program guidelines.

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