1. What do you mean by the term 'volunteer'?

For the MEC, the term 'volunteer' effectively means that an applicant is prepared to offer their skills and time for the benefit of others in the spirit of humanity without prioritising their financial or material costs.

2. What do you mean by the term 'vocational'?

The MEC recognises the importance of teaching Tibetans language skills that will help them to function more effectively in their daily lives while improving their employment prospects. The curriculum is varied, taking into account the needs of every student. In the teaching of Tibetan, grammar is considered to be of great importance, while in the teaching of Hindi, conversation is the prioritised. In the teaching of English, all areas of language are taught at different levels of proficiency.

3. What do you mean by the term 'refugee'?

In May 1949, the newly-founded Communist government of China signed a treaty extending Chinese sovereignty to Tibet based on the premise that both nations were once part of the Mughal empire. The Chinese People's Liberation Army marched into Lhasa the same year, beginning a brutal regime that has left some 1.2 million Tibetans dead and countless others missing or forced to work in labour camps.

In the years since 1949, some 90% of the nation's religious institutions have been destroyed. Fearing for his life, In 1959, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyaltso, made the difficult decision to flee Tibet and lead his people in exile.

The Dalai Lama arrived in India on foot after trekking for several weeks over the Himalayas. Since then, some 300,000 Tibetans have followed in his footsteps and made this arduous journey into exile. The 14th Dalai Lama was granted political asylum by the Indian government and allowed to settle in Dharamsala where he has tirelessly endeavoured to secure the liberation of Tibet. In 1989, the Dalai Lama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize recognising his efforts to find a peaceful solution regarding the plight of his people.

The Chinese government continues to strike unrelenting blows as it seeks to wipe out Tibetan culture and identity. Human rights violations are commonplace in Tibet and Tibetans are denied access to basic services like education and healthcare. Many of our students have come into exile so that they may receive an education, relate the situation in Tibet to the wider world, and work towards the preservation of their cultural identity.

4. Who can volunteer with the MEC?

The MEC fulfils its contribution to social justice through the work of its volunteers and their professionally attained skills. The MEC values the contributions of all volunteers, irrespective of the length of their stay. Short-term volunteers tend to come from all walks of life while our long-term volunteers are experienced with regards to formal education. Please view the requirements listed under each generic job description.

5. Do volunteers have to pay costs?

The MEC is a charitable organisation and does not have the funds to meet the costs incurred during your time as a volunteer, irrespective of the length of your stay. We regret this position, and hope that you may be able to raise sponsorship from within your own community to offset the costs of your volunteering work. Estimated costs for one year, inclusive of flights, transport, accommodation, food, insurance etc. is approximately US$3000.

6. I'm not a qualified English teacher and I don't have a TOEFL, or equivalent qualification. Can I still apply?

Classroom teachers must meet the criteria outlined in the job description. One-to-one conversation classes play an important role in the school and specific skills are not required for those wishing to participate in these classes. Everybody has an important role to play in our school, irrespective of their qualifications and skills.

7. Who supports the MEC's educational projects?

The MEC has many friends overseas, with whom we have long-standing relations. Our partners include Tibetan charities in Denmark, Sweden and Austria. We are regulated by the Tibetan and Indian governments and registered as a charitable society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.

8. What happens after I've sent off my application to the MEC?

We will process your application within a few days and respond to your specific requests. We will give you the name of your personal contact within the organisation and you will have further opportunities to ask him/her further questions so that you may gain a deeper understanding of our work with Tibetan refugees.

9. I'm unable to travel overseas. How can I contribute?

You can support the MEC's education program by becoming a 'home volunteer'. We have listed three areas that we consider to be important. We would welcome your support and we are always willing to consider new ideas. This is a growing organisation in need of a worldwide network of friends who may support and enhance our current and future projects.

10. Will I be working with other volunteers?

The MEC strive to create an overlap with regards to the periods of volunteering. This allows both the new and outgoing volunteers to exchange ideas in the interests of continuity. The new volunteer will observe the teaching of different teachers in the school and gradually take on their responsibilities. VolunteerTibet, a co-ordinating organisation based in the community, arranges events so that volunteers may have the chance to meet. Volunteers can be a great asset for one another, especially in helping newly-arrived volunteers to settle into their new environment.

11. Where will I stay?

Accommodation is not difficult to find in Dharamsala. Depending on your budget, you can have a single room/dorm bed in a guesthouse for less than US$2 per night, or rent a self-contained flat/apartment with bathroom and kitchen from US$40 per month. The MEC will advise you on security issues prior to your arrival in Dharamsala.

12. What if I get sick?

Guidebooks now include a comprehensive account of the relevant health issues of most countries, and India is no exception. We at the MEC believe that prevention is always the best approach! Few of our volunteers experience medical problems. There is a hospital in the town along with chemists and clinics. Volunteers should check the details in their medical insurance to insure that they receive the proper treatment. Please consult your doctor for details of the required innoculations for travel to India

13. Isn't India hot and dangerous?

The MEC is based in Dharamsala, home of the 14th Dalai Lama. The community was established in the 1950s by the first Tibetan refugees to arrive in India. The town is elevated some 2000m high on the western side of the huge Himalayan mountain range. Situated in the Kangra Valley, Dharamsala does not experience the suffocating heat of the southern plains of India and is, as a result, a popular tourist destination for both Indians and foreign travellers alike. The town is well serviced, with all the conveniences needed to make your stay a safe and comfortable one.