Woodenfish Buddhist Monastic Life Program
FAQ
Please read the Frequently Asked Questions carefully, but if you have other unanswered questions, please email us at hbmlp@woodenfish.org
Last Updated: January 2026
Table of Contents
Questions About Program Eligibility
Q1: I'm not a US citizen. Am I still eligible for this program?
Absolutely! You do not need to be living or studying in the US to be eligible for the program, nor do you need to be a US citizen; we welcome applicants of all nationalities and encourage women to apply. In recent years, program participants have come from over 25 countries.
Q2: I have my undergraduate degree, but am no longer at an academic institution. Or, I did not attend college. May I still apply?
Yes, we consider all applicants, regardless of academic background.
Q3: Do you have an age limit?
Most of our applicants are between the ages of 18 to 40. We have happily accepted students older than this, however; there is no age limit. Aspects of the program are physically demanding, thus we do expect participants to be in overall good physical. If you have a sincere interest, we encourage you to apply.
Q4: My academic background is not in philosophy, religion, or East Asian studies. May I still apply?
Yes! We recognize that not everyone who has interest in Buddhism is able to major in it in school. We accept students from all backgrounds. Some of our past students have been artists, musicians, engineers, medical practitioners, lawyers, and accountants! We enjoy learning from one another.
Q5: I’m interested in Buddhism but I have no background in East Asian languages or culture. Will this reduce my chances of acceptance?
No. The staff will all speak English and all classes will be conducted in English. Translators will be available when necessary. Knowledge of an Asian language or familiarity with a specific Asian culture is not a prerequisite for acceptance.
Q6: If I have food allergies should I still apply?
We encourage anyone with a sincere interest to apply. Keep in mind, however, that monasteries prepare meals for the entire community and food cannot be individually adjusted to accommodate participants with food allergies or special dietary needs. You can choose to try and avoid eating certain foods, but there should be no expectation the kitchen facility can guarantee there is no cross-contamination of allergenic foods. We strongly advise you consult with your health care provider to help navigate these decisions. Please keep in mind, wheat and other gluten-based products, soy, and peanuts are staples in most Asian Buddhist monasteries, if consuming these or other allergens might be life-threatening, we ask that you do not apply to our program as we cannot ensure your dietary safety.
Q7: If I have physical limitations or disabilities should I still apply?
Participants should be in good overall health. Long stretches of sitting, walking, and physical exertion are part of the daily Woodenfish routine. There will be (sometimes many) stairs to climb, your suitcase to carry, gentle martial arts activities, and periods of sitting meditation up to one hour in length. Repeated full-body prostrations, where your forehead touches the floor, are also a regular part of Buddhist ritual. Participation in all activities is mandatory.
Q8: If I have mental health conditions, should I still apply?
Although some forms of meditation can be beneficial for people with anxiety and depression, please know that this program is not replacement for mental/emotional health care or treatment. Monastic training, in particular, can be triggering to some people based on their history and relationship to rules and self-discipline, close communal living, as well as to silent meditation.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The Woodenfish program schedule is both rigid and demanding and the program will constantly be setting expectations and responsibilities for our group. While there is personal time for rest and self-care, there is little privacy and personal adjustments to a state of calm could develop slowly if a participant is arriving in a chronically stressed state. This will be exacerbated due to physical stress from cultural, dietary, and sleep/schedule changes as well as entering a new social group. Participating in the silent retreat can also sometimes bring up repressed memories and strong emotions and trigger dissociated states.
With this understanding, if you have significant untreated or unmanaged depression or anxiety, recent/unresolved trauma or major life changes/events, suicidal thoughts, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or possibly other mental/emotional health diagnoses, the Woodenfish Program may not be appropriate for you at this time in your life.
If you have been under care of a health care provider, have the recommendation of your provider after they’ve reviewed this program, and are willing to provide a personal statement and plan of action for your care (upon acceptance) during the program, we can discuss if this program is a good match. If you, or your provider, have specific questions or concerns, please contact us at admissions@woodenfish.org.
Questions About the Application
Q9: When may I submit an application?
The application period for the Woodenfish Monastic Life Program typically opens at the beginning of the calendar year, typically January or early February. The deadline is typically in the month of April. Keep in mind, however, we use rolling applications, meaning we accept applicants as their completed application packets are received and reviewed. Chances for admission are better the earlier you apply. Once we receive your completed application packet, please anticipate at least 2–3 weeks of processing time before you hear from us.
Q10: Do I need to submit Letters of Recommendation with the application?
A letter of recommendation is recommended, but not required.
Q11: How do you decide who to admit to the Woodenfish Progam?
We take a holistic approach and individually assess each person's unique situation including academic background, personal experience, and expressed motivations. Please make sure your personal statement offers a clear window into your interest in attending the program, with a clear purpose and thoughtful engagement with the aims of the program. The highest goal of the selection committee is build a diverse and multi-talented group each year.
Q12: Is there a separate application for receiving college credit?
As of 2026, the Woodenfish program is no longer providing college credit for our participants.
Q13: Can I apply for additional scholarships?
The largest expenses for a participant in the Woodenfish program, including room, board, instructions fees, and group travel are covered by the parent non-profit organization, the Woodenfish Foundation. Some fees are covered by participants directly, but we do offer a few specific fee waivers.
Here is our current waiver policy:
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Administrative Fee Waiver: For currently enrolled college students, a waiver is available for the $250 USD Administrative Fee. Students must submit a current 2025–2026 academic transcript (Fall/Winter or Spring) as part of their supplementary application materials. More information regarding how to submit these materials is available on the Application Form.
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Supplies & Administrative Fee Waiver: For ordained Buddhist monastics only, an additional waiver is available for the $250 USD Supplies Fee and $250 USD Administrative Fee. In such a case, the participant will be responsible for bringing their monastic robes and will not receive the Woodenfish uniform.
We do not currently offer scholarships that help defray a participant’s airfare, travel, or visa costs.
Questions About the Facilities and the Program
Q14: What will the rooms / sleeping arrangements be like?
Housing and accommodations vary each year, depending on the specific monastery. Students are typically housed in shared, dorm-style rooms in the monastery guesthouses.
Q15: Will I be able to leave the temple during the program?
For safety reasons, we do not allow participants to leave the temple premises except for guided cultural activities and other special circumstances. Please consider our program a time to focus on yourself and explore the monastery environment. You are free to travel before and after the program, many participants do exactly this.
Q16: I practice a different religion and do not consider myself Buddhist. Will I be required to be Buddhist or convert in order to participate?
No, we do not expect participants to be Buddhist, nor do we attempt to convert anyone to Buddhism. Only a small minority of participants each year may consider themselves Buddhist. Some participants are spiritually seeking, while others are academically or experientially seeking. We ask for an open-mindedness and an inclusive attitude and encourage applicants from all religious traditions.
Q17: Will I be required to participate in all Buddhist rituals or prayer?
Yes. One of the primary goals of this program is to introduce and provide guidance for engaging in Buddhist ritual – it’s a “monastic life” program. For example, before and after daily meals, we recite a Buddhist chant and prostrations in the main shrine hall, and elsewhere, form a core part of the Buddhist experience. Refusal to engage in the “ritual parts” of the program are grounds for expulsion from the program. If you may envision problems chanting and prostrating, we ask that you do not apply.
Q18: Can I choose the courses I participate in? Are there many courses to choose from?
Students are expected to attend and participate in all courses. The morning lectures and the afternoon cultural activities are the same for all participants.
Q19: Are we allowed to use technology such as computers or smart phones during the program?
We do not impose a ban on technology. We do ask, however, that you do not use laptops or cell phones outside your room. There is not usually great wifi availability in our monasteries, but we try to provide some so students can get in touch with friends and family. Do not expect consistent, daily access. If you are working or need to do things like pay bills, please make sure this is done before arrival. During the week-long silent meditation retreat at the end of the program, however, access to personal electronic devices is limited.
Q20: How can my family reach me in case of an emergency?
Prior to the start of the program, we provide all participants with an emergency email contact and phone numbers in the US and Asia that family members may access to get in touch with you 24/7.
Q21: Are foreign languages courses available?
While you may informally learn the local language, this is not a language immersion program. All classes will be in English and no knowledge of any Asian language is necessary.
Q22: What are the total costs?
All accepted participants receive a program scholarship from the Woodenfish Foundation, a educational non-profit, covering room, board, instruction fees, and group travel during the program.
In addition to a non-refundable application fee of $12 USD, we require an Administration Fee and Supplies Fee totaling $500 USD for uniforms, bowls, and some other incidental materials. Some fee waivers are available to currently-enrolled university students and Buddhist monastics.
Students are responsible for all fees associated with applying for a visa, international travel to and from the program, and other insurance (travel, health).
Q23: Is this a good program for me if I am looking for a relaxing vacation in Asia?
Definitely not! The Woodenfish program is a physically and mentally demanding experience, with a rigid structure and demanding schedule. If you are seeking freedom from structure and schedules, you will not find this program suitable, but if you are trying to seek freedom in structure and schedules, this might be a good match.