A vast majority of native African people I've seen and met have been the most beautiful, interesting people I've encountered. I love African culture and, let's face it, I'd get all the traits of a black dude ('just stereotypes' my ass). I mean like monastic Buddhist. I want to live in the mountains of India and meditate, learn to become virtually ascetic. I find that to be a more valuable discipline than pulling 3 jobs or joining the army- both situations I respect greatly. Edit: Come to think of it, the only thing that would truly keep me from doing so would be my desire to have a family. Edit 2: The bit about black culture was bullshit I just really want to be black ok
Honestly, it seems like an interesting thing to do. I should elaborate a bit though. Generally people who do this, do this when they are quite young and it is seen as a sign of prestige for their families. I'd guess that people who are of working age or "marrying age" don't really do it so much because being a monk or nun might cut down on what are seen as the "prime" years for working and starting families. However, if neither of those things are of concern, then it seems like a potentially great experience.
I may be in the process of becoming a practicing Buddhist (Secular Humanist rather than reincarnation) and my family is less than thrilled. Christianity, specifically Apostolic Lutheran Christianity (TM) was a really big thing for my parents, and it tore them up when I told them that I didn't want to go to church any more. Definitely worth looking into though, just practicing simple mindfulness (as often as I can) makes a massive difference on my quality of life, and my mental health. It just seems to make sense.