Project Overview
Overview
Need some peace and quiet?
One thing we can promise you on this project is that your students will be well behaved! You’re sure to learn as much as you teach in gorgeous Nepal and with well behaved and positive students ranging in age from 8 to 25 it’s a great opportunity to gain a wide variety of experience and test your TEFL certification, which is included with the trip. Some schools are affected by pujas (festivals) which can give you some free time to fit in some trekking before school starts again. From your base it couldn’t be easier to plot a route into the mountains and for those who don’t fancy doing it alone, fear not, the city is full of travellers looking for walking buddies.
Trip Highlights:
Mountains, mountains and more mountains - without doubt the BEST in the world
Getting to experience real life in this amazing country
Exploring the wonderful city of Kathmandu - we've never heard of anyone who didn't love this place
Itinerary & Details
For those looking for cultural immersion, there is a unique opportunity to teach Buddhist monks in the serene surroundings of a monastery. The Monasteries vary in size. Some have about 30 pupils (all boys), aged from 10 to 21. Other Tibetan and Nepalese Buddhist monasteries have approximately 400 resident monks.
The schools in the monasteries provide classes in a number of subjects for about 150 monks. The classes are divided into groups ranging from upper kindergarten (age 8yrs) to class 9 (age 16/17yrs). Attendance at classes is voluntary for the monks so class sizes tend to fluctuate! Ability levels in each class can also vary.
Volunteers should be aware that most of the schools use teaching methods are quite old-fashioned. There are also a lot of religious festivals in Nepal so working hours are often affected.
Many schools in Nepal lack the funds to provide effective English language training. Native or fluent English speakers with or without formal teaching experience can contribute greatly to a child's educational development. Career prospects for children of Nepal often rely on their knowledge of English, and by teaching English, you become an important part of the community.
If you have an interest in and some knowledge of Tibetan and Buddhist religious philosophy and culture, you will get the most out of your project.
You will often be left to your own devices when teaching and have responsibility to plan your lessons, therefore this project is suitable for those who can demonstrate the ability to organise. The pupils are keen to learn and are responsive and active. If you have teaching experience you could also conduct workshops on new teaching methods with the teachers. The more you get involved in all aspects of school life the better your experience will be.
Your main duties in the monasteries will be teaching English and occasionally maths. You will be teaching for approximately 2 hours a day and on many occasions you may find yourself team teaching with another volunteer allowing you the support of having someone else teaching with you as well as giving more attention to your students. You will be teaching either in the morning or the afternoon depending on the monastery, but sometimes there may be some very early morning starts so be prepared! You will also need to be flexible too as a lot of time is taken up with prayers. One of the monasteries would also like more advanced conversational English teaching from 4pm to 5pm but this would not be on a regular basis so please enquire with the in country team.
Please note: During February (dates are not confirmed) each year the Losar festival occurs celebrating the Tibetan New Year and will mean that you can join the celebrations. The projects will be disrupted but is a great opportunity to see some of the performances in the city and see thousands of monks in their deep red robes worshiping.
The Monasteries are located about 2-6km from Thamel and are easily reached by public transport.
Your accommodation will be at the Student Guesthouse in the Thamel District of Kathmandu. 2 meals are provided per day and both food and accommodation is included in the project fee.
Please book your flight to arrive into Kathmandu (airport code KTM) on the advertised arrival date to ensure your airport pickup. (Please note that when booking flights the airline Nepal Air does tend to be unreliable and is not unusual to be subject to delays.)
Please note: During February (dates are not confirmed) each year the Losar festival occurs celebrating the Tibetan New Year and will mean that you can join the celebrations. The projects will be disrupted but is a great opportunity to see some of the performances in the city and see thousands of monks in their deep red robes worshiping.
Stories
Pamela Smith gives this project 10/10
Here is what Pamela had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
The interaction that I had with the students was really one of the highlights of the trip. The were such sweet natured, open minded, open hearted young men, who were intensely interested in learning to speak, write and read the english language. The were such attentive learners, with incredible powers of concentration and an equal measure of joy in exposure to new images and experiences. After teaching, we took a trek to the annapurna sanctuary.Walking in the twilight up to the annapurna base camp with the silhouettes of stones cairns against the dreamlike snowcapped Himalyas was another high point. Also all of my interactions with the Nepalese people was particularly sweet, they were charming, usually gentle and extremely hospitable.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
I realized how privileged I am to have had a basic education for free. There are so many things that I take for granted that aren't just a given, like drinking water from the tap, clean air to breathe and maintained highways for travel.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
For English teachers, take as many workbooks as possible to photocopy for daily work.
Take lots of photographs, pictures of your country, local customs.
Take things to enhance curriculum, pens, pencils, colored pens, colored markers, flash cards, lots of games.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
i don't know the right words
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
I absolutely loved the teaching placement, Chris Frasier Jenkins was excellent and knowledgeable about Nepal, but having the accomodation right on top of a disco wasn't even helped with earplugs. Young people would maybe not be affected, but I think if many of the volunteers are over 50 they should have another choice of a quiet or quieter place in Thamel.
Lynn Thorwaldson gives this project 10/10
Here is what Lynn had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
I loved teaching at the monestry. I got to know the Lamas and as a Buddhist this was the trip of a lifetime fo me.I loved staying in Thamel.It is a very interesting tourist part of Kathmandu in that I met people from many countries yet the street sellers,shop keepers,taxi and rickshaw drivers are all part of the scene. I appreciated meeting the other volunteers. Even though there was a big age difference between most of the volunteers and myself-this did not matter at all.Young people on an adventure are warm and open and I made some dear friends. Chris Jenkins-Fraser our ICC was very helpful (a wealth of knowledge!) and I felt at ease knowing that if anything was up that I could call him anytime to help.Chris even visits the volunteers who are not feeling well! Having a person to connect with there and before the trip took the fear out of going for me.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
Seeing how the Lamas have dedicated their whole lives to studying the dharma and practicing the sutras is inspiring to say the least. I know they are praying for the whole world (it needs it right now!) and you will never meet more sincere and kind people! The Nepali people themselves are an extrordinary group. EVERYONE wants to stop and talk. My heart was open the whole time I was there. I never felt afraid not once. My own cool Canadian culture seems bland compared to them and they have nothing and we have it all...except for the realization to we have it all.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Don't expect luxury accommodation. In fact the place I stayed was the a palace compared to the way the Nepalis live. I had a western toilet ,a hot shower, my own room and the nicest guest house staff..Hi Saraj,Saresh and Deepak. The meals were simple and the company was always good.
Think about the real price for something and don't bargain the sellers down to nothing.Things are inexpensive so be fair too.On the flip side don't pay too much either.Spend the first week looking around at where you are and the beautiful people. Feel comfortable with the exchange rate before leaving.You can get an amazing meal for $2 Canadian,a beautiful scarf for $3, a 3 hour bus ride costs less than .25 cents. The different economy is hard to get your head around.
Spend time alone. Walk in the streets and talk to people.I saw visitors always in groups and not really interacting with the locals.They were missing out!
(Check out grapefruit seed extract at a healthfood store in your own country. I took this and was the only volunteer that did not get the "tummy trouble".)
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
It is a privileged and important opportunity to experiece yourself away from home.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
I can't think of anything. I do know that a few volunteers were bothered by the noise from the disco next door to the guesthouse. I was so tired every night I slept like a baby.
David Korn gives this project 9/10
Here is what David had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Far too many to write - moments like climbing to the peak of Nagarjun Mountain, or starting a conversation with a random shopkeeper on the street and being invited in for Nepali tea, or the breathtaking bus journey between Kathmandu and Pokhara through the most beautiful place I've ever been in my life
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
Was there a part that didn't?
To name two experiences - the inexplicable amount of respect with which the young monks treated me, whom they had just met... and, meeting the owner of a bookstore in Pokhara who was the most profoundly peaceful human being I've encountered in my 21 years.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Expect nothing - it won't be like anything you are imagining.
Go into it open-minded, excited to have the carpet of everything you think you know swept out from under your feet.
Acknowledge the gravity of what you are going to be doing out there.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
I feel slightly wiser and slightly more aware of the world I live in.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Better intro to teaching! By far the most stressful part of the trip was simply being thrown into a classroom full of Buddhist monks who don't speak my language and being told to 'teach them English.' I had no idea what they knew, what they had been taught, what I should teach them, what level of English they were at, etc. It would have helped immensely to have some kind of briefing from a previous volunteer at the same monastery. It also would have been nice, though I understand resources are slim, to teach at the same monastery as at least one other volunteer.
Sean Dyer gives this project 9/10
Here is what Sean had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Meeting real tibetan Lamas and visiting the site of the Buddha's birth.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
Its made me realise how little media attention the tibetan situation recieves. My experiences teaching has really made me feel lucky for having a western education.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Bring stomach bug tablets!
Try and learn some of the Language
Be prepared to haggle
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
A crazy yet intriguing experience.
Rochelle Hadley gives this project 9/10
Here is what Rochelle had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
In one month I had grown to love my class of monks by the end of my stay I was contemplaiting extending my stay! There were so mny high points during my trip away that it's hard to know where to start. Meeting the other volunteers, the guesthouse staff, the monks, the generl people of Nepal set to some ofth emost amazing scenery I have ever seen, the whole experience was amazing!
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
Although I was in Nepal,I taught Tibetan monks and formed a really big bond with all of them. They humbled me so much and made me relise how much I take everything for granted. They gve me aninsight to the situtionin tibet nd the appaling state of affairs there but also they were so happy with so little, in a class on ambitions most of them just wanted to be a simple monk that helped people!it's easy in the west to be hung up on worldly things but beingin Nepal mde me realise the downside to the mass consumption of the West.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
1. research your country befor hand and get an idea of what you want to do, your time will FLY by at a stupid pace, my month felt like less than a fortnight and I wasn't ready to come home2. have a go at learning the local language it adds something to your trip and it gives you a chance to spek to th elocal people...ok most of them will speak English but it's always fun coming away with a new skill3. be willing to try anything, the most unpetising thing sometimes can be the tastiest, the wort path in the world could led to the most amazing view! sometimes it's best not to follow the path but to explore and discover something for yourself!
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
The best thing I have ever done by far
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
I wish I had gone for more than a month...which is why I'm going again next Summer!
Imelda Flattery gives this project 9/10
Here is what Imelda had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Teaching the Buddhist monks and learning about their way of life. Also visiting one of the local orphanages. It was a privilege to be allowed into their lives.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
Nepal is one of the world's poorest countries and yet the people are so warm and rich in spirit. The children were so eager to learn English and Maths and also about our country. They were a pleasure to teach.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Bring flash cards and wall charts as resources may be limited. They also love stickers when you are correcting their work. They love to learn more about you and your country so it is good to bring postcards showing typical scenes and maybe photos of you and your family. The more you put into the teaching the more they will get out of it,
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
It far surpassed any expectations due to the warmth and friendliness of the Nepalese people.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Just to have more time - the two weeks seemed short.
James Robinson gives this project 9/10
Here is what James had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
I loved teaching at the monastery.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
It's impossible to do something like this and not have your world view changed.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
1) Bring materials to use for teaching.
2) Wear sunscreen.
3) Eat momos with sesame sauce.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Exhilarating and exhausting.
Laura Deadman gives this project 9/10
Here is what Laura had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
So many good times!
Being invited to join the head of the monastery for lunch.
Organising a farewell party for the monks.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
1) Bring art materials, educational supplies and small rewards (stickers etc) with you as they can be hard to find and expensive in Nepal.
2) Try to be positive and open minded when faced with unordinary situations. You'll never get the oppurtunity to do certain things again!
3) Make sure you spend at least one night outside of Kathmandu as it can make you go a bit stir-crazy!
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
An amazing, challenging, rewarding and worthwhile trip!
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Being told what classes and age groups I would be teaching before I arrived so I could bring out the right materials and plan a couple of lessons before hand.
Bonita (Bonnie) Allen gives this project 9/10
Here is what Bonita (Bonnie) had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Experience working with younger monks in the monastery.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
The public health issues and poverty in this country are eye openers. A greater appreciation for Canada. The situation with the street dogs of Kathmandu.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Do take a few school supplies and ideas to make it through the teacher adventure.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Eye opening and a greater appreciation for my own country.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
I was travelling on my own and, being substantially older than the other volunteers, it would have been nice to have others closer to my age.
John Sullivan gives this project 9/10
Here is what John had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Trip to Pokhara which was amazing
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
How there was both Hinduism and Buddhism living side by side without any strife was inspiring.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Go without pretence or expectationPrepare to be ill but dont let it get you down Try everything
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Fantastic place, amazing people, unforgettable memories.
Irfan Hai gives this project 9/10
Here is what Irfan had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
1- The cultural difference of Nepal
2- The people are very friendly
3- Nepal is an extermely beautiful place
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
1- Be ready to withstand poverty
2- Dont get put of by the pollution
3- Expect random events, like power cuts
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
An experience in my memory book
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
The food could have been much better
Jennifer Wallace gives this project 8/10
Here is what Jennifer had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Nepal is a wonderful country and I'll never forget the amazing scenery and the wonderful people.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
The country and the project left a great impact on me. The chance to work in these remote places is a great opportunity and one I'll think of often.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
This was a wonderful experience
Ellena Pol gives this project 8/10
Here is what Ellena had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
Basically, any trip outside of Kathmandu. No, that's not true. Being at the monastery was absolutely amazing, but the guesthouse in Thamel could be a bit noisy. The best part of the tour however was getting to make friends with the other volunteers. Everyone was great.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
It was definately intense to be immersed into a different culture, that is light-years away from what us Westerners know as reality. Being on public transport and just generally conducting oneself so as to be respected as both a person and a woman was difficult, but I feel that the intensity helped to shape my character.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Bring a blow-dryer.
No, I'm kidding. Let's see. Give it time. Being in Thamel is really difficult and requires a lot of patience, but with time, it is easily navicable.
Try to get outside of Kathmandu. Even just outside of Thamel, Kathmandu has a completely different personality, but I found that being outside of the city gave me an entirely new perspective of the country, more and more so with every excursion.
Also, decrease any expectations to a minimal. As in, try to come completely open-minded, yet aware of what's going on around you, and don't bring ANY clothes besides your undies.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Difficult, yet increasingly percieved as an amazing volunteer experience.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
A quieter room.
Kim Worgan gives this project 8/10
Here is what Kim had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
The wonderful people that I met while I was there and the huge cultural differences between our countries, The colours and the sounds that are Kathmandu, oh and the smells.
The opportunities to experience many different aspects of Nepal, It is such a diverse place to visit.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
The way that the Nepali people deal with the poverty and difficult political situations, Their acceptance. (to a degree)Their hope that things can change for the better.
The way they Make the best of what they have and are trying to better themselves and those that want to make a difference to their country through education. ie educating themselves to make a difference for the next generations.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Carry toilet paper with you,LOL
Go with no expectations, This way you will get the most from your experience.
Tolerance, This is not your home country.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Wow! I have a huge respect for the Nepali people.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Not getting stomach bugs! Giardia! It was unavoidable even though I was extremely careful. It has in its own way added to my whole experience as well as made it more challenging.
Jennifer Wilder gives this project 8/10
Here is what Jennifer had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
The authenticity of the experience and the cultural experiences that I enjoyed while here
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
Working in Nepal forced me to truly appreciate the standard of living that we enjoy at home
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Give yourself some time at the beginning or end of your trip to go out and see more of the country
Take Malaria tablets! If you want to see Chitwan park then you will need to be on this medication
Don't go in with any expectations of the trip or volunteer placement - keep an open mind because it's so very different from home
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
An eye opening experience that makes me want to keep on traveling
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
I would have signed up for longer if I had of known how much there was to see here!
Caitlin Tally gives this project 8/10
Here is what Caitlin had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
I loved the entire experience of living in Kathmandu. But specifically, being invited to some of the special prayer ceremonies, and the festival for the Dalai Lhamas birthday were definitely highlights.
Also, visiting Pokhara was an amazing experience.
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
Most definitely. Being close to the level of poverty of Nepal definitely affects you. As well, being up close and having a chance to learn about the Buddhist way of life, their principles and philosophies have changes that are lasting.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Don't take cabs, walking is easy. Barter, barter, barter! Smile and joke around with Nepalis, it gets farther. They are a gentle people who like to have fun.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
An experience I will take with me wherever I go. The nepalis and their culture is beautiful, friendly and unique.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
Not really. I had a fantastic time and don't have any complaints.
jessica henry gives this project 8/10
Here is what jessica had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
monkeys on the roof while I was trying to teach - so funny
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
It was amazing to see how appreciated education is - the school children so proud of their uniforms, and the little monks who fought over who got to sit in the front row of the class. Western children totally take for granted the opportunities they get.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
Make sure you bring very good ear-plugs!
Don't worry about bringing toiletries - it's cheap as in Thamel, but do bring TEFL books and exercises with you if possible
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
I'm lucky that i am a very heavy sleeper, because the hotel is unbelievably noisy! I had very good ear-plugs, but my pillow actually vibrated from the disco next door, and even after the disco finished, if an earplug accidentally fell out it was enough to wake me up. This is interesting given that many of the bars we went to - i.e. 'nowhere bar' have to turn the music down at 10pm, yet the disco next door to the student guest house seems to be allowed to go as loud and as long as they want. the food at the hotel was also very bland.
Rhian Williams gives this project 7/10
Here is what Rhian had to say:
What were the highlights of your trip?
On my last day of teaching I had all the different classes of monks come into one room and I had a big quiz with them, covering all the topics I had taught them. They were really enthusiastic and loved the competitive aspect of the quiz (not to mention the sweets).
Was there a part of the project that changed the way you look at the world or affected you in some way?
The devout religous nature of the boys I was teaching, that were so young, made me think about my own spirituality and also the priorities in my life.
Do you have 3 top tips for future travellers?
1. Don't arrive full of expectations, as things will often be different to how you imagined.
2. Be prepared to be flexible, as things in other countries often work differently, and usually slower, than at home.
3. Throw yourself into your new role completely.
Give Us Up To 10 Words That Sum Up Your Experience: For example - "A life changing experience!"
Fun. Challenging at times. Emotional. Hard to forget. Too short.
Is there anything that would have made your experience better?
The food at the placement left a lot to be desired and I know all the volunteers were disappointed with the menu, that was mostly rice and vegetables. We understood that meat was hard to come by but having once in four weeks wasn't ideal.
Organised activities for the volunteers to get to know each other would've helped.
