Teach English at Buddhist Monastaries in Nepal

  Nepal

• Kathmandu: 
Kathmandu

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: multiple dates year round

Description: 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 could'nt 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.

* Project 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.

* Why the project needs volunteers:
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.

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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

Qualifications: What kind of skills you need to go on this type of project:

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 organize. 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 role as a volunteer:

Your main duties in the monasteries will be teaching English and occasionally maths. Most of the morning is taken up with prayers, so teaching normally starts after lunch, for approximately 2 hours a day. Sometimes depends on the monastery there may be some early morning starts so be prepared!

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.

Cost in US$: USD 1295.00 for 2 weeks, USD 220.00 for every week thereafter

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: If you are interested in immersing yourself in another culture while giving your time to a worthy cause, then you are a typical i-to-i volunteer. We invite you to join the i-to-i community of dedicated volunteers aged 18-80 who are working on community development, building, teaching, and conservation projects across the globe. Together, we make a lasting impact that changes lives and helps preserve the planet through hundreds of worthwhile projects around the world.

Age Range: 18-80

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian and European Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Nepal Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Year Founded: 1994