Empower Your Journey: Volunteer Teaching Opportunities with Real Travel Nepal in Schools and Monastery

1. Volunteers in School

In Nepal, the quality of education for most children is unfortunately quite poor. Government-funded schools are often seen as ineffective due to untrained and unmotivated teachers, overcrowded classrooms, inadequate facilities, and unaffordable resources. To address this, charitable organizations like Volunteer Society Nepal have established schools to provide children with a better start. These schools offer significantly improved education at affordable fees for parents. Additionally, private schools are legally required to admit children from local orphanages, ensuring they receive an education. Real Journey Nepal places volunteers in government schools that desperately need support, as well as in their newly established charitable private school in Kathmandu. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of these children by providing them with the education they deserve.

English language ability is a vital component to a good education in Nepal. Volunteer to teach English in a school and you will give your pupils a huge head start in life.

What Work Does an English Teacher Volunteer Do?

As an English teacher volunteer, your role can vary based on your experience. You may either conduct English language classes independently or assist a teacher. We encourage you to think creatively in your teaching methods and incorporate new resources whenever possible. The children range in age from 4 to 16 years old, and you can choose which age group you’d like to teach. Volunteers typically spend up to 6 hours a day at the school. Upon arrival, you’ll have a meeting with the principal to discuss your ideas, aspirations, and experience. We always ensure that volunteers feel comfortable with their level of commitment and involvement. Rest assured, you won’t be placed in a classroom with 60 children on your first day unless you want to.

Do I Need Any Qualifications or Skills for This Work?

No formal qualifications are required for this placement, but you must have a good command of the English language. Experience working with children is beneficial, but confidence and enthusiasm are equally important if you lack this experience. Basic support materials will be available, though they are often limited, so any additional resources you can provide are greatly appreciated. Past volunteers have brought photos, videos, and items from home to share with the children.

Cultural Exchange Volunteer Program

This volunteer program serves as a cultural exchange, offering international volunteers a deeper understanding of the religious practices of Buddhists in Nepal while providing monks with improved spoken English skills. Some monasteries are very isolated, and this program offers monks valuable contact with the outside world. Equally important, it helps the outside world gain insight into the religious culture and practices of the monks. This placement is perfect for individuals interested in religious culture and willing to commit to teaching English in a challenging cultural environment.

Teaching English in Nepal

Many of our volunteers come to Nepal to teach English, addressing the urgent need for support in English language classes across the country. As English increasingly becomes the language of business and opportunity, fluency opens up many more doors for children when they leave school at 16. Schools need native or nearly fluent English speakers to encourage and support English language learning. Volunteers participating in this placement may also provide extra lessons for struggling students or lead recreational activities in schools.

Volunteer to Teach in a Buddhist Monastery

Embrace a unique opportunity to teach English in a Buddhist monastery, immersing yourself in ancient religious practices while providing invaluable international experience to otherwise isolated monks. This program is one of the most popular at Real Journey Nepal, offering a rare chance to work alongside Buddhist monks and observe their distinctive monastic environment, all while helping them connect with the outside world. However, arranging this placement can be quite challenging, so we ask potential volunteers to consider the following questions:
  • Are you ready to experience the significant culture shock that comes with volunteering and living with Buddhist monks?
  • Are you comfortable being isolated from other volunteers and Westerners during your placement?
  • Do you have a clear understanding of what life in a Buddhist monastery entails?

We ask these questions to ensure you have the most rewarding experience possible from your volunteer placement. For those deeply interested in monastic life, meditative techniques, and Buddhist teachings, this is an incredible opportunity. However, if you are merely curious, the long-term commitment of this placement requires careful consideration.

What does a monastery volunteer do?

Volunteers in our monastery placements spend approximately 3-4 hours per day teaching English to monks of all ages. In return, monks share their knowledge and cultural insights with volunteers. Upon request, volunteers may also have the opportunity to learn meditation techniques and gain a deep understanding of Buddhist culture in Nepal. This is one of our most sought-after volunteer opportunities due to its unique immersion in monastery life.

Do I need qualifications or skills for this role?

No specific qualifications are required, but a strong command of English is essential. Cultural sensitivity is also crucial, as volunteers work in a religious environment that may be unfamiliar. Volunteers typically benefit more from this experience when they are proactive and willing to take initiative as needed.

Where can I volunteer in a monastery in Nepal?

Monastery volunteering is available in Kathmandu, as well as in Salleri and Charikot towns in the Himalayan region of Nepal. In Kathmandu, volunteers may work in monasteries with attached schools that educate both monks and local boys and girls. In the Himalayan region, volunteers are often placed in poorer monasteries without external schooling, presenting a more challenging environment. Note that volunteering in a Tibetan monastery requires a commitment of three months or longer.

What type of accommodation will I have?

Volunteers are accommodated in homestays with local Nepali families regardless of their placement location in Nepal. Living with a family offers a deeper understanding and appreciation of Nepali culture. Accommodation standards vary: rural areas typically have basic facilities with limited running water and squat toilets, while urban placements generally provide modern amenities like Western-style toilets and showers. All meals are provided at the homestay, and commuting to work usually takes no more than 30 minutes.

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