Description

Teachers and community members in Kathmandu have been working hard to ensure the success of their education system but they lack funds. Volunteers are an invaluable asset to these institutions, and they are needed at monasteries, boarding schools and government schools alike. Volunteers teach vocabulary, lead basic writing exercises, and coordinate activities and games. There are also opportunities to teach math, science, basic computer skills and social studies. ELI has partnered with a number of dynamic primary and secondary schools in the bustling Kathmandu Valley, a couple of monasteries and a nunnery in Kathmandu.

Typical Day: Please keep in mind that there is no truly typical day while volunteering abroad. Volunteers generally work 4-6 hours a day, Monday through Friday. Volunteers day-to-day activities vary from placement to placement and volunteer to volunteer. Volunteers' exact schedules are determined when they arrive in country.

7:30am - Breakfast at volunteer house

8:00am - Depart for monastery

8:30am - Classes begin at monastery with novice monks

11:00am - Arrive back at volunteer house

12:00pm - Lunch and change for orphanage

1:00pm - Head to orphanage. Tutor, lead activities, and play with the kids

6:30:00pm - Dinner at volunteer house
Evenings and weekends are free to explore Kathmandu and other popular tourist sites like Chitwan and Pokhara.

Participants arrive in Kathmandu on set dates, as group orientation will start the following morning.

ELI's Volunteer House is conveniently located on the edge of Thamel, the tourist district, near shops, cafes, etc. It is a new building with western style flushing toilets, stand-up showers, and warm water, and wifi. Bedrooms are shared when the house is at capacity, so be prepared to have lovely roommates during the busy seasons (summer and fall). There is electricity, but availability depends on the rolling black outs. Breakfast and dinner are served by our in-house chef daily. Please note, none of the buildings in Kathmandu offer indoor heat - if you are going in the winter be sure to pack a warm coat.

Highlights

There is no country more beloved by those who have visited. Warm and friendly people, a rich cultural heritage, and scenic beauty that defies the imagination. Nepal is the only Hindu Kingdom in the world, and one of the few places where Hindus and Buddhists live together in harmony. This country has long been a popular destination for explorers and nature lovers. At any given moment Kathmandu is overflowing with visitors from all corners of the globe.

The hot terai of the north Indian plains gives way to the foothills, then rises dramatically skyward to the icy Himalayan peaks, topping off at Mt. Everest - the highest point on earth at 8850m. Visitors revel in some of the most incredible trekking in the world, white water rafting, visiting the many game parks and nature preserves. ELI works hard to ensure that volunteers also get a chance to explore this beautiful country!

Qualifications

Experience in the classroom is helpful but not necessary. Volunteers must be 18 years of age and fluent in English.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

We are proud to keep our program fees low! Program fees start at USD 585 for 2 weeks!

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Accommodations in Kathmandu are at a volunteer house with western amentities.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Successful ELI volunteers want to learn about other cultures, meet new people, and contribute in struggling communities. They are flexible, open-minded, and fun.

Age Range

18-81 - All volunteers are welcome!

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

ELI-Experiential Learning International's Mission Statement

ELI's full name, Experiential Learning International, reflects our philosophy. We believe that the most compelling life lessons come through experience, and that international experiences are among the most profound influences on our sense of self and our view of the world. ELI facilitates flexible international learning programs for independent travelers by partnering with local organizations to give participants the opportunity to experience and contribute to sustainable ongoing local projects throughout the world.

Year Founded

2001