Description

Friends for Asias Teaching English in Monasteries Project offers volunteers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Buddhist monastery life in one of the worlds most spiritual countries.

Volunteers contribute to the education and personal development of hundreds of children in Kathmandu and play their part in preserving Tibetan culture and Buddhist practice. If there is anywhere to experience authentic Buddhist monastery life, this is it. Volunteers can also teach at Tibetan refugee camps in the city, where Tibetan culture and Buddhism are an integral part of daily life.

Volunteering in Nepal - A Day In The Life

By nature, monastery life is both simple and rewarding. The day starts early, often well before dawn, and much of the morning is devoted to prayer. Usually, teaching takes place in the afternoon for 3-4 hours. During their time at the monastery, volunteers will have plenty of opportunity to get to know the monks and Buddhism. The monks here are invariably open and friendly, and will only be too happy to discuss Buddhism, spirituality, life, and the world in general. Many an hour can be passed in deep discussion, and remember, their own English skills probably grew from the help of the teachers and volunteers of the past.

Volunteer Tasks and Skills

The main duty of volunteers is to teach English. The age of students ranges from 5 to 20 years old, so ability can vary significantly. This can be a big plus. With class division from nursery to class 10, it provides volunteers with an opportunity to teach at every level and use a variety of teaching styles. In fact, variety really is the spice of life here. Attendance at classes is voluntary and class sizes vary from day to day, so flexibility is important. Volunteers are often left to their own devices and will be responsible for planning lessons, conducting workshops, and organizing games and other activities. Outside of class time volunteers may also be asked to help supervise extra-curricular activities and sports.

Volunteering in Nepal Making a Difference

It is difficult to emphasize just how much the work of our volunteers benefits these kids. Even a basic knowledge of the English language will open doors and expose them to new possibilities. Many of the children at these monasteries go on to use their English skills to circulate Buddhist teachings and practice around the world. Even for those who are just beginning to learn the language, exposure to people from different countries and different cultures enriches their lives immeasurably.

Highlights

Volunteering in Nepal offers an experience like no other. Our volunteers live with Nepali families and make a real and lasting difference to the lives of the country's most disadvantaged people.

Nestled among the peaks of the Himalayas, Nepal's stunning beauty and unique culture has made it a must-see destination for travelers and trekkers for years. For those looking to get off the tourist trail and see a different view of life in Nepal, Friends for Asia offers a choice of Nepal volunteer opportunities that enrich the lives of volunteers and locals alike.

Friends for Asia's Nepal volunteers find themselves in all kinds of unique situations and settings. Working with disadvantaged women on the streets of Kathmandu, taking care of kids a Buddhist temple or helping to build schools in the Nepal countryside are just some of the options available. All volunteers stay with Nepali host families and experience the culture, traditions and food of Nepal first-hand.

Volunteering in Nepal is a meaningful, cross-cultural experience where volunteers really make a difference. Nepal is just emerging from decades of political strife and there is a palpable sense that there is now a real opportunity to build a better future for the country. Our volunteers help make this a reality by enriching the lives of thousands of adults and children each year.

Friends for Asia's representatives look after our volunteers for the duration of the project. Volunteers are picked up on arrival at the airport, taken to their project location, and provided with a proper orientation and training for their assignment.

Of course, Friends for Asia realizes that our volunteers will want to get out and explore this amazing country. Volunteers have plenty of time off to do their own thing and see the sights.

Volunteering in Nepal is an experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life with many of our volunteers coming back again and again.

Qualifications

The minimum age requirement for volunteers in the Teaching English in Monasteries Project is 18. Our volunteers do not need teaching qualifications or experience to participate in the project. However, we do require volunteers to have a good level of English and ask them to bring plenty of enthusiasm to the job.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

starts at USD 750 for two weeks

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Registration fees
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Participation in the Teaching Monks Volunteer Project starts at USD 750 for two weeks. Each additional week is USD 80.

FEE INCLUDES: Airport pick up and drop off, accommodation during orientation and entire project time, 2 day orientation, 10 hours of basic Nepalese language lessons, all meals during project placement, 24/7 assistance support.
FEE DOES NOT INCLUDE: Plane tickets, travel insurance, cost of transportation to and from work location and accommodation.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Adult Education
• Community Centers
• Education
• English Teaching
• Volunteering

Typical Volunteer

An individual who loves to travel, wants to learn more about Nepal and assist Asia in it's development.

Age Range

18 and up

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Independent living

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

2 days

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Friends For Asia's Mission Statement

The mission of Friends For Asia is twofold. We offer an opportunity for people to contribute, in a meaningful way, to the improvement of standards of living by building capacity in our host agencies and we provide committed volunteers to work on projects developed with host agencies that benefit the people of Thailand.

Year Founded

2008