What inspired you to go abroad?
After finishing my engineering studies I wanted to volunteer for a long period of time—around six months. I knew this kind of long term experience would allow me to develop my English and discover new cultures through direct immersion.
Why did you choose Maya Universe Academy?
I chose Maya Universe Academy because I wanted to work with kids—teaching had always been something I wanted to try. And this organization allowed me to also do some physical work as well. It was the perfect combination.
One of the views from the top of the hill!
What was your favorite part about Nepal?
The people! Nepalis are the most welcoming people, and living in the village you really experience that. The kids are also full of love. It was wonderful to be able to experience, and I missed it once I left. Which is why I came back!
What made your experience abroad unique?
Living in a rural village in Nepal was very unique because I got to experience Nepali culture in a way I could have never hoped for just traveling here for tourist purposes. It was more immersive and genuine.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
Local staff became my friends very quickly. They were always available to speak if a problem came up or if I would have suggestions/concerns.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?
I wish I would have started teaching earlier! I was doing construction work in the beginning, because I was kind of afraid of teaching, so I was hesitant to jump into it. But as soon as I started, I loved it!
Describe a typical day in the life of your program.
Breakfast was served at 8:30 a.m., then the whole school gathered at 10:00 a.m. for one minute of mediation and poem recitation from the kids. At 10:30 a.m. class began. Each period is 45 minutes. There were three periods before lunch and three after. School then ended at 4:00 p.m..
After that, volunteers got some free time, or enjoyed extra curricular activities with the kids (sports, arts, etc.). Dinner is then served at 7:00 p.m.. Breakfast and dinner were served in the hostel kitchen so they were always great times to meet and connect with the kids. After that everyone is free to spend their time how they want.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoyed reading, having fun with the kids, hiking, and going to nearby towns on the weekends.
Dashain festival with local families
What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?
Accommodation was in a dormitory. There was a simple bed with a mosquito net and a small shelf. I liked the community feeling of being always surrounded by amazing people.
What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?
They should know that they will come back one day. You won’t want to leave—and if you do, you’ll just want to come back.
Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?
I now live abroad, so it helped me choose what I wanted.
What was the hardest part about teaching abroad?
Maybe some cultural differences in the way teachers and students interact with each other. But I found that it was a quick adjustment to get used to these interactions.
What surprised you most about Nepal?
It's hot!! I had this picture of a mountainous cold country, but was met with a different experience. There are mountains, some of the highest ones in the world, but most of the country is very hot, especially in summer.
Class four making science posters
How difficult was it to communicate with locals?
Not difficult. Nepalis always try to communicate and make efforts in doing so. Also, locals around the school have been around foreigners for eight years, so they know some English. And the staff is completely fluent in English so they are easier to communicate with.
What is one thing you wish you would have known before teaching abroad in Nepal?
I felt prepared, but it’s always nice to know/remember how lovely the kids are! They are more than enough reason to come—and stay!
If you could teach abroad again, where would you go?
Well, I keep coming back to teach in the Maya school in Nepal. So still Nepal! I can’t get enough.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of teaching abroad is?
Just like teaching anywhere, seeing a kid understand something you explained is one of the best feelings. Being abroad you get to discover a new culture as well. So there are personal benefits too—and challenges.
Would you recommend Maya Universe Academy? Why?
I would definitely recommend Maya to everyone. This is one of the best place I've been in the world and I'm now living there. A lot of volunteers that come here come again for longer periods of time. Everyone is happy here.