What inspired you to go abroad?
For three years I had been thinking about doing a volunteer program, but I never actually understood everything. I thought this year was the moment to do it and here I am. I really like the idea of giving back to others what you can—teaching, spending time, and more than that being with kids is really what I like.
In Pashupatinath
Why did you choose ELI Abroad’s Teaching at a Buddhist Monastery Program?
I chose the double program of teaching in a Buddhist monastery and CDC so I could have two different experiences, and from the beginning I wanted two placements working with children. More than that, the idea of being in a Buddhist monastery seemed super interesting to me.
What was your favorite part about Nepal?
The fact that Thamel was a 10 minute walk from our house was amazing because we could go any day we didn’t have an activity planned, or go to get something to eat at night. Within a 45 minute bus ride, you could visit many of the most interesting sites.
In Chitwan
What made your experience abroad unique?
I think the thing that made this trip so unique was the combination of a very gratifying experience at the monastery, the beautiful sights of Nepal, the group of friends in the house, and encountering hard situations that you generally don’t see in Spain and becoming more grateful for the life you have.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
The staff of the house is there for anything you need: to help with the children’s classes, organize group activities for the weekdays or weekends, and alway with a smile. They were always close by if we needed anything.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?
I maybe would have liked to have a different experience than the CDC. At the monastery we were essential to teach English because no one else was teaching the students. But, at the CDC we were with a teacher and she was the one who taught the classes and we only participated once in a while.
Describe a typical day in the life of your program.
Almost every day I woke up between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m., ate breakfast, and left the house for the monastery with my friends at 11:15 a.m. We would prepare the class for the monks and they would give us time to walk through Thamel. After the monastery we ate and usually went to visit a nearby site. At 7:00 p.m. we ate dinner at home and almost always went out after to grab a drink.
In Pokhara
What did you enjoy doing in your free time?
Perhaps two of the excursions that I liked the most were Chitwan and Pokhara, two very different places and both precious. When we didn’t have too much of a plan I always liked to go to Thamel with my friends and walk around, even though the danger is that you always end up buying things!
What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?
The volunteer house was great. It was quite different from how the houses are in Spain since the beds aren’t very comfortable. The bathrooms are different (even though they are much better than most Nepali bathrooms), but after a few days you get used to it and it’s almost like it’s your house.
With some of the lovely little monks
What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?
I think the most important thing to come on a program like this is have an open mind, have a goal to meet new people, get to know a different culture, and intend on adapting to everything. Be happy, because the weeks will fly by.
Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?
This trip has opened my mind and maybe my way of thinking. It has made me realize I have what I need to be happy, and this is something that although it’s easy to say, it takes going to a place like Nepal for you to realize.
Would you recommend ELI Abroad to others? Why?
I would completely recommend this experience and soaking up another culture that is so different from your own. You will get enormous satisfaction thinking about how you made so many kids happy.
