About the program

As a volunteer teaching English in Nepal with INFO Nepal, you’ll have the chance to make a lasting impact on the local community while immersing yourself in the country’s vibrant culture. Whether you're working with kindergarten or primary school students, you'll take the lead in teaching and assisting with lessons, inspiring the next generation and helping to equip them for a brighter future.

Background to the Teaching Program

Volunteering as an English teacher in Nepal with INFO Nepal offers students the chance to develop valuable language skills that will help them achieve their future goals. By engaging with native English speakers, students will significantly improve their language proficiency, a crucial asset for securing future employment. Education plays a pivotal role in driving economic, political, and social development, and through your volunteer work, you'll help empower the younger generation in Nepal.

However, Nepal's education system faces significant challenges, including underfunding and a shortage of qualified teachers, especially in English. As a result, the country struggles with a high illiteracy rate, with 41% of Nepalese adults unable to read or write, leading many to low-paying, labor-intensive jobs.

Tourism, Nepal's largest industry after agriculture, presents considerable economic opportunities. However, many tourism-related jobs require proficiency in English. Unfortunately, the standard of English education in government schools is often insufficient, with effective English instruction typically available only to children from wealthier families who can afford private or international schools.

As a volunteer teaching English in Nepal, you'll help open doors to greater opportunities for children, offering them hope and inspiration, even if they lack access to private schooling. If you're looking for motivation for your volunteer gap year, our teaching projects in Nepal provide rewarding and impactful experiences.

Examples of Teaching Volunteer Placements

As part of your volunteer program in Nepal with INFO Nepal, you will be placed at one of the local schools or kindergartens, where you’ll have the opportunity to help provide education to some of the most underserved communities. Depending on the specific needs of the projects and your placement location, there may also be chances to assist at a daycare center, offering care and basic education to preschool-aged children.

Smart Kids Kindergarten – Situated in the Kathmandu Valley, Smart Kids Kindergarten was founded in 2015 with a strong emphasis on child-centered education. The school aims to provide an engaging and enriching environment for children aged 3 and up. However, the school often faces challenges due to limited resources and difficulties with English communication. As a volunteer teaching English in Nepal, you’ll play a crucial role in improving the children's education from an early age by offering your language skills and enthusiasm. The activities at the kindergarten are designed to be interactive and fun, focusing on developing the children's confidence and skills in English.

Chitwan Primary School – Volunteers teaching English in Nepal may be placed in Chitwan, a town in the southern region, at a small local primary school. Class sizes typically range from 20 to 30 students, with ages spanning from five years old to early teens. You’ll likely be paired with a single teacher throughout your placement, though this may vary depending on the school’s needs and staffing availability. While there is generally a curriculum to follow, you may also have the freedom to design and lead your own lessons. Given the limited resources at the school, creativity and resourcefulness will be essential as you engage students and create materials to enhance their learning experience.

Other Considerations When Teaching Children in Nepal

A More Independent Experience – Due to the rural nature of many of the projects in Nepal, volunteers should be prepared for a more independent experience compared to other locations. You will be placed at various project sites across the country, where accommodation is often basic. Our team is based in Kathmandu and provides support virtually through online communication and phone calls. Nepal is an ideal destination for those who want to fully immerse themselves in a unique culture and are comfortable with a more self-sufficient experience, focusing less on the social aspect of the program.

Experience – Teaching experience is not required for the English teaching program. The presence of a native English speaker is highly valuable, so as long as you are creative, determined, and resourceful, you will be able to make a positive impact on the children's education.

TEFL Course – We encourage volunteers to prepare as much as possible before starting their teaching role. To enhance your experience, we recommend completing our affordable and internationally accredited 60-hour Online TEFL Course. The course costs just $150 USD and will help you feel more confident and prepared in your teaching role.

Resources – Resources can be limited when teaching English in Nepal, so volunteers are encouraged to bring their own materials each day to improve the classroom experience and increase student engagement. Proper preparation is essential for getting the most out of your teaching experience.

Project Location – When volunteering in Nepal, you may have the opportunity to choose your project location. During your orientation day in Kathmandu, a staff member will discuss the current project needs and availability, along with any preferences you may have. You may also meet other volunteers during orientation who share similar interests and enjoy spending time together!

Weekends – Your project work in Nepal runs from Monday to Friday, leaving weekends free. While some volunteers prefer to relax at their accommodation, most use this time to explore the country. For travel inspiration, you can check out our Nepal Weekend Travel Guide for the best tips on how to spend your free time.