Monastery Teaching Support
Coordinator | Hannah
Coordinator | Hannah
Book with Flex Option!
Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.
Emerge yourself in the Buddhist culture and spiritual life of Kathmandu while teaching English or other subjects to monks or nuns of all ages.
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+
The program
This insightful program is certain to be an amazing life experience for any international volunteer who wants to become fully immersed with the amazing people and culture in Buddhist monasteries or nunneries. Participants on this worthy initiative are given the wonderful opportunity to stay in a monastery or nunnery and spend their time teaching English to Nepali and Tibetan monks or nuns based in or around the magical city of Kathmandu. Nepal is a hugely spiritual and peaceful place to visit and a place of sanctuary for Tibetan monks and nuns who fled to Nepal when Tibet was invaded by China in 1959. While these Tibetans are now free to practice their religion and express their culture and heritage, they remain an underprivileged and marginalized group within society. Volunteers on this program become a part of everyday life while living in a monastery or nunnery; staying among the residents, taking part in rituals and gaining a rare and unforgettable insight into spiritual life. It promises to be an experience never to be forgotten.
Goals of this Project:
- Provide free lessons to Buddhist monks and nuns in Nepal, helping them to improve their English language skills
- Expose non-English speakers to native English speakers in order to improve pronunciation and conversational skills
- Teach other subjects, including life-skills, to nuns and monks
- Expose volunteers and Buddhist monks and nuns to different people and cultures
How you can help
Volunteers on this program will teach basic English to monks or nuns who range in age from children to adults. A normal week will involve volunteering for up to six hours a day, Sunday to Friday. The focus is predominantly on teaching English, however, volunteers are also encouraged to impart knowledge in other subjects if they have a particular skill or interest. Simply spending time with the students and talking to them about your own life helps these peaceful people know more about the world in which they live.
Monasteries and nunneries in Nepal do not follow the government education syllabus so the curriculum - and even the school of thought - varies, with some monasteries/ following the Mahayana, Hinayana Buddhism school. Class sizes vary and can be anywhere from 5 - 60 students depending on the monastery/nunnery. Each class will contain students at different levels of learning so volunteers are encouraged to prepare lessons, content and activities which will appeal and assist a broad range of abilities. Using games and creative activities to assist with learning is often very effective.
This project is a great way for international volunteers to learn more about Buddhist culture, become immersed with the people and have a platform to teach underprivileged Buddhist monks or nuns. This spiritual program will be a life-changing experience for all involved!
Volunteers will contribute in a number of ways and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Help teach English to students of all ages
- Teach basic subject matter in English
- Play games, run activities and read to others in English
- Teach monks and nuns of all ages general knowledge and basic life skills
Typical day
Volunteers on this program work for around 6 hours, Monday to Friday. The schedule will vary between monasteries/nunneries but a typical day is likely to look something like this:
4:30am (optional) Wake-up bell for the monks and nuns
6:00am (optional) Puja (prayer ceremony)
Volunteers are welcome to join the monks in their early morning ritual if they wish.
7:00am Breakfast at the monastery
8:00am VOLUNTEERING DUTIES START
Morning classes typically run from 8am to 12pm with a 15 min break for morning tea.
12:00pm Lunch and time to relax
A 2 hour lunch break allows time to enjoy a meal and relax or prepare before the afternoon classes.
2:00pm VOLUNTEERING
Afternoon classes typically run from 2pm to 4:30m with a 15min break for afternoon tea.
4:30pm VOLUNTEERING DUTIES END
5:00pm Puja (optional)
7:00pm Dinner at the Monastery
Free-time activities
Volunteers on this program are placed in rural locations outside Nepal's vibrant capital city. Rich in natural beauty and traditional village life, this placement offers a peaceful insight into authentic Nepali life.
Nearby Kathmandu is described as the “Land of Gods” and home to the “largest congregations of magnificent historical monuments and shrines ever built”. The city is a juxtaposition of urban sensory overload (traffic, people, sounds, smells) and serene temples. With so much to see and do in the city itself and located on the foothills of the Himalayas this is an exciting destination for the international traveler.
Climbing
Hiking
Sports
Yoga/
Meditation
Meditation
Requirements
In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.
You need to speak English (basic level)
required
at High School, University level
Emergency Contact, Passport and Resume
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Whist not mandatory, completing a TEFL course prior to joining this project would prove to be highly beneficial. Ideally, volunteers on this project will have at least a basic knowledge of the local language in order to communicate effectively with staff and students, though this is not a pre-requisite. Importantly, all applicants must first and foremost have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude.
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday
from
08:00
- 16:30
What's Included
- Airport pick-up on arrival
- Orientation & full safety briefing
- Accommodation
- Food & Meals
- 24/7 local support network
- Project placement & onsite supervision
- Registration Fee included
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu you will be collected at the airport and taken to your accommodation. A comprehensive three-day induction is provided which will include specific information about your placement as well as covering the basics of the Nepalese language and an insight into the culture. This is a great opportunity to mix with other volunteers and get to know the local team.
- Program Start: 1st and 15th of every month with volunteers arriving the preceding day.
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal (Code: KTM)
Volunteers on our Monastery Placements in Nepal are given the unique opportunity to stay on-site at a Nepalese Monastery or Nunnery and observe the daily life of the Buddhist Monks or Nuns.
The first 3 nights are spent in Kathmandu enjoying the 3 day orientation before being transferred to the placement location.
Living conditions in Nepal are far from luxurious and will vary between Monasteries. The accommodation will have running water but hot water is uncommon as are heating and air-conditioning. Electricity will be available but is unreliable and may be turned off for a period each day.
Bedsheets and a pillow are provided so volunteers need only take a sleeping bag, personal toiletries and towel(s). Mosquito nets are readily and cheaply available locally and the local team will assist with purchasing one should it be required.
When volunteering during Nepal’s winter months (particularly December, January and February) warm clothes and a heavy sleeping bag are recommended.
Internet coverage is available at the Monasteries but is often unreliable and it is recommended that volunteers purchase a local SIM card and data package on arrival in order to stay in touch with friends and family.
Laundry services, internet cafes and places to eat out are often located near to the Monasteries and the local team will point these out during orientation.
In the event that the monastery accommodation is unavailable volunteers will be hosted by local families who are experienced at caring for volunteers.
Three simple and delicious meals per day are provided throughout the placement and are normally vegetarian with staples such as rice, lentils (dal) and vegetarian curries.
Limited access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
The nearest airport is Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu. We assist you to find cheap flights to Nepal.
Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Nepal provides security and is a plus to have.
If you are intending to volunteer in Nepal you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Nepal.
Dates & Fees
NO CREDIT CARD FEES
Details on arrival
This project is available year-round and programs start on the 1st and 15th of every month with volunteers arriving the preceding day. Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
4 - 8 weeks
Program fees
4 weeks
(min. stay)
$1,258
6 weeks
$1,468
8 weeks
(max. stay)
$1,678
Average fees
$262
/week
Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated.
Love Volunteers
will let you know about the final price during your application process.
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Your final payment will be agreed with Love Volunteers during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
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Monastery Teaching Support
Emerge yourself in the Buddhist culture and spiritual life of Kathmandu while teaching English or other subjects to monks or nuns of all ages.
$262/week
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