Would you like to immerse yourself in a completely new culture while sharing your skills with others? As a volunteer teaching English to monks in Nepal, you'll have the chance to experience a fascinating and unique way of life. Live within a Nepalese Buddhist monastery and gain insight into a completely different lifestyle. You'll join the monks in their daily routines, practicing meditation before the sun rises, and then spend your day sharing knowledge and helping the community learn English.
Background to the Teaching Program
Although Buddhism is not the most widely practiced religion in Nepal, its influence is deeply embedded throughout the country. After all, Nepal is the birthplace of Buddha! From the many temples and stupas scattered across the country to the thousands of Tibetan Buddhists who have sought refuge here, Nepal holds significant importance as a spiritual center for Buddhists worldwide.
Many young Nepalese men spend a part of their lives training to become monks. Most of the children at monasteries are Tibetan refugees or disadvantaged children from ethnic hill tribes. For them, becoming a monk offers a path to a better life, both spiritually and socially.
Training to become a monk starts at a very young age. Initially, young monks learn about Buddhist practices and philosophies, while also receiving general education, including learning English. Being able to speak English is crucial for the monks as it enables them to translate religious texts and communicate Buddhist teachings globally. As the Dalai Lama once said, “To learn English is to spread the word.”
It is essential for monks to receive formal education in addition to their religious training. Many monks may eventually leave the monastery as they grow older, and learning English becomes vital to improving their prospects in mainstream society.
As a volunteer teaching English to monks in Nepal, you will play a key role in enhancing their language skills. By working with international volunteers, the monks will have the opportunity to significantly improve their communication and pronunciation, helping them reach new levels of understanding and fluency.
Teaching Volunteer Placement Examples
If you're interested in teaching English to monks in Nepal, you will stay at a monastery, residing in separate living quarters. Your volunteer placement will be at one of the monasteries that INFO Nepal supports, located in Kathmandu, Pokhara, or Chitwan. The monasteries in Kathmandu are spread across the valley, some situated near the city center, while others are located in more rural areas outside of town.
Sundarijal Monastery – Located in the eastern part of the Kathmandu Valley, Sundarijal Monastery is about an hour’s drive from central Kathmandu. It is home to a community of 50 monks, ranging in age from 6 to over 20, with about half of them being between 6 and 15 years old. Volunteers at this monastery typically lead educational classes for around three hours each day, working directly with the monks. In addition to teaching, volunteers are encouraged to participate in the monastery’s daily rituals and join the monks in games, offering a deeply immersive cultural experience.
Kwung Gumba Monastery – Alternatively, your volunteer placement may be at a monastery in Kathmandu, nestled in a small neighborhood close to shops and with easy access to the town. This monastery offers Western-style toilets and Wi-Fi (though the signal may be intermittent). Volunteers teaching English to monks here will work in one of three classrooms surrounding a library. Each classroom is equipped with a whiteboard and benches, and students are grouped according to their ability.
Daunne Monastery – Located in the rural Chitwan region, Daunne Monastery offers a truly authentic experience set in a jungle environment. Here, monkeys are your new neighbors! Volunteers should note that the Chitwan monastery has basic facilities and limited resources. A unique aspect of this placement is that you’ll be working with both male and female monks. The school also serves local children from nearby villages and is a short walk uphill into the forest.
Shree Urgen Choling Buddhist Monastery – Situated in the scenic Pokhara region, Shree Urgen Choling Buddhist Monastery offers a more informal, flexible volunteer experience. As there is no local teacher, volunteers tutor young monks early in the mornings before accompanying them to a nearby government school. During the day, you’ll have time to relax by the lakeside or assist with general tasks at the monastery. In the afternoons, volunteers pick up children from the monastery and provide additional tutoring. In the evenings, you can engage with the monks through games, singing, and dancing. This unstructured and immersive role allows you to experience daily life at the monastery and build close connections with the young monks.
Each of these placements offers a unique opportunity to be part of a vibrant cultural experience while helping to improve the education and language skills of the monks.
Other Things to Consider When Teaching Children in Nepal
More Independent Experience – Due to the rural nature of many projects in Nepal, volunteers should be aware that this destination offers a more independent experience compared to some of our other locations. You will be placed at various project sites across the country, where accommodations are often basic. Our team is based in Kathmandu and provides support virtually through online communication and phone calls. Therefore, if you're looking for a highly social experience with significant in-person support, we recommend considering an alternative destination. Nepal is ideal for those seeking a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a completely different culture, with less focus on the social aspects of the program.
Experience – Previous teaching experience is not required for the English teaching program. The mere presence of a native English speaker is incredibly valuable. As long as you are creative, determined, and resourceful, you can make a meaningful impact on the children's education.
TEFL Course – We encourage volunteers to prepare as much as possible before starting their teaching program. To get the most out of your time in Nepal, we recommend completing our affordable and internationally accredited 60-hour Online TEFL Course. The cost is only $150 USD, and it will help you feel more confident 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 maximize their productivity and involvement. Proper preparation is key to making the most of your teaching experience, so we recommend bringing books, games, flashcards, and other teaching aids.
Project Location – When you volunteer in Nepal, you may have the option to choose your project location. This will be discussed during your orientation day upon arrival in Kathmandu, where a staff member will review current needs, availability, and any preferences you may have. You may also meet other volunteers during orientation who share similar interests, creating opportunities to bond and spend time together.
Weekends – Your project work in Nepal runs from Monday to Friday, with weekends free for you to explore. While some volunteers prefer to relax at their accommodation, most take advantage of their free time to travel and discover the country. For travel inspiration, check out our Nepal Weekend Travel Guide, which offers top tips on how to make the most of your weekends in Nepal.
