Teaching English to Buddhist Monks
Nepal is the birthplace of the Lord Buddha. However it used to be a Hindu Nation before restoration of 2nd democracy, 2005. There are a huge number of Buddhist people majority in Nepal according to the then government census, 2001. Now Nepal became a pilgrimage destination for Buddhist follower from throughout the world.
There are number of monasteries, schools where Buddhism philosophy is taught.
The main objectives of this Program is to make able to Buddhist monks in developing their additional language skill. By the end of Buddhist high school graduation they will be able to explain the way of life and what they learned additional Buddhist philosophy from monastery school.
As a volunteer you will be placed in a monastery where you will teach English to monks for 2 to 4 hours a day. Depending on monastery size you will expect the number of students 12 to 35 with moderate or beginners level English. The monks study Buddhist as a major subject in Tibetan language. English, Nepalese and others are optional in order to improve their additional language skill. In some monasteries they have English subject curriculum so you will follow the curriculum if you like to use your own teaching methodology then you can use it. The monastery which does not have any curriculum then you will use your own lesson plan that would be appropriate for kids. If you don’t have any teaching experience and skills then don’t worry you will receive intensive course during your orientation.
You will arrange your class room in the monastery and if you would like to use teaching materials then we will provide you what we have or you can bring with you. Apart from teaching English you can also involve in extra curricular activities like playing, dancing, performing simple magic, story telling etc. You could also take a part in meditation and yoga then the Rimpoche Guruji (principal) will assist you.
As a volunteer you will be:
- Teaching and tutoring English to Buddhist monks.
- Assisting with creating low-cost teaching material.
- Sharing teaching methodology with local monastery teachers
Project Locations:
- Ichangu Ghumba - Halchowk-Kathmandu
- Hyulsa Hyon Monaster - Lamjung
- Aryatara Nunnery Monastery- Pharping
- Jhyamling Monastery - Kathmandu
Orientation:
Upon your arrival, you will be picked up at the airport in Kathmandu andplaced in a hostel. You will go to Hands for Help office to introduce with staff member, code of conduct about Hands for Help Nepal and briefing about your project and placement.
You will have your orientation appropriate to length of volunteering and necessities.
During this time, you will participate in a 3-day volunteer orientation designed to ensure a smooth transition into Nepali culture life and a productive contribution to the local community. The orientation will provide you with extensive information about your new work situation, as well as tips on handling intercultural issues. After completion your orientation you will be taken to your placement.
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- Nepali cultural orientation / dos and dos not in Nepal
- Teaching English as foreign Language (TEFL) and peer teaching ( if necessary)
- Basic Nepali language classes
- Personal safety/health /communication system
- Sightseeing/ travel and tours information
Dates and Duration
- The program starts on the first and sixteenth of each month.
- You can volunteer from 2 weeks to 5 months in a calendar year.
On August some monasteries organize ritual procession (Puja) for 2 weeks the program might be disrupted. Volunteer are recommended to be placed in orphanage program or organizing trek or tour.
Accommodations:
During orientation volunteer will be placed in a hostel in Kathmandu. Either you will get your own room or share with your group friends.
Depending on monasteries, if there is enough space then you will be staying at monasteries who provide you a room. You have to understand Nepal is a one of the poorest country so you do not expect very cozy board in rural host family. Some placement may not have electricity they use either solar panel electricity with few voltage power or they use candle and kerosene lamp.
Food
During orientation you will have food as per your choice in Kathmandu. There are varieties of restaurants that offer Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Nepali and other continental foods.
During your placement you will be provided with Nepali food Daal (lentil soup), bhaat (rice) with vegetable and sometimes eggs or meat if you are non-vegetarian. Most of the meals with host families are organic. If they have buffalo or cow they will offer you non-pasteurized milk. Usually host family eat food at 8:30 am and 7:30 pm in the noon they provide you snack that would be puff corn, beaten rice, noodles etc.
Excursions:
During orientation you will involve in a two days tour after finishing your daily Nepali language that would be
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- Day 1- visiting monkey temple (a famous Budhhist stupa on the peak of hill swayambhunath) and Kathmandu Durbar square where old palaces are made by Lichchhabi, Malla and Shah Dynasties.
- Day-2- Visiting the biggest Hindu Temple the Pasupati Nath and the world Biggest Budhist Stupa Baudha Nath.
- During your placement your host family or our coordinator will escort you to explore beautiful locations around.
How to Apply
Please find the application form at the end of this page and fill it up then send us at
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We offer one of the most affordable program fees in this competitive and expensive time. Compared to many international and local agencies, our fees our substantially lower. But we are committed to providing excellent, quality volunteer programs that efficiently use the amount we receive.
Currently the program fee is figured as follows (in EURO). There is no hidden cost associated with our program and no international agencies fees.
1to2 Week 250€
3    Weeks 325€
4    Weeks 400€
5    Weeks 445€
6    Weeks 490€
7    Weeks 535€
8    Weeks 580€
Each Additional Week 45€
Convert the program fee in your currency, check here
The program fee covers
- Meal and accommodation (Nepali standard) with host family during placement.
- Transportation (pick up and drop off to/from airport and placement)
- Intensive training and orientation appropriate to the length of your stay .
- Stationery during training and volunteering.
- Supervision
- First day sight seeing in Kathmandu
The fee does not cover
- Insurance (medical, travel, personal belongings)
- Flight or land transportation from your country to Nepal.
- Personal expenses (ie. gift items, beverage, water bottle)
- Trekking, rafting, other adventure activities.
- Visa renewal and obtaining.
- Other expenses in incidental cases
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