Nepal: Language Exchange with Buddhist Monks

Intro.

Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world, yet one of the richest in terms of culture and heritage. With snow capped mountains, Buddhist monasteries and vibrant people it is an amazing place to spend time in and call home.

This project focuses mainly on teaching English; however, any skills that you may be able to transmit are of use and of value. You will help local young monks who did not have a chance to study English with foreigners to improve their language and communication skills and this will increase their chances for future education and career. You will have an unforgettable experience through the daily interaction with the children.

You don’t need to have any previous teaching experience to get involved with this project and there is a required introductory week to help you get started, see below

Intro. Week

As part of this placement, you have the option to attend our Introduction week. During this week, you will learn about Nepalese culture through a series of introductory culture classes which are designed to help you develop your Nepalese language skills and deepen your understanding of the Nepalese way of life complete with details on rituals and customs. You will learn about Nepal’s history and the religious influences which have shaped it. Moreover, we will pay a visit the local shops and markets that will get you learning as you go with the local culture and how to become a part of it. As part of your city tour and orientation, you will also visit some amazing sites such as the temple of Boudhanath: one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Kathmandu whose ancient spherical stupa dominates the skyline and is one of the largest in the world.

Our transfer coordinator will meet you at the meeting point in the airport upon your arrival and arrange your transfer to the center on Sunday.

Monday

Puja to the gods & goddess and name-giving ceremony
Go over the week’s schedule and handling of documents
Introduction game to get to know fellow participants
Cultural seminar on social behavioral norms, dos & don’ts in Nepalese culture. Intercultural eating and drinking habits, bathing and clothings customs in Nepalese culture.
A little assignment for you to explore your neighbourhood and find local civic places such as banks (ATM), temples, schools, restaurants etc.

Tuesday

A social interactive session to know each other and an opportunity to bring out concerns about your health etc so that we will be aware.
Nepali language training
Shopping to the local market
Orientation tour of the city of Nepal with an interesting game called “Scavenger Hunt”, we will tell you more about this when you are here

Wednesday

A talk on schooling and education system in Nepal and placement sites
A cultural as well as historical orientation tour to the famous Boudhanath temple
Nepali cooking session

Thursday

Yoga and meditation
A Buddhist religious tour
A local tour to the Hindu Temple

Friday

It’s all about hiking today! We will go on a nature trail into the mountains to get a view of Kathmandu valley.
Feedback sharing (evaluation)

On the following Monday you will begin your placement.

Daily Life

During this program, you will be conducting one-on-one conversational classes with different age groups of young & adult Buddhist monks at the monastery. Depending upon your language skills, you can offer to teach in in both English and Chinese.  You will also get a chance to learn about Buddhism while participant in this outreach project. 

After your introduction week at Kathmandu, during the teaching phase at the Monastery, you will be accommodated at the Monastery itself. You will be sharing a room with other participants. The Monastery is situated in Tinchuli, a neighbourhood in Boudha, a suburb of Kathmandu that is home to the famous Boudhanath Stupa. The monastery situated is in a harmonious setting of tall, well-designed buildings surrounding a central courtyard provides a campus that is home-like as well as conducive to study and practice.

Travel & Accom.

You will be met at Kathmandu International Airport by a project representative and taken to the HQ in Kathmandu for a week’s orientation, cultural immersion and basic language course. You will then be taken to your chosen project location to commence your placement.

Your new home will be in the Buddhist Monastery. According to availability you can chose between different monasteries in or around Kathmandu. While the nearest one is just within Kathmandu, the furthest takes a 12 hour (overnight) bus ride and 4 hours of hiking to get to.

The typical Nepalese meal is ‘daal, bhaat, tarkaari’ (lentil soup, rice and vegetables) also other food like noodles, ‘roti’ (flat round bread) and different kinds of seasonal fruits and vegetables are eaten. You will eat the same food as the family everyday.

Requirements

• Minimum age 18.
• No previous skills are necessary, however you will need to speak English or Chinese at a native or near-native level.
• Minimum 4 weeks commitment
• CRB Police check (or equivalent) showing that you have no previous criminal convictions
• Necessary vaccinations.
• Necessary flight & visas.
• Full travel & medical insurance. Please see our info pages for more information and to get a quote.

Costs

€450 Euros per week.

* Check the latest currency conversions with xe.com
** All payments incur a 5% bank transfer fee.
*** Placements are confirmed with a 1 week deposit, minimum 4 weeks booking

What’s Included:

Project Fee includes food, accommodation, airport pickup, orientation, in-country support and project activities.

If you choose to be placed in a Monastery outside of Kathmandu, additional transport costs will be applicable. Please discuss this when booking.

What’s not included:

Flights, insurance, visas (if applicable) and vaccinations. Full assistance will be provided in getting all these arranged if you choose our Premium Support.

Premium Support Upgrade

We understand there’s a great deal to plan and organise for your trip. When booking a Placement, many of our participants choose to purchase our Premium Support Upgrade to benefit from the expertise, knowledge and experience of our Project Coordinators.

We can provide the personal advice you need to ensure your trip is organised with excellence and planned with efficiency; ensuring the very best experience possible. Read more about how we can help you.