Buddhist monasteries are the centre of both religious practice and education study for the large number of Tibetans living in Nepal. It is believed that Tibetan monks and nunnery students are amongst the few who receive a balanced education of both the traditional and modern education. Basically being a monastic center, the monks learn traditional monastic debate, logic, text-memorization and classical Tibetan Calligraphy as a priority in its curriculum. The monks are also taught modern reading and writing including Tibetan and Nepali, and English, which is of growing importance in the wider world.
Education for Tibetan children is a high priority and the biggest challenge for them.Many students come from such remote regions and extreme poverty, however, that they have no access to education of any kind back home. Their parents often can’t afford to send their children to school even if a school exists in their village. The monasteries provide an opportunity to preserve and impart the precious Tibetan Heritage of quality and sacred monastic education of Buddha along with modern education.
The monk and nunnery students at the monasteries are given the facilities of boarding, food, stationery, medicine, and opportunities to grow and other important needs apart from the education itself, free of cost. The students receive no financial contributions or subsidy from the Nepalese government; the education costs are met by voluntary donations.
As a volunteer at a Buddhist monastery, you will provide basic conversational English instruction to monks and nunnery students. Volunteers will be responsible for planning their own creative English lessons and activities, such as games, drawing and painting, and observe and participate in traditional Buddhist rituals. Working in partnership with Nepali teachers enables you to introduce new practical teaching methods to the classroom that can be carried on after your placement. Volunteers also have a chance to participate in some monastery run programs and meditation during free time. This program combines religious learning and research through volunteering. This ‘Teach English Volunteer Program’ will help Tibetan children to explore more scriptures written in English and to circulate Buddhist teaching practice to the whole world.
Eligibility and Skills Required :
Teaching English at Buddhist Monasteries in Nepal :
- You do not need any formal teacher training or experience to participate, but whatever experience you do have will be taken into account when arranging your day-to-day activities.
- A good command of oral and written English
- Volunteers need to be independent, enthusiastic and adaptable, hard-working with an open-minded attitude.
- International volunteers are welcome.
Application fee: US$ 100/- Program Fee:
Duration 2 Weeks 4 Weeks 6 Weeks 12 Weeks Extra Week
Cost (US$) 225 350 430 850 60
Includes: Airport Receive/ Transfer, Accommodation in Kathmandu during orientation/training phase (2 days), Program Orientation , Basic Nepali Language and Volunteer Work ideas Course, Kathmandu sight seeing tour , Land Transportation to and from Project Location, Accommodation and foods in Project Location.
What additional costs will you have?
Visa, flights, travel insurance (recommended), vaccinations, souvenirs, trips or tours you do while in the country, Personal expenses etc.