Volunteer as a teacher trainer and you will help overcome the lack of formal educational training in Nepal. If you have experience of coaching teaching staff or a specific subject you can have a huge impact
VSN offers the chance for qualified teachers and educational consultants to come in and train the school staff in more advanced methods. This can be done through general teaching skills coaching for all school staff, or if you have subject specific expertise this can also be used more directly within a department.
1. Teacher training and educational consultancy
Teaching methods can be very backwards, often focusing solely on repetition from text books. Nepali teaching is desperately lacking in innovation and the pupils rarely get introduced to concepts like lateral thinking. International and qualified teachers bring a new lease of life to teaching methods and the Nepali teachers, having a huge effect on the overall success of the children. Qualified teachers can also help the school establish frameworks for discipline, reward, communication with parents, management, special needs support and gifted children programs.
What work does a teacher trainer or education consultant volunteer do?
At the beginning of your stay you will work closely with the Principal of the school to establish where there is most need for teacher training and support. From here you will be expected to use your own initiative to build a framework for providing teacher training and helping the school run more effectively. You will be expected to spend up to 6 hours a day at the school and conducting your work in an office.
A day in the life of a teacher trainer volunteer:
FURTHER INFORMATION: Find out more details about the education system in Nepal from interviews with those who are involved
- Private Schools: Click Here for an interview with the Principal of the CBIA school in Kathmandu
- Government Schools: Click Here for an interview with the Principal of the local Govt. schools in Duwakot
2. Subject specific teaching:
Specific subject knowledge can be very limited amongst Nepali teachers. International and qualified teachers therefore bring new expertise to classrooms in Nepal, having a huge effect on the overall success of the children. The subjects taught in the Nepali curriculum are science, IT, English, Mathematics, Social (humanities) and Drawing.
What work does a volunteer teaching a specific subject do?
You will be responsible for planning and conducting lessons in your preferred subject. To fit in with the school timetable this may involve teaching a large range of ages, from 4 – 16 year olds, but if you would rather take the older or younger half of the school this can also be arranged. If you have up to 2 months or more to spend at the school then you can help plan the subject curriculum for the term or year. Teachers are always encouraged to bring new and innovative teaching methods to the classrooms and help the school determine what resources are needed and how to get hold of them.
A day in the life of a specific subject volunteer:
Previous volunteers’ experiences:
Jennifer Pasinosky, USA
Also check out our Volunteer Community Page where you can find email addresses to contact past volunteers and join our Facebook group to post any more questions you may have about coming here.
Logistics for these placements:
Do I need any qualifications or skills to do this work?
Both of these placements are for qualified teachers, assistants or TEFL holders only
Where in Nepal can I volunteer to teach a specific subject or as a teacher trainer?
Volunteering as a teacher trainer or teaching a specific subject is available in all VSNs locations: Kathmandu, The Hills Region, Pokhara, The Terai (jungle) region and the Himalaya region. Check out our Locations Page to find the area that is perfect for you.
What accommodation will I be living in?
Wherever you chose to work in Nepal you will be placed in a homestay with a local Nepali family. By living with a family you will gain a greater insight and understanding of Nepali culture. The standard of lodging will depend on whether you are in a rural or urban area. In a rural area the facilities will be basic with minimal running water and a squat toilet. However, in an urban placement you will most likely have a flushing Western style toilet and a shower. All of your food will be provided for you at your homestay and you will never be more than 30 minutes from your place of work. For more information go to our Food and Accommodation Page.
Check out the other teaching options:
