English language ability is a vital component to a good education in Nepal. Volunteer to teach English in a school and you will give your pupils a huge head start in life

Many of our volunteers come to Nepal to teach English. The schools throughout Nepal are in desperate need of extra help with their English language classes. As English increasingly becomes the language of business and opportunity, fleuncy creates many more opportunities for children when they leave school at 16. These schools need native or nearly fluent English speakers to encourage and support English language learning. Volunteers that participate in this placement may also get involved in extra lessons for struggling children or lead recreational activities in schools.

What work does an English teacher volunteer do?

Depending on your experience you may run English language classes on your own or act as a teacher’s assistant. Either way, we encourage you to think of creative ways to teach the children and to bring in new teaching resources where appropriate. The age of the children varies from 4 – 16 years old and you can decide which age group you would like to teach. Volunteer’s spend up to 6 hours a day at the school. On arrival you will have a meeting with the principal to discuss your ideas, aspirations and experience. At all times we ensure the volunteer is comfortable with their level of commitment and involvement. Don’t worry, you won’t be thrown into a classroom of 60 children on your first day… unless you want to.

Do I need any qualifications or skills to do this work?

You do not need any qualifications for this placement, but you do need to have a good command of the English language. It helps if you have had experience of working with children in the past, but if you have not then being a confident and enthusiastic person is important. There will be basic support materials to use but these are always in short supply, and so anything you can provide to help will always be appreciated. In the past volunteers have brought photos, videos and items from home to share

A day in the life of an English teacher volunteer:

Previous volunteers’ experiences:

Robert Yeilding, USA

Volunteering as a teacher in Kathmandu

My five weeks of volunteer teaching in Kathmandu was an experience like no other for me. I had the opportunity to learn the local language, create many lasting relationships, teach in different areas, travel and see the beautiful land, and give back to the children I have gained so much from. A typical day began at the orphanage a 2 minute walk away from where I was staying for about an hour of an English lesson and reviewing the children’s homework with them. I would arrive at one of the two schools I was placed in around 11 and taught anywhere from 2 to 4 classes on a given day. With the children so eager and interested to speak with me teaching was really fun.

I was even able to teach multiple subjects and especially enjoyed those of great interest to me in science and health. After the school day and a rest I spent evenings at the orphanage playing, relaxing, and practicing English.

From my first day in Nepal I felt so welcomed and comfortable. It took less than a week for me to feel like I was walking home from the school 15 minutes away to the wonderful family I stayed with. I recommend VSN Nepal to anyone looking for an amazing experience.

Allison Dobek, Canada

The value of cultural exchange in the programs

VSN Nepal is an amazing NGO that deeply cares about its volunteers and the Nepali people that they serve to assist. They offer numerous volunteer options and your program can be tailor-made to suit your interests. Regardless of your selection, your involvement in any of these volunteer options provide a valuable service to the communities they aim to help.

I chose to volunteer as an English teacher and I was impressed with the receptiveness and eagerness of the students,who offered endless smiles and laughter. On my last day of teaching, the school held a farewell ceremony in which I was treated to numerous tokens of gratitude from the students and the school. These are just a couple examples from a list of experiences that lead me to believe that I have received much more than I could ever give to the people of Nepal.

An advantage of volunteering with VSN Nepal is their language training that thoroughly prepares you for your active participation in Nepali culture. This training works to enrich your interactions and exchanges with the Nepalese people, creating unforgettable cultural experiences.

Having a Masters in Anthropology, I was very impressed with the emphasis that VSN Nepal places on cultural exchange. My trip to Nepal was rich with culture. Volunteers are privy to a number of cultural festivals and even intimate ceremonies such as weddings. With volunteers from around the world, you are given an opportunity to learn from both the friendly Nepali as well as from the other volunteers you encounter. For instance, although Canadian, I celebrated my first American Thanksgiving here in Nepal with the other volunteers and many Nepali friends in an enjoyable cultural exchange.

Another one of the cultural highlights from my volunteer experience was my family stay in Sunakothi, a quaint and beautiful village in Kathmandu Valley. This stay provided me with the opportunity to gain familiarity with village life and the agricultural activities that sustain it. My host family welcomed me as an additional “chhori” (or daughter) and their hospitality was endless. I especially enjoyed the food and the opportunity to offer my assistance working in the field with my Nepali “ama” (or mother). The close family relations that are central to life in the village will leave a lasting impression on me. I describe my stay at both VSN Nepal and with my Nepali family as a home away from home and I plan in anticipation my next visit.

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.

Where in Nepal can I volunteer in a school?

Volunteering as an English teacher is available in all of VSN’s 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 detailed information and photos about what to expect in your homestay go to our Food and Accommodation Page.

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

Check out the other teaching options:

• Teaching in Monasteries
• Subject Specific Teaching and Teacher Training