Teaching English Nepal
Opportunities teaching English in and around Kathmandu

Nepal has a well-deserved reputation for being one of the most beautiful countries in the world; however, it is still a developing country where more than 40% of the total population lives below the most basic poverty line. Thousands of children are deprived of educational opportunities in Nepal because of many social issues and the lack of schooling opportunities.

2 weeks - 5 months Age: 18+ From £550 Contact Us Apply Now!

Teaching English Nepal gives you the opportunity to work with these young children in a variety of schools in and around Kathmandu. Please see examples of schools. Working with children between approximately 5 – 16 yrs old, your main responsibilities are teaching English, but there are plenty of other activities for you to get involved with. All volunteers are encouraged to play an active role in the school and local community. The more involved you get, the more memorable your experience will be; you could for example run your own project  – this might take the form of running a sports club, putting on a play / show or starting a re-cycling center.

All placements are very flexible giving you the opportunity to take some time off and explore Nepal and some of the world famous attractions. You could go rafting on the Tibetan border, trekking the Annapurna circuit, maybe Himalayan river kayaking, join the Royal tiger and elephant safari, or try the longest free-fall bungee jump in the world.

Location

Placements are available in the Kathmandu and Pokhara Valleys. The exact location of your placement is finalised during the training where you will visit several potential project sites. Project placement also takes into consideration:

• Your skills and preferences
• The needs and requirements of the schools
• Seasonal weather patterns

Please state your preference for urban or rural environments

Project Life

You will be met at the airport by a representative of your guesthouse and taken back to your accommodation. All volunteers will receive initial training after arriving in Kathmandu. The training is designed to help you settle into Nepal and to ensure you are fully prepared for your volunteer placement: A typical training period is as follows:

Days 1 – 2
The first two days will be spent with other volunteers in the Kathmandu area. Training includes:

• Nepali cultural orientation / general cultural exchange
• The people of Nepal and their caste system
• Basic Nepali language classes
• Language and Skills Activities
• Sightseeing

Days 3 – 7
Based in a rural village, this provides an insight into Nepali village life Training includes language classes, living with local families, eating traditional food, observing village culture and getting a general feel for the lifestyle. During this time, you will also visit several schools where you may choose to be based.

Expect to work approx 4 – 6 hours per day from Sunday to Friday, and you’ll take Saturdays off. There are numerous festivals throughout the year and schools normally close during these times.

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. More experienced teachers may take a class on their own, whereas less experienced volunteers will assist qualified teachers and may help individuals who require a little more personal attention.

Either way, your main responsibility will be teaching English. We encourage volunteers to come equipped to teach songs, dances, and other activities, which will promote increased vocabulary among the students regardless of their initial ability.

In addition to your formal teaching duties, there are plenty of other opportunities to get involved with additional activities at the school and in community life in general.

Accommodation and Food

• Volunteers shared accommodation is provided either with a host family, in a shared house or in a hostel. Please state in order, your reference on the application form.
• Volunteers are required to bring their own sleeping bag.
• Two meals a day are provided as part of the programme - lunch, and dinner.
• Everyday, tea is served in the morning and afternoonn
• Food will be healthy, nutritious, and locally sourced.

Dates and Duration

• The programme starts on the 1st and 15th of each month.
• You can volunteer from 2 weeks to 5 months. If you wish to volunteer for a short period, your initial training period will be shorter than described above.
• Due to exams and festivals, school schedules are normally disrupted during March and April and September – November, so it is recommended that you choose another project during these times. See Orphanages - Nepal

Flights and Transportation

• Flights are not included.
• You need to book your flight to the international airport of Kathmandu, where you will be met and taken to start your training programme.

Safety and Insurance

• All of Twin’s volunteer placements are in partnership with recognised Charities, Non Governmental Organisations (NGO’s), government ministries or registered agents, giving you the confidence to work with reputable organisations.
• Comprehensive insurance is available for each of the volunteer placements, please click here for full details.

Visas and Documentation

• You should apply for a tourist visa for maximum 5 months.
• Please state that your purpose is TOURISM only
• You can obtain your visa from Royal Nepalese Embassies or consulates or at entry ports into Nepal

Eligibility and Skills Required

• Minimum age 18 yrs
• 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.

Contributions

• Please be aware that in addition to covering transport and accommodation costs, your contribution is vital to support the on going efforts of the project
• Minimum duration is 2 weeks and costs £550
• Each additional 2 weeks costs £150 - You may extend your stay up to 5 months

Examples of Schools