Over 150,000 Tibetans live in exile, and around 20% of them have made Nepal, a country where they are able to practice their religion freely, their new home. Many live in the large monasteries based in the area surrounding Kathmandu’s mountains, where they spend their days living a devoted Buddhist lifestyle.
These days more young monks need to learn English but they don’t have anyone on site able to teach them, so they rely on people who want to volunteer Nepal Monastery to provide language learning opportunities.
This is an invaluable opportunity to get the kind of insight into the monk’s lifestyle, and the way Buddhism works which few people will ever have.
Volunteers stay on site, and hold English classes several days a week. The enthusiasm and appreciation of these young monks is incredible, and every day you can enjoy that rewarding feeling that your work is making a real and important difference to the lives of others.
Volunteer Buddhist monastery English teaching programs exist for young monks to learn the basis of the language from a fluent English speaker.
This role does involve some research and preparation, as a lesson plan must be provided for each session. It is also recommended that volunteers bring some resources, particularly basic, language conversation learning books; as such things are in short supply in Nepal.
Monastery volunteer work isn’t all classroom based though. Volunteers are also asked to organize creative activities such as painting, drawing, and singing. There are also plenty of opportunities to observe or take part in traditional Buddhist rituals, and make memories you will carry in your heart forever.
You don’t need any specific qualifications to join our volunteer opportunity in Buddhist monastery in Nepal. However, volunteers must always be respectful of the monks' high social status, and their attention to commendable life rules. Only very focused and disciplined volunteers with a sensible, mature attitude should join this project.
Gaining insight into the Nepalese language and culture is a good idea before you join your teaching English to monks program. If this sounds interesting and useful you should consider enrolling in our one week Nepal Language Studies & Cultural Immersion program.
RCDP’s programs begin every Monday all-year long. In case of any travel constrictions, you can still start your chosen program on any day of the year.
Volunteer Nepal Monastery: Dates and Fees
With more than 20 years of experience, RCDP offers one of the most affordable program fees for teach English in Nepal monasteries. The program fee is apportioned into two parts. The first one is a one-time registration fee of $299 and a weekly program fee, which, will ultimately depend on the duration of your stay. Your registration fee covers for the cost of administration while the weekly program fees covers for various things including accommodation and food. The weekly fees are paid directly to the host family or the program coordinator this ensures that you have no doubt where your money is being spent.
Learn more about our highly affordable volunteer in Nepal program fees.
What Is A Typical Day Look Like?
Teaching English in a Buddhist monastery is an amazing opportunity to both make a difference in the life of the monks and get first-hand experience of Buddhist culture. Volunteers are offered an open invitation to join in any of their regular religious activities, such as periods spent chanting and praying inside the temple.
Please note that this schedule may differ from monastery to monastery.
How Old Are the Students I will meet when volunteering to Teach English to Monks in Nepal?
The age of the monks depends on the particular monastery in which you are appointed to. Typically, the monks who you will be teaching range in age between 6 and 16 years old.
What Is The Average Number Of Monks In Each Monastery? How Many Monks Are Typically In One Class At A Time?
A monastery usually has between 50 and 150 monks. A normal class size is between 10 and 12 students.
Am I Going To Be Teaching Alone or Assisting Another Teacher?
When you volunteer teaching English to Monks in Nepal with this program, you will create your own lesson plan and teach basic conversational English. It is not unusual for two volunteers to share duties and teach together.
Is There An Existing Curriculum That I Will Be Following?
No, there is no set curriculum. It is up to you to assess your students and determine the individual levels and needs of your students. You will plan and teach according to your specific group of students; therefore, bringing conversational English books suitable for different grade level will be a good help.
How Many Hours A Day Can I Expect To Be Teaching while Volunteer Nepal Monastery?
You will typically be working Monday through Friday, and teaching for 2-4 hours a day. For the rest of your time at the monastery you are welcome to sit in on the chanting and prayer sessions.
Are There Any Other Details I Should be Aware of at This Point?
Volunteers in a Buddhist monastery in Nepal must not underestimate the amount of self and group discipline it requires. There are a lot of rules and customs which volunteers are expected to follow. These include both obvious vices such as a 100% ban on drinking alcohol and smoking, no matter how little, along with others, like not playing outdoor games which may be difficult to understand in a second language.
RCPD arranges many other volunteer opportunities in Nepal. Please check out the following links for detail information.
info@rcdpnepal.org