Teaching - NEPAL Project Information for Teaching in Nepal

Our Projects in Nepal

Projects Abroad has connections with 16 schools in and around Kathmandu, and volunteers can choose between teaching at a secondary or nursery school, an orphanage or a development centre. In the nursery schools volunteers work with children between the ages of 4 and 12. In secondary schools the children age between 13 and 18. And in the development centre there are students of all ages from 5 to 45. On average, a class has 30 pupils, and a volunteer will normally be in charge of half a class, the other half being taken either by another volunteer or a local teacher.

Flexibility on both sides is the key to all our placements. As long as you are prepared to work hard and do the best you can, no-one will insist on you doing something you are not happy about. Every volunteer's role is different but a typical day may be as follows:

Most of our placements require you to work up to 4 hours per day from Monday to Friday. However, if you decide to teach in an orphanage, you will be needed in the mornings and evenings and at the weekends. School days start at 10am and finish at 3.30, and there is a one hour break for lunch. During the course of the day, you will be involved in 4 or 5 classes each lasting about 40 minutes. If you want more teaching time, that could be arranged.

Teaching Nepalese children is a thoroughly enjoyable experience. They are spirited and charming and eager to learn. The role of the volunteer is to improve their spoken English skills. Volunteers often find songs and games popular and useful in maintaining the children's attention and in encouraging them to speak or sing in English. You may be asked to teach some grammar and a good English grammar book can be a worthwhile investment.

It is also possible to get involved in extra curricular activities after school or while school is on. You can think of some exciting games which will be new to the school here. In some placements, volunteers not only teach English but also music and dance, nursing, crafts, sewing, cooking and the concept of "playing". Previous volunteers have created gardens, built chicken coops, cooked breakfast and done laundry.

Volunteers always make a difference to the children and staff by sharing their own customs, language and lifestyles. In a country where only 70% of children have the opportunity to go to school, and where most schools are understaffed and have overcrowded classrooms, Projects Abroad volunteers are always welcome and their help greatly appreciated.

Life in Nepal is an experience of a lifetime, and it is a place that will always remain in your heart.