Only 420€ per week!
Teaching at Buddhist Monasteries
Buddhist Monastery - Nepal
Teach English to novice monks in authentic monasteries!
This program is tailored for those who are interested in teaching English and at the same time learning something new themselves! You will be teaching monks of all ages at a monastery, which will give you the unique opportunity to immerse in their day-to-day lifestyle and learn about Buddhism.
Program
Living
Buddhist Monastery
Nepal
Program Description
During this program, you will teach different subjects including English and have one on one English conversation classes with the monks at the monasteries. You will also get a chance to learn about Buddhism while doing this. You will be teaching novice monks, both adults and children!
The monasteries we work with are located in different areas in Kathmandu, Pharping, Nala and Everest region. In the Everest regions, we work with Serlo Taksindo, Mendo Pakhe and Choying monasteries. During your program, you will be accommodated in the monastery itself where you will do the program. You will be sharing a room with other participants. The nearest monastery to our Kathmandu Center is Tinchuli (Near the Bauddhinath Stupa) which is about 30 minutes’ drive from our centre in Kathmandu. Monasteries in Nala and Pharping are about 2 hours drive from Kathmandu.
In the Everest regions, we work with Serlo Taksindo, Mendo Pakhe and Choying monasteries. Reaching these regions can take about 12 hours of a jeep drive and an overnight stay in Phaplu. Then the next day, you will do a hike of about 30min to 4 hours to reach the Monastery.
Aims & Objectives
To help teach monks English and also, to get our participants immersed into the lifestyle in a monastery and to learn about Buddhism.
Schedule
Monday to Friday
You will teach different subjects including English to the monks, both young and old, for about 2 to 3 hours every day. Apart from this activity, you are free to also take part in other activities such as in the kitchen, garden or at the library.
Note: This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.
Participant Criteria & Requirements
Standard Requirements
Minimum age: 18
Maximum age: 65
Minimum English level: Basic
CRB required: On Signup
Passport copy required: On Signup
Resume copy required: On Signup
Required qualification: Completed high school
Additional Requirements
There are no specific requirements.
Additional Equipment
Casual dress is appropriate during your time at the monasteries. However, no-see through clothes or low cut tops are permitted.
Location
Your new home will be an authentic Buddhist monastery. According to availability you can choose between different monasteries in or around Kathmandu. While the nearest one is just within Kathmandu, the farthest takes a 12 hour (overnight) bus ride and 4 hours of hiking to get to. Did we already say it’s authentic?
We take care of the (public) transport to the monastery and back at the beginning and end of your program.
About the Accommodation
You will be accommodated at one of the monasteries itself, sharing a room with other participants.
Food Arrangements
The meals are a mix of Western and Nepalese food, consisting mainly of vegetarian dishes including rice and vegetables. You can expect to have a chicken dish about once per week. You can also choose to eat out at any of the local restaurants.
Facilities
Our monastery is located about three kilometers away from the city center, where you can find anything you might need. The nearest ATM and supermarket are located a 15-25 minute walk away from the accommodation. But we would advise you to use the ATMs available in Kathmandu before leaving to the most farthest Monastery.
Activities & Events
No scheduled activities outside the program.
Sights & Surroundings
Shopping in Kathmandu is an experience itself. Thamel, Kathmandu’s tourist hotspot, is where shoppers can find Nepalese, Tibetan and Indian artifacts, wood carvings, handicraft and an assortments of unique clothing and apparel. There are also several malls where you can find fashionable clothing and grocery stores, offering everything from wine to breakfast cereals. There are numerous dining options available throughout the city, including Italian, Indian, Thai, Korean and Chinese in addition to a variety of local cuisine.
Transportation
From this location we provide free transport to your next program at the following location(s):
- Kathmandu
Quick Facts
Name: Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal
Population: 28.98 million
Capital: Kathmandu
Language: Nepali
Currency: Nepalese rupee (NPR)
Time zone: UTC +5:45
Country Information
Namaste and welcome to Nepal, a country of high Himalayan Mountains, artistic monuments, exotic wildlife, and diverse cultures. Located between 80 12' east longitude and between 26 22' and 30 27' north latitude, Nepal extends along the south slopes of the Himalayas in central Asia.
Although Nepal is small, it has the greatest latitudinal variation of any country. The land rises from the southern plains of the Terai, barely above sea level at 70 meters, to the top of the Mt. Everest, the highest peak on Earth at 8848 meters above sea level, in a distance of less than 200 km.
Climate
Weather conditions in Nepal vary from region to region. Summer and late spring temperatures range from about 28C in the hill region of the country to more than 40C in the Terai. In the winter, the average maximum and minimum temperatures in the Terai range from a brisk 7C to mild 23C. The central valleys experience a minimum temperature often falling below the freezing point and a chilly 12C maximum. Much colder temperatures prevail at higher elevations. The Kathmandu Valley has a mild climate, ranging from 19 to 27C in the summer and 2 to 20C in the winter. In the winter, it only snows in the high elevations, around 9,000 feet. In the highest elevations, it snows year-round. The monsoon can last from mid-June to mid-August although the majority of the rain arrives in July.
Winter: From December to February, the mornings and evenings will be cold; in the daytime, you will be fine with a sweater or thin jacket.
Spring: From March to May is the best time to be in Nepal as it is neither hot nor cold. However, it does get quite windy.
Summer: June to August. Hot, humid and monsoon season.
Fall: Very pleasant and mild weather. It gets a bit windy but you will be fine with a sweater or a jacket.
Culture
Nepal's many ethnic groups are as varied as its land with their own languages and cultures. A wide variety of ethnic groups occupy the mid-hills. In the Kathmandu Valley the major population that we find is Newars, whose culture and artistry have earned them an international reputation. The Sherpas are known as tough mountain climbers. Brahmins and Chhetris are scattered over the hills and valleys, and Tamangs are found in the districts around the Kathmandu Valley. The Rais, Limbu, Gurung, Magars of the mid-hills have earned fame as Gurkha soldiers. Lowland ethnic groups such as Maithili, Bhojpuri, and Tharu enhance the colorful mosaic. The population of Nepal is about 28.98 million.
Transportation
Local Bus
One of the cheapest ways to get around Nepal. However, you get what you pay for! They are often crowded (and not just with people, sometimes even goats!). Most buses don’t depart until they get filled up, so it is not a good idea for those who have a tight schedule.
Tourist Bus
These are slightly more expensive than local buses but also more comfortable. Greenline buses offer routers between Kathmandu, Chitwan, Lumbini and Pokhara. It is recommended to book in advance to make sure you get a seat.
Taxis
Taxis are either private taxis as in any other cities or “10 Rupee” taxis, which are public. This means they don’t leave a place until they are full. The name, “10 Rupee taxis” does not mean they cost 10 Rupee! Do feel free to bargain
