Kathmandu - Teaching at Buddhist Monasteries

The monasteries we work with are located in different areas of Kathmandu, Pharping, Nala, and the 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 Bouddhanath 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 Chiwaing monasteries. Reaching these regions can take about 12 hours of jeep driving and an overnight stay in Phaplu. Then the next day, you will do a hike of about 30 minutes to 4 hours to reach the Monastery.

To help teach monks English and also, to get our participants immersed in the lifestyle in a monastery and to learn about Buddhism.

Arrival Day
Arrival day is Sunday, and you will be picked up at the airport between 06:00 and midnight. Afterwards, you will be transferred to the volunteer accommodation in Kathmandu. On Monday, you will get help booking a private transfer to the monastery (at own cost).

Introduction Day
Your project starts with an introduction day on the first Monday including a tour of the area surrounding the accommodation, available facilities, cultural "do's and don'ts", safety concerns as well as some basic local language lessons.

Monday to Friday
From 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 working in the kitchen, gardening, working at the library etc.

This program also includes a Culture Week. Experience and get an in-depth knowledge of the ancient traditions, culture, language, temples, and Buddhist monasteries in this Himalayan country. Our Culture Week will get you kickstarted into this amazing country located at the foothills of the mighty Himalayas. Not only will you get to learn about the language and lifestyle, but you will also visit temples, go on a hiking tour and even take part in a scavenger hunt race at a local market!

Aims & Objectives of the Culture Week
During this week, you will learn about Nepalese culture through a series of introductory culture classes which are designed to help you develop your Nepalese language skills and deepen your understanding of the Nepalese way of life complete with details on rituals and customs. You will learn about Nepal's history and the religious influences which have shaped it. Moreover, we will pay a visit to the local shops and markets that will get you learning as you go with the local culture and how to become a part of it. As part of your city tour and orientation, you will also visit some amazing sites such as the temple of Swayambhunath: one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Kathmandu.

Schedule***
Monday
Puja to the gods & goddesses and name-giving ceremony
Go over the week’s schedule and handling of documents
An introduction game to get to know fellow participants
Cultural seminar on social behavioral norms, dos & don’ts in Nepalese culture. Intercultural eating and drinking habits, bathing and clothing customs in Nepalese culture.
A little assignment for you to explore your neighborhood and find local civic places such as banks (ATM), temples, schools, restaurants etc.

Tuesday
A social interactive session to get to know each other and an opportunity to bring out concerns about your health etc so that we will be aware.
Nepali language training
Shopping at the local market
Orientation tour of the city of Nepal with an interesting game called “Scavenger Hunt”, we will tell you more about this when you are here
Movie Night

Wednesday
Yoga and meditation
Nepali cooking session
Cultural as well as historical orientation tour to Sleeping Bishnu, Jamchen Vijay Stupa and ISKON Temple as ISP

Thursday
A cultural as well as historical orientation tour to the famous Swayambhunath temple
A talk on schooling and education system in Nepal and placement sites
Culture Night

Friday
It’s all about hiking today! We will go on a nature trail into the mountains to get a view of Kathmandu valley.
Feedback sharing (evaluation)

***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***

This project isn’t affected by public holidays, but there may be slight changes to the Culture Week if it overlaps with public holidays:

2024
06-07, 17 & 19 September
03, 10-12, 14-15 & 17 October
01-02, 07 & 15 November
25 & 30 December

2025
TBA

There are no official monastery holidays. Even during government holidays, monasteries remain open, and we can continue to accommodate volunteers. However, at times, we might not be able to conduct teaching programs as expected because the monks participate in religious activities during celebrations and they attend ceremonies related to the surrounding community.

Please note that this program is both a teaching opportunity and an opportunity to be immersed into a monastic life. The monastery program is focused on learning about the Buddhist monks' lifestyles, behaviours, rituals, and the culture within the monasteries and surrounding communities whilst teaching at the monasteries.

Minimum age of 18
Basic level of competency in English
Educational requirements: High school graduate
Police Clearance Certificate on sign-up
Copy of CV/resume on sign-up
Passport copy required up on arrival
Travel & medical insurance
4 passport size photographs (that can also be taken locally at the start of your program)

Volunteers need to be flexible and keep an open mind concerning their placements as situations can arise beyond our control which could require you to be placed at a different project than the one you have initially chosen. We will of course always do our utmost to fulfill your initial wishes but do remember that where you are going is quite different from where you are coming and as such one should be prepared for things not always going according to plan.

Volunteering and intercultural travel share a common trait: the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. This program is designed for proactive individuals and groups that are prepared to adapt to the local environment and its current needs. Naturally, the scheduling and activities of our program are subject to change. Alterations in activities are mainly due to changes in local conditions, which we believe is part of what makes overseas programs the interesting adventure and incredible learning experience that they are.

Our projects range from 1 week up to approx. 30 weeks. Projects have a specified minimum stay, then it’s up to you how long you can commit. In our experience the longer you stay the more you will gain, as your understanding of the project broadens and you take on more responsibilities. Every volunteer will be given a certificate of appreciation at the end of their stay as a symbol of volunteering stay.