Kathmandu - Education Volunteer

Kathmandu, the capital and largest city in Nepal, is like no other city in the world. The decaying buildings in the heart of the city are a contrast to the lively atmosphere that permeates the streets. The smell of incense wafts from the stores while street sellers push their wares, and people go about their daily lives, all against a backdrop of historic temples and carved statues.

Education is a powerful tool, yet many children in Nepal lack access to quality learning experiences. In rural areas, opportunities to interact with people from different cultures are rare, making this program an incredible chance for both students and volunteers to exchange knowledge and perspectives. As a participant, you will support local teachers in classrooms, helping students develop their English skills and broaden their education. No prior teaching experience is required - you'll assist with lessons, classroom activities, and creative learning experiences that make education fun and engaging. You will have the freedom to use different teaching methods, from structured lessons based on the school curriculum to interactive learning through conversation, music, arts, and games. Subjects may include English, mathematics, history, science, geography, computer skills, personal development, and environmental awareness. With all higher education in Nepal conducted in English, your role in helping children improve their language skills is crucial.

This is a chance to make a real impact, gain hands-on teaching experience, and immerse yourself in Nepali culture while forming meaningful connections with students and local communities.

- Teach and mentor children from diverse backgrounds
- Support local teachers by assisting in daily lessons
- Bring new, creative teaching methods into the classroom
- Organize fun and interactive activities such as sports, games, and arts & crafts
- Help students improve their English skills, essential for future education and career opportunities
- Experience Nepali culture firsthand while making a real difference in local communities

You will be teaching at local schools from Monday to Friday, delivering four to five lessons per day. Your responsibilities may include:
- Assisting local teachers with lesson planning and classroom management
- Teaching English and other subjects using both course books and interactive methods
- Organizing creative activities such as storytelling, music, arts, and games
- Encouraging students to engage in sports and outdoor activities
- Supporting students in developing confidence and essential life skills
- Nepali schools often have a rigid and traditional curriculum, so your fresh ideas and interactive teaching methods will be highly valued by both students and teachers.

This is your chance to inspire young minds and leave a lasting impact on their education!

To help the kids grow in their confidence and learn better English which will help them in many ways in the future.

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
Volunteers have a light schedule of four to five lessons a day from Monday to Friday. Schools usually have a very dull curriculum so out-of-the-box activities and creative experiences such as sports or games are more than welcome and really appreciated by the children. It's a good idea to bring posters, pictures, music tapes, visual aids, story books, flash cards, educational games, your country map and so on to brighten up lessons.

Please note that the volunteer activities and schedule can change at any time based on the needs of the project, local conditions, the weather and unforeseen circumstances.

This program can also include a Culture Week which is highly recommended but not mandatory - just inform your travel advisor if you wish to include it. 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.***

The project is either closed on these public holidays, or volunteers can join the renovation and construction, kindergarten or canine rehabilitation program.

2025
05 November
25 & 30 December

2026
01, 11, 15, 19, 23 & 30 January
15, 18-19 February
02-03, 08, 18, 21 & 27 March
14 April
The dates below for 2026 are tentative holiday dates and can be changed:
24 April
01 & 29 May
07 June
09, 16 & 26 August
06, 19, 22 & 29-30 September
01-04, 06, 20-23 & 27 October
05 November
25 & 30 December

School Holidays
29 September - 06 October 2025
One week in December (no exact date, depends on the weather)
Mid-March - 3rd week of April 2026
One week in December 2026 (no exact date, depends on the weather)

Volunteers can join the construction or kindergarten program. Please note that the school holidays are sometimes adjusted depending on the school's plans

Minimum age of 18
Intermediate 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.