Job Discussion Forums

[brieshdude]

Right now I'm looking into different volunteer opportunities for teaching English in Nepal. They are called VolNepal and Friendship Club-Nepal. I was wondering if anyone had information on these programs or any information on teaching in Nepal at all.

P.s. I'm aware of the political situations in the country, no need to warn me of that. Thanks!

[parrothead]

I am bumping this, because I am also interested.

I've posted a similar post and would like to know if there are any volunteer groups that don't charge pricey fees for volunteering. Sounds crazy, but most require fees to allow you the privilege of working for free.

[brieshdude]

It's funny that you just replied. That post has been up there for quite a bit and I've already been back from Nepal after teaching there for about 2 months. I actually found a great volunteer program which doesnt charge large amounts of money. They like teachers to stay for 5 months ideally (5 months is the max you can stay because of visas.) If you happen to stay that long it would only end up being around 750 dollars for the program, which includes meals and housing. If you're interested you can check out the website at volnepal.np.org or e-mail me at [email protected].

[parrothead]

Thanks for that! I'm glad you had a good experience. I'll check out the website.

[ecyla123]

I am really interested in visiting Nepal but unfortunately getting paid to teach ESL looks dim. TEFL INternational (www.teflinternational.org) offers a TEFL training course in Kathmandu, but everything I have read makes me think that I may be jobless after completing the course.

If I did volunteer with VolNepal for a few months what kind of "buffer" money would one need to cover food, entertainment, etc.?[/quote]

[parrothead]

I'm in Nepal now. Perhaps I'll write a lengthier post about teaching here later. Unless you plan to continue teaching after Nepal I wouldn't pay huge sums of money to get a TEFL certificate. Courses here are very profitable businesses. Actually a lot of organizations take advantage of volunteers' good will. You fly to the other end of the world AND pay money, all to help/feel good/get experience. Even many reputable non-profits request some kind of donation (usually includes room and board....Umbrella Foundation www.umbrellanepal.org Is a great organization, but recently started requesting volunteers to "fund-raise" one thousand euros before they come), but in my funny head it still smells a little like paying to volunteer. Not everyone has a lot of cash to give, but many have time and enthusiasm, and to me that should be sufficient. There are LOADS of volunteer teaching opportunities. The best way is to just show up, rent a bicycle and ask around. I realise this is a bit nerve-wracking for some, but if you limit yourself to organizations from an internet search there is a higher likelihood that they won't have the school/children's/your best interest in mind. There are lots of exceptions to this, but you'll have to sift through the rotten ones along the way. I say cut out the middle man and use that money to set yourself up here (or if you really want to give money, do it after you've seen where the money goes).
Sorry I don't have time to write more, but these are just my initial thoughts on the matter. Good luck whatever you decide!

[BocaNY]