Teaching English to Nuns in a Monastery

Teaching English to nuns in a monastery is a unique and rewarding experience, blending language instruction with spiritual growth. Volunteering in a Nepali nunnery monastery is a life-changing experience to teach to nunnery and learn with Buddhist nuns, the focus extends beyond mere language proficiency to encompass communication skills that facilitate connection and understanding in their broader spiritual community.

Teaching English to nuns in a monastery program focuses on practical vocabulary and phrases that are relevant to their daily lives within the monastery. Teaching English to nuns in a monastery program includes terminology related to prayer, meditation, and community activities. Through interactive exercises and role-playing, the nuns engage actively in the learning process, gaining confidence in their ability to express themselves in English.

Teaching English to Nuns in a Monastery Highlights:

  • Before diving into English lessons, it is crucial to understand the nuns’ background and level of English proficiency. Many may have limited exposure to the language, so starting with the basics is essential.
  • Respect for their religious practices and beliefs is paramount. Establishing a serene and respectful classroom environment is crucial, where they feel comfortable learning without compromising their devotion.
  • Integrating spirituality into English lessons can enhance engagement and relevance for the nuns. Using passages from religious texts or discussing topics related to their faith can make the learning experience more meaningful.
  • Given potential language barriers, keeping lessons simple and practical is key. Focus on everyday vocabulary, greetings, and basic conversational phrases that they can use in their interactions within and outside the monastery.
  • Utilize interactive teaching methods such as role-plays, group discussions, and storytelling. These approaches not only make learning enjoyable but also facilitate comprehension and retention of English concepts.
  • Recognize that the nuns have other commitments and duties within the monastery. Plan lessons that respect their time constraints, perhaps integrating short English sessions into their daily routines.
  • Encourage regular practice outside of class by providing resources like audio recordings, reading materials, or online exercises tailored to their proficiency level. Pairing them up for language practice can also foster a supportive learning community.
  • Acknowledge and celebrate their progress, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement boosts confidence and motivates continued learning efforts.

What does teaching English to nuns in a monastery volunteer do?

Volunteers can teach English, Mathematics, science, and creative arts and engage Buddhist nuns in creative and fun activities or sports for around 3 to 4 hours per day in Nepal. Even if you have less experience, we provide teaching materials to assist you. Moreover, the nuns share their knowledge and culture with the volunteers. You can learn and get ideas for meditation techniques and gain a deep understanding of the Buddhist culture. Teaching English to nuns in a monastery is one of our most popular volunteering positions and it offers a unique opportunity to get fully involved in the daily life of a Buddhist monastery.

Do I need any qualifications or skills to do this volunteer work?

To get involved in teaching English to nuns in a monastery program, you do not need any specific qualifications or skill but it is important that you have a good command of the English language. Additionally, you should be culturally sensitive as you will be working in a religious environment that may be quite different from what you are used to. Buddhist nuns participate in various religious activities throughout the year, so the structure of your volunteering program may need to be adjusted at times. You may remain flexible to accommodate any such changes.

Where in Nepal can I volunteer in a monastery?

Kathmandu is a culturally rich Asian city boasting ancient monuments and structures. Kathmandu is a valley surrounded by hills from four sides and normally the monasteries are built on the high grounds of the outskirts of the valley. Living peaceful days while beholding the beautiful vista of the city and the magnificence of the Himalayan Mountains, this experience is self-explanatory for the charm of volunteering in a Buddhist monastery program in Nepal.

Orientation begins on the morning of next day your arrival and covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Nepal – an introduction to Nepal, Nepalese customs, language training details, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities in Nepal, and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to visit local temples, sample authentic Nepali food, meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing. The program may vary depending on your time of arrival. We will manage to include all below mentioned activities in you introduction program.
• Arrival and introduction host family
• Survival Nepali lessons and cultural discussion
• Local amenities and sightseeing and project start

On arrival in Nepal, volunteers stay in a host family in Kathmandu for their orientation.

Volunteers are then accommodated together in homestays and hosted by local families who have been approved by our program staff. We give your host family a fee for your support, food and board. It is exciting to stay with a host family, providing you with a unique opportunity to learn about the Nepalese way of life, meet local people, try traditional food and speak the local language – especially when host families in Nepal tend to have limited English.

Living is basic but comfortable and most homestays have electricity and running water, with the exception of some rural homestays which are without these conveniences during the dry season. Squat toilets are the norm in Nepal and you will not come across many western toilets. Volunteers can also expect low-pressure showers that are generally not heated; however, this is refreshing after a day in the heat.

You can expect to share a room with one to three other volunteers and bedrooms have single beds and bunk beds with bedding provided. It is recommended volunteers bring their own sleeping bags and mosquito nets for any trips away.

WiFi is available in most of the volunteer homestays. If you would like to keep connected during your stay, we recommend bringing an unlocked mobile phone and purchasing a local SIM card when you arrive in Nepal.

The staple meal for most Nepali families is dal bhat, which consists of lentil soup (dal), rice (bhat) and vegetables in curry (tarkari) and/or meat (masu) with a side of pickle/sauce (achar). Volunteers are served two meals per day at their homestay and can purchase additional food to supplement this if they wish.

Volunteers can have a meaningful impact on Nepalese communities by providing assistance with a wide range of activities that help make life, and the future, better for local people. Volunteer World Nepal has a number of volunteer projects in Nepal. Some are located on the outskirts of the capital city of Kathmandu in rural and urban areas, while others are in Pokhara and Salleri. Pokhara is located in mid-western Nepal and is a popular tourist destination, renowned for its amazing mountain views. Salleri is the Everest Mountain region: beautiful landscapes, hillsides dotted with villages, a lively weekend bazaar, a Tibetan camp, and many spectacular Buddhist monasteries. In Salleri you can teach in Schools, teach English in a monastery, work in a Health Clinic or work in Construction. Salleri is a small Himalayan Region town that serves as the headquarters of the Solukhumbu District.

Low-cost, fully hosted volunteer abroad programs in Nepal.
Your registration fee and your program fee provide access to a fully hosted volunteer experience with Volunteer World Nepal. In order to apply to join Volunteer World Nepal you are required to make your registration fee payment of 100 dollars.

Key Information:

Improve access to quality education
Various locations in Nepal
Monastery accommodation
Based in monasteries across Nepal
Up to 4 - 5 hours volunteers a day
Fully hosted experience from 250 dollar for 1 week
Base camp treks and other tours available
Durations from 1 - 4 weeks
Volunteer's Choice
Program fee for two weeks: USD
  • Most Affordable Program Fee
  • Best Price Gurantee
  • No booking or Credit Card Fee
  • Free Cancellation

What's included:

  • Two meals (breakfast and dinner)
  • Accommodation
  • Orientation and survival Nepali language lesson
  • Cultural sightseeing in Kathmandu
  • 24/7 email and telephone support
  • Volunteer handbook
  • 24/7 hours emergency support
  • Dedicated VWN program and travel co-ordinator
  • Regular program inspection
  • Scholarships for low income students

What's Excluded:

  • Flights to Kathmandu
  • Visa cost
  • Travel and health insurance
  • Domestic flight costs
  • Transportation costs for the volunteers who want to work outside the Kathmandu Valley
  • Personal items, extra beverages and entertainment expenses
  • Personal travel and sightseeing
  • Transportation service during weekends travel
Volunteer's Choice

You might be interested in this

Public Health Internship

Volunteer World Nepal has been offering an exhilarating public health internship and volunteer opportunities available .

Corporate Volunteer Programs

Volunteer World Nepal offers a wide variety of corporate volunteer programs for corporate groups to .

Teacher Training Volunteer

Volunteering as a teacher training volunteer is a unique and rewarding experience that can have .

Read reviews of our optimistic volunteers.

"Anika and I went to Kathmandu, Nepal. We worked as volunteers for two weeks in a local school in Kathmandu, with Volunteer World Nepal. Umesh and Sanu Shrestha, together with their adorable baby Bidusha, made our stay unforgettable. They made as many dinners as we did and greeted us with such warmth. Our room was modest but cosy, with a balcony that offered breathtaking views..."

Hannah and Anika, Australia

Volunteer Teacher in Nepal