Volunteering Nepal at the Monastery was a beautiful experience. I had never taught before but after a while if felt very natural. This is something I think everyone will benefit from it given the chance. Overall experience at the monastery was great.

1-volunteer-nepal — volunteer nepal orientation day

Volunteering Nepal

1) What program did you choose and why?

I chose to volunteer by teaching and to learn how to work with younger people and teach them my language. And help them improve their English and also make some social impact.

2) How was the local coordinator and the staff and the support provided in –country?

The local coordinator and his family were very welcoming and kind. He was able to provide me with information about anything I needed to know about. He checked up on me everyday asking how I was and of I needed any help. Both he ad his family made me feel at home and were very welcoming.

3) What was the most surprising thing you experienced while in the program?

Nothing surprised me when I come here, I came completely open at anything , so I wasn’t shocked by anything. Keeping an open mind is very important.

3-volunteer-nepal — Volunteering Nepal Michael Jenkins

4) What was most difficult thing you experienced while in the program?

Navigating local transport was difficult for a little while but after a while you get used to it . Always bargain with taxi drivers.

Also leaving my family was difficult. But after a while I got used to it. The monastery was within walking distance though taxi was unnecessary, and it was only five minutes walk from the homestay.

5) Any tips for future volunteers….(Clothing , travel information, packing, sightseeing, donations)

– Make sure to bring extra towels and laundry if you stay longer, but it is easier to buy clothes here.

– Break down your cash to buy clothes

– Be open to trying new food

– Don’t be afraid to socialize

– I recommend you do Nepali language immersion class that will help you along with the locals and placements.

volunteering-nepal — Volunteer Nepal Arrival day

Volunteer Teaching Monks

5.1 ) Other things volunteers should know:

The Milk coffee at the “sindhu cottage” is the best in town, its near the volunteer house . The locals are very kind and will treat you with respect in long as you do the same. Experience the city is a must.

6) Personal paragraph (volunteer program testimonial)

Volunteering at the Monastery was a beautiful experience. I had never taught before, but after a while it felt very natural. This is something I think everyone will benefit from it given the chance. Overall experience at the monastery was great.

7) How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security?

The food was amazing from nutella on toast in the morning to nepali dinner at night, it was new and I loved that about it. And the house felt extremely safe. The gate to both the upstairs and outside has padlocks.

8) What was your memory of this trip?

I will cherish the memories of this trip for years to come. From teaching, hiking, to meditating it was all very soulful and I feel much different after this trips. Hoping to come back again.

9) How was the information you received from ABV prior to travelling? (Emails, websites, support) was there anything missing or should be included to prepare other volunteers?

Everything was very helpful the steps on where and how to meet the coordinator at the airport were detailed. I wish I know I could donate books to the library, Everything was in place and what was mentioned in the catalogs was included.

10) Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers about your volunteer experience?

Yes, for sure

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