Teach English and immerse yourself in the Nepalese culture
Nepal simply has it all - from the bustling city streets of chaotic Kathmandu to the tranquil villages you'll call home, from an expanse of flatland in the Terai to the world's highest mountain range, Nepal is certainly a country to fall in love with. Catch the jaw-dropping glimpse of Mount Everest before you've even landed, then acclimatise in a capital city that's striving to modernise while clinging onto traditions - all adding a unique charm to the fast-paced nature of Kathmandu. Delve into a proud nation that's steeped in history as you attend more festivals and weddings than you could possibly imagine!
Become a volunteer English teacher in a tranquil village in the picturesque Kathmandu valley, master the national speciality dish of dal bhat and learn to converse in Nepali with your friendly host family or fellow teaching staff.
All Oyster participants have the option to go on an original and famous 8 day Langtang Himalayan trek for an additional £400.
If you are staying for 3 months or longer, why not experience more of this fascinating region by participating in our highly recommended package of cultural trips - the 8 day Langtang trek, an 8 day cultural tour of Tibet and a three day white water rafting and Chitwan safari trip. These trips will be arranged to fit neatly into with your itinerary and cost an additional £1200.
Having over 10 years experience of sending volunteers to Nepal and arranging treks means we can be flexible, arrange other treks if you have one in mind and give you lots of advice - just get in touch if you would like more information.
VOLUNTEER REVIEWS- click here
What will I do in Nepal?
Four great reasons to volunteer in Nepal:
- Teaching: If you are cheery, resourceful and adaptable then you have the potential to become a fantastic volunteer teacher. We send volunteers to schools where the kids already have basic English though they seek passionate teachers who are fluent in the language and able to bring imaginative ways to make learning enjoyable. You will be teaching in a primary or secondary school. Once you are confident with teaching English, have a go at other lessons such as art, music or drama. Read our blog for more information.
- Sports Coaching: Use the time after school or at weekends to coach sports to kids in your village and you may learn a trick or two from them as well.
- Immerse yourself: Nepal is one of our best destinations for those seeking a complete cultural experience - living with local teaching staff or with a traditional host family means a chance to be a part of the endless festivals that take place in the bustling city of Kathmandu and in the beautiful Himalayan valleys. Whilst we welcome volunteers from one month onwards, the longer you stay the more immersed you will become in the local culture.
- Explore: Take advantage of our experience and contacts in Nepal to explore the country during your stay. We can arrange treks, tours, rafting, safaris, paragliding and bungee jumping all at fantastic rates!
Representative
Basant
Basant has been our Nepal representative since 2000 and has supported over 100 Oyster volunteers. Half Tibetan and half Nepali, he was brought up and educated in India. He has lived in Kathmandu all his working life and is married to Prerana (daughter of a British Gurkha) with a young son called Kundun. Basant is a fantastic character, always having time for you with a constant smile and a fantastic memory, remembering every volunteer long after they have left Nepal. He runs a trekking company and combines being our man on the ground with organising the Himalayan trek, Tibet tour, rafting and safari.
Supporting you
On arrival Basant will brief you thoroughly during an orientation course. Once at your placement, you can approach your head teacher with any problems. If it's not a work issue, or you're still worried, Basant's office door is always open - he's had over 10 years of experience in dealing with Oyster participants.
Our representatives are there to be a helpful friend to you and steer you through difficulties of any kind. Basant will keep us updated on your health and welfare. Over the years Basant has gained knowledge of both UK and Nepali culture as well as having local expertise and sympathy for Oyster's aim.
Accommodation
You live with a Nepali family based close to your project or in boarding school staff accommodation - either way getting a great insight into the relaxed yet traditional Nepali way of life. Whilst on your project, food is provided for you. If you travel into town at the weekend or go on any treks or trips you will need to budget for food.
Cost and what is provided?
One month in Nepal costs: £1125, excluding flights. Extra months £300.
Highly recommended optional 8 day Himalayan trek costs £400 (not inc food).
For stays of 3 months or longer go on the 8 day trek, 8 day Tibet tour, 3 day river rafting & Chitwan safari. Excludes some food on trek and trips (approx £200 for food dependent on style) - all for £1200.
What is Provided?
- Phone or face-to-face informal interview and briefing
- 1 day Pre Departure Course covering medical, safety and placement advice
- Help and advice from our UK office before departure and whilst in Nepal
- Advice on obtaining a visa
- Oyster polo-shirt
- Finding you a suitable volunteer placement in Nepal
- For an additional £700 we can arrange return flights from London to Kathmandu with flexible return date (modest fee levied by airline for date changes).
- ATOL protection (as long as we book your flights)
- Food and accommodation during placement
- Support from the Oyster local representative, who will meet you at the airport and offer help and support when you need it
- Hotel based orientation course on arrival in Kathmandu with Nepali language tuition
- Transportation from the airport to Kathmandu and to your school.
What do I need?
- A passport valid for at least 6 months after you return home. Most nationalities accepted.
- Tourist visa (at the time of printing $100 for the first 90 days. Extensions to this cost $60 the next 30 days, and $2 a day thereafter for up to 5 months). We will advise you on how to obtain your visa
- Insurance (covering your placement time and any planned independent travel)
- Cost of changing your return flight date if you need to (approx £50)
- Independent travel costs and pocket money
- Any home country travel costs (to airport and to interview if face-to-face)
- Cost of transport back to the Airport at the end of your placement
