If you are planning to teach English in Nepal, then the following article will help with some of your pre planning work.
Teaching English in Nepal provides a fantastic opportunity for individuals to familiarise themselves with the language and culture in a more relaxed setting. Whereas holidays have obvious restrictions, spending a period teaching in Nepal ensures that you will get far closer to experiencing real culture and real life in Nepal.
Prior to moving to Nepal to teach English, it is essential that you first do your homework. Suggestions include the following:
1) Research local culture in Nepal and equip yourself with some basic do’s and don’ts which will help ensure that you do not make any basic faux pas!
2) Familiarise yourself with a basic understanding of language in Nepal. This will ensure that you are able to communicate when liaising with individuals who do not have a grasp of English.
3) Gain an insight into the basic transactions of everyday life in Nepal, such as currency, getting around etc.
4) Visit the British Council, Nepal website and review the ‘Teaching English in Nepal’ sections. The British Council are a fantastic source of knowledge and resources for individuals either planning to teach in Nepal, or, who are already teaching English in Nepal.
5) Research some of the voluntary organisations in Nepal. If you are not going there purely to make money, then you may wish to devote your time to teaching English to groups of individuals who may lack opportunity in their lives. The degree to which the organisations do or don’t contribute to your maintenance whilst you are teaching English in Nepal should be fully understood before departing. A number of voluntary agencies actually charge you for participating in the programme. This ensures that they can continue covering the costs of the overheads involved in providing English teachers to local organisations.
6) Research information relating to safety in Nepal. Ensure that you understand where you may be vulnerable as a foreigner and avoid all such situations.
7) It is also a great idea to plan a period of time – either post or pre the teaching English in Nepal stint, in which you engage in some of the other excellent opportunities that Nepal has to offer such as mountaineering or trekking. It is also recommended that you diarise your visit to coincide with some of the great festivals taking place in Nepal.
It is not always necessary to be qualified to teach English in Nepal, but if you do decide to venture out in the absence of qualifications or experience, then it is recommended that you at least read some TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) related literature to ensure that you are as effective as possible.
