Teaching English to novice monks Past Review

By (University of Michigan - Flint) - abroad from 02/08/2014 to 04/02/2014 with

Plan Volunteering Nepal: Kathmandu - Volunteer in Nepal

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
very worthwhile

Review Photos

Plan Volunteering Nepal: Kathmandu - Volunteer in Nepal Photo Plan Volunteering Nepal: Kathmandu - Volunteer in Nepal Photo Plan Volunteering Nepal: Kathmandu - Volunteer in Nepal Photo Plan Volunteering Nepal: Kathmandu - Volunteer in Nepal Photo Plan Volunteering Nepal: Kathmandu - Volunteer in Nepal Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Teaching English to novice monks in Daunne , Nepal was a truly unique and special experience that I will never forget. The opportunity to work directly with the teachers and students at Buddhist temple schools was amazing and I feel lucky to have been able to participate in the learning process here in Nepal. I have learned far more than I ever could have imagined. For example, on the first day at my temple school, while talking to one of the teachers, I expressed an interest in learning Buddhist meditation. Later on, that same day, I found myself sitting with a monk in one of the classrooms, learning meditation via two other teachers at the school who helped translate his Nepali to English. This type of generosity is common place here.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

it was a tallier made program, was nice..

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

very good

* Food:

very authentic vegan food,sometimes i missed my western food but,it was good..

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

All people are very close to each even they don't know each others .

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

there is small health post but i dont have any program during my time.. very different hospital its quite strange ..

* Safety:

very good to live there ..

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Nepalese people are so friendly & open minded i always thinking is my second homeland..

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? After paid volunteering program i only spend 30 $$ per week..

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

5

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? for future student please take sleeping bag and mosquito net for sleeping ..

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • teaching monk
  • working in an orphan kids
  • cooking Nepalese meal
* What could be improved?
  • little speak nepali language :)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? if i'm coming on October i can celebrate festival..

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!