Teach English to Buddhist Monks
Our Monastery Volunteer Program in Nepal gives you a rare and deeply fulfilling opportunity to live and teach within a Buddhist monastery, sharing knowledge while immersing yourself in Nepal’s rich spiritual and cultural traditions. As a volunteer, you’ll work with groups of young monk students, teaching English, basic computer literacy, and sports, while learning from their way of life centered around simplicity, mindfulness, and compassion.
Most of these young monks come from remote and underprivileged mountain communities, where families send their children to monasteries for education, shelter, and spiritual guidance. The monastery provides them with food, accommodation, and Buddhist teachings — yet access to quality English education and modern skills remains limited. This is where your contribution becomes invaluable.
Many monasteries in Nepal lack the funding to hire skilled English teachers, and government-provided instruction is often minimal. By joining this program, you’ll help bridge that gap — improving communication, broadening their horizons, and boosting their confidence to engage with the outside world. Your time teaching English to monks will not only empower them with language skills but also foster cross-cultural understanding and friendship.
This experience is a true meeting of worlds — your presence and curiosity about Buddhism will be warmly received, and in return, you’ll gain profound insights into monastic life, meditation practices, and Buddhist philosophy. Living amidst the chants, rituals, and serenity of a monastery in the Kathmandu Valley, you’ll find this program both enlightening and transformative.
Whether you’re a teacher, a student, or simply a traveler seeking meaningful cultural exchange, volunteering at a monastery in Nepal offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to give back, grow personally, and discover the true essence of Nepalese spirituality.
Why Join?
Contribute tangibly to the education and development of young monks in under-resourced settings
Gain teaching and cross-cultural experience in a spiritually rich environment
Discover the heritage, natural beauty and culture of Nepal while you volunteer
Flexible program lengths make this viable even for short breaks or gap-year volunteers
Monastery Volunteering in Nepal
What is involved
Although the monks spend much of their day engaged in ceremonial practice, prayer, and meditation, you will have the unique opportunity to lead engaging and educational sessions during their free periods — usually around midday or early afternoon. Most teaching sessions run for about 2 hours, but depending on the monastery’s schedule and student interest, your teaching time may extend up to 6 hours a day.
The young monks you’ll teach are typically between 5 and 18 years old, though occasionally senior monks in their 20s also join the classes to improve their English and communication skills. These lessons are a refreshing change from their usual routine, and the monks are genuinely enthusiastic to learn from and about you — your language, your culture, and your world.
Your role will involve teaching basic English speaking, reading, and writing, as well as grammar and conversational practice. Creative volunteers often go beyond textbooks, designing fun and interactive lessons through games, songs, storytelling, and role play. Monks greatly appreciate these informal, engaging sessions that make learning enjoyable and memorable.
Teaching conditions are simple — classrooms are modest, often equipped only with a blackboard and basic furniture. Volunteers are encouraged to be resourceful, patient, and adaptable, using their creativity to make lessons effective even with limited or no teaching materials.
You’ll join small to medium-sized classes of students (typically aged 5 to 18, though sometimes older monks also attend). Your tasks include:
Planning and delivering interactive English lessons (speaking, reading, writing, basic grammar)
Supporting computer literacy and digital skills classes where possible
Coaching sports or other recreational activities to bring variety and fun
Working with the monastery’s teachers to design creative learning sessions — using games, storytelling, arts, role-play, etc.
Helping to build confidence, curiosity and cross-cultural awareness among the monks
Classes typically occur during the monks’ free periods or breaks (often around noon). Depending on need, your daily teaching hours might range from 2 hours up to 6 hours per day. Since resources can be very limited (basic classrooms, minimal equipment, blackboards only), volunteers must be adaptable, patient, and creative. A prior TEFL certification is helpful but not strictly required — what matters most is enthusiasm, good English skills and a willingness to learn.
Program & Schedule Highlights
Start dates: Weekly (check current calendar)
Duration options: 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, etc. — choose the length that fits you
Typical day:
Arrival day: airport pickup, introduction & orientation in Kathmandu
Weekdays: morning/afternoon classes in the monastery, lunch and downtime, cultural visits in the evening
Weekends: free to explore Nepal (heritage sites, nature, trekking)
Example timetable:
08:00 – 09:00 — breakfast & travel to monastery
10:00 – 12:00 — first teaching block
12:00 – 13:30 — lunch & break
13:30 – 15:30 — second teaching block (or project-prep time)
After class — return, dinner, free time
Location: Based around the Kathmandu Valley, facilitating easy access to your project and cultural excursions
Some details
Volunteer in Nepal Programs Dates
Start Dates are suggested below. We advise you to check with us about public holidays and festivals
Days
2025
- Jan 5, 12, 19, 26
- Feb 2, 9, 16, 23
- Mar 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
- Apr 6, 13, 20, 27
- May 4, 11, 18, 25
- Jun 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
- Jul 6, 13, 20, 27
- Aug 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
- Sep 7, 14, 21, 28
- Oct 5, 12, 19, 26
- Nov 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
- Dec 7,14
Days
2026
- Jan 4, 11, 18, 25
- Feb 1, 8, 15, 22
- Mar 8, 15, 22, 29
- Apr 5, 12, 19, 26
- May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
- Jun 7, 14, 21, 28
- Jul 5, 12, 19, 26
- Aug 2, 20
- Sep 6, 13, 20, 27
- Oct 4, 11, 18, 25
- Nov 8, 15, 22, 29
- Dec 6, 13, 20, 27
Days
2027
- Jan 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
- Feb 6, 13, 20, 27
- Mar 6, 13, 20, 27
- Apr 3, 10, 17, 24
- May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
- Jun 5, 12, 19, 26
- Jul 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
- Aug 21, 28
- Sep 4, 11, 18, 25
- Oct 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
- Nov 6, 13, 20, 27
- Dec 4
Volunteer in Nepal Programs Cost
- 1 Week
- 2 Weeks
- 3 Weeks
- 4 Weeks
- 5 Weeks
- 6 Weeks
- 7 Weeks
- 8 Weeks
- $999
- $1095
- $1145
- $1295
- $1495
- $1695
- $1895
- $2095
Volunteer in Nepal
- What’s Included
- Not Included
- Pre-departure guide to Nepal
- Airport Pick-up from Kathmandu airport on arrival
- Home-Stay Accommodation
- Home-cooked meals: Breakfast and Dinner
- Location orientation
- Project training
- Project Placement and donation
- Weekly meeting with staff
- 24/7 Daily ground support as required
- Not Included
- Flights to the program destination
- Medical and travel insurance
- Visa costs
- Airport Drop on departure
- Lunch for volunteers whilst at the project
- Personal shopping and gratuities
- Local or weekend excursions
- Project materials
- Project travel costs
- Private or air-conditioned rooms
Volunteer in Nepal Location
Most of our Nepal programs are based around Kathmandu or Kathmandu valley
Nepal has captured the imagination of travelers for centuries, with its impossibly large mountains, serene monasteries, and beautiful cultural heritage. It is an increasingly popular destination for backpackers, adventurers, and other wanderers, who come hoping to absorb some of the spirituality the country is known for. With one-third of the population who live under the poverty line, it is one of the least developed nations in Asia. Nepal allows travelers to give back to the country, taking their trip beyond personal spiritual enrichment and into practical, useful, and productive support.
Volunteer in Nepal Nearest Airport
- The nearest airport for this program is Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)
- Visas are possible on arrival at the airport for upto 5 months
- Travel Insurance is compulsory on this program.
Volunteer in Nepal Accommodation, Meals & Set Ups
You’ll stay either in a homestay near Kathmandu or in a volunteer-house managed by our team. Rooms are modest but comfortable, with Western-style bathrooms, electricity and basic amenities. WiFi may be limited; mobile data is usually available. Meals include breakfast and dinner at your base, with lunch often provided or organised near your project site.
Your local coordinator supports you daily: project training, safety briefing, weekly check-ins, and guidance on leisure options. You’ll also have the opportunity to join cultural trips or weekend adventures to places like Chitwan National Park, Pokhara, or nearby UNESCO heritage sites.
What your first week looks like
Arrival day
Weekdays
Weekend
Weekend activities
Pokhara
Be sure to visit the famous backwaters of Allepey and stay overnight on a traditional houseboat
Weekend activities
Bhaktapur Heritage
Weekend activities
Chitwan Jungle Safari
Weekend activities
Mountain Trekking
Volunteer Abroad Video Reviews
Medical Electives in Sri Lanka
Our Medical Elective Program in Sri Lanka is based in the coastal city of Galle, in Southern Sri Lanka. Medical students will be placed in one of our partner public teaching hospitals, a prestigious institution with a wide range of clinical departments.
Teaching In Vietnam
Join our Teaching Volunteer Program in Vietnam and inspire the next generation of young learners. With your help, children in Da Nang can improve their English, gain new skills, and dream bigger for their future.
Medical Electives in Cambodia
Join out Medical and Nursing Electives or Internships in Camdodia where you will be given a placement in large hospitals. Learn about healthcare, learn about the culture in Cambodia and make memories of a lifetime.
Volunteering Abroad
Volunteering Journeys is for the go-getters, adventure seekers, and travelers looking for immersive volunteer abroad experiences. Our programs let you explore a country from the inside out while making a real impact.
Medical Electives in India
Join our medical internship programs in Kerala, India, designed for medical students seeking global experience. Gain exposure to procedures and surgeries rarely seen back home while learning in local hospitals. These medical electives abroad are ideal for final-year and 5th-year medical students looking to enhance their clinical knowledge and skills.
Safety in India
Safety is often a concern for young travelers, especially female volunteers in India. In this review, our volunteers share their first-hand experiences of volunteering in India safely, from daily life to cultural immersion. They also provide helpful insights on what to expect with Indian food during your stay.
Volunteer with Sea Turtles in the Maldives
Make a difference in marine conservation by volunteering with sea turtles in the Maldives, where you’ll help rescue, rehabilitate, and release injured turtles back into the wild.
Over 50s Volunteer in Kathmandu
Linda from Scotland joined our disability volunteer program in Nepal, supporting children and adults with special needs. In her volunteer review, she shares how this volunteering abroad experience in Nepal has been both rewarding and life-changing.
Nursing Internship in Nepal
Some of our students from France joined the Nepal Nursing Program, gaining hands-on experience in hospitals and clinics. This nursing volunteer abroad opportunity is perfect for students who want to develop clinical skills, learn from international healthcare systems, and experience life in one of the world’s most inspiring destinations.
Family Volunteering In Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is an ideal destination for family volunteering abroad. Known as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” it offers breathtaking landscapes — lush jungles, pristine beaches, national parks — together with rich culture, warm communities, and wildlife. For families seeking volunteer opportunities, Sri Lanka delivers not just impact, but also adventure, learning, and connection.
Over 50s Volunteer in Nepal
Linda from Scotland joined our disability volunteer program in Nepal, supporting children and adults with special needs. In her volunteer review, she shares how this volunteering abroad experience in Nepal has been both rewarding and life-changing.
Career Break Volunteer in Sri Lanka
Meet Chris from Alaska, who joined our career break volunteer program in Sri Lanka. Over four weeks, he dedicated his time to teaching English to Buddhist monks, gaining cultural immersion, meaningful experiences, and the chance to give back while traveling abroad.
Family Volunteering in Kerala
Experience meaningful travel through our family volunteering abroad programs. Join exciting adventures where you and your children can give back while exploring new cultures. Kids learn to appreciate diversity, grow more mature, and become globally aware citizens. As a family, you’ll make a positive impact together.
Dental Volunteer In Nepal
Join our dental internship abroad in Nepal designed for dental student groups. Work alongside local dentists in community clinics, assist with basic procedures, and gain valuable international experience while making a meaningful impact on oral healthcare in underserved communities.
Medical Interns In India
Join our Medical Elective Program in India and gain clinical experience in hospitals. This medical internship abroad allows you to learn about India’s healthcare system, observe diverse patient cases, and network with medical professionals while developing essential clinical skills.
Volunteer In India, Kerala
Thinking about joining a volunteer abroad program in India? Watch this video to see what volunteering in India is really like. Discover volunteer experiences, cultural immersion, and the impact you can make in this beautiful destination.
Teaching English In Maldives
Watch our over 50s volunteer share her inspiring story of teaching English in the Maldives. Her experience as a volunteer teacher abroad was life-changing, combining cultural immersion with meaningful impact through our teaching volunteer program in the Maldives.
Family Volunteering In South Africa
Our Family Volunteer Program in South Africa focuses on community upliftment. Families with children can take part in a variety of meaningful activities. This family volunteering abroad opportunity is ideal for parents who want to combine travel with giving back and creating lasting memories together.
Sports Volunteer In South Africa
Our Surf & Sports Volunteer Program in South Africa is perfect for those passionate about sports and youth development. Volunteers work with local children, leading activities such as swimming, boxing, spike ball, surfing, and skateboarding. This sports volunteering abroad opportunity combines outdoor adventure with meaningful community impact.
Nursing Placement In Sri Lanka
A group of final-year nursing students from France joined our nursing internship program in Sri Lanka, gaining valuable clinical experience in hospitals. Under the guidance of expert nursing teams, they rotated across departments and practiced essential procedures. Beyond their hospital placement, the students also explored Sri Lanka.
Dog Care Volunteer In Sri Lanka
Our volunteer from Canada joined our Dog Care Volunteer Program in Galle, Sri Lanka during his gap year. He was supporting a local dog shelter dedicated to the welfare of stray dogs in southern Sri Lanka. This animal care volunteering abroad opportunity is perfect for dog lovers who want to make a real difference while gaining meaningful experience in animal welfare.
Engineering Internship In Nepal
Two friends from Norway joined our Engineering Placement in Nepal. They worked alongside local engineers on structural design projects and supported community development. This engineering internship abroad gave them valuable real-world experience, strengthened their resumes, and taught them how to adapt to the challenges of working with limited resources.
Women Empowerment In India
Two friends from the UK joined our Women’s Empowerment volunteer program in Kerala, India. They taught English and life skills to women in Fort Kochi, helping to build confidence and opportunities. By living and working alongside locals, they experienced authentic Indian culture, explored Kerala, and made a meaningful contribution to the community.
Medical Internship In Nepal
A group of medical students from the University of Newcastle, Australia, joined our medical electives placement in Nepal. Over four weeks, they rotated through various hospital departments, gaining exposure to patient cases rarely seen back home. This medical internship program provided valuable hands-on experience and learning in an international healthcare setting.
Family Volunteering In India
The Stoddart Family from Canada joined the India Family Volunteer Program. With children aged 10 and 7, they spent two weeks volunteering on our kindergarten teaching project in Kerala. Supported by our local team, the family balanced meaningful volunteer work with cultural exploration, creating unforgettable memories together.
Other Volunteer Abroad Projects
Teaching Volunteer in Sri Lanka
Join our Teaching English Volunteer Program in Sri Lanka and help underprivileged children improve their language skills, build confidence, and access better opportunities. Based in local schools and community centers, this rewarding volunteer abroad experience in Sri Lanka lets you make a lasting impact while immersing yourself in the island’s rich culture.
Other Volunteer Abroad Projects
Teaching English Volunteer Program in Cusco, Peru
Other Volunteer Abroad Projects
Teaching English Volunteer Program in Vietnam
Other Volunteer Abroad Projects
Sports Coaching Volunteer Program in South Africa
