Teaching English in Schools in Nepal

Teaching in a local school is one of the most rewarding ways to experience Nepal. Our Teaching English in Schools Program gives volunteers the opportunity to support local teachers, encourage students to improve their English, and become part of the local community.

Many schools in Nepal, particularly those in rural areas and government schools, have limited resources and large class sizes. By volunteering your time, you help students gain confidence in speaking English while sharing your own culture, experiences, and ideas.

This program is suitable for university students, gap year travelers, teachers, retired professionals, families, and anyone who enjoys working with children. Previous teaching experience is helpful but not required. Enthusiasm, patience, and a willingness to learn are the most important qualities.

About the Program

English is one of the most important subjects taught in Nepali schools. Although students begin learning English at an early age, many have limited opportunities to practice speaking with native or fluent English speakers.

As a volunteer, you will assist local teachers by teaching conversational English, pronunciation, reading, writing, vocabulary, grammar, storytelling, songs, educational games, presentations, and classroom activities.

Your role is to support the local teachers. Volunteers work together with school staff to create an enjoyable and interactive learning environment where students feel comfortable speaking English.

Besides teaching English, volunteers are encouraged to introduce creative learning activities that make lessons enjoyable and help students develop confidence.

Program Locations

Teaching placements are available in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and several rural communities across Nepal.

Kathmandu

Kathmandu is Nepal’s vibrant capital city, where modern life blends with centuries-old traditions. Volunteers are placed in community schools located within or just outside the Kathmandu Valley. Many schools serve children from working-class and low-income families. Volunteers have the opportunity to support dedicated teachers while exploring famous landmarks during their free time.

  • Boudhanath Stupa
  • Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
  • Pashupatinath Temple
  • Kathmandu Durbar Square
  • Thamel Tourist District

Pokhara

Pokhara is one of Nepal’s most beautiful cities, surrounded by lakes and the Annapurna mountain range.

Schools are located both within the city and nearby villages, allowing volunteers to enjoy a relaxed lifestyle while contributing to local education.

During weekends, volunteers can visit:

  • Phewa Lake
  • World Peace Pagoda
  • Sarangkot Sunrise Point
  • Davis Falls
  • Gupteshwor Cave

Rural School Placement

For volunteers seeking a deeper cultural experience, placements are also available in rural villages.

Teaching in a rural school offers a unique opportunity to experience traditional Nepali life while supporting children who often have fewer educational resources.

Living in a rural community allows volunteers to build close relationships with local families and experience authentic village life.

Teaching Schedule

  • Teaching Hours: 4–5 hours per day
  • Working Days: Monday to Friday
  • Class Duration: 35–45 minutes
  • Program Duration: 1 week to 3 months

Volunteers normally teach between 3 and 6 classes each day, depending on the school’s timetable.

Students range from 5 to 16 years old, and classes generally have 20–40 students.

Teaching responsibilities are adjusted according to your confidence and experience.

Your Responsibilities

  • Conversational English
  • Reading and writing practice
  • Pronunciation exercises
  • Educational games
  • Arts and crafts
  • Songs and storytelling
  • Sports and outdoor activities
  • Classroom presentations
  • Cultural exchange activities

Every school is different, and flexibility is important. Local teachers will always guide you and help you prepare lessons when needed.

Why Your Help Matters

Many Nepali students are eager to learn English because it creates opportunities for higher education, employment, and communication with people from around the world.

Meeting volunteers from different countries helps students become more confident, curious, and motivated to learn.

For many children, interacting with an international volunteer is their first opportunity to communicate with someone from another culture.

Your presence helps make learning more enjoyable while broadening students’ understanding of the world.

Accommodation

Depending on the placement location, volunteers stay with either a host family or in basic volunteer accommodation.

Accommodation includes:

  • Private or shared room
  • Clean and safe environment
  • Shared or attached bathroom (depending on location)
  • Basic furniture
  • Wi-Fi in most urban placements

Living with a host family is one of the best ways to experience Nepali culture, traditions, and daily life.

Meals

Three meals are provided daily. Breakfast and dinner are provided by host family whereas lunch is available at school’s cafeteria.

Breakfast

  • Tea or coffee
  • Traditional Nepali Dal bhaat, including, lentil soup, cooked seasonal vegetable, pickle et.

Lunch

  • Doughnut with tea
  • Cooked chickpeas
  • Instant noodles, omelets, boiled eggs

Dinner

Meals may include:

  • Dal Bhat
  • Noodles
  • Fried rice
  • Momo
  • Curry
  • Seasonal vegetables

Vegetarian meals are always available.

School Holidays & Availability

Placements are available throughout the year.

Please note that schools close during:

  • Summer holidays
  • Dashain Festival
  • Tihar Festival
  • Winter holidays
  • National public holidays
  • Examination periods ( April)

Please contact us before applying so we can confirm the best available placement dates.

Program fee

DuraionFee in US $
2 weeks450
Each Additional Week100

Program Fee Includes

  • School placement
  • Accommodation
  • Three meals daily
  • Airport pickup
  • Orientation
  • Local support throughout your stay
  • Program completion certificate
  • 24/7 emergency assistance

Program Fee Excludes

  • International airfare
  • Nepal visa
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Weekend travel
  • Airport departure transfer (optional)

Who Can Join?

This program is open to:

  • University students
  • Gap year travelers
  • Teachers
  • Families
  • Retired professionals
  • Volunteers of all nationalities

Teaching qualifications are not required. We simply ask that volunteers are enthusiastic, responsible, respectful, and enjoy working with children.

Make a Difference

Teaching in a Nepali school is about much more than helping students improve their English. It is about building friendships, sharing cultures, and giving children the confidence to use a language that can open doors throughout their lives.

Many volunteers tell us that the smiles, curiosity, and enthusiasm of their students become the highlight of their time in Nepal. While you help children develop new skills, you’ll also gain a deeper understanding of Nepali culture, education, and community life.

At Gap Bridge Nepal, we believe meaningful volunteering is based on respect, cultural exchange, and learning together. We look forward to welcoming you to Nepal and helping you become part of a rewarding educational experience.