f.a.q
Do I need to be a certified teacher?
No
While certification from your home country is always welcome, it is not necessary to teach at Sri Aurobindo School in Kathmandu. Volunteers come with prior teaching experience, and without. Whether you are retired, or just beginning your career, you can be a volunteer teacher in our school. English is the language of instruction.
While certification from your home country is always welcome, it is not necessary to teach at Sri Aurobindo School in Kathmandu. Volunteers come with prior teaching experience, and without. Whether you are retired, or just beginning your career, you can be a volunteer teacher in our school. English is the language of instruction.
What qualities do I need to volunteer at the school?
You need English language proficiency, a warm heart and love for children to be a successful volunteer teacher at our school. Expertise in any standard academic subject, like English reading and writing, mathematics, biology, anatomy, physics, botany, zoology, world history, world geography, health, and computer science is desired.
Other subjects like computer repair or programming, electrical repair, and other trades are also welcome. Personal good health and mobility is required. We practice Democratic Education and strive for internal motivation rather than an authoritarian model. The language of instruction is English.
Other subjects like computer repair or programming, electrical repair, and other trades are also welcome. Personal good health and mobility is required. We practice Democratic Education and strive for internal motivation rather than an authoritarian model. The language of instruction is English.
What are the living accommodations like?
Living arrangements for volunteers at the school are plain, but comfortable. You will have your own room with shared or private modern bathroom. Linens and towels are provided. Rooms do not need air conditioning, but you might want a fan in the summer. All buildings have WI-FI and some have internet. We do not have television, but we do have an incredible view of the Himalaya Mountains. 
What about the food?
The school provides three delicious vegetarian meals a day for everyone. Fruits and vegetables come from our own organic farm, and milk and cheese from our dairy cows. Honoring the earth and all that lives on it is an important tenet of Sri Aurobindo's Integral Yoga. No alcohol is allowed. Tea is provided, and coffee is available for a small fee.
What is the weather like in Kathmandu?
The weather is generally mild due to Kathmandu's relatively low elevation of 4,344 feet above sea level. Throughout the year, high temperatures range from about 60 degrees F. to 84 degrees F. Low temperatures range from 38 degrees F in January to 69 degrees F in July. The monsoon season from June through September sees heavy rain. July can have around 15 inches of rain, which tapers down to around 8 inches by September. The winter is dry. March through May is delightful, as are October and November, when it is dry and cool. Layers are recommended in cooler weather.
Can I bring my family?
The short answer is yes
For volunteers wishing to bring children and/or a spouse, all are welcome, but we do adhere to certain policies.
The school will provide room and board only for the actual adult volunteer. Family members can stay in the guest house at the special guest rate, which starts at 15 Euros per night, per person, for basic accommodation, and includes three meals each day. There is no cost for children under four-years-old. This price is only for immediate family members.
Medical travel insurance is required for each member of the family at the ashram. We must have your medical insurance information on file in case of emergency.
Enrolling your children in the school would be a wonderful learning experience for them, but it is not compulsory. There is no cost for children attending the school itself during your stay. You will be required to buy school uniforms from the school, however, as all children wear uniforms. The children must follow the general ashram daily schedule, as well as the school schedule, like all other children. If your child has a conflict at school or breaks school rules, he or she will be treated just like every other student and will face the consequences decided upon by the students or staff.
The volunteer parent is required to perform their assigned teaching duties and cannot “take time off” to attend to special desires of the child during school hours.
Children, parents, and guests cannot bring food, chocolates, toys, or any other thing into the classroom without receiving permission from the school management first.
All people at the ashram, including children, are treated equally and expected to observe the rules and regulations of the community. There is no smoking, alcohol or loud music allowed. We dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered at all times. We are kind and respectful to all. All toys and other materials are shared by all children. If your child has a special toy, it must stay in your room at all times.
If both parents want to volunteer, please discuss this with the school principal after your interview, so accommodations can be made.
For volunteers wishing to bring children and/or a spouse, all are welcome, but we do adhere to certain policies.
The school will provide room and board only for the actual adult volunteer. Family members can stay in the guest house at the special guest rate, which starts at 15 Euros per night, per person, for basic accommodation, and includes three meals each day. There is no cost for children under four-years-old. This price is only for immediate family members.
Medical travel insurance is required for each member of the family at the ashram. We must have your medical insurance information on file in case of emergency.
Enrolling your children in the school would be a wonderful learning experience for them, but it is not compulsory. There is no cost for children attending the school itself during your stay. You will be required to buy school uniforms from the school, however, as all children wear uniforms. The children must follow the general ashram daily schedule, as well as the school schedule, like all other children. If your child has a conflict at school or breaks school rules, he or she will be treated just like every other student and will face the consequences decided upon by the students or staff.
The volunteer parent is required to perform their assigned teaching duties and cannot “take time off” to attend to special desires of the child during school hours.
Children, parents, and guests cannot bring food, chocolates, toys, or any other thing into the classroom without receiving permission from the school management first.
All people at the ashram, including children, are treated equally and expected to observe the rules and regulations of the community. There is no smoking, alcohol or loud music allowed. We dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered at all times. We are kind and respectful to all. All toys and other materials are shared by all children. If your child has a special toy, it must stay in your room at all times.
If both parents want to volunteer, please discuss this with the school principal after your interview, so accommodations can be made.
How long can I stay as a volunteer?
We encourage volunteers to stay for a complete three-month school term in order to have some consistency. You are welcome to stay longer, even several years, if you like. If you must leave before three months are up, however we certainly understand.
Are there other opportunities to volunteer in Nepal and India?
Yes indeed!
We partner with Himalayan Volunteer Tourism (HVT) to connect you with other opportunities in the Himalayan regions of India and Nepal. (See www.himalayanvolunteertourism.com)There are many schools that need teachers all over India and Nepal. Also construction projects, online projects, and long or short-term projects. Himalayan Volunteer Tourism is a community engaged in positive change and transformation by service. Our core values are entrenched in; Community, Empowerment, Innovation, Diversity, Inclusivity, Integrity, and Ownership. Rooted in volunteerism, HVT plays the role of a facilitator and a catalyst to drive and deliver inclusive social change. Committed to uplift and empower livelihoods in the mountain regions. With a strong volunteer base 22000 plus members, we wish to bring change, working under mainly 5 key sectors, including:
1. Education
2. Skill Development
3. Health, Hygiene & Sanitation
4. Environment, Conservation & Sustainability
5. Community Development.
The volunteers can take up projects online where there is internet facilities. Mostly we encourage members to contribute while they travel and share skills and experiences with people who need it the most. Usually we request the host/school/community centre etc to arrange for accommodation and meals.
Travel cost is borne by the volunteer. Duration can be starting from few hours to a year also. We are working majorly in states of Ladakh, Himachal, Uttrakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, North East, Kashmir.
Learn more at www.himalayanvolunteertourism.com
Also please join our Facebook page and connect with projects directly.
https://www.facebook.com/share/q8hRmAQ7Zd63ruWw/?mibextid=K35XfP
We partner with Himalayan Volunteer Tourism (HVT) to connect you with other opportunities in the Himalayan regions of India and Nepal. (See www.himalayanvolunteertourism.com)There are many schools that need teachers all over India and Nepal. Also construction projects, online projects, and long or short-term projects. Himalayan Volunteer Tourism is a community engaged in positive change and transformation by service. Our core values are entrenched in; Community, Empowerment, Innovation, Diversity, Inclusivity, Integrity, and Ownership. Rooted in volunteerism, HVT plays the role of a facilitator and a catalyst to drive and deliver inclusive social change. Committed to uplift and empower livelihoods in the mountain regions. With a strong volunteer base 22000 plus members, we wish to bring change, working under mainly 5 key sectors, including:
1. Education
2. Skill Development
3. Health, Hygiene & Sanitation
4. Environment, Conservation & Sustainability
5. Community Development.
The volunteers can take up projects online where there is internet facilities. Mostly we encourage members to contribute while they travel and share skills and experiences with people who need it the most. Usually we request the host/school/community centre etc to arrange for accommodation and meals.
Travel cost is borne by the volunteer. Duration can be starting from few hours to a year also. We are working majorly in states of Ladakh, Himachal, Uttrakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, North East, Kashmir.
Learn more at www.himalayanvolunteertourism.com
Also please join our Facebook page and connect with projects directly.
https://www.facebook.com/share/q8hRmAQ7Zd63ruWw/?mibextid=K35XfP
What about visas?
Citizens from some countries, such as India, are not required to have a visa. If you are from Brazil, Russia, China or Thailand, you are exempt from paying the tourist visa fee in Nepal. If you come from any other country, the fee can go from US$ 25 to 100, with a maximum stay of 90 days. You can fill in your info and pay the fee upon arrival at the airport. The process is fast, with queues only in the busiest seasons. Learn more about visas for Nepal at https://www.nepalvisitors.com/nepal-visa-requirements.
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