New York to Nepal

Post written by Daniel, United Planet volunteer

My Quest to Nepal was short—only two weeks—but this was all the time I was able to carve out of my busy schedule. After a long series of flights, I arrived at the airport and was greeted by a member of my host family. We hopped in a taxi and headed straight to my temporary home. The family showed me around and offered me some refreshments. I took the evening to unwind and prepare myself for teaching (my chosen volunteer activity) the next day.

At the school I where I was to be teaching, I was greeted by the Principal. We had a lengthy conversation about what and how to teach. This conversation put me at ease about my future work even though the Principal’s directive was (put simply) to do whatever I wanted. I would be assigned to a few classes and was to use my time in any manner that I chose.

I think it was great having this kind of freedom. I began my lessons with a brief talk about my hometown, New York, as compared to Kathmandu. Over the next few days we followed this with vocabulary exercises, discussions on social issues, some simple business math, and group activities. In a particularly enthusiastic class we had a rock-paper-scissors tournament. The children were respectful—at times a little talkative—but full of energy. They greatly appreciated having me around and looked to me as a role model. There were some students that did not seem to be paying attention or interested, but, as I was leaving, these very students approached me to thank me for my time and even talked to me about some of my lessons. I certainly did not have enough time to get all the students to open up to me but I feel I made an impact nevertheless. If I had a few more weeks I am confident I would have been able to get all of the students talking. Overall, my teaching experience was great. I felt very useful in my role and certainly gained valuable skills that I have taken back home with me.

For cultural activities, I experienced the country’s food and went on some hiking excursions. I miss my host family’s cooking as I am writing this. I feel lucky that I live in a city where Nepalese restaurants actually exist because I am craving the food now that I am away from it. My hikes in the hills surrounding Kathmandu were amazing. On one hike, I stayed overnight at a mountaintop resort—incredibly relaxing. I felt really immersed in the culture. Kathmandu is a touristy city but only in certain parts. I experienced life away from the tourists by staying with a family rather than at a hotel.

I would love to return to experience more of Nepal. My trip flowed smoothly. I felt my teaching work, adjusting to the culture, and getting my body to adjust to a new atmosphere seemed to come quite naturally. There was only one very difficult part of my trip that I wish I did not have to endure—having to leave Nepal.