Volunteer Teaching at Buddhist Monasteries in Nepal

Learn about ancient religious practices and connect with isolated monks.

Our Teaching English at Buddhist Monastery program is the most popular volunteering program in Nepal. By joining us as a volunteer at a Buddhist monastery, you will have the chance to immerse yourself in Buddhist culture and experience the unique environment of a Buddhist monastery. Additionally, you will play a vital role in facilitating communication between the monks and the outside world. Very few other volunteer placements in the world provide the opportunity to work closely with Buddhist monks. If you are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of monastery life, learning and practicing meditative techniques, and exploring into Buddhist teachings and learning, this program will undoubtedly offer you an extraordinary and enriching experience.

What does teaching in monastery volunteer do?

Teaching in monastery volunteer placements can teach English, Math, creative and fun activities or sports to the monks for around 3-4 hours per day. Even if you are less experienced, we have teaching materials that help you when needed. In turn, the monks share their knowledge and culture with the volunteers. If you ask the monks, you can get the chance to learn meditation techniques and receive in-depth knowledge of the Buddhist culture. This is one of our most popular volunteering posts, due to the unique way it allows you to truly be involved in the life of a Buddhist monastery.

Do I need any qualifications or skills to do this work?

You do not need any specific qualifications for this work, but a good command of the English language is vital. You must also be a culturally sensitive person because you will be working in a religious environment that is likely to be very different from your own. As Buddhist monks have to participate in different religious activities at various times of the year, the structure of your volunteering program can sometimes be altered. We ask you to be flexible to accommodate this.

Where in Nepal can I volunteer in a monastery?

Volunteering in a monastery is available in Kathmandu valley, Pokhara and Salleri (Solukhumbhu, Himalayan region). As a volunteer at the Buddhist monastery, you will work in a monastery and may also work with the attached community schools for non-monastic children. For more information go to our locations page.

Check out the experiences from some of our volunteers

Volunteer’s experience: Teaching at a Buddhist monastery in Nepal

Volunteers’ experience: Teaching at a Buddhist monastery in the mountains

Volunteers’ support at Monastery in the Mountains