Why did you choose this program?
I thought it would be amazing to learn from the monks and the ways they choose to navigate their day to day lives. I saw an advertisement form RCDP while I was registering for my upcoming college courses. After submitting my application that day, it was only three weeks before I was actually in Nepal.
What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
I corresponded off and on with my country coordinator regarding the specifics of my arrival & departure, and of course updated her with any changes, and she handled the rest whilst updating me promptly with any changes. Anytime I had a particular question or concern, I could easily send a message via WhatsApp and she would respond as soon as she was able to read it, which was never more than a few hours later. Very clear and proactive communication between the company and I.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
Pack light & say yes to things. You'll learn more than you teach, so stay present. If you're anything like me or grew up in a similar place as I did, being stared at or spoken to out in public can feel totally unorthodox at first. Insecurities, even anger starts formulating and you realize you've been conditioned to interpret these normal human behaviors as negative or aggressive. I had to learn how to sit in that uncomfortable feeling or vulnerability & humility, and attempt to realize that the stares and comments were coming from a place of genuine curiosity & kindness. Just remember, the locals see you as their guest and it's Nepalese tradition to host properly.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
You can wake up at your own discretion, but if you'd like local breakfast, be up and at the table by 8am. Your host family should be ready to make you something insanely delicious. Afterwards, I liked to meditate quietly in my room while planning out that day's particular lesson plan. Then I'd do my little morning routine to get ready and have about an hour to spare in which case I'd read or some times I'd go pick up some juice or a snack for my class from the giant grocery store next to the volunteer headquarters. At 12pm, sister Didi would have a beautiful lunch prepared. I'd crush that meal, grab my study materials and walk up the street to catch the bus to Swayambhu, which is where the monastery I taught at was located. I'd teach for two hours, then usually play a little soccer with the boys before catching a bus home with free time for the rest of the night and dinner at 7pm.
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?
I was scared of being alone, with my own thoughts far outside my comfort zone, with no one to comfort or console in case something bad happened. I feared not having any reprieve from stimulation. I was nervous I wouldn't get through to my students and they would not learn anything. I was scared to be stared at because of what memories it may trigger from my past. I was nervous about a lot of different things to be honest. The truth is, it's not like you just go and the fears dissipate. You get there and what ends up happening is a lot of your concerns come true and were accurate assumptions. The only difference is once they happen for real you see that it is not nearly as bed as you had imagined it to be in your mind. You start acquiring a quiet confidence, knowing you are overcoming fear after fear. Pretty soon the momentum pushes you into an entirely different version of yourself. It's a beautiful process.
Anything else you wish to add?
There is lots of opportunity to explore freely and travel around. It's extremely beneficial though to be part of your local host family's circle because they are the people you want to talk to about where to go, what to avoid, what to eat, etc. No one is breathing down your neck about what you're up to or what your itinerary looks like. You'll have plenty of time to be alone or amongst your fellow travelers. Take advantage of living with locals and ask them anything about any subject. They will be more than happy to guide you. I have so many stories I'll be telling them once each for life.