Trek to Teach

I learned a lot while I was abroad, about myself and the world. While I was there, I trekked through the foothills of the Himalayas. Before Nepal, that sounded nearly impossible. But I promise almost anyone can do it! And it's 100% a confidence booster to do something that you've never done before (like backpacking). I also taught ESL, which was daunting because I was entirely unfamiliar with Nepali. But I learned it bit by bit while I was there and discovered an immense passion for their language. This made teaching a little easier as well as everyday life a little more fun. Most importantly, I met incredible people from all over the world! Everyone goes to Nepal to trek (Europeans, Australians, Asians, etc.), and talking with other trekkers opens your eyes in a new way. I don't think there is another place in the world where you can go and meet such a unique mix of people in a single evening. Because Trek to Teach places its teachers in guest houses (hostels designed for trekkers), you can meet a variety of people and learn about their lives. So what did I learn while I was abroad? I learned that I can do "this." I can teach. I can backpack. I can navigate international airports solo. I can travel in a foreign country. I can learn a new language (it's never too late). I learned so much and gained so much confidence that I never knew I needed. I also learned about the world. I learned about political situations in smaller countries and about the developmental phases of nations worldwide. I learned about other religions (Hinduism and Buddhism) and tried new foods. I learned that Nepal strives for peace and harmony and that the Nepali people have a large capacity to love. This program taught me all of these things and more by introducing me to a new nation, and I hope to learn even more when I return. Because with Nepal, once is never enough!

This program was the most incredible experience I have ever had. It was never easy and challenged me in so many different unexpected ways but I truly loved every second of it. I got to live in one of the most beautiful places and live with some of the most beautiful and caring people I have ever met. The kids you get to teach are amazing and full of energy and desire to learn like no kid you have ever met and will love you unconditionally. I will never forget them. The Nepali Board was incredibly helpful, Narayan and Suman wonderful tour guides and always fun to hang out with and Sarala and Chandni became dear friends. I would highly recommend this program, it truly is one of a kind program and really does make a good impact on the communities that it helps out in. Please ask me any questions you have about the program!

Trek to Teach stands out from other volunteer abroad programs I have come across. Multiple things initially drew to to Trek to Teach, notably the application process required and the duration of the program. The application process involved interviews, essays, and submitting a resume. The amount of work it took to apply to the program ensures that participants are serious about TTT and allows for the TTT staff to determine if participants will be a good fit or not. Additionally, the length of the program, 10 weeks, is long enough to begin seeing an improvement in student performance. It is not a short-lived program where there is no chance to see if an impact is being made or not, but it also isn't so long that it deters potential volunteers. Also, leading up to teaching in Nepal, there are a series of Skype sessions where previous teachers go over what to expect in Nepal and how to prepare.

Trek to Teach also has a dedicated and amazing staff, who create a vast support network for current teachers. Between the staff in Nepal and the many former teachers, I never felt alone or without adequate support during my stay in Nepal. If I had a concern or a question, someone way always there to help out. Everyone involved in Trek to Teach cares immensely, which makes for a positive experience.

The trek is difficult, even for experienced hikers. As someone with exercise induced asthma, I definitely struggled with it. I thought that I had trained a significant amount before leaving for Nepal, but I quickly realized that I could have trained more. Thankfully, because Trek to Teach has such caring and understanding staff, there is plenty of encouragement along the way.

During my time in Nepal I made so many new friends and had amazing experiences. I am still close with the family I lived with and I get updates from time to time on how my former students are doing. One of the most rewarding and fulfilling parts of the program was the exposure to a different way of life and all of the interesting people I was fortunate enough to meet during my time in Nepal. It was an exciting adventure and I will never forget it.

Wow, what an experience volunteering with Trek to Teach. I ended up finding the organization after deciding that I really needed to take a break from work and life in general here in the USA and I was very glad that I did. I arrived in Nepal nervous and without confidence that everything was going to go really smoothly and wow was I wrong. The Nepali TTT team was there to greet me with smiles and truly made the whole experience of coming into Nepal a breeze by both taking care of all accommodations and making me feel comfortable and at home. It was a great first impression and I would say that the team kept their great hospitality intact throughout.
One of the best things about this organization is that they try really hard to prepare you for teaching and the cultural shock you will receive when you get there. Having said that, I don't think anything could have prepared me for my first time teaching English in a foreign country. It took some time to get used to but I learned to really enjoy being with the kids and watching them learn even the most simple phrases or to even see the smallest bit of improvement. Being there at the school and immersing yourself in Nepali culture was truly mind opening and really gives you a different perspective on everything you have at your disposal in modern society. I felt a deep sense of appreciation too, that people in the village seemed to really be happy that I was there trying to help. I think any little bit of help they can get there, goes a long way for the people in the village. Most importantly, the TTT team really seems like the genuinely care about the wellbeing of the people there, something I was really happy to see. Lastly, being surrounded by the Himalayan mountains was really one of the most magical experiences of my life. To wake up and see the pointed peak of the "Fishtail" in the Annapurna range is something I will never forget. You are literally stuck in awe when you get a good mountain view. I also had the chance to do a lot of hiking and even reached Annapurna Base Camp during some free time from the school.
All in all, it was a tremendous experience and something I will carry with for the rest of my life. Thank you Trek to Teach for such a fulfilling experience!!!

A new chapter in my life started the same minute I found the organisation Trek to Teach. I felt an unknown spark in myself that eventually turned to a deep love for the village Tolka and the mighty Himalayas. I was working as an English teacher for 2 months and living amongst 400 villagers made me feel like one of them. The children, teachers and the villagers struck me in my core. Since words doesn’t feel fair to use in order to describe the experience I had as a volunteer, I take photographs and videos. After some time in the village, the children would knock on my door in the morning, yelling that we had to walk to school together. The days were full of joyful moments at the school. When the evening came, we played football with the moon as our light. The night arrived and the stars of the Himalayas shined brightly. To have this memory and this connection to these children, the villagers and the teachers is simply invaluable.