Trek to Teach

Trek to Teach was a lifechanging experience for me. In my short three months in Nepal, I learned so much about myself, Nepali culture and was able to broaden my perspective on the world. I enjoyed exploring Kathmandu and taking in breathtaking views of the Himalayas while trekking on various trails in the Annapurna region. While teaching in a rural Nepali government school comes with its challenges, the work came with great reward. From my students to my host family and other community members in my village, I truly believe that Nepal is home to some of the nicest people in the world. I felt extremely welcomed in my village and felt that I was able to experience authentic Nepali life at the hands of the relationships that I was able to form. While I highly recommend this program to someone who is seeking adventure and the desire to positively impact the lives of some of the most deserving people in the world, it does take the right type of person. Having the ability to be flexible and to have little to no expectations is imperative for having a successful experience not only for yourself but for your future students as well.

I spent 9 weeks teaching in the rural Annapurna village of Kimche. The hospitality and welcoming spirit of the Nepal village people in unparalleled. From the moment us teachers arrived at the airport in Nepal, to the moment we left, we were looked after. The US and Nepali teams have been working with teachers and travelers for over a decade and know what is important before and during your stay - so whether you're an experienced traveler or venturing out for the first time, rest assured you will have people looking out for you. This is an experience that will push you and challenge you physically, mentally, and emotionally in ways you never thought possible. Not only did we do the 4 day trek to our villages, but we had the opportunity to trek on weekends to nearby villages and then to Annapurna Base Camp and Mardi Himal Base Camp over school breaks. The rest of my time was spent in my village - Kimche - where I hiked (and I mean HIKED) up the mountain to school everyday. The school days were not without their challenges: language barriers, different school systems, different expectations for teachers and students than we're used to, behavior, etc. However, the relationship created with students, despite these factors, was far beyond anything I expected. The students, their families, and the community truly valued and appreciated what we, as teachers, brought to them. Regardless of your teaching experience, there is so much to offer these students and this community. Yet, I guarantee you will learn more from these people than you are able to teach. I was fully accepted and immersed in Nepali culture and life, truly becoming a member of that community and family for the time I was there. I left Nepal with a much larger family - so grateful for all of my brothers (dai's/bhai's) and sisters (didi's and bahini's). From daily volleyball games to cultural rituals, exhausting treks to quiet nights in the village, and helping host families in the fields to after school tea at a student's house, these are experiences I will never forget.

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.