Voluntary English Teacher in Chitwan

I volunteered in the village for six months as an English teacher from August 2013 until February 2014. I'd describe my time in Nepal as being amazing, unforgettable, and life-changing. I felt truly welcomed in the village with the Nepali family I was staying with, and for me it was a real eye-opener living in the same way as a Nepali family by eating the local food, partaking in festivals and celebrations, and washing my clothes in the traditional manner (in a bucket!)

I felt supported throughout my project and as though the organisation truly prioritised the needs and development of the children it was in place to support, which was a great thing for me as with some organisations I've volunteered with in the past it has felt like the companies valued profit over the children and adults it was supposed to be in place to help, whereas with Face Nepal this was strongly not the case.

I felt looked after, cared for, and supported by teachers at the school, the family I was staying with, and people living in the same village whilst I was there on my project. The school and all of its students and teachers made me feel very welcome with programs to mark my arrival on the project and my day of leaving. Generally, I felt that I'd been able to make some positive contribution to the lives of the children and adults connected to the school during my period of volunteering in the country.

I left Nepal as a changed person with a greater appreciation for what I have in life, and as a consequence I feel that I'm happy more of the time now living back home in the United Kingdom. Nepali people are, in my experience, very kind, welcoming, positive and happy, and are a joy to be around and live with.