Details
Demand
High
Busiest
Sep-Jul
All Year
Currency
Rs
Nepalese Rupee (NPR)
Contract
1-12 months
Normally
Taxes
Low
- Summary
- Demand for teachers is high, but the paid-for English teaching market is in its infancy, so the vast majority of positions are still voluntary.
- Main TEFL regions
- Kathmandu, Patan, Bhakatpur
- Types of teaching
- State primary & secondary schools: General English, English for Younger Learners
Private language schools: General English
Buddhist monasteries: General English - Accommodation
- This is usually provided if you’re on a volunteer program, but you can stay in a budget hotel for as little as ?100 (US$1.50). More comfortable rooms are still very cheap.
- Flight reimbursement
- No chance!
- Salary
- If you’re lucky, you’ll be paid a salary above the cost of living. Otherwise, you’ll be on as little as ?1000 (US$15) per month, or you’ll simply be volunteering. English teachers in Nepal are in it for the rewarding experience, not the money!
- Taxes
- You’re unlikely to pay any income tax, as you'll probably volunteer
- Cost of living
- The cost of living is ridiculously low - “The Economist" recently put Kathmandu in the top 10 cheapest cities in the world! A plate of dhal bhaat (set meal of curried lentils, rice and side dishes) costs only ?70 (US$1), a bottle of beer is only ?120 and taxis are about ?20 per km.
- Potential to save money
- Realistically: none!
- How much TEFL training is recommended?
- It’s possible to walk into a teaching job with no experience, but given the often challenging conditions, you’d be best to arm yourself with a TEFL qualification. i-to-i’s Teaching with Limited Resources certificate would be especially useful.
- Common teaching conditions
- Classrooms are often cramped and badly-equipped, but the enthusiastic students create a very rewarding teaching environment.
Be aware…
Nepal is still experiencing a little turmoil since becoming a republic. Although it is safer than in the past, safety is still a minor issue so take reasonable precautions.
