This summer Anne, a Junior in Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, went abroad to Nepal to teach English through a voluntary program. I sat down with her to discuss her travels.
Why Nepal?
I always wanted to visit a monastery and I had studied a little bit about Buddhism, the program was in Thailand and in Nepal. I chose Nepal because I like mountainous areas, and it’s some place that I thought that I’ll never go to in the future, unlike Europe.
What did you do?
I taught English and Photography to Students aged 13-36. It involved making up my own curriculum without any aide or resources. Â
Something you won’t forget?
I got to celebrate Buddha’s birthday on May 17 I got to celebrate Buddha’s birthday on May 17. They got the day off of school and everyone was really excited. The day is spent walking around temples and praying. It was really cool because we lived across from a monkey temple that was very sacred and old. There were so many people in the streets and tea lights, it was wonderful.
What were your students like?
They were like normal boys. The younger ones asked me a lot about girls and thought it was a novelty that a girl was teaching them. They were very well behaved in the classroom, but like normal boys outside when playing soccer. Â
Any advice to others who may want to do this?
Just go for it! its a little overwhelming, but it’s worth it in the end.
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