We will visit a government school in Kathmandu, the biggest city in Nepal and one of the oldest cities in the world, a small village school outside of Hetauda, and Pokhara, which is renowned for its beauty and the starting place for many treks to the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest.
Nepal, nestled between India and China, is not only spectacular due to its geography and beautiful landscape, but also has a fascinating culture. However, Nepal’s education has been struggling to develop; public schools were only just made available to all children in 1951. Despite increased access to education, there are major educational deficits. Currently, over half the population remains illiterate and problems such as poorly trained teachers, lack of administrational support, limited textbooks, and outdated learning practices still exist. The curriculum is neither child-centered nor interactive, and does not reflect the country’s extraordinary cultural heritage.
In Kathmandu and a village outside of Hetauda, teachers will visit local elementary schools for observation, research, and community service activities alongside INGO, a non-profit devoted to creating sustainable educational changes in Nepal. Teachers will observe how students can learn the foundations of early literacy practice in both English and Nepali languages simultaneously. Teachers will also observe and help facilitate integrated curriculum practices that aim to bring Nepali culture into the classroom. Furthermore, teachers will have the opportunity to interact with Nepali principals and teachers.
The 10-day trip focuses on Nepal’s urban and rural schools, and provides teachers with an opportunity to observe the educational system and help facilitate new teaching methods in Nepal’s classrooms. In addition, the trip offers an unparalleled look at Nepal’s culture, interaction with locals, trekking, and site seeing.
LEARNING ABOUT NEPAL:
Teachers will learn about Nepal’s culture, religion, history, art history, and education system. They will visit small towns and villages, see examples of Hindu and Buddhist art and architecture, visit temples, museums, monasteries, stupas and shrines. They will also have the opportunity to hike and trek through the breathtaking countryside taking in the Himalayas.
Special note: All trips can be adjusted and personalized depending on your group’s interests. This trip can be extended for 4 days to include a trip to Chitwan, home to the Chitwan National Park, which is renowned for its diverse and abundant wildlife. Its award winning eco-lodge allows opportunities to observe animals in their natural habitat. Here, teachers have the chance to climb on top an elephant for a safari through the golden grasses where they might be able to see Bengal tigers, leopards, rhinos, deer, monkeys, crocodiles, and 450 types of bird species. This is the best way to explore the jungle without disturbing the animals. Adventures also include canoeing in the Rapti River. In addition, we will enjoy a traditional evening program by the local Tharu minority group.
WHAT TO BRING:
For trekking: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, rain pants/rain jacket, fleece jacket, hiking pants/shorts, hiking boots, backpack, and water bottle.
For School Visits:
A picture and a chapter book, 40 pencils and 4 boxes of crayons. If teachers need materials for a lesson, they should bring these as well. For instance, watercolors, brushes, paper and small containers for water may be useful for an art lesson. This can be planned a head of time for each individual teacher. All other donated materials, such as classroom supplies, are warmly welcomed.
Special note:
Partial proceeds are donated to an INGO, a non-profit devoted to creating sustainable educational changes in Nepal.
Special Note:
All tours must have a minimum of 4 travelers.
10 Days Teacher Trip to Nepal
1st Day:
Arrival and pick up- transfer to the hotel.
2nd Day:
Orientation and introduction to Kathmandu. Kathmandu is a harmonious blend of Hindu and Buddhist tranquility, the city retains a mystical ancient aura that leaves you feeling like you have stepped through the looking glass. Teachers will learn about Nepal’s history, religion, and architecture by visiting the historic Kathmandu’s Durbur Square, that offers magnificent examples of various architectural styles seen in the surrounding temples and shrines. We will also visit the nearby Kumari Temple, where a living goddess resides. After, we will take a short bus ride to a UNESCO world heritage site, the ancient Buddhist stupa at Swyambhunath, Nepal’s definitive icon; situated on top of a hill, the stylized eyes of the Buddha look out in all directions. Guarding the lower stairs of the stupa is a band of amusing monkeys performing acrobatics. Finally, we will visit Pashupatinath temple situated 5 km east of Kathmandu city, which is one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to lord Shiva. Situated on the sacred Baghmati River, the temple was built in pagoda style with a gilded roof and ornately carved silver doors. Visitors will be permitted to view the temple from the river’s bank, as entrance into the temple is strictly forbidden to all non-Hindus. Behind the temple are the cremation grounds where we may witness an ancient Hindu cremation ritual. We will then return to the hotel with the late afternoon and evening free for leisure. Overnight at hotel.
3rd Day:
Kathmandu to Hetauda. The road traveled from Kathmandu to Hetauda offers unbelievable views of the countryside, mountains, forests, rice fields and villages. Teachers will visit and work in the School located in a village outside of Hetauda. The schools are non-profit community school founded on the values of social and educational inclusion. The school, in partnership with INGO Education, is becoming a model school for teacher training programs aimed at improving teaching methods to move away from rote memorization instruction to child-centered learning. Here, teachers can observe both the difficulties and achievements of educational change in Nepal. Stay in Hetauda.
4th Day:
Work at village school. Teachers will have the opportunity to interact with the teachers and administrators. Travel to Pokhara. Stay at hotel.
5th Day:
Pokhara valley trekking: The Pokhara valley is one of the most picturesque spots in Nepal and is the starting point for most treks in the Annapurna region. The valley offers excellent views of the Annapurna mountain range and the Himalayas. Teachers will visit David Falls and Gupteswor Limestone Cave, which is considered one of the most amazing and longest caves in Nepal that is home to a variety of bat species. Overnight at hotel.
6th Day:
Full day of trekking in Pokhara. The trails go through forests with clear streams and amazing views of the mountains and rice fields. Pokhara is also home to three other ethnic minority groups that we will see as we hike through the area’s local villages. Stay at hotel.
7th Day:
Trek up to the World Peace Pagoda followed by the choice of boating, horseback riding, bicycling, or shopping around Phewa Tal Lake before returning to Kathmandu. Stay at hotel.
8th Day:
Group A works in the government school reading to children, organizing libraries, and teaching a lesson. Teachers will have the opportunity to interact with both the administrators and teachers. Group B will learn about Buddhism and Hinduism followed by a visit to the Patan Durber Square, where the Malla kings once ruled, lived and worshipped, and now offers magnificent examples of various architectural styles seen in the surrounding temples and shrines and visit the Patan Museum, which offers an outstanding collection of cast iron bronzes and gilt copper works mostly of Hindu and Buddhist deities. Afternoon free for exploring the fascinating shops of Thamel.
9th Day:
Group B works in the government school and interacts with the administrators and teachers. Group A learns about Buddhism/Hinduism and visits Patan Durber Square and the Patan Museum with the afternoon free for exploring Thamel. Both groups will meet for a farewell dinner at a Newari restaurant with the accompaniment of traditional dancers.
10th Day:
Departure.
Arrival and pick up- transfer to the hotel.
2nd Day:
Orientation and introduction to Kathmandu. Kathmandu is a harmonious blend of Hindu and Buddhist tranquility, the city retains a mystical ancient aura that leaves you feeling like you have stepped through the looking glass. Teachers will learn about Nepal’s history, religion, and architecture by visiting the historic Kathmandu’s Durbur Square, that offers magnificent examples of various architectural styles seen in the surrounding temples and shrines. We will also visit the nearby Kumari Temple, where a living goddess resides. After, we will take a short bus ride to a UNESCO world heritage site, the ancient Buddhist stupa at Swyambhunath, Nepal’s definitive icon; situated on top of a hill, the stylized eyes of the Buddha look out in all directions. Guarding the lower stairs of the stupa is a band of amusing monkeys performing acrobatics. Finally, we will visit Pashupatinath temple situated 5 km east of Kathmandu city, which is one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to lord Shiva. Situated on the sacred Baghmati River, the temple was built in pagoda style with a gilded roof and ornately carved silver doors. Visitors will be permitted to view the temple from the river’s bank, as entrance into the temple is strictly forbidden to all non-Hindus. Behind the temple are the cremation grounds where we may witness an ancient Hindu cremation ritual. We will then return to the hotel with the late afternoon and evening free for leisure. Overnight at hotel.
3rd Day:
Kathmandu to Hetauda. The road traveled from Kathmandu to Hetauda offers unbelievable views of the countryside, mountains, forests, rice fields and villages. Teachers will visit and work in the School located in a village outside of Hetauda. The schools are non-profit community school founded on the values of social and educational inclusion. The school, in partnership with INGO Education, is becoming a model school for teacher training programs aimed at improving teaching methods to move away from rote memorization instruction to child-centered learning. Here, teachers can observe both the difficulties and achievements of educational change in Nepal. Stay in Hetauda.
4th Day:
Work at village school. Teachers will have the opportunity to interact with the teachers and administrators. Travel to Pokhara. Stay at hotel.
5th Day:
Pokhara valley trekking: The Pokhara valley is one of the most picturesque spots in Nepal and is the starting point for most treks in the Annapurna region. The valley offers excellent views of the Annapurna mountain range and the Himalayas. Teachers will visit David Falls and Gupteswor Limestone Cave, which is considered one of the most amazing and longest caves in Nepal that is home to a variety of bat species. Overnight at hotel.
6th Day:
Full day of trekking in Pokhara. The trails go through forests with clear streams and amazing views of the mountains and rice fields. Pokhara is also home to three other ethnic minority groups that we will see as we hike through the area’s local villages. Stay at hotel.
7th Day:
Trek up to the World Peace Pagoda followed by the choice of boating, horseback riding, bicycling, or shopping around Phewa Tal Lake before returning to Kathmandu. Stay at hotel.
8th Day:
Group A works in the government school reading to children, organizing libraries, and teaching a lesson. Teachers will have the opportunity to interact with both the administrators and teachers. Group B will learn about Buddhism and Hinduism followed by a visit to the Patan Durber Square, where the Malla kings once ruled, lived and worshipped, and now offers magnificent examples of various architectural styles seen in the surrounding temples and shrines and visit the Patan Museum, which offers an outstanding collection of cast iron bronzes and gilt copper works mostly of Hindu and Buddhist deities. Afternoon free for exploring the fascinating shops of Thamel.
9th Day:
Group B works in the government school and interacts with the administrators and teachers. Group A learns about Buddhism/Hinduism and visits Patan Durber Square and the Patan Museum with the afternoon free for exploring Thamel. Both groups will meet for a farewell dinner at a Newari restaurant with the accompaniment of traditional dancers.
10th Day:
Departure.
TRIP COST INCLUDES:
International Airfare.
Airport transfers on private vehicle.
Accommodations in hotels.
3 meals a day (breakfast, lunch & dinner).
An experienced, government licensed, English speaking, trekking guide with necessary porters and their food, drink, insurance, equipment, transportation, and all local taxes.
Transportation by bus from Kathmandu to Hetauda, Hetauda to Pokhara, and back to Kathmandu by tourist coach if necessary.
Entrance fees to all national parks and tourist sites.
TRIP COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:
Nepal Visa fee and international airport departure tax.
Personal/ Travel / Medical insurance and any other insurance for the members.
Expenses of personal nature, e.g. tips, laundry, phone calls, snacks.
Any other costs, which are not mentioned in cost inclusive field above.
International Airfare.
Airport transfers on private vehicle.
Accommodations in hotels.
3 meals a day (breakfast, lunch & dinner).
An experienced, government licensed, English speaking, trekking guide with necessary porters and their food, drink, insurance, equipment, transportation, and all local taxes.
Transportation by bus from Kathmandu to Hetauda, Hetauda to Pokhara, and back to Kathmandu by tourist coach if necessary.
Entrance fees to all national parks and tourist sites.
TRIP COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:
Nepal Visa fee and international airport departure tax.
Personal/ Travel / Medical insurance and any other insurance for the members.
Expenses of personal nature, e.g. tips, laundry, phone calls, snacks.
Any other costs, which are not mentioned in cost inclusive field above.
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