Nepal is an important place in the Buddhist religion. Although Nepal is a predominantly Hindu country, it has a significant Buddhist influence. There are beautiful monasteries throughout Nepal thus demonstrating the popularity and acceptance of Buddhism in Nepal . In Kathmandu, there are also practicing Buddhists who are Tibetan people in exile in Nepal .

Those interested in an internship to teach in a Buddhist monastery will mostly teach English education to monks and immerse themselves in Buddhist culture. This is a perfect project if you are interested in or curious about Buddhism and the serene and enlightened lives of Buddhist monks.

There are no specific qualifications needed to join the teaching Buddhist Monks program in Nepal . However, it is important to note that monks are highly respected figures and follow strict and exemplary life rules. Only interns with serious discipline can join this project.

Interns in Nepal 's teaching Buddhist monks project primarily work as English instructors either in the Tibetan Children's Village schools or in a local monastery. Interns conduct English lessons for 3-4 hours a day. In addition to English teaching, interns will assist with extra-curricular activities and administration. In the evening, interns organize games, drawing, singing, dancing and other creative education and extracurricular activities. Morning and late evening time is free. If you love Buddhism, this is the perfect time to join meditation, rituals, prayers and songs with the Buddhist monks. This project gives ample opportunities to immerse in the Buddhist religion and lifestyle.

IFRE manages living accommodations, meals and supervision for interns throughout their stay in Nepal . Most interns placed in Kathmandu projects stay at our home base – a permanent home set aside for international interns and manned with a local staff. Our safe and secure Kathmandu home base is located in a beautiful area of Kalanki, nearly 5 km away from Thamel, a popular tourist hub of Nepal . Most of our interns' projects are located within 2-5 miles of the home base. Therefore, interns can simply walk to their projects or take a local taxi or bus. Most necessary services for travelers are located within 2 km of the home base: internet cafés, restaurants and grocery stores. Our home base is located in the heart of city and provides easy access for interns to all parts of Kathmandu . It is a perfect situation for interns to live safely and comfortably while making many new friends and sharing experiences every day. In the evening interns return to the home base, to relax, eat dinner, explore local areas or share the day's experiences with fellow interns and staff. Our home base provides a same-gender shared room and shared bathroom with running hot water and a “western” style toilet. Interns will have the ability to do laundry at the home base.

Interns receive three prepared meals per day. Our cooks prepare breakfasts, lunches and dinners of Nepali foods (similar to Indian food, including wheat bread, rice, curry, dahl, chapatti and pickles) for interns. If interns will be out of the house during lunch hour, they can request a lunch "to go”. If traditional Nepali fare does not appeal to interns, they are welcome to buy personal food and prepare it.

Occasionally, depending on intern traffic, available projects or distance to an intern's assigned project, we may also place our interns with carefully pre-screened host families. Our host families are socially respected and are experienced with hosting international interns. They have strong interest in our interns' safety and well-being and demonstrate this with caution and care. In most host family situations, interns will share a room with another intern of the same gender. Another viable option is an at-orphanage stay. Many orphanages in Kathmandu have special rooms set aside to house international interns. Interns who have stayed with a host family or at an orphanage describe an enriched experience because of having done so. Once you have applied for program placement, you will find the specific details of your accommodations in your personal placement documents for your project.

IFRE maintains two offices in Kathmandu and Chitwan to supervise and assist interns. However, interns working in Pokhara will stay in touch with Kathmandu office by telephone or email and will receive staff visits as often as possible, usually every two weeks.