Hello. I am an American girl going to Nepal to teach English from July to November. I will be teaching at an orphanage in/around Kathmandu or Pokara. I have never been to Asia. Any suggestions for a first-time traveler to Nepal? Additionaly, I have been reading various political threads on sajha. I am interested in making the Kingdom of Nepal stronger, through my short time teaching there. I would like to know more so that I am better able to communicate with the children I am working with.

You don't need to worry about anything if you are going to Kathamndu. Are you going to any particular orphanage? Any contacts in Nepal so far?

lem148, njce to know that you are going to Nepal to teach. My few suggestions on how you could make a difference:

1.Let them know that doctors, engineers and pilots are not the only things to be.
2. Instill in them a sense of individuality {i will assume that you will first find that kids would copy the answers from books and expect to get full marks}
3. Encourage them to disagree [even with what is written in the books, if required]
4. Encourage them to be the best that they can be in THEIR field (whatever that may be) and let them know that studies are not the only thing to propel them in life (u know what i mean)

Well, these are few suggestions off the top of my head.

Good luck to you on your nobel endeavor. God bless you.

and oh yes, teach them that Nepali teachers are no gods and that they need to earn their respect rather than demanding it (it may apply to other field as well0. Importantly, let them realise that a teacher can be ass-kicked if they deserve it.

[When I was a kid, I was brainwased into thinking that teachers were always to be respected and feared, no matter what :]

Hi lem148,
It is very nice to know that you have taken such a wise decision to help the needy people for a poor country like Nepal. I am very interested to communicate with you. I have a school in Nepal that always helps needy children. I will be more than happy to give you all information for your easy and safe stay.

Please send me email in nepali_bhai@hotmail.com
I will give you further details once I get email from you.

lem148 - Yes, there are some schools which can help you a lot in Kathmandu. NepaliBhai's information above may also be a great help for you.

Bengaltiger--
I do not yet know which orphanage I will be placed with. So far my only contact is the coordinator of the volunteer program, though he has answered all of my questions and been very helpful. If you can suggest some places where I might meet good people, especially travelers, I would appreciate the information. I am sure that I will find the people of Nepal to be friendly and helpful, but it is always good to know what sort of places a foreigner should stay away from as well. Thanks for your comments.

JagaltayBhoot --

Your suggestions are quite interesting. As you can image, it is difficult to come into a culture very different from my own and try to help children that may not have education as their first priority. You are right, Nepal needs thinkers, artists and musicians just as much as it needs engineers. What we know of ancient cultures are both their engineering feats and their art. I hope that I can bring a positive influence and hope for the future with these children.

I will write your suggestions in my travel jounal so that I can refer to them during my journey. Thank you.

I am sure the coordinator has already arranged everything for you. You should be able to get more information from the coordinator too. But as a foreigner, don't trust new people you meet right away. There are people who want to take benefit from the foreigners.

I was just curious because I know an orphanage where volunteers used to come and stay for some time. About 45 orphans live there. The name of the orphanage is "Morning Star Children Home." I don't who used to send the volunteers. But if you are placed there by chance, you will not have to worry about anything at all.

By the way lem, I am a Nepali Christian, currently studying here in US. I know many people here don't go to church, but if you go to a church and want to attend one in Nepal, let me know. I can even ask my friends to help you if needed.