Teaching English in Nepal: Qualifications, Jobs, Salary

Over the past few years, teaching English in Nepal has become an option for ESL teachers who want to go abroad. Although the country went through difficult times, Nepal is now a safe place to visit. A new constitution replaced the old one in 2015 and brought political peace to the nation.

Even though less than 1% of the people in Nepal speak English as their second language, there is a continuous rise in the demand for English teachers. The younger Nepali population desires to learn English to succeed in international business. Thus, there is an excellent opportunity for ESL teachers willing to teach English in Nepal.

Nepal is in South Asia and is known to have the highest mountain in the world. If you are interested in becoming an ESL teacher in Nepal, you should check out cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan. These are the most famous destinations for English teachers.

If you want to learn about volunteering as an ESL teacher in another South Asian country, get more information here.

Teaching English in Nepal

Nepal is a perfect destination for ESL teachers who want to make a positive change in the world while pursuing an education career. The demand for learning English is unbelievably high, but many schools are understaffed for several reasons. For instance, there is a lack of government funding to hire ESL teachers, and the location of the school is too far away from the cities, so the teachers refuse to work there.

You can make a massive change in their lives by teaching English to the people in the remote areas who need the most help. It is incredible how big of a difference education can make to people living on the outer side of the country. The teaching jobs in Nepal may not be as attractive as similar jobs in other countries. However, it is the chance to see how impactful education can be to some parts of the world.

Three ways to teach for Nepali:

1. Find a program for teaching at private schools
2. Become an online English teacher
3. Find volunteer programs

School Programs in Nepal for ESL Teachers

Generally, the school year in Nepal starts in the second week of April after the New Year celebrations. A lot of the private schools are in the bigger cities like Kathmandu. If you are more comfortable in the modern city environment, working at a private school is the best option in Nepal. Kathmandu is Nepal’s capital city and one of the few places where you will be able to find a regularly paying ESL teaching job.

Online ESL Tutor for Nepali

You can still provide English lessons to people in Nepal while staying at a location of your choice. In addition, many private tutoring websites allow you to connect with students in Nepal. These students can range from young students to working adults who desire to learn business English.

Volunteering Teaching English in Nepal

Are you interested in giving back to the community with your knowledge of the English language? Then it would be best if you considered volunteering as an English instructor in Nepal. Many trusted programs can assist you in beginning the journey of volunteering and the beginning of your teaching career.

It is an excellent opportunity for people with no prior teaching experience who want to help people in remote areas. You will be able to gain work experience and give back to the local communities in Nepal at the same time. It will be the first step toward becoming a professional ESL instructor.

Requirements for Teaching English in Nepal

Another huge reason to work in Nepal as an English teacher is the minimal requirements. It is common for employers to look for a native English speaker with a bachelor’s degree, prior work experience, and much more at the minimum. However, you do not need most of these to work or volunteer as an ESL instructor in Nepal. The only thing you need is internationally recognized TEFL or TESOL certificates. Furthermore, you will need extra funds for traveling as you won’t be making a lot of money through teaching.

If you want to learn more about obtaining TEFL certification, read this article.

ESL Teacher Salary in Nepal

Unfortunately, most of the English teaching jobs in Nepal are volunteering and internship positions. So, it isn’t the best place for teachers who want to save money while travelling in a foreign country. However, there are paid jobs in larger cities at universities or private schools. You will make 500-1000 USD per month if you get a paid position. If you are a highly qualified teacher at an international school or university, you might be able to make up to $2,500 per month.

But keep in mind that this isn’t the case for most ESL teaching jobs. The majority of the teachers in Nepal make less than USD 1000 a month. Fortunately, the cost of living is very low, so life in Nepal will be affordable with extra savings.

Living in Nepal as an English Teacher

The Nepalese are known to be friendly to visitors. Although Nepali is the national language, there are over 120 dialects, which can create a language barrier. The country’s climate is generally mild, and it has four distinct seasons. Foodies will love Nepal because of its amazing fashion cuisines. The food in Nepal is a mixture of Indian and Chinese food. A few examples are Dal Bhat Tarkari, Pulao, and Momo.

Life in Nepal will allow you to immerse yourself in the unique culture. Enjoy the welcoming villages’ food, festivals, music, dance, and art. Travel to the world-famous mountain areas, Buddhist monasteries, temples, and parks.

The cost of living in Kathmandu, the largest city in Nepal, is approximately 60% lower than the cost of living in North America. Also, the rent in Kathmandu is 90% lower than the rent in the major cities of North America.

Things to Consider When Teaching in Nepal

Although the cost of living is much lower than in North American cities, it is crucial to keep in mind that you will not be making a lot of money through teaching English in Nepal. Therefore, you need extra savings to fund your life in Nepal prior to traveling.

FAQ About Teaching English in Nepal

Here are the answers to the few most commonly asked questions about teaching ESL in Nepal.

How Much Do English Teachers Make in Nepal?

On average, English instructors in Nepal make between $500 and USD 1000. Rarely some highly-qualified teachers will be able to find well-paid jobs at universities or international schools. These jobs pay up to USD 2500.

How Can I Become an ESL Teacher in Nepal?

There are a few ways to teach ESL in Nepal. You can become an online English teacher, find a job at private schools, or volunteer as an ESL instructor. Although there are different ways to teach, most of the ESL jobs in Nepal are either volunteering or internship positions.

What are the Problems of Teaching English in Nepal?

The biggest downside of becoming an English teacher in Nepal is the low pay. In most cases, teachers will have to fund their stay in Nepal with extra savings. However, it is an excellent chance for newbie teachers to gain experience and give back to communities that lack education.

Is Demand for English Teachers High in Nepal?

There is a high demand for English teachers in private or international schools in Nepal. These schools and villages are especially in need of instructors that can teach basic English. Therefore, it is a great place for ESL teachers who love traveling and volunteering to begin their early teaching careers.

Should I Teach English in Nepal?

Deciding whether to teach English in Nepal is a personal choice that depends on your individual circumstances and goals. However, I can provide you with some factors to consider when making your decision:

Passion for Teaching

If you have a passion for teaching and helping others, teaching English in Nepal can be a rewarding experience. You’ll have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of students and contribute to their educational development.

Cultural Experience

Nepal is known for its rich culture, diverse landscapes, and warm hospitality. Teaching English in Nepal can provide you with an immersive cultural experience, allowing you to learn about the local traditions, language, and way of life.

Language Skills

Before teaching English in Nepal, it’s important to assess your own proficiency in the language. While some teaching positions may require a higher level of English fluency, others may only require basic knowledge. Assess your language skills and determine if you are comfortable teaching English to non-native speakers.

Qualifications and Experience

Depending on the institution or organization you wish to teach at, there may be specific qualifications or requirements you need to meet. Some positions may require a teaching certificate or a degree in education, while others may value previous teaching experience. Research the specific requirements and assess if you meet them or if you are willing to obtain the necessary qualifications.

Financial Considerations

Consider the financial aspect of teaching English in Nepal. Research the typical salary range for English teachers in Nepal and compare it to the cost of living in the country. Ensure that the compensation is sufficient for your needs and that you can afford the associated expenses, such as housing, transportation, and daily living costs.

Adaptability and Cultural Sensitivity

Teaching English in Nepal will likely require you to adapt to a new environment, different teaching methods, and cultural norms. It’s important to be open-minded, flexible, and respectful of the local customs and traditions.

Teaching English in Nepal: Join the Conversation

What are your thoughts on teaching English in this amazing country? Is volunteer teaching something you would love to do in the early stage of your career, or would you teach somewhere else? Countries in South America like Chile and Argentina are also good destinations. Leave a comment below and let us know what you think. We’d love to hear from you.

Last update on 2022-07-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API