5 things to pack for teaching in Nepal
So you’ve decided on teaching in Nepal, eh? The land of soaring Himalayan peaks and incense-scented Buddhist shrines, where prayer flags flap in the highland breezes and snow leopards stalk the mountain passes. And then there are the cities, like sprawling, heady Kathmandu, topped by the mighty pagodas of Boudhanath and set to the sounds of chanting monks and purring scooters alike. There’s no question than this high-perched nation of hardy Ghurkhas and hardy Sherpas is going to be an adventure, but what should you pack for the ride? What essentials should be on the menu for every EFL-er making for the reaches of the cloud-covered home of Everest? Let’s take a look at five things that should be top of the list…
Yoga pants
Ah, the classic yoga pants. Not only are these cheeky numbers something of a rite of passage for the budding adventurer, but they are also downright comfy. Baggy and light, they are perfect for those lengthy bus journeys through Nepal’s hair-pinning mountain roads and tracks. What’s more, they’ll help you fit in with the travelers already on the ground, who will all no doubt be already sporting their elephant print and pseudo-Buddhist patterned pants too!
Waterproofs
Okay, so while all the photos you see of those alpine valleys around Namche Bazaar and the icy peaks of Makalu Barun are usually filled with blooming spring flowers and sun-kissed valley towns, it’s worth remembering that the brochures are there to get climbers into the wilds. Us teachers are a different bunch. Focussed on gerunds and proper grammar instead of crampons and ice picks, we need to be reminded that Nepal also has its fair share of rain. In fact, it has a whole monsoon season of its own, which runs from June to early September, and sees everywhere from the Everest valley to the streets of Pokhara drenched in water. The lesson? Don’t forget the waterproofs!
Stomach pills
A medley of spice-packed dals and lentil curries, momo dumplings and meaty thakali fries with Sichuan peppers and ghee, the Nepalese kitchen promises some seriously mouth-watering treats. However, just like the country’s near neighbor of India to the south, the food here isn’t for the weak-stomached. Packed with chilli and herbs and spices, it can be a tad hard on the bowels, and has been known to cause the odd bout of unwelcome Delhi Belly! So, be sure to take the right meds to fend off the rumbles if you don’t want to risk your time in the classroom when teaching in Nepal.
Walking boots
You know the saying, “when in Rome…”. Well, when teaching in Nepal, there’s surely no better way to while away a weekend or a holiday than by breaking away from the classroom and into the wild and rugged backcountry that’s made this section of the Himalaya so darn famous! Teachers living in cities like Pokhara will be able to hit the winding trails of the Annapurna foothills in no time, and the Kathmandu Valley offers some seriously awesome broadside views of the high Himalayas in the distance. If that sounds like your kind of thing, then packing a sturdy pair of walking boots is a must!
Ear plugs
You could be forgiven for thinking that little Nepal is a peaceful place, and that’s probably true in the remote monasteries of the Dingboche and the high Himalayan hills. However, anyone who’s lived between the streets of the capital, or in smaller Pokhara city, will know that’s not entirely the case. Purring scooters and chanting monks, clicking prayer wheels and the ring of roadside curry hawkers; all noises you’re simply going to have to get used to if you intend on teaching in Nepal. To avoid being kept up at night by the racket, pack a set of earplugs to drown out the noise. Other teachers also sing the praises of blindfolds, to block out the city lights to boot. (Just don’t forget to remove the lot before hitting the classroom in the morning!)
Can you think of any other items that people teaching in Nepal will need to take along for the adventure? We’d love to hear about it in the comments. And if you’re thinking of taking the plunge and getting TEFL qualified, be sure to check out our offering of courses.