Emily Tindall

I had an incredible experience with VIN in Nepal. I spent the first few weeks in a homestay with my new Nepali family, where I gained an unmatchable insight into Nepali culture, and also a glimpse of some of the everyday problems faced by everyone within the society. Then I moved on to Osel Ling monastery and began the huge learning curve that is teaching! The monastery is a beautiful, priveliged location in which to teach and live. In addition to all the challenges and rewards of teaching English, I also learnt a lot about Tibetan Buddhism and the monastic way of life. I made so many new friends, with the monks and other volunteers. The mountain-top location also provided a good deal of exercise! VIN staff were always incredibly friendly, dedicated and supportive on a level which you wouldn’t get with a large, impersonal international organisation. I enjoyed my time with VIN in Kathmandu so much that I have made a commitment to return next year for an extended period.

July 20 to Sep 30, 2008