Teaching (Nepal - Kathmandu)

Interview with Carrie Schramm, volunteer alum

Carrie volunteered with children at a boarding school

Carrie is now 26 working in Richland, WA as a civil engineer. She traveled to Nepal Jan - March of 2010 following graduation from Washington State University.

GO: Why did you decide to volunteer with United Planet in Nepal?

Carrie: I did some research which indicated that United Planet was one of the safest volunteer abroad organizations available. They also had the ability to teach math rather than English, which was a major preference for me. I ended up in in my journey purely based on the fact that the organization I chose for safety reasons (United Planet) had one country available for me to teach math and science (Nepal).

GO: Describe your day to day activities as a volunteer.

Carrie: I spent a month in Kathmandu before treking to Sermathang for two months so have two different experiences. In Kathmandu, I woke up to a breakfast and tea already prepared for me and walked to the local private school where I taught math and science to grades 7, 8 and 9. I walked home for a lunch break every day. Following school I would do laundry, read books, walk to the local market, or wander around Boudhanath.

In Sermathang, I woke up and walked to the top of the hilll to watch the sunrise each day. My host mother would cook breakfast for everyone staying at their lodge and then I walked to school with the other teachers (including my host brother) and school children. Lunch was dal bhat (lentil and rice) every day, provided by the school. I ate with the hostel students and other teachers at the school's playground. I taught math to nursury students (counting) up to grade four (simple geometry). Following school I would spend time with my host family, go for hikes with the teachers, participate in local festivals or visit the evening language school for adults.

GO: What made this volunteer experience unique and special?

Carrie: Everything. From the people to the culture I fell in love with Nepal (and, more specifically, Sermathang). It was a chance for me to find myself and grow as a person. This experience was priceless and the friends I made are still extremely valuable to me.

Carrie bonded with locals in Npeal

GO: How has this experience helped you grow personally and professionally?

Carrie: When living in the lodge in Sermathang, my host family gave food and shelter to a house girl who, in return, cleaned and cooked for them. I now stay connected to Nepal by sponsoring her to go to the school I volunteered in. I try to stay connected to the peace and the positive mindset I encountered in Nepal the best I can. Having lived in that culture I have a better understanding of being happy.