Heather Schultz 

I spent about two and a half weeks teaching at Shree Machhapuchhre Higher Secondary School in Bhujrungkhola, Nepal.  It was an amazing experience. To begin with, the landscape is beautiful. The village is actually located within the Annapurna Conservation Area. Every morning as I walked to school, I was greeted by the sight of Machhapuchhre. The peak dominants the village and provides the school with its name. 

Machhapuchhre

The school itself is somewhat unique in Nepal as it is an English medium government school. As the headmaster explained to me, English provides many opportunities, so why should this be only for those who can afford private school? I  really admired how passionate the headmaster was about providing a quality education for every child in the community. I additionally found the teachers to be friendly, and had some good conversations with them, on everything from teaching to geography to agricultural. The students were curious and eager to learn – which really made them a joy to teach. Any question they knew how to ask in English, they would. Even on the walk to school,  I would often be asked by one student or another, ‘what is your name?’ and ‘where are you from?’ The students also loved teaching me, and I often received impromptu lessons in Nepali. 

Shree Machhapuchhre Higher Secondary School

Finally, there was such an amazing sense of community in Bhujrungkhola. Between my kindhearted host family, and the staff and students at the school, I felt incredibly welcomed and included. In fact during my short stay, I attended a party, a religious celebration, a picnic and a wedding. All in all, my time in Bhujrungkhola proved to be an incredible experience.