Studying With Children

Many people might think that studying when one has children is not an easy feat; that it is a life filled with lots of difficulty and stress. Add to that the complication of studying in a third-world country and the challenges that this presents, and it almost seems like an impossible dream. However, for some who have a family and yet wish to continue their studies, Nepal is a dream destination. Life in Nepal can be very relaxing and set a different pace for the family, and with a little bit of planning, bringing one’s family over can be hassle-free.

In many ways, Nepal offers something different that is not always present in other developed countries. The openness of people’s hearts and the way they interact, integrate and care for children in everyday life is very uncomplicated and relaxed. Boudha, in particular, seems like its own little village, with its own customs and rhythm, though it is also not too far from the city. Here, everybody knows each other, which gives one a sense of familiarity, making everyday life with children safe and easy.

Furthermore, living in Boudha can be very cheap, and with just a little bit more money, one can have all the comforts that one desires. There are a lot of beautiful flats and houses available for rent. These can range from studios to 2-3 bedroom apartments that include kitchens, living and dining rooms, etc. One can choose a rooftop apartment that has a view of the stupa or houses that have beautiful gardens. In other words, one can easily find the ideal living place for a family, and RYI is always of great help in finding a suitable place around Boudha.

A crucial feature in balancing family life and one’s studies is the "didi", a house keeper, who can take over many of the chores in the house such as cleaning, cooking, bringing the kids to and from school, etc. Nepalis in general and the women in particular are wonderful in their relationship with children. They are very friendly, open, and full of energy and happiness.

I myself am a second year BA student, living here with my two little daughters. Compared to the time, energy and effort it takes in the West to study and raise my two girls, I was amazed at how much easier life is here for me. I have a greater support system with my didi, my classmates and the greater community of RYI and in Boudha.


Below, I would like to share with you some addresses that are helpful as you make the transition from your country to Nepal and the Shedra:

Doctors:

Kopila, the Well Baby Clinic. Pulchowk, Lalitpur. Opp. Lalitpur Municipality.
Tel: 55 42767, 55 51109
www.kopilaclinic.com

CIWEC Clinic, Lazimpat,
Tel: 44 24 111

Playgroups/Kindergarten/Grade Schools:

Wonderland International Preschool
Kapan Marg, Narayangopal Chowk,
(at Maharajgunj, Chakrapat) 20 min. from Boudha
Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: 4371919 or 2080658

The director of the school is Mrs. Maya Rana from Mauritius, who is a qualified educationist with 25 years of teaching. The school is run in English with French language optional. It is a very sweet, little school, similar to what we have in Europe with lot of toys, fun activities and lot of freedom. It is conceived for kids from the age of 18 months to 6 years. They have a nice garden and a school bus which picks up the kids at Boudha gate.

House of Children:
Boudha, Kathmandu
Tel: 44 79 535

Pre-school for kids from 2 to 6. It is a well established kindergarten, which works with the Montessori methods. It has been very popular among westerners to send there kids there especially if they are only here for a semester or a year.

Tashi Waldorf School:
PO Box 8975
EPC No. 4218
Bansbari, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: 4373428
Email: info@childrenofnepal.org, Website: http://www.childrenofnepal.org/index.htm

Beautiful school which works with the Rudolf Steiner Principle. For kids from 3 to 9 years.

English-Tibetan or English-Nepali High Schools in Boudha:

Srongtsen Bhrikuti Boarding High School
P.O. Box No. 1609
Boudha, Tinchuli, Kathmandu, Nepal
Phone: 977-1-470122
Fax: 977-1-496501
Email: srongtsen@wlink.com.np, Website: http://www.srongtsen.edu.np/

Himalayan Int’l Model Higher Secondary School
http://www.himsschool.com

International schools (These are nice schools if one can afford them):

Lincoln School
PO Box 2673
Rabi Bhawan
Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: +977 1427 0482 Fax: +977 1427 2685
Website: http://www.lsnepal.com/

The British School
Tel: +977 1552 1794
Fax No: +977 1552 2012
Email: tbs@tbs.edu.np, Website: http://www.tbskathmandu.org/

Ecole Francaise Internationale, Lazimpat
PO Box 452, Katmandou, Nepal
Tel/Fax : (977 1) 44 11 203
Email : ecolefk@wlink.com.np, Website: http://www.ecolefrancaise.edu.np/lecole.htm

Restaurants with special facilities for kids (cafés which provide a playful environment for kids):

U cafe: a Japanese Restaurant with a nice garden, playground, baby chairs...and excellent food!

Bakery Café: is a chain of restaurants spread around Kathmandu, which especially focuses on kids…

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