Students with Children

Many people may think that attending classes and studying while having children to take care of would not be an easy feat.  It may sound like 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 many parents with younger children, Nepal has become the answer to balancing studies and family life. 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.

 

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RYI student Gwen Witt-Doerring with her daughter Chorten.

 

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 inexpensive, and with just a little extra money, one can have all the comforts that one desires. There are many beautiful flats and houses available for rent. These can range from studios to 2 or 3 bedroom apartments that include kitchens, living and dining rooms. 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.  Please email the Student Services Coordinator for help in finding a suitable living space at this address:  ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ).

 

An essential factor in balancing family life and one’s studies is having a "didi," or "elder sister" in Nepalese.  In the work context, a didi is the housekeeper who can take over many of the chores in the house such as cleaning, cooking, bringing the kids to and from school, etc. Nepalese people in general, and women in particular, are wonderful in their relationships with children. They are very friendly, open, and full of energy and happiness.

Compared to the time, energy and effort it takes to study and raise children in more developed parts of the world, many are amazed at how much easier life is here. Often, students find they have a greater support system with a didi, classmates and the greater communities of the RYI and Boudha.

Below, are some addresses that may be helpful to parents who wish to make the transition from their home country to Nepal and RYI.

 

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: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , 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: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ,  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: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , Website: http://www.tbskathmandu.org/
  • Ecole Francaise Internationale, Lazimpat
    PO Box 452, Katmandou, Nepal
    Tel/Fax : (977 1) 44 11 203
    Email : This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , 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 throughout Kathmandu, which especially focuses on kids.