The guest chose Nepal to learn English because it was affordable, costing less than 3000 RMB per month for living and studying. They were inspired by posts on Xiaohongshu (a Chinese social media platform) and wanted to immerse themselves in an English-speaking environment.
Nepal has a population of approximately 30 million people, which is larger than many might expect. The country is highly diverse, with over 100 ethnic groups, and people of various appearances, including those who look Chinese, Tibetan, Indian, or even Caucasian.
The primary religion in Nepal is Hinduism, which is the state religion, followed by about 9% of the population practicing Buddhism. The influence of Hinduism contributes to a culture of kindness and safety, as the guest noted feeling secure while traveling at night.
The cost of living in Nepal is significantly lower than in cities like Hangzhou. The guest mentioned that living and studying in Nepal costs less than 3000 RMB per month, while in Hangzhou, just food and accommodation would exceed that amount.
The guest faced challenges in understanding spoken English due to heavy accents, especially among younger Nepalese who are fluent but speak with a distinct Nepali or Indian accent. They also struggled with grammar and listening comprehension, despite having a solid vocabulary base.
Nepal is considered safe due to its cultural emphasis on kindness and non-violence, influenced by Hinduism. The guest mentioned that even at night, they felt secure, and while prices might be higher for foreigners, there is no risk of being scammed or threatened.
Lumbini is the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism. It is a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists, and many countries, including China, Japan, and Germany, have built temples there to honor the origins of Buddhism.
The guest noted that younger Nepalese and children are generally proficient in English, though with a strong accent. Older generations may not speak English as well, but the younger population has a high level of English proficiency due to its widespread use in education and daily life.
The guest, in their 30s and unemployed in China, decided to learn English to improve their career prospects and potentially emigrate. They found self-study in China too difficult without an immersive environment, leading them to seek affordable options abroad.
The guest plans to continue traveling and learning English in other countries like Thailand, Indonesia, or the Philippines. They aim to stay in English-speaking environments to improve their language skills and eventually explore opportunities in Europe or other regions.