Q 1. What sort of volunteer work can be done?
Volunteer opportunities are available in the following areas: Teaching English, Teacher Development, Children and youth Development, orphanages and rehabilitation, Community Development: Environmental Awareness, Health and Sanitation issues, Home Stay Program, Cultural Exchange, and Primary Health Care. Your placement will be tailored according to your individual needs and interests.
Q 2. Do you have some information about Nepal?
Nepal has never been colonized, and is ruled by multiparty and constitutional monarchy. There are 14 Zones, 75 districts, 3914 Village Development Committees and 58 Municipalities in the country.
For most of the people around the globe the Himalayan Kingdom stirs up images of snow-capped mountains and rolling green hills. Indeed, eight of the world’s 14, eight-thousands lie in Nepal, making it a mountaineer’s dream. Nepal is also renowned as a brave warrior country. In 1st and 2nd world war they fought as the brave Gurkhas. Nepal has more to offer than just the high Himalayas. Small as the country may be, the land is diverse geographically as well as ethnically. You will find rich cultures and vibrant traditions, exquisite temples and monuments as well as fast flowing rivers and tropical jungles teeming with wildlife, making your trip an unforgettable one. It is a country where people of different races and religions live in harmony. For more information, we recommend referring to the Lonely Planet’s guide to Nepal.
Q 3. What is Volunteers Initiative Nepal (VIN)?
Volunteers' Initiative Nepal (VIN) is a non-governmental and non profit organization (NGO) which was founded by a group of development workers, educationists, advocates, social activists, cultural and tourism experts, ex-volunteers and other professionals. The organization has officially been registered under society act with the district administration office Kathmandu, Nepal. This has also been affiliated to Social Welfare Council (SWC) Nepal. This organization has been a good forum for development practitioners and professionals. We provide the cheapest and the best service for volunteers. We are currently offering volunteer placements in various parts of Nepal in wider range of program.
Q 4. Do I have to be from a certain country to volunteer?
No, you can volunteer through Volunteers' Initiative Nepal from any parts in the world.
Q 5. What age do I have to be to volunteer?
You must be at least 18 years old to volunteer; there is no upper limit. You should be in good health, however.
Q 6. Do you provide any financial support?
Unfortunately we are not in a position to offer any financial support. Our programs are operated on the kind support and cooperation of our volunteers and donors.
Q 7. What immunizations/vaccines will I need?
This will depend greatly on what country you are from. You should always consult your doctor before purchasing any medication, as some may not be necessary. In many countries you may have already had some of the required vaccinations as a child.
The following vaccines may be recommended for your travel to South Asia including Nepal .
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Hepatitis A |
Recommended for all travelers |
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Typhoid |
Recommended for all travelers |
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Polio |
One-time booster recommended for any adult traveler who completed the childhood series but never had polio vaccine as an adult |
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Yellow fever |
Required for all travelers arriving from a yellow-fever-infected area in Africa or the Americas . Not recommended otherwise. |
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Japanese encephalitis |
For long-term (1 month) travelers to rural areas or travelers who may engage in extensive unprotected outdoor activities in rural areas, especially after dusk |
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Hepatitis B |
For travelers who may have intimate contact with local residents, especially if visiting for more than 6 months |
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Rabies |
For travelers who may have direct contact with animals and may not have access to medical care |
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Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) |
Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1956, if not previously given |
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Tetanus-diphtheria |
Revaccination recommended every 10 years |
Q 8. Do I need to speak English to become a volunteer?
Yes, it would be helpful if you speak English. You may have English as your second language and that is also fine. When you arrive in Nepal you will be placed into a training program that includes an intensive language course on basic Nepal phrases that you may need while volunteering in the community.
Q 9. When should I arrive in Nepal?
In Nepal the training begins on the 1st and/or 15th of each month for group volunteers so it would be good if you could arrive at least one day before one of these dates. However, if you are single and or in pair, trainings can be arranged at any time of the month. If you are in a group, you may like to arrive earlier to allow yourself adequate time to settle in before your training begins. Kathmandu has only the international airport in Nepal, so all international flights arrive and depart from there. VIN representative will arrive to pick you up from the Airport. Accommodation can be arranged for you if you arrive earlier than the training begins. You will have to pay expenses on your own for any time you stay in Nepal outside of training and volunteer time and place.
Q 10. Do you have any ideas for fundraising for my volunteer experience?
Yes. We have prepared a fundraising kit which will be helpful for fundraising ideas and will be provided upon request.
Q 11. What are the living arrangements when volunteering?
In Nepal you are provided with accommodations; they are covered by your volunteer program fee. During the training you will stay in a hotel in Kathmandu with other volunteers. Part of the training involves spending time in a local village or with a local Nepali family practicing what you have learned. While you are there, you will be housed and fed by the local people. When volunteering, you are placed in a 'family' as a paying guest. Please don’t expect a luxurious placement with cozy bed, hot showers and a Western style toilet. In Kathmandu, there is electricity but generally you will not find it out of major centers. Two meals as well as two snacks a day are provided for you while training and volunteering. You are advised to buy your own bottled water once you arrive in Nepal. We offer food and accommodations from the first day of the program to the last day. For the volunteers who arrive earlier or who want to stay longer, it is not possible to offer accommodations and food, but we will help volunteers to find a quality, inexpensive place to stay.
Q 12. Do I need travel insurance?
As with any overseas traveling, health insurance is recommended. Please obtain necessary health and travel insurance before coming to Nepal. Talk to your travel agent about this or check online to see what offers is available. Make sure you look into the details of the policy. You should make sure it covers airfare in case of a medical emergency. We also suggest that volunteers consult a physician or an international travel clinic for recommendations on immunizations. You should certainly bring a small first aid kit. Nepal offers basic medical services and there are places for emergency medical services. If you are taking any medicine, we suggest that you bring your prescriptions and other medication from home.
Q 13. Are there more expenses once I arrive?
No matter which of our programs you have chosen, you will need some extra pocket money. However, Nepal is not a very expensive place for shopping and for travel. The training and program costs cover accommodation and most meals. If you arrive early, or intend on staying on in Nepal for longer than you are volunteering, then you will need to have spare money for this time. Also some money may be required for your days off. Other costs include buying bottled water, paying for your visa to enter Nepal, paying a departure tax and shopping for personal items.
Kathmandu provides many opportunities for purchasing gifts for your friends and family. You can change your major currencies and travelers checks in Kathmandu and at the airport. There are now 24 hour ATMs in Kathmandu, but traveler's cheques are still the best choice. It is possible to get $8-$10 hotel room per night in Kathmandu.
Not included in the program cost are: airfare, insurance, pocket money and visas
Q 14. How safe is it to volunteer in Nepal?
We work very hard to ensure, you are placed in safe environments while volunteering. In Nepal you may have heard about the Maoists rebels. Their aim is to change the way Nepal is run as a country. They are seen as no threat to foreigners, as they seek only the local support of the Nepali people. We have not found single case of threats for the foreigners. And more importantly, Maoist rebels have now ceased fire for three months; and may last longer.
Q 15. How many volunteers are there on a site at the same time?
This depends on how many people volunteer at any one time. Usually there are between 3 and 10 volunteers at the training. If possible, you are placed with one other person in the local villages when you are volunteering.
Q 16. What resources are available for teaching when I'm volunteering? Do I need to bring my own?
If you have resources that you think may be appropriate, please discuss this with us via email to see if you should bring them. Most likely anything you have will be of help, as there will be limited resources. We are in the process of developing kits, but these will not be available until later in the year.
Q 17. What is the course content of the training?
Depending on how long you are volunteering, the training can run from just a few days or up to two weeks in length. It is broken into two stages with the first part being based in Kathmandu and the second stage based in a local village (catchments) or with a local family. The majority of the training is largely spent learning the language of Nepal. You also will receive an introduction to the Nepali culture. If you want to teach, then you will be given an intensive EFL classes on child friendly approach. In the second part of the course, when you are in a village or with a local family, you will be prepared for volunteering in a similar situation.
Q 18. How would my family members be accommodated while volunteering?
You will need to pay additional costs for accommodating your family members in Nepal. As some volunteer placements may not have available housing, you may be limited to the areas you can volunteer.
Q 19. How can I get in contact with previous volunteers?
You can contact us to get the email addressed of previous volunteers who have worked with us. Previous volunteers would be happy to discuss their experiences with you. We also put ex-volunteers' say on the site.
Q 20. Who organizes my flights?
Of course you should do since you are not charged for airfare. You will need to organize your trip to and from Nepal.
Q 21. Who organizes the visa for my volunteer placement?
Any traveler to Nepal is allowed to stay on a tourist visa for up to 5 months per each 12-month period. You can get a tourist visa at the Royal Nepalese Embassy or Diplomatic Mission in your country or at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu upon arrival (US $30 for the first two months). You can renew your visa when you are here if you wish to stay for more than two months- for an additional charge of US $30 per month. Non-tourist visas are difficult to obtain and are twice as expensive as the tourist visa. It is the responsibility of volunteers to manage their own tickets and visa. We suggest that volunteers do not stay more than 5 months.
Q 22. How can I communicate with my family back home?
Email access is available in some small towns; however it is readily available in urban areas such as Kathmandu and Pokhara. International telephone service also is available in most cities. You will find specific information about these facilities when we arrange a placement for you. There is postal service throughout the country. We always advise volunteers to use our postal address in Kathmandu, especially when your friends or parents send parcels or important materials for you. You can pick up your mail from our office or else we will forward it to you.
Q 23. What are the school hours?
In Nepal, school runs from Sunday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm (time may differ depending on place and season) and volunteers typically receive a ½ day on Friday and all day Saturday off, in addition to local festivals and holidays. Your teaching load will vary depending on the Principal/headmaster of school. Please communicate with him/her when you begin. Most of the time volunteers teach 4-6 periods per day.
Q 24. What is the climate like and what clothes should I bring?
The climate differs across Nepal's three regions from sub-tropical to freezing. Nepal is not always as cold as people think. The country is geographically divided into three parts. The Himalayan region of Nepal is very cold in winter while the mid hill region and Terai region of Nepal have different climates in different seasons. The weather is cold from December to February but warm and moderately hot in the summer. The spring and fall are cool and very pleasant. Please bring your winter clothes (think layers!) if you are coming in November, December, January, or February. Please bring summer clothes for the rest of the months. If you are volunteering in the rainy season (July and August), please bring a light rain jacket and umbrella. We advise female volunteers not to wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, or short skirts in villages. Nepalese people dress modestly and girls cover most of their body; it is the Nepalese tradition. We can send you a detailed packing list upon request.
Q 25. What Should I bring for myself?
This will vary depending on what VIN activities you want to participate in and how much you need to be comfortable during your placement. With the exception of medicine, first-aid-kit and high-tech trekking gear, you can buy everything that you would need for your placement in Kathmandu (likely cheaper than in your home country). Here are a few suggestions:
- Sleeping Bag
- Hiking boots
- Tevas/ flip flops
- Fleece jacket (during winter months)
- Light-weight cotton clothing (see Program Guide and Volunteer Room for details)
- Waterproof jacket (a fold-away windcheater is fine)
- (Women) Sarong (or you can buy a lungi cheaply in Nepal)
- Mosquito repellent
- Sun cream
- Water purification tablets and/or good quality water purifier
- First aid kit
- Flashlight (torch)
- Penknife
- Books about your country
- Photos of your family / friends / home (essential!)
- Souvenirs for your family and staff from your country
- A few examples of your local currency
- Music CDs
- Basic Learner's English/Nepali/English dictionary - for simple definitions buy a Nepali dictionary on arrival in Kathmandu)
- Magazines
- Coloured pencils and pens, drawing books, stickers
- Inflatable globe
- Books on teaching English/English Grammar for your reference
Q 26. What should I bring for my host family?
The Nepali people are very friendly, and giving gifts to the volunteer on the day of their departure is very common. If you would like to bring gifts for your family, below are some suggestions (but this is not compulsory):
- A framed picture of yourself and your Nepali family (you can have this made while in Nepal)
- A small photo album with pictures of you and your family/friends from home
- A 'coffee table' book of your home town or country
- Posters, stickers or magazine pictures from your country
- Children's books
- T-shirts (new) from your country
- Flags
Q 27. Is there anything I can bring with me that would be useful to your organization?
We would be very grateful for educational books (grammar, TEFL, science, health, etc.,) illustrated books, English novels and children's books. Also very much appreciated are donations of clothes and stationery.
Q 28. How can I prepare for teaching English prior to my arrival?
Don't worry much on it because you will be provided basic TEFL instruction during your training period, but it would be helpful for you to brush up on your grammatical knowledge of the English language. You could also consider bringing any English language textbooks, and or TEFL books that you may find useful as they are difficult to find in Nepal.
Q 29. What Makes a Good Volunteer?
VIN does not ask for any formal qualifications from our volunteers. All we ask is that you have a genuine desire to help people and are committed to seeing the Program through. A positive and flexible attitude will also help you to get the most out of your stay in Nepal.
If you are applying to teach English or train teachers, a strong command of the English language is a necessity. Similarly, if you are interested in volunteering at a Health Post, some prior medical experience and first aid skills would be useful. If you are applying to teach computers in schools, to the environmental awareness program, or income generation program, you should possess the skills and knowledge necessary to work within these programs.
The following attributes are vital for survival, regardless of the program!
- Independence
- Patience
- Good problem-solving skills
- Sense of humor/ability to laugh at yourself
- Tolerance
- Willingness to share
- Flexibility
- Self-motivation
- Open-mindedness
- Enthusiasm to learn about new cultures
Q 30. VISA
Though volunteers can get visa upon arrival in Kathmandu, we very strongly suggest volunteers get a tourist visa in their home country before departing for Nepal . It saves your time and hassles of filling forms, and waiting in long lines in the Kathmandu airport. Your visa is your entry permit into any foreign country, with out which you may be denied access.
Please find the Nepali Embassy Abroad
http://www.mofa.gov.np/missions.php?type=nepalese
Berlin , Embassy of Nepal
Guerickestrasse 27, 10587 Berlin-Charlottenburg, Federal Republic of Germany
Tel: 0049-30-3435-9920/21/22
Fax: 0049-30-3435-9906
Email: rneberlin@t-online.de |
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New York , Nepalese Consulate General
820 Second Avenue , 17th Floor, New York , N.Y. 10017
Tel: 00212-370-3988, 3989
Fax: 00212-953-2038
Email: nepal@un.int
http://www.undp.org/missions/nepal
New York , Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Nepal to the United Nations. |
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Washington DC , Embassy of Nepal
2131 Leroy Place, NW , Washington DC , 20008 USA .
Tel: 001-202-667-4550, 4551, 4552.
Fax: 001-202-667-5534.
Email: info@nepalembassyusa.org
http://www.nepalembassyusa.org/ |
Tokyo , Embassy of Nepal
14-9 Todoroki 7-Chome, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-0082, Japan .
Tel: 0081-3-3705-5558/5559.
Fax: 0081-3-3705-8264
Email: nepembjp@big.or.jp |
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