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Home > Testimonials
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Laura Swanson, USA, Women's Empowerment, Oct 15, 2009 to Feb 26, 2010
I worked with VIN for four and a half months on the women’s empowerment program. I chose to work with VIN because I wanted to work with a grassroots organization that had close ties to its constituent community and offered the opportunity to live with a local family. | |
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Working......
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James Kirk , UK, Teaching English at Community School, Aug 15, 2009 to Feb 16, 2010
I recently decided to take a career break and after some serious research I stumbled across the VIN website. Although I’d looked at numerous volunteering opportunities I decided to trust my instincts and run with VIN. I’m pleased to be able to say that from day one both they my......
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Fleuri Domingues Barreto Arruda / Guilherme Luiz Antunes Major / Lucas Andrade Gomes Silveira
We found VIN through their website and immediately got interested on the monastery program since it seemed a unique experience. The choice of VIN was based upon its outstanding organization and high-quality on-line material. And as soon as we arrived in Kathmandu, our expectations were proved right. We were provided......
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Hanne Jorstad, Norway, Women Empowerment
Nepal is a country that has always fascinated me. With some of the highest mountains in the world, green valleys and a rich cultural life, Nepal was a country that I definitely had to see. After having studied development studies it was also a relevant choice as Nepal is one......
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Luke Grossmiller, USA, Agroforestry, Oct 1 - Dec 22, 2009
Volunteering with VIN was a great way for me to feel at home in a new country. VIN is making a noble effort to bring positive change to Nepal and, from my experience I can say that VIN volunteers are appreciated and checked in with regularly by the VIN staff.......
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Kristina Kozlowski, Canada Women's Empowerment Volunteer
My placement at VIN literally changed my life. I know that we have all heard this sentiment over and over again, but truly, the passion and enthusiasm of the members of VIN is inspirational. They maintain a great level of hope which translates into meaningful change. I am committed to......
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Julien Tempone, Australia
The first day I arrived in Nepal, I’ll admit I was terrified. I concealed it though, the insanity of Kathmandu traffic, being lost in Thamel and being harassed by hundreds of drug dealers were experiences after all.I had no Idea what the next three months had install for me. I......
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Hiroaki Okumura, Japan, Sep 1 to Oct 28, 2009
VIN has kindly supported me throughout my placement.I want to thank to all staffs especially, Babita for academic advice and Shyam for language help. VIN is an organisation which possess comprehensive goal which is truly for marginalised locals and that’s what attracts international volunteers the most. I am hoping to come......
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Lynelle Barrett, Holland, Sep 13 to Oct 22, 2009
Mero naam Lynelle ho. Tapaai:ko naam ke ho?
My name is Lynelle. What’s your name? I have been in Nepal now for three weeks. I came here by myself but I have not been alone. I am living in the Tibet Peace Guest House in Kathmandu, which is functioning as......
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Alastair Westwood, UK. Sep 15 to Nov 1, 2009
To some the idea of working in a Buddhist monastery in Nepal might seem a little like an exotic fairytale. After having discovered that through VIN it was indeed a possibility I instantly signed up for a 6 week placement in Nepal. After arriving it was......
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Iani de Kock, Namibia, Sep 1 - 28, 2009
My placement with VIN was at the Karma Ghedin Onsa Choekerling nunnery about 40 minutes outside of Kathmandu.I signed up for a 4 weeks stay, which included the training period in which we got orientated about Nepali culture and language.
After training, I went to my placement, which was a......
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Narissa Puran, USA, Aug 1 to Sep 1 2009
Namaste From Nepal! Mero Naam Narissa Puran ho.
For the past month, I have been working in Nepal as a Health intern. During this time I taught a 3 week health education class to students in grade 7-9 at Tarkeshwar Secondary English Boarding School in Jitpur, a marginalized community about......
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Susan Zoë Greenwald, July 15 to Aug 1, 2009
From the 15th of July through August 1st , 2009 I volunteered with VIN in Technology Education. My goal was to give students, teachers and VIN staff tools to access knowledge, communicate, and work enhancement tools through Internet based programs. Having five computers to work with (one of which was......
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Jacob Erisman, USA, July 1 to 22, 2009
VIN is a wonderful organization. Its entire staff works incredibly hard to help the marginalized communities of Nepal and provide an enjoyable and rewarding experience for volunteers. It was hard for me to be so far away form home in a country very different form my own, but the VIN......
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Eunhye Lee, South Korea, June 15 to 29, 2009
Nepal was the very first South Asian country I've ever been. Though I had a culture shock at first and was a little bit worried if I could survive in the different environment, I truly had meaningful experiences with VIN.
I could see how normal Nepalis live, what their government and......
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James Vincent, UK, June 1 to 28, 2009
Coming to Nepal for the first time, I was unsure what to expect of the country. On my first day I was completely bewildered by the crazy roads, the poverty and the new sounds and sights. However, I was soon introduced to the country by VIN’s friendly and helpful staff......
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Marwa Saleh, Lebanon, July 2009
The welcoming smiles, teamwork and energy present in VIN and the communities that VIN works with made this trip an unforgettable journey. All the staff are always working to keep you comfortable, and occupied.
Despite not being able to work at the health post as was arranged before arriving to......
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Maartje Wessels, Holland
Volunteering with VIN gave me the opportunity to learn about a different culture in a way you cannot when you go backpacking through a country. Because you are in such close contact with the people in the community, or in my case, the monastery, you learn about the cultural differences......
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Maxwell Martin Sykes, Canada
Working with VIN was a great way to get to know Nepal and find a way that suits you best in order to do some good along the way. The staff are very helpful and attentive, always able to fill needs when they arise. VIN does a great job orientating......
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Suzanne O’Leary, UK
Volunteering with VIN has been one of the best experiences of my life.Everything from being met at the airport with a marigold necklace, to the induction which included sight-seeing some beautiful sites in Kathmandu, to being placed in the orphanage has been amazing.I have had the chance to volunteer in......
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Erica Ogle, KS, USA
My experience with VIN has proven to be one of the best experiences I have had. With all of the numerous organizations to choose from, I was unsure at first that VIN would be what I was looking for. However after meeting the first day I knew I was in......
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Shelley Pikes, Canada
I spent a week working with VIN in their Health/Medical Care program. I received basic orientation to Nepali culture and language prior to being placed within my host family in the village of Jitpur. They were very hospitable and endearing. I was allowed the opportunity to experience authentic Nepalese......
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Marie-Eve Roussy
I have received a very warm welcome from the 1st day. All members of VIN Team provided me a good support for all of my stay. My host gfamily was very generous; I met extraordinary people overthere. My work with VIN was for short period of time. So I did......
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Katie Villa, UK
“As a first time volunteer and lone traveller, I was understandably very nervous, but VIN offered me more than enough support and training to ensure I had a fantastic time throughout my stay and make me comfortable about the teaching aspect. The nuns themselves went out of their way to......
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Andrea Schmelcher, Canada
My experience couldn’t have been better. I was warmly welcomed when I arrived in Nepal, and VIN continued to support me throughout my time in the country even when I wasn’t volunteering!
I was motivated to work in the women’s empowerment program, and I was very impressed with the goals......
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Alexander Co, Philippines
I volunteered under VIN for one month in the International Buddhist Academy (IBA).VIN’s structure gives it a unique balance between spontaneity and rules, which is simply remarkable. Not only could I travel during the weekends with the other volunteers, I could also hold extra classes/consultation times with the monks during......
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Verity Blackburn, UK
My experience with VIN could not have been better. Arriving, I was slightly apprehensive as to the legitimacy of the project but it was 100 percent so, and Bhupi's personal greeting at the airport made me feel instantly taken care of.
Nepal itself is a crazy place for a foreigner......
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Emily Tindall, UK
I had an incredible experience with VIN in Nepal. I spent the first few weeks in a homestay with my new Nepali family, where I gained an unmatchable insight into Nepali culture, and also a glimpse of some of the everyday problems faced by everyone within the society. Then I......
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Janelle Jones, Chicago, USA
I had an absolutely amazing experience living and teaching at Osel Ling. The monastery is a beautiful oasis nestled on a mountain, close enough to the city to access it when you want but far enough away to feel secluded. The monks were helpful and kind and welcoming at every......
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Brian O'Beirne, Ireland (Aug 1, to 30, 2008)
My name is Brian O'Beirne, I am a 22 year old student of Law in Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. Rather impetuously, I decided in July '08 to do some volunteer work and luckily stumbled upon the organisation of “Volunteers Initiative Nepal-VIN”. From the outset the organisation were nothing other than......
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Fallon C, NY, USA (May 12- Aug 11, 2008)
My experience volunteering in the Monastery with VIN was an invaluable experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life. From the logistical perspective, the actual monastery site is truly unique. The small mountain on which the monastery is located overlooks one of the holiest sites in Buddhism,......
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Jessica Levknecht, July 5-21, 2008
I enjoyed working with VIN because I met many wonderful people and had a wonderful time volunteering. I felt that my contributions were well received and sustainable. Thank you to Bhupi and VIN!!
Secondary Level Teacher in Washington, DC, USA...
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Diann Grimm, Teacher Trainer in California Department of Education, USA
VIN was a wonderful learning experience for me. Working with the teachers in the community was enlightening and rewarding. The home stay was an interesting "perk" into the culture of Nepal and the friendly people of this delightful country!
Teacher Development Program Volunteer July 5-21, 2008...
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Nicole CuUnjieng, USA/Philippines
I am immensely grateful to Volunteers Initiative Nepal (VIN) for granting me the opportunity to work with an organization of such rare commitment and optimism, and to do so towards a vision that is noble and potentially transformative for Nepal’s most marginalized communities. My experience in Nepal and with VIN......
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Marc Nester, USA
"My experience with VIN was positive in many ways. The VIN staff is comprised of great people who are fun to work with. The projects are also very interesting and inspiring.
My primary work was teaching English to local monks at the Osel Ling Monastery in Kathmandu. It was fascinating......
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Jennifer Vahanian, Child Care Volunteer, March 15-22 2008
I participated in VIN’s Volunteer program during my spring break, and I can honestly say that it was the one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. It was a perfect way to really experience Nepalese culture, as well as share my culture with them. I loved the family I......
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Romi Buhner, Germany
When I arrived in Kathmandu at the crowded airport, Bhupi welcomed me with a big hug and a happy smile. He is a workaholic, admirable in the way he cares about everybody and he is always full of hope. Without him, there would be no VIN. He is the reason......
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Marina Malikova, USA
Volunteering for children, Youth and Women from 6th September to 30th ...
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Ann-Marie Quinn, Canada
Volunteering for VIN has been really wonderful. It's been a great way to help other people, and just an amazing experience for me personally. I have gained so many insights about the culture by staying with a family, working with children and teachers at public schools and orphanage center, and......
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Corinne Shipley, US
Hello,
This was my first overseas volunteering experience and it was unforgettable! The community I worked with is just wonderful and I have fallen in love with the culture of Nepal. I was a bit nervous at first but my fears were instantly erased when I met my host family.Everyone was......
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