Andrea Schmelcher

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 VIN had helped the women set. I was able to aid the much needed new staff in gathering information about the current situation faced by each group, so they could focus on the present needs of the individual groups giving them the attention they need. With the staff routinely checking up on all the groups to monitor progress and provide assistance in mitigating problems, I think future volunteers will likely be able to greatly help the groups when they come to volunteer for even a short amount of time.

I loved living in the community and being a part of a Nepalese family. From the moment I arrived at Teenpiple, Jitpur, I was a member of my host family, and of the community. Sometimes it was difficult to communicate with words (Nepali or English), but I could always feel the incredible Nepalese hospitality and love. Having a family to live with while volunteering was probably the main reason I didn’t get homesick!

I liked being involved with a number of VIN’s programs because it gave me a better picture of the whole organization. Each program needs volunteers, and I would recommend them to anyone interested in volunteering abroad.

Women’s Empowerment Program Volunteer

January 12 to Feb 26, 2009