Tell me more about Nepal
What kind of volunteer work is available?
Do I need to speak English to become a volunteer?
When do I need to arrive in Nepal?
What are the living arrangements when volunteering?
Are we able to do any sightseeing while volunteering?
Are there more expenses once I arrive?
How safe is it to volunteer in Nepal?
How many volunteers are there on site at the same time?
What resources are available for teaching when I'm volunteering? Do I need to bring my own?
Can you tell me more about your partner in Nepal?
What is the course content of the training?
How are families accommodated while volunteering?
Who organizes my visa for my volunteer placement?
Are there any times of the year that I cannot volunteer?

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Tell me more about Nepal?
For many of us the Himalayan Kingdom conjures up images of snow-capped mountains and rolling green hills. Indeed, eight of the world�s 14 eight-thousanders lie in Nepal, making it a mountaineer�s dream.

But Nepal has more to offer than just the high Himalaya. 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 I suggest you purchase the Lonely Planet's guide to Nepal.

What kind of volunteer work is available?
The volunteer opportunities are in areas such as Teaching English, Environmental Awareness, Health and Sanitation issues, Home Stay Programme, Cultural Exchange, and Primary Health Care. Your placement will be tailored according to your individual needs and interests.

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 arriving in Nepal you are placed into a training programme that includes an intensive language course on basic Nepal phrases that you may need while volunteering.

When do I need to arrive in Nepal?
In Nepal the training begins on the 1st of each month so it would be good if you could arrive at least one day before one of these dates. However you may like to arrive earlier to settle yourself before training begins.

You will be met at the airport and accommodation can be arranged for you if you arrive earlier than when the training begins. You will have to pay your own expenses for any time you stay in Nepal outside of training and volunteer time.

What are the living arrangements when volunteering?
In Nepal you are provided with accommodation which you will pay for as part of the volunteer costs. During the training you will stay in a hotel in Kathmandu with other volunteers. Part of the training involves time spent in a local village practicing what you have learnt. While you are there you will be accommodated and fed by the local people. When volunteering you are placed in a 'family' home in the village you will be working in. In Kathmandu there is electricity but generally you will not find it out of major centres. Two meals a day are provided for you while training and volunteering as well as two snacks. You are advised to buy your own bottled water once you arrive in Nepal.

Are we able to do any sightseeing while volunteering?
Yes. You get a 7 - 10 day break between training and being placed in a volunteer position. You are free to do as you please during this time. There are often other volunteers that want to do trekking or just see the local sights. You will however need to have reserve money for this time according to what you plan to do. You can survive on as little as $15 (U.S) a day in Nepal. You can also spend much more if you want a bit of luxury before volunteering begins.

Are there more expenses once I arrive?
The training and programme 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, departure tax and any shopping you will do personally.

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 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.

How many volunteers are there on site at the same time?
This depends on how many people volunteer at any one time. Usually there are between 4 and 10 volunteers at the training. If possible, you are placed with one other person in the local villages when you are volunteering.

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 discuss this with our partner 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 that will help but these will not be available until later in the year.

Can you tell me more about your partner in Nepal?
Our partner is a formally registered Non Governmental Organization, established in the year 2000, and affiliated with the Social Welfare Council. It is a non-profit organization run by experienced volunteers who have worked with various volunteer organizations. They provide training and assistance to foreign volunteers who wish to volunteer in Nepal.
Their aim is to increase awareness of the importance of the English Language in Nepal, and to improve levels of written and spoken English among Nepali students. They arrange the placement of English teachers in rural schools and communities. They also send trained volunteers to remote areas, with an aim to promote community awareness regarding environmental issues, sanitation, income generating initiatives and primary health care.
Govt. Regd No:- 389/059-60
SWC. Regd. 14195
Year Established: 2002

What is the course content of the training?
Depending on how long you are volunteering for the training can run from just a few days or up to three 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. You will at all times in the training be with other volunteers in the same position as yourself. The content of the training is largely learning the language of Nepal, but there is also cultural orientation and how to teach English components to the program. In the second part of the course when you are in a village you will be having practical input to prepare you for volunteering in a similar situation.

How are families accommodated while volunteering?
You will need to pay additional costs for accommodating your family in Nepal. As some volunteer placements may not have available housing you may be limited to the areas you can volunteer.

Who organizes my visa for my volunteer placement?
You will purchase your Visa (US$50 for every two months) at Kathmandu airport when you arrive.

Are there any times of the year that I cannot volunteer?
No, you can volunteer at any time of the year. June and July are school holidays, however, so placements are limited to areas where schools are open or where teaching can be done in learning centres. There are many festivals throughout the year which can interrupt your program, but which are also a good way of interacting with the culture. If you are volunteering for less than one month, it is not advisable to carry this out in October, as there is one festival in particular that causes major disruption to the program.

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Question not covered here? Please check the generic FAQ, and if still unanswered, please submit your question here. (We aim to answer all email within 48 hours).

Click here to apply for the Nepal program.