Volunteering in Nepal

Nepal is a country of extraordinary diversity, ranging from the tropical Terai lowlands at near sea level, through lush jungles, up to the towering peak of Mount Everest. Endless opportunities exist for adventure and exploration in the regions surrounding VIP's established volunteer project areas.

There are numerous volunteer opportunities, including teaching English in local schools, conservation projects near the Royal Chitwan National Park, working with orphaned children, assisting local doctors and nurses in a rural health center, or helping to renovate a local school or monastery. Volunteer in Nepal with VIP - an experience as rewarding to the volunteer as to those assisted.

Intensive Language , Orientation and Cultural Immersion Program (14 days)

On arrival at the airport you will be met by a representative of RCDP-Nepal and taken to your accommodation in Kathmandu. Your volunteer program in Nepal starts with 2 weeks of intensive language study and cultural orientation. The first week focuses on language training (4-5 hours per day), a one-day guided cultural tour of Kathmandu, and orientation to issues of health, safety, climate, history, local issues, religion, culture and cultural shock. There is also enough free time to explore Kathmandu -- including the dazzling tourist Bazaar.

For the second week you will transfer to a small ethnic village where you'll live with a family and work with villagers on traditional farms. You'll continue practicing language and experience the unique culture, nature, and life of Nepali people. This week also includes white water rafting, village hiking, and learning the ethnic dances of the region. The language and cultural immersion program concludes with 3 full days of jungle safari, elephant riding, canoeing, Tharu dance, and ethnic village visit.

Trekking and Homestay

After completing 2 weeks of language and cultural immersion program, volunteers will go for 7 days of Himalayan trekking in Annapurna Trekking Trail. Volunteers will pass by the beautiful landscapes, ethnic villages, and stunning scenery of the Himalayas.

After completing 3 weeks of cultural orientation, language training and Himalayan trekking, your RCDP representative will introduce you to your homestay family and host project. As a volunteer with RCDP-Nepal, you will be placed within a welcoming host family setting. You will have a separate room (clean and well ventilated) and be provided 3 Nepali meals per day. Nepali meals consist of tea or milk (breakfast), rice, vegetable curry, soup (legume soup), and pickle (for breakfast and dinner). Most host families have electricity and radio (it may not be possible sometimes in village). Some of the host families have telephone facility.

Our host families are mostly educated, well-respected people, who have experience with international students. In addition, some members of host families may speak English. The family will welcome you upon your arrival, and treat you as a family member. RCDP-Nepal representative visits volunteers every 15 days to make sure that things are going well. In certain cases, a volunteer may be placed in a hostel instead of with a host family.