Location
Approximately 200 km from Kathmandu, the city of Pokhara is situated in the northwestern corner of the Pokhara valley and is the gateway to the dramatic Annapurna mountain range.
About the project
This unique program offers you the chance to learn, volunteer and travel in the stunning region of Pokhara. A key element in local community development is the ability to further education and economic prosperity without compromising traditional ways of life and the natural environment. This exciting project seeks, with the aid of motivated international volunteers, to improve the lives of the poorest and most marginalized members of Nepalese society through a variety of different fields including orphanages and social work, informal and formal English teaching and education, and health and sanitation. As a volunteer in this project, you will contribute your skills and knowledge to the benefit of the Nepalese people, while gaining an in-depth experience of their culture and community. You will live with a local Nepalese family and meet other like- minded volunteers from around the world.
Project Structure
Week 1(Optional): Introduction and volunteer orientation
Week(1 or) 2+: Orphanage volunteer placement
Final Week: Eco-adventure or relaxation trips to exciting sites in Nepal
Week 1: Orientation and Culture Week (Optional)
Orientation week is a fun and enlightening first step in your Nepal Volunteer experience. During this week, volunteers first participate in 2 days of language classes, and sightseeing, before being placed in one of two training villages in Kathmandu valley for additional culture immersion. Training schedule generally includes language lessons, classroom survival tips for teaching English, cultural introductions to food, household, and way of life, and sightseeing in the surrounding areas. During this week volunteers will stay together in shared bedroom and will enjoy all 3 meals together each day.
Week 2+ : Orphanage and Volunteer Placement
Each volunteer will be considered individually. Your strengths and preferences will be assessed and a suitable placement will be found for you. Options for volunteer placement include:
Teaching:
One of the most important aspects of teaching in Nepal is teaching English. Because all higher education is tought in English here, early introduction to the English language is vital for continuing education. Volunteers have a light schedule of 3-4 lessons a day, but can supplement this by initiating and organizing after-school programs such as arts and crafts, sports, or music activities to brighten the students' days.
Orphanage:
Volunteers can be placed in one of 3 orphanages in the Pokhara area, and will live either inside the orphanage, or in a host family nearby. The children are from 5-15 years old. You will help to improve their daily life by teaching personal hygiene, English tutoring, drawing, etc.
The Nepali work- week runs from Sunday - Friday with Saturday being the only day off. You will work from 4-6 hours per day with the opportunity to work more if you choose. Times for each placement vary, when working in children's homes and informal education centres you will teach and help the children in the morning before school and for a few hours after school. Hours are approximately 6-9am and 4-6pm.
Accommodation & Facilities
Volunteers live in the orphanage or with a host family. This will provide you with an opportunity to learn about all aspects of Nepali life, culture, food and people. Nepali households are basic compared to households in the west. Bathrooms have squat toilets and cold running water. You will sleep in a separate room and may share with another volunteer. Mattresses are quite hard! Do not expect luxury. You will essentially become a member of the household, and participate in all activities including cooking, washing, working in the fields, and generally caring for the house and family. This is the best way to experience the real Nepal.
In your home stay you will eat with your host family. Traditional Nepali food is Dal Bhat with rice and curried vegetables, which is eaten at every meal. If you would like to bring extra snack food or Western food to your home stay, you should purchase this in the Pokhara city center. Pokhara is the second largest city in Nepal and is never more than an hour's bus ride from any of the placements. In Pokhara there are many restaurants where one can find Nepali, Indian and Western food. Dining out at a restaurant normally costs between 50 and 200 rupees ($1-$3).
Final Week: Eco-Adventure Trips (Optional)
We have prepared for your final week exciting vacation options. Feel free to add this final week to your trip as an opportunity to travel the country, explore, or just relax. Some options for post-volunteering trips include:
Pokhara Relaxation Week:
This is a wonderfully relaxing way to complete your Volunteer Experience in Nepal. Remove yourself from the hustle and bustle of the school system and relax alongside beautiful lakes in the Pokhara Valley. Spend your days hiking, boating, or just sitting by the lake in this lovely village. All meals are provided and you will be staying at a local Guest House.
Additional Cost: $320
Everest Base Camp Trek (2 Weeks)
This is a challenging and rugged trip, which requires a high level of physical fitness and motivation. Day one is moderate and allowes you to sightsee around Kathmandu, before jumping to Lukla via airplane where you will meet your guides and prepare for the Trek. You will spend the next 2 weeks slowly acclimating yourself to the high altitude, and taking long days (5-6 hrs a day walking average) on the trail. The sights are breathtaking and the nature is awe-inspiring.
Additional Cost: $ 1,200
Culture and Trek Nepal (2 Weeks)
The First week is one of spiritual awakening where you will participate in Meditation and Yoga sessions as well as informational sessions on Buddhism, Hunduism, and the religion. This is a mix of travel, learning, and lifestyle exercizes that are formulated to best introduce you into Nepali culture.
The Second Week is an opportunity to trek through the mountains and villages of Nepal, including a special 2 day Jungle Safari through Chitwan National Park, home to various species of natural Wildlife.
Additional Cost: $480
Minimum requirements
- Min age 18
- High level of English
- Good physical fitness
- Motivation to work with children
- Full travel & medical insurance
- Immunizations (please consult your doctor)