Overview
Volunteer in Nepal

Nepal is a developing country with a high percentage of the population living under the poverty line. Volunteers will provide much needed assistance in several orphanages and care homes across Nepal. Volunteers will undergo an orientation in Kathmandu on arrival and spend this time living with a host family, learning basic Nepalese and exploring the capital city. It is a culturally fascinating country – the only Hindu kingdom in the world, with Hindu Temples and Buddhist shrines scattered all over the kingdom. There are also several side trips available, such as rafting, trekking and an elephant safari.

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The most positive experiences I had volunteering for GVI would have to be just simply living with and getting to know the Nepali people. Their way of life, response to life and general outlook on life is so inspiring and so beautiful that you can't help but fall in love with the people and the place. The children I taught and worked with at the youth club with made me discover a love and joy in children I never knew I had.

Margo, 2007, Orphanage Volunteer

What Difference Does This Project Make?

Aside from providing invaluable help with hands on work at the orphanages and children’s homes, volunteers are a vital source of funding. Through volunteer contributions, funds are made available to the different projects with which GVI works. This especially applies to the children’s homes, most of whom have very limited resources and no regular income.

Highlights

Being immersed in the Nepali culture; learning the language and culture during the orientation in Kathmandu; teaching and helping incredible children across the country; optional side trips such as white water rafting, trekking and for those that stay for 6 weeks or longer an opportunity to search for rhinos and tigers on an elephant safari.

Location

Nepal is a majestic country full of cultural diversity and chances to enjoy a range of outdoor adventures. High up in the Himalaya Mountains of Nepal, you will have your orientation in the city of Kathmandu, before you then move onto the ancient city of Bhaktapur. You will have a chance to explore the Kathmandu Valley and its many temples, enjoying the trekking and white water rafting on your way. You will then be placed at one of the project locations around this beautiful country and will gain a personal insight into the Nepali people and culture during your stay.

Field Conditions

During orientation volunteers have the opportunity to be accommodated in home-stays with a local family. This provides a great chance to experience the real culture of Nepal, and even master a few Nepalese recipes! Volunteers will adopt a simple life with shared rooms (same gender) and access to basic amenities (water used when needed and electricity not guaranteed).

Following the orientation period, volunteers will live in GVI apartments, sharing with other volunteers. Basic, but comfortable and well equipped it will allow the volunteers independence to become members of the local Nepalese community.

Travel upgrades may be available on this project, contact your nearest GVI office for more information.