Volunteer Nepal

1.- Why did you choose to volunteer in Nepal Kathmandu, what program(s) are you doing and why?

Why Nepal: I chose Nepal because when I was looking to volunteer in Asia this was the only country offered that I had yet to see. I also knew that it was a country with a very rich culture that I really wanted to experience, somewhat different from other parts of Asia.

What program: I volunteer as an assistant English teacher at the school.

Why this program: I chose this program because it was something I knew I could do and it would help others. I sometimes tutored people in French at my university so I knew I could handle it. Also, I love children and I wanted to do something with them, hence the school.

2. What was the most surprising thing you experienced while in the program? 

Program: I was very surprised by the way people interacted with each other at the school. Students are very respectful of teachers, but more importantly, they seem really eager to help those in needs, be it, teachers or fellow students. The teachers also showed patience, understanding, and comfort for those students who really needed it. I also received a lot of help, not just from teachers but also from students.

Host Family: Again, I was surprised at the willingness to help that the host family displayed. I thought that once we were here we may have to figure things out for ourselves, but the host family has been very helpful in answering questions, organizing travels or explaining cultural aspects of life.

Country: Although the country itself is very poor, I was surprised to find the people here are much happier than many of us back home who have far better conditions. Here people who have less are willing to help out in any situation and ask for nothing in return. They make efforts to speak your language even if they know very few words and they smile even if you are unable to help.

Gap Year Nepal

3. What was the most difficult thing you experienced while in the program? 

Program: Some teachers will hit the children, either for misbehaving or sometimes just for not knowing the answer. For me, it was hard sometimes to sit there and do nothing while a child is crying after being hit. It’s even harder when the teacher sees you correcting some mistakes on the kid’s homework or sees that the kid did not complete and hits the child.

Host Family: I don’t really have a lot of complaints about the host family. The only thing is that I am used to eating smaller meals whenever I’m hungry so it was hard sometimes to eat during dinner or breakfast, but I didn’t want to waste too much food.

Country: As a white person, you really get noticed in the country. Sometimes it leads to unpleasant things like getting followed or getting called on. People just assume you don’t know anything and treat you as such which can be uncomfortable.

4. Any tips for future volunteers….

Clothing: For girls, dress with pants and none revealing shirts, it’s the best way not to attract too much attention. Bring sandals and flip-flops as they are practical to put on and remove because you will often have to take off your shoes and besides, feet are easier to wash than sneakers.

Sightseeing: There are a lot of great sights in Nepal and in Kathmandu. If you are staying long enough and bought some extra money, do not hesitate to ask your host family what you see outside of the capital. Even just the drive there is well- worth the time and money.

Donations: Bring some donations, at the school they really like pencils, flashcards, book or just some games. If you are like me and didn’t have time to get some before coming, you can always buy some things here. People will appreciate all the help they will get. You also bring books for the library.

Laundry/internet: For laundry, bring some detergent, it will be easier. Or, if you are not staying long, just bring enough clothes to go on. For the internet, while it is there at the school and in the host family, do keep in mind it’s not always reliable. Download what you want to have before coming.

5. Other things volunteers should know about: 

a. – City/town: Kathmandu is very, very big and the roads are mostly pretty bad, so if you want to see the city while you are here keep in mind that it may take the whole day and be patient. The sights are usually worth the wait. Also, be well-rested, sleeping in the care is not usually an option.

b. – Weather: I came here during monsoon season, but the weather is not half as bad as I expected it to be. Most of the time, tropical rains hit in the afternoon and during the night. There is always mud everywhere but at least temperatures are cooler and you can sometimes enjoy some sun in the morning.

c.- Local People: While many locals don’t really speak English, they are always willing to help you, so if you’re not sure how to get off the bus or where to go just try to show them what you need and they’ll help. Some uncomfortable experience with the locals so my best advice is if you get called on, just ignore it and keep going confidently (even if you aren’t confident)

d. – Tours: For any tour, you may want to take, just ask your host family beforehand, they will tell you what you might need to know and help you organize it. I would recommend traveling with another volunteer just because it’s easier and more fun and they may know about things you didn’t think about. I would definitely recommend seeing Chitwan, Pokhara, Bandipur, Lumbini and Mustang, you can book a Private car if you want to go there, and it’s very convenient.

Go Abroad Nepal

6. Personal Paragraph (volunteer program testimonial), detail as possible: 

Volunteering in Nepal was an eye-opening experience for me. I got to see how people make do with whatever is available rather than complain about what they don’t have. I had a lot of fun at the school. A lot of teachers do not speak English that well (including English teachers) but they still make an effort to try and communicate.

The kids really don’t know any English but they also do their best and try to play with me or show me some of their culture (like dancing) which is always very fun. Although at first, I doubted I would be able to make much of an impact, I got to see little things once in a while that they’ve picked up along the way: like giving back something that I lent them or stopping fights in the classroom which is really heartwarming. The homestay is also very comfortable; the host family was very welcoming and other volunteers on site were a great help to get used to the very different environment.

Not every day was necessarily easy or gratifying, but the whole trip was definitely worth it. I stayed for 6 weeks which was very long but it gave me a chance to see a lot of places in Nepal other than Kathmandu and that was amazing. The sights even just on the ways are gorgeous and there are so many different, unique places to visit that I never felt bored. I also did the Nepali language immersion which was pretty useful to learn phrases and communicate with the kids especially. I recommend that too.

7. How would you describe your: 

Accommodation: The accommodation was very comfortable, much better than I expected really. Volunteers have their own space; the house is a mix of some local things and more western accommodation so you are not completely out of your depths. There are also often other volunteers here with you.

Meals (favorite): If you’re in Nepal, you will definitely be eating your share of Dal Bhat, a traditional meal that includes rice, lentil soup, some veggies/curries, potatoes, and a roti. It’s very tasty, and since you can have many varieties. I didn’t get bored of eating it every night which really surprised me.

Security: I felt pretty safe for my entire trip. In the house, there really isn’t anything to worry about, to go to the school, it’s always the same routine and I never had an incident that really made me feel unsafe and during my short trips outside Kathmandu, the driver brought us to safe hotels, let us know what was best in terms of sightseeing and was with us the rest of the time.

Host family: The host family was really charming. Although the grandparents don’t really speak English, they often try to communicate and help. The rest of the family speaks English and does mingle with us a little, which is really nice. They are always helpful and provide insight on some of the local culture.

Teaching Volunteer Nepal

8. What was your memory of this trip? 

Program: I really love going by a classroom when I don’t have a class with them and there aren’t any teachers because all the kids come up to me, literally dragging me in the class so I can play with them or they would dance for me, or draw and they’ll ask for smiley’s and stars, it’s too much fun.

Host Family: One time, we had a small cooking class with the host family. We were 5 volunteers and we helped to chop veggies or learned to make plain rice, then we had a big meal with the entire family. It was so much fun.

Country: The country is absolutely gorgeous. Despite the monsoon clouds that hide a lot of the scenery, I was able to see a lot of the mountains and the natural beauty of the place. I don’t think I would have thought to come to Nepal without volunteering, but while I was here I traveled a lot and found some breathtaking sceneries along the road.

9. How was the local ABV Coordinator, the staff and the support provided in-country? Be as detailed as possible.

Airport: At the airport, the ABV Coordinator was there right when I got off. He brought me directly to an ATM (although I was completely clueless as to how much money to get out and ended up not having enough) and he really helped with as much as possible which was very comfortable since this was my first time traveling alone and my first time in Nepal.

Orientation day: Orientation day really just gave a broad overview of what was life going to be like here. In the end, I do think I learned more throughout the week thought of experiencing it, but in all fairness, I had a 30-hour flight before so I was completely dazed.

Daily Support: Daily support is pretty good if we need anything we just have to ask and for every question the ABV coordinator was able to provide us with a clear answer that made the whole trip a lot easier. Other volunteers at the house were also great support when I needed something so it was great to be sharing a room with them.

Gap Year Teaching

10. How was the information you received from ABV prior to traveling? (Emails, website, support) was there anything missing or should be included to prepare other volunteers?  

The information was pretty complete, although I wish I would have read it more carefully. It has everything that I needed to prepare for the trip, it would be good though to include that it’s possible to go on trips on the weekend so that we could prepare for that.

11. Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers about your volunteer experience? Yes

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Nepal Kathmandu Review

1.- Hi Tell us about you:

Full name (first and last): Mark Wohlford Age: 58

What do you do (study or work, where): Oral Surgeon

Where are you from (city and country): Evansvive, indiana, USA

1.1. – Why did you choose to volunteer in Nepal Kathmandu, what program(s) are you doing and why?

Why Nepal: My wife is from Nepal and my daughter had never been.

What program: Dental

Why this program: That is my profession.

2. What was the most surprising thing you experienced while in the program?

Program: The prevalence of caries in children.

Host Family: The host family was very gracious and shared their home.

Country: The economy is expanding. There is construction everywhere.

3. What was the most difficult thing you experienced while in the program?

Program: The inability to fulfill all the needs of the patients we saw.

Host Family: I had no difficulties with the Host Family.

Country: Roads and Traffic.

4. Any tips for future volunteers….

Clothing: Wear layers and Comfortable shoes.

Sightseeing: Hire a guide at historical sites. This allows you to get more out of your time.

Laundry/internet: Internet was surprisingly good at the host house.

Gap Year Nepal

5. Other things volunteers should know about:

a.- City/town: There is a lot of dust. Be careful if you have respiratory problems.

b.- Weather: March weather is ideal. Not too hot or cold.

c.- Local People: Very little English spoken on the streets.

d.- Tours: Use tour guides.

6. Personal Paragraph (volunteer program testimonial), detail as possible:

I have volunteered in the United States and in other countries. Nepal is a beautiful country with wonderful people. It was a fabulous experience to share with my wife and daughter. Nepal has changed a lot since my last visit over 20 years ago.

7. How would you describe your:

Accommodation: Very nice facility with a lot of space and privacy.

Meals (favorite): We eat Nepali food at home and enjoyed the quality and Flavors.

Security: I have never felt so safe traveling internationally.

Host family: It was nice to spend meal times with such a nice family.

Dentists Without Borders

8. What was your memory of this trip?

Program: The monastery was a very special place. I was surprised that it functions as a school/ worship/ orphanage

Host Family: Every morning and night we met with the coordinator and planned. He was very flexible.

Country: The Nepalese people are very gracious and friendly.

9. How was the local ABV Coordinator, the staff, and the support provided in-country? Be as detailed as possible.

Airport: He was available on time with enough space for everyone.

Orientation day: We were well oriented as to the customs and the program for the week.

Daily Support: Everyday food and transportation were excellent.

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Volunteer in Nepal

1.- Hi Tell us about you:

• Full name (first and last): Vincent Casalaina, Age: 71
• What do you do (study or work, where): Retired from video production
• Where are you from (city and country): Berkeley, CA

1.1. – Why did you choose to volunteer in Nepal Kathmandu, what program(s) are you doing and why?

• Why Nepal: The person I race sailboats with her trek in Nepal and told me about how beautiful that is. I wanted to go there.
• What program: We researched volunteer program and ABV was highly recommended by many people.
• Why this program: We wanted to do community development.

2. What was the most surprising thing you experienced while in the program? 

• Program: Learning to work within the tools available. In the US construction techniques are hugely different and I had not realised the vast gulf.
• Host Family: They gave us a great height into the culture of Nepal.
• Country: This was my first trip to a third world country. I was not prepared for the differences but learned a lot.

3. What was the most difficult thing you experienced while in the program? 

• Program: Project management work had delayed construction of the library so our work was on a number of ancillary but related aspects.
• Host Family: No problems.
• Country: Poor road conditions / lack of sanitation around town

4. Any tips for future volunteers….

• Clothing: Bring as little as possible. Plan a washing often.
• Sightseeing: Take advantage of both local trekking options and longer term trekking before or after program.
• Donations: make it easier for us to donate to the community developments project.
• Laundry/internet: Hand washings hang on line on roof. Internet – down at least some everyday but connectivity good when up.

5. Other things volunteers should know about: 

• City/town: No street names or building numbers so need to have a good sense of direction.
• Weather: It was hot and no appreciable rain while here.
• Air pollution: Consider bringing a good N95 mask with extra filters. Not every day use but needed a number of days.
• Local People: Very friendly.
• Tours: 1 day trip to Nagarkot – saw beautiful hill town & had a good lunch at the hotel at the top.

6. Personal paragraph (volunteer program testimonial), detail as possible: 

We started by moving dirt as part of raising the level of the yard around the library. We then scoped the brick fences in the library yard and along the access part to the street. We scrubbed, cleaned and primed galvanized panels to go on top at the brick fences (Added security). We painted the brick fences along the access path. We painted galvanized panels. We cleaned additional galvanized panels and primed and painted them.

Volunteering in Nepal

7. How would you describe your: 

• Accommodation: We had our own room with double bed. There were two single beds but they were not needed by other volunteers. We were given very comfort room
• Meals (favorite): Dinner was very good. Dal, served vegetables options, rice or noodles and roti. Over the two weeks there were many different combinations. One dinner with Chicken done with cheese.
• Security: We always felt secure and never felt we needed to be concerned about our belongings.
• Host family: Very helpful. Very friendly.

8. What was your memory of this trip? 

• Program: By the end I felt like we had accomplished something useful to the library.
• Host Family: Hard working and very dedicated to making us feel welcome.
• Country: Hoping to see it become a cleaner, more prosperous country as more people become more educated.

9. How was the local ABV Coordinator, the staff and the support provided in-country?

• Airport: Spectacular! After our long flight from San Francesco to Kathmandu, seeing the ABV sign amidst the many other signs made us feel well taken cared.
• Orientation day: We learned a lot in the presentation and learned how to get around/ change money. Since most of us have smart phones. It would be helpful to point out maps. Me app works without wifi connection.
• Daily Support: Talked with host family every morning to layout daily work plan. Sudhir always got the material & tools we asked for (that were available)

10. How was the information you received from ABV prior to traveling?

More emphasis on language emersion on the website & in emails. Even a little bit of Nepali helped us get around Better. So I recommend highlighting the language immersion class.

11. Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers about your volunteer experience? 

Yes!

Volunteer Nepal

1. How was the local Coordinator and the staff and the support provided in-country?

They were very thorough in explaining every aspect of my stay from the working condition, to commute, to things to do during weekend. They made me feel like I’m home and not feel home sick.

2. What was the most surprising thing you experienced while in the program?

The most surprising thing was the fact that I actually found friends of a lifetime. My colleagues actually got me gift and cake when I was leaving which showed me how close we got and also made me really sad to leave them

3. What was most difficult thing you experienced while in the program?

Probably the most difficult thing would be the language barrier since at the dental hospital patients would communicate in Nepali language and I did not know any Nepali. But on the bright side, I would ask dentists and they would translate for me so I did not have any difficulty understanding the situation. I would recommend having Nepali language immersion class.

4. Any tips for future volunteers….(clothing, travel information, packing, sightseeing, donations)

As for the recommendations, I would recommend volunteers to bring clothing especially during hot months and anyways they would be able to buy light, cheap cloths here. So I wouldn’t recommend bringing many suitcases.

4.1 Other things volunteers should know:

• Try to read on sightseeing locations in advance and know how long it would take to get there.
• Always negotiate with the cab.
• Don’t walk late at night …..

5. Personal paragraph (volunteer program testimonial):

I loved my stay with the coordinator and his family. They are very caring and helpful and like a second family to me. My work environment was great and people were really friendly. I would definitely come back to Nepal with my family and spend more time here.

Volunteer Reviews

6. How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security?

Everything was perfect. The meals were delicious and as little spicy since I can’t handle spicy food. Also they made me feel very comfortable at home and if I needed to go somewhere they made sure I know my way.

7. What was your memory of this trip?

Great and kind people at work and at home and beautiful nature outside Kathmandu.

8. How was the information you received from ABV prior to traveling? (Emails, website, support) was there anything missing or should be included to prepare other volunteers?

I received plenty of emails regarding my trip explaining every step of the way and the information. I needed to know about accommodation and condition of living so the emails were very thorough.

9. Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers about your volunteer experience?

Yes.

Volunteer Nepal

1. How was the local Coordinator and the staff and the support provided in-country?

The local coordinator was great help throughout the whole trip. He was able to provide me with extremely useful information regarding touristic trips, as well as the need to know of Nepal. I felt like I was very prepared from the orientation to begin the 2 week journey. Every day he was very attent to be sure that I was doing okay or if I needed anything else. If there was anything I needed, Sudhir would immediately try his best to help me out as soon as possible.

2. What was the most surprising thing you experienced while in the program?

Since my whole life I have travelled and lived abroad, there were not many things which came as a shock to me. Being Mexican and Dutch, I have experienced similar things in my home country (Mexico). Although I did experience new things, I came with a very open mind, so nothing was shocking

3. What was most difficult thing you experienced while in the program?

Similar to the question above, there were limited amount of things which were difficult to me. Everything ran really smoothly, even the language barrier. For me personally, the most difficult things would be leaving my family for 2 weeks, but even that went better than expected.

4.     Any tips for future volunteers….(clothing, travel information, packing, sightseeing, donations)

• Easy to buy cheap and comfortable clothing here.
• Monkey, Temple, thamel for sightseeing (personally missed Pokhara but wish to return.
• Allow coordinator to arrange sightseeing trips when in country since he has good contacts.
• Bring books for library project as well as money for potential projects for the orphanage.

4.1 Other things volunteers should know:

Watch out with food / water.

5. Personal paragraph (volunteer program testimonial):

Working with the kids was an unbelievable experience. They were all so heartwarming and caring. It is beautiful to see them smiling everyday despite their situation. I tried my best to give them someone to play with, to hug, to have a fun time with. Alongside that, I tried to provide more for the orphanage than just my presence. I invested money in the building of potential fences to improve their accommodation.

Volunteer Reviews

6. How would you describe your accommodation, meals, security?

Everything was perfect. I loved the meals provided in my accommodation. Every day and night. I felt very safe. I was very well taken care of and I am extremely grateful and pleased to say it could not have gone better.

7. What was your memory of this trip?

There are many memories I take home but the main ones are the experience of working with kids at the orphanage, as well as getting to thoroughly known the culture of Nepal.

8. How was the information you received from ABV prior to traveling? (Emails, website, support) was there anything missing or should be included to prepare other volunteers?

Everything was very helpful except it would have been nice to know that it was greatly appreciated to bring books from home.

9. Are you willing to speak to other potential ABV volunteers about your volunteer experience?

Yeah, of course.