Volunteer Nepal: 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 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.