Volunteer Program in Nepal
WLS International is a not-for-profit volunteer abroad organization for affordable volunteer work programs in Asia. We are delighted that you are interested to give time, energy and enthusiasm to those in need in Nepal. Nepal is a fantastic country to do your volunteering abroad. Volunteer projects are available for anyone interested in volunteering in the developing world. Our volunteer programs in Nepal allow you to take part in meaningful volunteering work whilst discovering the people and the culture of Nepal. Volunteering whilst traveling is a great way to totally immerse yourself in the local culture and to give back and make a difference in the lives of people in need.
Location: Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
Start Dates: Start every Sunday throughout the year
Duration: From 2 up to 20 weeks
Arrival and Departure : Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (on Sunday)
The Program
For many of us Nepal conjures up images of immense snow-capped mountains. Indeed the world's highest mountains lie in Nepal, making it a mountaineers dream. But Nepal has more to offer than just the high Himalayas. Small as the country may be, the land is diverse geographically as well as ethnically. You will find rich cultures and vibrant traditions, exquisite temples and monuments as well as fast flowing ricers, making your volunteering trip an unforgettable one. Volunteering in Nepal, gives you a unique opportunity to make a real contribution to Nepali society, while experiencing the rich culture of Nepal.
You can start the volunteer program in Nepal every Sunday throughout the year. The program is from 2 weeks up to 20 weeks. You need to fly into the airport of Katmandu where you will be picked up from the airport. You will also be brought back to the airport at the end of your program. The first 3 days of your program will consist of a training program combined with sightseeing in Katmandu.
Placement Location
Volunteer placements are available in the Katmandu Valley. The city of Katmandu is surrounded by beautiful countryside otherwise known as the Katmandu Valley. The heart of Katmandu is a busy, bustling city bursting with people, cars, motorbikes and buildings. Areas directly outside of the main tourist district have well developed infrastructure, with many shops, running water, electricity and reliable roads. Areas laying at the foot of the mountains that border the Katmandu Valley may still be well developed but generally have larger farming areas which are primarily agrarian. Most placements will be near to a local 'chiyaa pasal' (tea shop) where you can purchase fresh snacks (samosa, pakora, etc). There may also be other shops close by where you can purchase bottled water, biscuits, stationery and other items.
Itinerary Volunteer Program
Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to your accommodation (Sunday)
Day 2 - 3 : Training and Program Orientation in Katmandu together with Sightseeing.
Day 4 – 13 : Transport to your project location. Your volunteer work starts at your project.
Day 14: End of the program (or continue your program if you stay longer with the weekends as your time off so you can do sightseeing or relax).
Return to Katmandu for your onward journey.
The training is divided into two phases as detailed below.
Phase One (day 1 and 2)
Training includes:
Introduction to the volunteer program and project
Introduction to the volunteer responsibilities
An introduction to Nepali culture
Basic Nepali language lessons
Tips on personal health and safety
Sight Seeing
Training ends at approximately 3.00 pm during phase one, leaving you with free time in which you may wish to explore your surroundings, go shopping or meet up with other volunteers. Accommodation on days one and two of training will be in at the centre of our partner. All of the rooms have 'western-style' toilets and hot water showers. Depending on availability, during training you will either have a single room or you may have to share a room with a volunteer of the same gender. During phase one of training (day 1 and 2) only breakfast and lunch will be provided (for the rest of the program all meals are included).
Phase Two (days 3 to 5)
For phase two of training the volunteer will move to their project or local village to provide volunteers with an orientation into Nepali village life. Volunteers are placed individually into local host families or in a guesthouse depending on your project. You will eat traditional Nepali food, observe village culture and get a general feel for local life while continuing your Nepali language and cultural lessons. You will also be offered the opportunity to attend local sights of interest. During this phase of training there will be plenty of time to review language lessons, practice language with the locals and adjust to the slow pace of Nepali life.
Accommodation and Food
Volunteers will stay at the project in volunteer accommodation sharing a room with other volunteers.
All meals are included in the program (breakfast, lunch, dinner), except for the first 2 days of training when only breakfast and lunch are included.
My experience with WLS International in Nepal was positive in many ways. The staff is comprised of great people who are fun to work with from beginning till the end. The projects are well arranged, also very interesting and inspiring. My volunteer work was teaching English to the Buddhist monks in Katmandu. It was fascinating to live among them and experience their lifestyle and traditions - both of which were completely unknown to me before my time in Nepal. In the past 3 weeks I learned and experience so may beautiful things, memories that will forever be remembered. Thank you for making this once in a lifetime experience happen. If you're coming to Nepal, take some time to volunteer. it greatly enriches the experience and one's knowledge of Nepal & its people.
Duygu Osdemir, Netherlands
Program Requirements
The minimum age for joining the program is 17. There are no specific qualifications needed to join the volunteer program in Nepal . Volunteers are expected to be flexible and patient as well as possess a passion and love for children.
Projects in Nepal
There are different kind of projects that you can join :
Teaching English in Monasteries
This is a great opportunity for volunteers who want to Teach English in the monasteries. There are several Tibetan refugees Camps and Monasteries that house hundreds of Tibetan kids taking Buddhist monk educational training to preserve the amazing cultural richness of Tibet and Buddhism practice. Placements are in Katmandu Valley.
Child Care & Orphanage Program
The projects include Nepali run children's homes and orphanages throughout the Katmandu Valley.
Click here for more info on the projects in Nepal
Click here for pictures of this program on Flickr
The team of coordinators in Nepal
volunteer testimonial
I had an amazing 2 weeks of volunteer experience in Nepal, my only regrets is that I couldn’t stay longer. Teaching English to monks has been a great experience. I would like to thank everyone on the Nepal volunteer team for their hard work and hospitality and for giving me a rewarding and unforgettable experience of a lifetime.
Cristina Izquierdo
Spain
volunteer testimonial
I spent two weeks volunteering with WLS in Nepal and would not have changed a minute of it. Volunteering in Nepal has changed my life and is an experience I will never forget.
Jessica Patterson
UK
volunteer testimonial
I had a really nice time in Nepal, I learned a lot about the culture and people. Nepal was actually starting to feel like home. The people and children in the orphanage we’re very nice to me and I loved doing things with them. Thanks for the great time in Nepal.
Noor Taams
Netherlands
volunteer testimonial
Teaching Buddhist monks was really a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I feel really lucky I was able to be a part of that.
Oliver Smith
USA
volunteer testimonial
I had the most amazing experience teaching English to the monks in Nepal. I formed such great bonds with the monks and with other volunteers I worded with that it became so easy to teach English. I came away from this experience feeling extremely rewarded and with a huge sense of achievement. The whole experience has really opened my eyes to the world and I definitely in the future would love to volunteer again. The staff for my volunteering were also amazing. They were amazingly welcoming and I feel like part of a family.
Tyler Chalker
Australia
volunteer testimonial
My volunteering with WLS Nepal program was very enjoyable. I had an amazing time and unforgettable experience in Nepal and promise to visit again. Thank you.
Melissa Lim
Singapore
volunteer testimonial
I enjoyed my voluntary work in the orphanage a lot. It was a life experience for me and I will never forget it. I met many nice, friendly and helpful people. It was great!
Harmke Hulshof
Netherlands