Family Volunteering Abroad with ViN
An Unforgettable Experience for All Ages
Volunteering abroad as a family is an incredible way to bond while making a meaningful impact on needy communities. Volunteers Initiative Nepal (ViN) offers unique family volunteer programs where parents and children can participate in life-changing projects. From teaching children to environmental conservation, our programs provide the perfect opportunity for families to work together for a more significant cause. This guide will teach you about family volunteering abroad, including Nepal’s exciting projects and travel opportunities.
Family volunteering is a unique way to teach children the importance of helping others while giving them firsthand experience of different cultures and communities. It’s also a fantastic opportunity for parents to pass on global citizenship and social responsibility values. Whether you’re interested in teaching abroad, environmental conservation, or women’s empowerment, volunteering abroad with your family allows you to make a positive impact on society while creating lasting memories.
Here’s why family volunteering is a great choice:
- Bonding Experience: Volunteering together as a family creates memories that last a lifetime and strengthens relationships through shared experiences.
- Cultural Immersion: Living and working in another country helps the family appreciate different cultures and develop a global perspective.
- Skill Development: Children learn valuable life skills like empathy, teamwork, and problem-solving, while parents can pass down essential life lessons.
- Make a Difference: Your family can contribute to meaningful community development projects that bring real change to underserved populations.
Before embarking on your family volunteering journey, consider a few things. Here’s a simple guide on what to learn before deciding on the right project:
1. Project Fit for Your Family
Different family volunteer opportunities have varying requirements. Some projects are more suited for younger children, while others may be better for older teens. Consider your children’s ages and interests when choosing a project. ViN offers projects that accommodate families of all ages and skills.
2. Safety and Comfort
When volunteering abroad, it’s essential to prioritize safety. Research your chosen project’s safety measures, including healthcare availability, living conditions, and emergency protocols. ViN ensures that families have access to support and guidance during their time in Nepal, ensuring everyone feels comfortable.
3. Cultural Sensitivity
Volunteering in a foreign country means interacting with a different culture. Learning about the local customs, traditions, and language before you arrive will help you adapt and respect the community’s way of life.
4. Impact and Sustainability
Before committing to a project, ensure you understand how your family’s work will help the community. ViN provides sustainable volunteering projects that have a long-lasting impact. Whether providing education or protecting the environment, your family’s efforts will make a meaningful difference.
ViN offers a variety of volunteer projects for families that allow you to work together and support different community needs. Here are some of the top family volunteering projects in Nepal:
1. Child Care and Teaching
What You’ll Do:
Help educate children in rural Nepal by assisting with teaching, homework, mentoring, and extracurricular activities. Families can also participate in early childhood education programs, providing a more inclusive learning environment for disadvantaged children.
Why It Matters:
Education is a powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty. Your family’s support will improve literacy rates and provide children with the skills they need to succeed.
2. Women’s Empowerment for Gender Equality
What You’ll Do:
Participate in programs designed to empower women and promote gender equality. Families will engage in workshops, leadership training, and community outreach activities that help women gain independence and confidence.
Why It Matters:
Empowering women leads to stronger communities. Your family’s efforts will help increase awareness of women’s rights and contribute to building a more gender-equal society.
3. Public Health Projects
What You’ll Do:
Your family will support health education awareness campaigns, distribute hygiene kits, and assist in medical camps. Together, they will help promote essential health practices such as sanitation, nutrition, and disease prevention in rural communities.
Why It Matters:
Many communities in Nepal lack access to essential healthcare services. Volunteering for health and well-being projects ensures that local people have access to vital health information and services.
4. Youth Empowerment and Leadership Building
What You’ll Do:
Engage with young people through leadership training, sports programs, and mentoring. Families will help foster youth empowerment and teach the importance of taking initiative in community projects.
Why It Matters:
Developing young people’s leadership skills is essential for any community’s future. By empowering youth, your family will help create confident and capable leaders for tomorrow.
5. Environmental Conservation
What You’ll Do:
Take part in eco-volunteering activities such as permaculture farming practices, tree planting, waste management, and environmental education. Your family will work to raise awareness about the importance of sustainability and help conserve Nepal’s natural beauty.
Why It Matters:
Environmental issues like deforestation and pollution threaten Nepal’s ecosystem. By volunteering for environmental conservation projects, your family will directly contribute to preserving Nepal’s unique landscapes and biodiversity.
6. Disaster Risk Reduction and Relief
What You’ll Do:
Your family will actively support vulnerable communities in reducing their risk of natural disasters by participating in disaster preparedness workshops, helping with community rebuilding efforts, and providing relief during emergencies.
Why It Matters:
Nepal is prone to earthquakes, landslides, and floods. Helping communities prepare for and recover from these events is crucial to building resilience and reducing future risks.
7. Yoga and Well-being
What You’ll Do:
Your family can participate in yoga and wellness programs focusing on physical and mental well-being. These programs teach basic yoga poses, mindfulness practices, and stress-reduction techniques.
Why It Matters:
Yoga is a holistic practice that improves mental and physical health. By volunteering for yoga and well-being programs, your family can promote a healthier lifestyle and well-being in the community.
While you’re volunteering abroad in Nepal, don’t miss the chance to explore the country’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. ViN offers a variety of weekend travel options that will allow your family to enjoy the beauty of Nepal during your free time. Here are some exciting weekend travel tours for families:
1. 2 Nights 3 Days Pokhara Tour
Pokhara, known for its breathtaking lakes and mountains, is the perfect weekend getaway. Your family can enjoy boating on Phewa Lake, visit the World Peace Pagoda, and explore the scenic Sarangkot to get panoramic views of the Himalayas. You’ll also see local villages and enjoy Nepali culture.
2. 2 Nights 3 Days Chitwan Jungle Safari
Embark on an exciting adventure in Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your family will experience a thrilling jungle safari to see wildlife such as rhinos, tigers, and elephants. You can also enjoy a peaceful canoe ride along the Rapti River and visit local Tharu villages to learn about their traditional way of life.
3. 1 Night 2 Days Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Nagarkot Tour
Explore the ancient cities of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Visit Durbar Squares, temples, and the famous Patan Museum. End your trip with a night in Nagarkot, where you can enjoy stunning sunset and sunrise views of the Himalayas.
4. Tour to UNESCO Heritage Points in Kathmandu Valley
If you have more time, explore the rich cultural heritage of the Kathmandu Valley. Visit the Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple, all iconic landmarks that glimpse Nepal’s spiritual life.
Relax and Recharge
After a fulfilling week of family volunteering in Nepal, a weekend tour is the perfect way to relax and enjoy Nepal’s natural beauty. Unwind in serene surroundings while reflecting on your meaningful impact together.
Create Lasting Memories
Explore Nepal’s stunning landscapes and vibrant culture as a family. These tours offer unforgettable experiences, such as hiking in the Himalayas, visiting ancient temples, and relaxing by tranquil lakes. They also strengthen the bonds you’ve built through your family volunteer program.
A Reward for Your Efforts
Your family’s volunteer work is invaluable, and these weekend trips provide a well-deserved reward. Enjoy a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion, celebrating your hard work while creating lasting memories together.
Whether trekking in the mountains, spotting wildlife in Chitwan, or exploring Kathmandu’s historic temples, these tours add the perfect touch to your volunteering abroad journey. Let them inspire you as you continue making a difference in Nepal!
1. Can families volunteer abroad?
Yes! ViN offers a wide range of family volunteering opportunities in Nepal. Parents and children of all ages can participate in projects related to education, women’s empowerment, environmental conservation, and more.
2. What are the best family volunteer programs abroad?
ViN provides some of the best volunteer programs for families that allow you to engage in meaningful community work, such as teaching children, empowering women, and promoting environmental sustainability.
3. Are there any volunteer vacation options for families?
Yes! ViN’s family volunteer vacations combine volunteering with sightseeing opportunities. Families can explore Nepal’s culture, wildlife, and natural beauty during their weekends off.
Volunteering abroad with your family is an enriching experience that will leave a lasting impact on you and the communities you serve. Whether you are interested in teaching, women’s empowerment, or environmental conservation, ViN offers the perfect family volunteer programs to suit your family’s interests and skills.
Sign up today and begin your family’s adventure in Nepal, where you can give back, explore, and grow together.
Email: support@vin.org.np
Phone: +977 985 107 0477
Social Media: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to see our family volunteers’ inspiring work!
Requirements
- Gender: Female / Male
- Minimum Age: 18+ years (16-17 years old person can volunteer but need to present parents’/ guardian’s consent letter)
- Language:English (Intermediate)
- Educational:High School Graduate
Your Experience/ Setting
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), you will receive a warm welcome and be transported to your hotel or hostel. If you are already in Nepal before the start of your placement, we can make alternative arrangements for you. You will undergo a comprehensive two- to three-day induction program after arrival. This induction will provide valuable information about your project and general information about the Nepalese language, culture, health, safety, and security. It is also an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow volunteers and interns who can become your companions for sightseeing and a source of support throughout your volunteer placement.
During the induction period, you will be accommodated in a budget hotel or hostel arranged by VIN. However, most of the VIN experience involves living with a Nepalese host family. While this immersion is essential for a complete experience, we understand that it can be challenging as you adapt to a new culture and adjust to facilities that may be more basic than you are accustomed to. Don’t worry; all our host families have experience accommodating volunteers, although their English-speaking abilities may vary. Also, you will have 24-hour access to our staff members for support and assistance throughout your placement.
Volunteers will be assigned to one of VIN’s working areas, which include Tarakeshor Municipality in Kathmandu, Taluwa, Thulachhap, and Bhadaure in Okhaldhunga, and Okharpouwa and Kaule in the Nuwakot district. While at the working site, volunteers are requested to bring their lunch box, water bottle, safety gear, face mask, and any other essential belongings. We advise volunteers to dress comfortably and modestly, preferably with long sleeves. Please get in touch with us for guidance and support if you want to raise project funds or collect project-specific resources. This will help the community a lot.
Schedule and Commitment
You will work five to six days a week, up to six hours per day. You may propose your preferred time and hours; however, the working time period will be dependent on the institution you have been placed. A minimum of 2 weeks’ time commitment is expected of a volunteer. The longer you commit; the better impact you can make. You should be willing to commit a certain amount of your free time and energy, show a lot of commitment and be a good listener. You are expected to work constructively and co-operatively maintaining good reputation and standards at all times. Volunteer should abide by relevant security concerns and access procedures. Moreover, you should be receptive and positive to performance appraisal, advice and feedback. Throughout your placement, you will have the full support of VIN. Your safety is our highest priority.
Your typical day might look like this:
| 07:00-08:00 | Tea/Leisure Time |
| 08:00-09:00 | Breakfast/Brunch (Nepali meal – Daal-Bhaat) |
| 09:00-10:00 | Preparation for sessions |
| 10:00-13:00 | Deliver training sessions/Workshops |
| 13:00-14:00 | Lunch (Packed lunch) |
| 15:00-17:00 | Deliver interactive sessions for youth clubs |
| 17:00-20:00 | Preparation for next day/Leisure time |
| 20:00-21:00 | Dinner (Nepali meal – Daal-Bhaat |
You will receive a clear and concise on-the-job instructions, course of action, context of work and policies/strategies before your placement begins. You will be provided with ample of guidance and support throughout the placement with trainings / onboarding sessions incase necessary. You will be in a constant communication and regular check-in with the VIN volunteer coordinator. VIN aims to maintain a culture of continuous feedback between the volunteer supervisor at the placement to monitor the performance of the volunteer and ensure the project delivers desired outcomes.
In case of an emergency, you may contact one of our Volunteer Coordinators who will be available anytime for your assistance and support.
Click here to Learn more on how volunteering works
Mid and Long Term Volunteers:
2 weeks minimum stay- € 380
3 weeks – 480€
4 weeks – 580€ (after 4th week, for each additional week €95)
University Internships:
4 weeks minimum stay- € 680 (for each additional week – €105
Click here to Learn what’s included and excluded in our Fees Section
Click here to Learn recruitment process on how volunteering works
Our projects are open year-round, and our inductions begin on the first and third Mondays of each month. We would like to ask that volunteers arrive one day before the start of the induction. You can choose the duration of your participation based on your available time. However, so that you know, our volunteering placements are limited. We highly recommend booking your placement in advance to secure your placement. Click here to apply.
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