Why Volunteer in Nepal?

Nepal, known for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, offers exceptional volunteer opportunities focusing on community impact, sustainable development, and education. Volunteering in Nepal is not just about giving back; it’s about immersing yourself in a transformative experience that enhances your personal growth while making a significant difference. Whether you’re interested in volunteer child care, women’s empowerment, teaching, environment conservation, public health, or healthcare volunteering, Nepal offers programs that allow you to be part of meaningful change.

Available Volunteer Opportunities

Explore various impactful volunteer programs in Nepal:

Public Interest

Public Interest Programme

Help to make significant changes in Nepal’s challenging landscape.

volunteer travel

Adventure and Volunteer Program

Participate in natural based activities to enhance lives in unique & positive ways.

Key Benefits of Volunteering with ViN

ViN offers responsible and ethical volunteer programs in Nepal designed to have a sustainable impact. Our affordable volunteer programs ensure that you contribute to the empowerment of local communities while gaining valuable international experience.

How to Get Started

FAQ and Practical Information

Volunteers will stay in comfortable, clean, shared accommodations at ViN’s hostels or with local families in homestays, offering a deep cultural immersion. Meals are typically the traditional Nepali dish, Daal-Bhat, which is nutritious and allows volunteers to experience local flavors and eating habits, fostering a unique connection to the community.

Prior experience is optional when volunteering in Nepal with ViN. Our programs are designed for volunteers of all backgrounds. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a first-time volunteer, you will receive comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure you feel confident and prepared for your role.

Nepal is a safe country for volunteering, and ViN places your safety as its top priority. We provide 24/7 emergency support to ensure your peace of mind. Additionally, our experienced staff will offer guidance on local customs, health tips, and safety protocols, helping you adapt to the environment and enjoy a secure and enriching experience.

The cost of our volunteer programs varies depending on the type and duration of your placement. We pride ourselves on offering some of Nepal’s most affordable volunteering opportunities, ensuring high-quality experiences at a reasonable cost. Our programs include accommodations, meals, and local support. For a detailed breakdown of the fees, please visit our Affordable Volunteer Program Fees.

Before volunteering in Nepal, we recommend consulting your healthcare provider or a travel clinic to ensure you have the necessary vaccinations and medications. For more information on recommended health precautions and vaccinations, visit the World Health Organization’s website for health guidelines related to Nepal and volunteering abroad.

Impact and Outcomes

As a volunteer with ViN, your contribution directly enhances education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, economic development, and infrastructure in rural communities throughout Nepal. Through our holistic programs, we have already positively impacted over 380,000 lives, fostering lasting change and empowering local communities. Your efforts will help continue this mission, creating meaningful and transformative differences for future generations.

people reached by 2024
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Your Experience/Setting

On arrival you will be greeted at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and transported to your hotel / hostel (alternative arrangements can be made for those already in Nepal prior to the start of their placement). You will then receive a comprehensive a two to three-day induction, during that time you will be provided with information about your particular project as well as general information, including basic Nepalese language and culture, health and safety. This is also a good time to mix with other volunteers or interns who may be great sight-seeing companions and a source of support during your volunteer placement.

During the induction you will be accommodated in a budget hotel or hostel at VIN. However, a large part of the VIN experience comes from the immersion of a

home stay with a Nepalese host family. While this is an essential part of the experience we also recognize that it can be a challenging one, becoming part of a new culture and becoming accustomed to facilities that will be more basic than those you are used to. However, all our host families are experienced in accommodating volunteers – although their ability to speak English will vary – and you will have 24 hours’ access to contact and support from our staff members during your placement.

Volunteers will be placed in one of VIN’s working areas namely Tarakeshor Municipality of Kathmandu, Taluwa, Thulachhap and Bhadaure of Okhaldhunga, and Okharpouwa, Kaule of Nuwakot district. While at the working site the volunteers are requested to bring their own lunch, water bottle, safety gears, face mask and other essential belongings. As a volunteer you are advised to be in a comfortable and modest attire with preferably long sleeves. If you wish to raise project funds or collect project specific resources, you may contact us.

Requirements

  • Gender: Female / Male
  • Minimum Age: 18+ years (16-17 years old person can volunteer but need to present parents’ consent letter)
  • Language: English (Intermediate)
  • Educational: High School Graduate

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.

Mentoring and Support System

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.

Time and Fees

Mid and Long Term Volunteers:
  • 2 weeks minimum stay- € 385
  • 3 weeks – 470€
  • 4 weeks – 555€ (after 4 weeks for each additional week we charge €75)
University Internships:
  • 4 weeks minimum stay- € 615 (for each additional week we charge €85)

What VIN offers you in return?

  • On Arrival orientation (two to three days)
  • Food and Accommodation during on arrival orientation at VIN’s hostel / budget hotel on sharing basis
  • Food and Accommodation during Placement: Nepali Standard local host family – 3 meals a day
  • Transportation: Airport pick up; one time transport to and from the project site
  • Local volunteers’ support cost (optional)
  • VIN T-shirt
  • Certificate of participation
  • 24 hours emergency support
  • VIN admin cost.

What is excluded? Airfare, VISA (http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/page/tourist-visa), vaccinations, travel & medical insurance, return airport transfer, personal travel and weekend activities expenses etc.

Desirable/ Common Skills 

  • Excellent communicator with good interpersonal skills
  • A team player with good work ethics
  • Time management and leadership qualities
  • Adaptable, flexible and able to work under pressure
  • Accepting of different ideas and culture
  • Problem solving: always be part of solutions than part of a problem
  • Creative