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Language & Orientation Week - Kathmandu

Volunteering Solutions gives it's volunteers a great opportunity to learn the culture, history and language of Nepal. Orientation week is aimed to teach the volunteers about all issues about culture, basic language and history about Nepal before they start their program in the field.

You can also choose to take part in this Orientation week or join your volunteer program directly.. This program starts on 1st & 3rd Monday of the month. The program aims to give you true insight about Nepal, it's culture, basic language, food, places to visit and things to do while you would spend your time in Nepal. The program is held in Kathmandu the capital of Nepal. While on this program the volunteers would stay at the hostel or host family arranged by Volunteering Solutions.
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Orientation Week Schedule

Day 1 : Welcome to Nepal, introduction to the program in Kathmandu, safety issues, basic culture and history about Nepal. Also learn about your week's program and details about your volunteering program in Nepal to follow after this week.
 
Day 2: History, culture and traditional insight about Nepal followed with Nepali language class for 2 hours. Learn basic letters and words of welcoming, greeting, short expressions, as well as learn about important and handy words which would help you while at work in your placement. You would get a chance to explore by yourself around Kathmandu in the evening. Your coordinator would guide you about the best places to go and visit.
 
Day 3: Nepali language class continues for 3 hours, more extensive words, sentences and expressions. Explore the local markets in the evening time.
 
Day 4: Discover Kathmandu - Go on a guided tour to Kathmandu's most visited tourist spots. This would be a full day tour of New Kathmandu included with a lunch at a restaurant. The places volunteers visit are :-
 
Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple): Listed as a world heritage site, this is one of the world's most glorious Buddhist sites in Nepal. Its established is linked to the creation of the Kathmandu Valley out of a primordial lake. Three km west of Kathmandu this site is situated on a hillock about 77 km. above the valley. Painted on the four-sides of the spire bases are the all seeing eyes of Lord Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.
 
Bouddhnath Stupa : Lying some 6 km to the east of Kathmandu, this colossal and ancient stupa is one of the biggest in the world, and the largest in the valley. A world heritage site, Bouddhnath is supposed to have been built by using dew to mix the mortar as Kathmandu was reeling under a severe drought during its construction. The stupa looms 36 meters high and presents one of the most fascinating specimens of stupa design.
 
Day 5: Nepali language class 3 hours, covering more words and vocabulary to help you in daily use. In the evening explore the local markets for shopping around Kathmandu along with the coordinator.
 
Day 6: Discover Kathmandu (Day 2) - go on a guided historic trail to visit Kathmandu and see beautiful historic sights, with lunch in a tradition Nepalese restaurant.
 
The Temple of lord Shiva - Pashupatinath is a richly ornamented pagoda with two tiered golden roof and silver doors.
 
Patan Durbar Square: It is an enchanting row of palace buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples. Listed as a World heritage site, the former royal palace complex is the center of Patan’s religious and social life, and houses a museum containing an array of bronze statue and religious objects. One remarkable monument here is a 17th century temple dedicated to the Hindu god Krishna, built entirely of stone.
 
BHAKTAPUR Durbar Square: Once you enter the big gate you find the unique art and architecture and the special layout here. The 15th century Palace of 55 windows, situated to the left as you enter through the city gate, inspires admiration. The national art gallery is also housed inside. The palace entrance, the Golden gate, is a masterpiece. This is the square full of various designed temples.
 
Day 7: End of Orientation week.
 
Cost $250 for this 1 week program.
 
** This is a suggested, itinerary and is subject to change in order to comply with changes according to local conditions. The program does not include any monument entry fee **

Start Date

The Language and Culture week in Kathmandu, which starts on 1st and 3rd Monday of every month throughout the year. Volunteers need to arrive one day prior to their program start date.
 

Program Costs

Volunteering Solutions strives hard to keep costs low and offers one of the most affordable volunteer abroad programs. Compare our prices and services to other organizations and you would be surprised to see the difference. 
USD GBP
Please Note: -An application fee of $200 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.
Please Note: -An application fee of £140 is charged over and above the program fee as an application payment.

    What are you Paying For ?

    •  24 hrs Assistance and support from staff
    •  Comprehensive Pre- Departure Information
    •  Pick up from the airport
    •  Orientation 
    •  Food (2-3 times a day)
    •  Accommodation 
    •  Travel & Medical Insurance (Available at an extra cost)

    What's NOT Included ?

    • Airfare
    • Return Trip to Airport (Can be arranged at extra cost)
    • Local Transportation
    • Visa Fees
    • Vaccinations

What are the Program locations in Nepal?

Volunteering Solutions Volunteer programs in Nepal are located in and around the capital city of Kathmandu.

Does Volunteering Solutions help with Visa?

Receiving a tourist visa for tourism purpose is the volunteer's responsibility. Volunteering Solutions strongly recommends all volunteers to apply and get a tourist visa before departing for Nepal, although a visa on arrival could also be obtained at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. If needed, Volunteering Solutions do provide with written document which would help volunteers in getting the Visa.

When should I apply for the volunteer programs in Nepal?

We are able to offer placements from any Monday of each month year round. Because of the increasing volume of applications, participants are requested to apply in advance to secure their spots.

How long does it take to process my application?

Once you have applied, we will send you details of your placement usually within 4-7 working days.

When do I need to arrive in Nepal for my program? What will happen once I arrive in Nepal?

All volunteers need to arrive one day before their program start date. Volunteers are picked up from the Tribhuvan International Airport by the local coordinator or representative. Those volunteers who are arriving overland or are already in Nepal will be picked up from the bus station or at a meeting point decided beforehand.

How do I get to the program location?

Your country coordinator will take you to your placement and introduce you to everyone after giving you a basic orientation about the program/city/culture etc.

I want to know more about accommodation arrangements?

Accommodation is provided on a shared basis in a local Nepali family home. The home stay accommodations are neat and provide a comfortable stay during your volunteering period in Nepal. All accommodations have running water, electricity and all basic amenities available.

Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the Nepal-based volunteer programs?

The only qualifications are: -
 
-- Volunteers must be 17 years or older at the beginning of the program
-- Volunteers need to have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment.
-- The volunteer should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.
-- Be in good health.

What immunizations/vaccinations will I need?

We recommend you speak to your doctor before coming. The following are recommended vaccinations: -
  1. Tetanus
  2. Hepatitis A and B
  3. Typhoid

Are there more expenses once I arrive in Nepal?

Your program fee covers you for food, accommodation, airport pick up, Orientation, Pre departure information and in country staff support. You will need to cover yourself for your personal expenses, such as traveling, telephone, internet, shopping, sightseeing etc. Traveling within Nepal is cheap; however, you should carry around $50 per week for your basic personal expenses, such as water, local transport, phone etc.

Is there phone and internet available on projects?

Yes there is usually a phone at every placement we provide. However you will have to use Internet café’s to use Internet. It is strongly recommended that you carry a mobile phone while travelling to Nepal. You can get international roaming or can simply buy a local sim-card from the airport when you arrive. You would be assisted by your coordinator.

What hours will I volunteer every day?

Volunteers usually work for 5 to 6 hours a day depending on their program. You will have weekend off so you can go to travel on weekends. However some organizations will need you to work on some Saturdaysas well.

Where can I change my money in Nepal? Are there ATM’s in Nepal?

You can change money in any bank or at the airport by showing your passport. Money changers are available in plenty in Kathmandu as well. There are ATM's located all around the capital city, Kathmandu.

Can couples or families join the volunteer program?

Yes, couples and families are welcome to join our programs. We make special provisions for families joining our volunteering programs; we will be able to provide them with program placements and accommodations together.

What will be the food arrangement?

The host family provides two or three meals per day. Typical meals provided include Dal (Lentils), Rice, Vegetables, Chicken and meat etc.

Do I need to buy health insurance?

Volunteers have the option to purchase Travel and Medical Insurance at a nominal extra cost from Volunteering Solutions. To buy insurance from Volunteering Solutions, please click here

What sorts of clothes are required for Nepal?

Lightweight clothing and rainwear is recommended as well as warmer clothing for the evenings (light jacket and/or light sweaters). A pair of walking shoes is highly recommended as well.

Do you recommend any cheap airlines flying into Nepal?

Cheap airline flying into Nepal is: - 

  • Qatar Airways
  • Gulf Airways
  • Air India
from USA and Canada
 
Kingfisher Airlines from London
 
Jet Airways from USA, Canada and UK