Overview
Teaching and Community Work in Nepal

Nepal is a developing country where more than 40% of the total population lives below the most basic poverty line. Thousands of small children are deprived of educational opportunities in Nepal because of the many social issues and the lack of schooling opportunities. Volunteers will assist at understaffed and under resourced schools by teaching English or working on community education projects in a variety of locations across the country.

On arrival volunteers will have an orientation in Kathmandu. During this time, you will live with a host family, learn basic Nepali and explore the Kathmandu Valley. Optional side trips, such as trekking, rafting and a jungle safari are also available.

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A special thank you must go to all the staff for all their enthusiasm and help. We were looked after so well - from food and accommodation, to help with the kid's activities, when we were sick, and not to mention answering our endless questions and requests

Ed Bieske, GVI Nepal Volunteer, 2008

What Difference Does This Project Make?

Aside from providing invaluable help with hands on assistance with underprivileged children who have few educational opportunities , volunteers are a vital source of funding. Through volunteer contributions, funds are made available to the different projects with which GVI works.

Highlights

These include: being immersed in the Nepali culture, learning the language and culture during the orientation in Kathmandu, teaching and helping incredible children across the country, optional side trips such as white water rafting, trekking and for those that stay for 6 weeks or longer, an opportunity to search for rhinos and tigers on a jungle safari.

Location

Nepal is a majestic country full of cultural diversity and chances to enjoy a range of outdoor adventures. High up in the Himalayan Mountains of Nepal, you will have your orientation in the city of Kathmandu, before moving onto the ancient city of Bhaktapur. You will have a chance to explore the Kathmandu Valley and its many temples, enjoying the trekking and white water rafting outside the Kathmandu Valley before being placed at one of the various project locations around this beautiful country. You will gain a personal insight into the Nepali people and culture during your stay.

Field Conditions

During orientation volunteers have the opportunity to be accommodated in home-stays with a local family. This provides a great chance to experience the real culture of Nepal, and even master a few Nepalese recipes! Volunteers will adopt a simple life with shared rooms (same gender) and access to basic amenities (water used when needed and electricity not guaranteed).

Following the orientation period, volunteers will live in GVI-provided accommodation, most of which is in local homes (except Pokhara and Chitwan), sharing with other (same sex) volunteers. Basic, but comfortable and well equipped it will allow the volunteers independence to become members of the local Nepalese community.

Travel upgrades may be available on this project, contact your nearest GVI office for more information.