Volunteering in Nepal

Insight Nepal believes that serving others is one of the most worthwhile human endeavours. The main objective of the program is to provide opportunities to those who are keenly interested in gaining a cultural experience by contributing their time and skills to benefit worthwhile community service groups throughout the country. Our second objective is to help those who are looking for an opportunity to reach people and community groups who are in need of their skills.

Nature of the Program

There will be three primary phases during the course of the program. In each phase, the participants will have different activities and experiences designed to make the most of their time in Nepal.

Orientation Phase

At the beginning of this phase, participants will be given a brief orientation about the schedule of the program, health care, some cultural clues (like the do's and don'ts) and information about Nepali host family. City tours will be arranged including some important places like the Immigration Office, the Post Office, Banks and other facilities in the Pokhara valley. During this phase participants will learn basic communication skills in spoken Nepali from a professional language trainer. The participants will also stay with a Nepali family to stimulate cross-cultural experiences and to reinforce new language skills. Thus, the participants will have ample opportunities to learn about Nepal before moving to the placement site.  All these activities and experiences will help them to build self confidence and develop the cultural understanding necessary for starting the placement phase.

Placement Phase

During this phase the participants will work at their placement sites according to their interests and the needs of the host organization. The participants will work in coordination with a staff member of the host organization. Insight Nepal functions as a mediator between the volunteer and the host organization.

Since the participants will be working and interacting with different people in a new environment, it will be an excellent opportunity to share their ideas and skills with others.  In other words, this is a process of "give and take" in which the participants not only contribute their time and skills but gain a new perspective of the world. This phase can be as challenging as it is rewarding but it will be an unforgettable experience.

Village Excursion/ Trekking Phase
 

Insight Nepal will organize a trekking in the Annapurna Mountain area where the participants will have an opportunity to observe one of the best models for conservation projects throughout the world. This is primarily to introduce them to rural areas of Nepal beyond the city. While trekking through the mountains and villages, the participants will share in the traditional lifestyle of the Nepali people and enjoy the fascinating views of snow-capped peaks and lush green valleys with their flora and fauna.

Recreational Tour

For the participants of 3 months program, Insight Nepal will organize a trip to the south of Nepal for a Jungle safari in Chitwan National Park. The park is one of Nepal's largest forest regions with wild life ranging from the wild boar, the rhinoceros and the crocodile to the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger.

During their stay in Nepal, the participants will have tremendous opportunities to explore and discover a new way of life. Most importantly, they will have an opportunity to use their skills to deal with some unique challenges of life in Nepal.