Volunteering To Learn, Nepal

About us www.volunteeringtolearn.org Email: [email protected] Welcome to Volunteering to Learn, Nepal! Volunteering to Learn, Nepal (Govt Reg. No: 301 and Social Welfare Council - Nepal Reg. No: 28330)is a not-forprofit and non-governmental organization working in the field of Education, Health, Women Empowerment and Gender Issues, Children’s Rights, Environment, Ecology, Sustainable Agriculture, Community Development, Sustainable Development and Livelihoods through mobilizing volunteers. It aims to provide the interested volunteers immense opportunities to experience multiaspects of Nepal, i.e. culture, geography, history, economy, society, environment, natural resources, flora and fauna, ecology, organic and sustainable agriculture, way of living particularly rural and so on. We do believe that the only way to learn and understand any society and area is through the deep exploration and immersion into these things. Volunteering is a two-way approach and contribution for the better understanding, harmony and mutual assistance and benefits. Volunteering to Learn, Nepal is committed to provide sound platforms to the interested people to utilize their expertise in various fields and make significant contribution to the Nepalese communities. Simultaneously, volunteers are expected to gain broader perspectives on several issues through first-hand involvement and contribution. So far, we have served the interests of more than one hundred volunteers from various countries. For more details pls. contact Email: [email protected] Posted by Volunteer and Learn Nepal at 10:21 AM

Our Programs Organic Farming and Permaculture Teaching English Environment Awareness Health and Sanitation

Homestay and Cultural Exchange Women Empowerment Orphanage Support

Posted by Volunteer and Learn Nepal at 10:16 AM

Organic Farming and Permaculture

There are several reasons to consider volunteer programs with organizations that promote organic farming. Some volunteers wish to learn how to run an organic farming operation, so that they can start a business. Other volunteers want to take a sabbatical from their desk jobs by working outdoors for a month or longer. Still others want to provide hunger relief to impoverished people domestically or abroad, without using toxic pesticides or fertilizers to produce this food. As a volunteer with our Organic Farming and Permaculture Program, you will gain hands-on experience helping the farmers, students and local communities to cultivate and harvest organic crops, vegetables, fruits, herbs through sustainable farming methods. If you are new to organic farming and permaculture, then you can learn from the host and local farmers. We have several vibrant farms where a variety of vegetables, crops, fruits and herbs now thrive within the Kathmandu Valley, Chitwan and Pokhara. Staying on our farms, you will have opportunities to learn more about organic farming, experience rural Nepali lifestyles and practice Nepali. Volunteers participate in the seasonal and daily rounds of the farm and household and can also engage in community projects. Here are some possibilities: Organic Farming. Milk buffaloes, harvest vegetables, fruits, crops and herbs, pick vegetables and fruits , help design a new project, prepare compost, non-pesticide management and integrated pest management, prepare organic liquid fertilizers, or just load the biogas chamber with dung. We welcome guests to participate at

all levels. In return, you’ll learn about integrating animal husbandry with crops, growing food in forest farms, organic pest control, and the crops appropriate to various seasons in this semi-tropical region. Food Processing. Growing food is only part of the job. Next comes all the work that gets that food to the table. In Nepal, that work is often done by women, but in our home, men are encouraged to join in too. Churn butter, grind turmeric and specialty flours, prepare spicy chutneys, and learn how to make homestyle Nepali dal bhat. Posted by Volunteer and Learn Nepal at 10:16 AM

Teaching English Volunteering to Learn, Nepal offers a variety of Teaching English positions that allows participants to choose from giving informal lessons to their host family, local communities, to assiting or teaching in elementary schools, middle and high-schools and libraries.

Teaching English Program is a fantastic way to experience the real Nepal, immerse yourself in Nepali culture, and get a chance to make friends with Nepali people. It is a great way to experience the daily life and customs of Nepal while leaving a lasting impression on the people you work with along the way. English is an essential part of the curriculum and native English speakers are needed to teach and help the children with conversation, writing, reading and listening. In return, you can enjoy the satisfaction, smiles and laughter of the children. The students that you will be teaching range from 5-16 years old, and are typical in groups of around 30-50 students per class. The subject materials that you will be teaching i.e. the curriculum for the key subjects will be taken from the Nepali students' standard book. However volunteers are also encouraged to create their own lesson plans; lots of inspiration for classes can be found online as well. Each institution has its own permanent staff member who assists volunteers with their teaching and in communicating with the children and colleagues. Classes generally run six days a week, with four to six class periods each day and a break for lunch.

Besides, we aim to establish community libraries and support the current library in the community schools. For this, the both technical and financial support from the volunteers will be highly appreciated. If possible, the volunteers are kindly requested to bring english books, teaching materials, stationery items and sports materials.

Posted by Volunteer and Learn Nepal at 10:14 AM

Environment Awareness Due to the rapid deforestation, global warming, decreased biodiversity, soil erosion, and desertification are only some of the problems the whole world is suffering. As a developing country, Nepal is also can’t be an exception. The green forest of Nepal was considered as a treasure of income sources and slowly it’s being swept up. The deforestation in Nepal is leading to shortages of animal fodder and firewood that affects agricultural based economy of the country. In response to this concern, our Environmental Awareness Program volunteers can work with the community forest development committee and promote the equitable and proper management of meager forest resources. Volunteers can also teach and lead the villagers to various environmental awareness programs, such as use of smokeless stoves, using solar energy as a fuel and waste management. Volunteers will get involved with the local schools and local communities on environmental issues. Environmental awareness projects will be defined by the individual volunteers based-upon their areas of expertise and the needs of the village community. Example projects include: creating eco-clubs, plantation activities, kitchen/home gardening, waste management, recycling techniquies, making a smokeless stove, building a toilet pit, etc. Volunteers may also provide assistance to youth clubs or women's groups in the community sharing their ideas, skills and knowledge about environmental issues. Posted by Volunteer and Learn Nepal at 10:14 AM

Homestay and Cultural Exchange

Homestay and Cultural Exchange Program is a gateway to immerse yourself into Nepalese family, culture, community and day-to-day lifestyles. Volunteers generally stay with host family while volunteering through this wonderful program. This is a very unique opportunity for the volunteers to become intimate with Nepalese elements and make positive differences through both learning and sharing.

Generally, placements are arranged in the rural areas with typical Nepali-style houses. Volunteers have to stay there being a member of the family and get involved in various regular activities. They can get involved in various tasks as per their personal interests, like, helping the family members to prepare food, taking care of the kitchen garden, looking after the animals, teaching english or other subjects to the children, contributing to social mobilization on different issues, or dedicate efforts to any other regular programs of Volunteer and Learn Nepal. As a volunteer, you can learn Nepali language and culture with first hand experience staying in host home. You learn to cook local cuisine and share with host family along with learning language at the same time. Moreover, you can share about your culture and stuffs. So, you will be a part of the host family. We have some very nice host families around our program location who are always keen to welcome guests and provide optimum care and satisfaction. They belongs to different caste type. Meals are served at least 3 times a day, and of good hygiene and mostly organic. Our volunteers or program participants are provided normal foods like rice, curry, dal, milk, vegetables and fruits by the host family. No worries to vegetarians too, as our host family can accomodate them as well properly. Posted by Volunteer and Learn Nepal at 10:12 AM

Women Empowerment Volunteering to Learn, Nepal is closely working with a number of women's programs in different communities. We aim to improve and develops women's leadership, strengthens women's organizations, increases women's rights and ensures their personal security, and creates new political and economic opportunities for women across our working locations. We assit to conduct literacy classes, leadership training, community development training, saving and credit training and provide other trainings on various income-generating trainings like organic farming, candle making, pickle making, sewing and knitting, etc. Our mission is to empower marginalised communities, with a focus on women, through enhanced educational programs and community training to promote equality, economic well-being and basic human rights. Working toward women's empowerment enables you to support women in their pursuit for healthy and sustainable livelihoods. Women's groups provide a forum for issues such as family health, women's rights, and access to resources, income generation, and other challenges women face in their daily lives. Volunteers have the opportunity to exchange ideas, collaborate in ongoing projects, teach basic English skills, help with small businesses, and be a positive role model. You can also provide support in many other ways, depending on your

skills and interests and the needs of the local community. So, Vounteer and Learn Nepal invites all interested national and international volunteers to be a part of our women development programmes. Your small effort can make a big difference to the women in the most marginalized communities. Posted by Volunteer and Learn Nepal at 10:12 AM

Ophanage Program Volunteering to Learn, Nepal is dedicated to assist the orphan and needy children to pursuit education, happiness of life, and lead a bright future. Every year, hundreds of children leave their destitute villages to find work in Nepal's crowded cities. And, many children become orphan due to natural calamities, conflicts or natural deaths. Most of these children deprived of education, basic health care, food, etc end up working as child laborers in restaurants, hotels, garment factories and domestic workers. Many also become street children as well. These disadvantaged children need attention, love, care, and the opportunity for education. VLN offers the street children the support and devotion they deserve. Volunteers teach Basic English, creative works and other subjects such as math and science to these eager learners. As a volunteer, you also organize tours, games, drawings, singing, dancing, painting and other activities that the children enjoy and also learn something at the same time. Volunteers may help the children prepare for school, and help with their homework, prepare their food, maintenance of their living place, etc. Our Orphanage Program is an enriching and life changing experience for our volunteers as well as the children. Many of our former volunteers have reported that this project, in particular, has been memorable and fulfilling, and has changed the way they view the world. Posted by Volunteer and Learn Nepal at 10:11 AM

Orientation, Training and Placement Orientation and Training We arrange to pick up you from the Tribhuwan International Airport and take you to the hotel at Thamel Area. Afterwards, we offer 3 days to 5 days orientation and training at our office, depending on the type of programs. These trainings help the volunteers a lot to understand the information regarding the organization, various programs and opportunities, country, Nepali language and culture, safety measures, visa issues, dos and don'ts etc. During the orientation and training

period at Kathmandu, we arrange placements in local host families within the walking distance of Thamel. We do so to facilitate the volunteers to provide them an overall experience and understanding of living with Nepalese family, which will defenitely be very helpful for them to spend more time with Nepalese family during their main programs in the villages. During these orientation and training period, you will be participating: - 2 hours basic Nepali language class per day - Cultural information/safety issues - Volunteers' interests, programs & opportunities, and placement information - Sightseeing in Kathmandu every day after training - Shopping opportunities upon request Note: If the volunteer want to take break for any reason after the orientation and training progrm, for ex. sightseeing, trekking, etc. they can also do so. And, we will be very much pleased to provide them proper and reliable assistance on these matters. Placement After the orientation and training, we transfer the volunteers to their working areas. Our staff will accompany the volunteers to the host family and settle down all things. Accomodation will be arranged in a simple single room with a bed. The host family provides two-times meals and two-times tea. Meals - Tea is served around 7 am. Lunch is served around 9 to 10 am and is usually typical nepali food, dal/bhat (rice, lentils, and vegetables). At the daytime, tea is offered around 2 pm with local snacks. Dinner is at around 7 to 8 pm. The food is very simple but also extremely tasty and filling. In addition, you can purchase other food items if requried. Posted by Volunteer and Learn Nepal at 10:10 AM

Program Fees Volunteer and Learn Nepal is a non-profitable, non-governmental organization solely funded and sustained by the volunteers. We are trying our best to obtain both financial and technical assistance from various organizations to support our voluntary works because we appreciate that volunteers make substantial economic sacrifices to come to Nepal. We do not have any sort of sponsorship as of yet, but if any organizations or individual are interested in becoming our sponsor, they would be very welcome. This is applicable to the sponsorship of individual projects as well as the organisation as a whole. We are aiming to raise money towards scholarships and sponsorship for the education of orphanage children.

Expenses for an individual volunteer(prices are given in Euros) Registration Fee 15 Euros

• 1 week 200 Euros • 2 week 275 Euros • 3 week 350 Euros • 4 week 425 Euros • 5 week 500 Euros • 6 week 575 Euros • 7 week 650 Euros • 8 week 725 Euros • 3 months 900 Euros • 4 months 1050 Euros • 5 months 1200 Euros • 6 months 1350 Euros The above cost includes the following: Airport pickup and drop Language and cultural training Sightseeing in Kathmandu Specialised training for your chosen program Land Transportation to and from village placement Accommodation and meals during training period in Kathmandu Accommodation and meals with your host family during the placement Accommodation and meals for one day before departure 24 hours Volunteer supervision and office administration Legal Service Scholarship and sponsorship for orphanage children and deprived children

You will be responsible for your flight tickets to Nepal and visa fees are follows: US $25 - 15 days multiple entry touist visa fees US $40 - 30 days multiple entry tourist visa fees US $40 - per month thereafter, for a maxium of 5 months of stay Any time you spend in Nepal outside the duration of your training and placement and any trips or activities you arrange in your spare time you will have to pay for yourself, although we can help you to plan these. Program fees don't include: Visa/Visa extension fee Traveling and other expenses out of the placement during weekends Air Tickets (Domestic/International) Airport departure Tax from Nepal( About $30 US dollars) Insurance (Health/Accident) Laundry service Bar Bills Telephone Calls (Domestic/International) The program fees can be paid in local currency, or any other foreign currencies which can be exchanged in Nepal, like US Dollar, Euros, Pound Sterling, Swiss Frank, Australian Dollar, Singapore Dollar, Japanese Yen, Canadain Dollar, etc. Full payment should be paid at the registration period, upon arrival at Kathmandu. Refund and Cancellation policy: The Registration fee is nonrefundable. 1 to 4 weeks placements is non refundable Afterwards, 50 % is refundable if you want to cancel before starting the program We can also arrange the change in your placement upon your interests, but only after first 4 weeks. If you want to change your placement after the first 4 weeks, you will be charged extra 25 US Dollars for this purpose. Posted by Volunteer and Learn Nepal at 10:04 AM Posted by Volunteer and Learn Nepal at 10:03 AM

General Information Tourist Visa Information: A tourist visa is valid for up to 150 days of a year from the date of issue. For more information about visas, please contact the Nepali embassy in your country. 15 days Multiple entry - US$25 30 days visa fees Multiple entry - US$40 100 days Muntiple entry - US$100

Likewise, the government has also revised fee required to extend days of stay and visa renewal. As per the revise fee structure, Tourist Visa can be extended by paying US$ 2 or equivalent Nepalese currency per day. Likewise, Multiple Entry facility can be obtained only for the extension period by additional US$ 20 and visa fee for the extended period.Similarly, tourists can renew their visa by paying Nepalese currency equivalent to US$ 3 on the regular visa extension fee.Please use this link for more information about visas to Nepal http://www.immi.gov.np. Embassies: You might want to register with your embassy whilst in Nepal - give them VLN's details as your contact address in Nepal so that they will always be able to contact you through us. For more details please use this link: http://www.tourism.gov.np/neplese_mission.php Length of stay: We require you to work with us for a minimum of one week. The amount of time you are able to give has a direct impact on what you will be able to achieve and the amount you will get out of the placement. If you are here for longer, there will be more opportunities to explore the country by going trekking, rafting, or on a jungle safari. Health: Several vaccinations are required prior to coming to Nepal, some need a course of treatment before you leave. Visit your nearest traveler's medical centre to discuss your needs. Ensure you have adequate travel insurance. The vaccinations you may need include: Tetanus Diphtheria Polio Hepatitis A & B Typhoid Yellow fever Rabies Tuberculosis Malaria Please consult your doctor before traveling. More information is available from the WHO's (World Health Organization) Travelers health information. Money: Nepali rupees are the local currency. There are about 62 rupees to US$1, approximately 97 rupees to 1 Euro and 125 rupees to a Pound Sterling. There are bank ATM facilities in Kathmandu and Pokhara; US traveler's cheques can be easily changed. Credit cards, though accepted at most places, usually incur 3-4% additional tax. Generally, US$12-18 per day is sufficient for food and accommodation in a budget hotel/lodge. Nepali rupees can be obtained on arrival at Kathmandu airport. Food and Drink: The local staple meal is dal bhat (rice with lentil soup, vegetables, and pickle). On trekking routes and in tourist areas, a variety of western dishes are also served. Drinking tap water is not recommended unless it has been treated with chlorine or iodine tablets which are readily available. Otherwise you can get the water boiled or buy bottled mineral water. Weather: The width of Nepal is only about 200 km on average, but within this short distance the altitude of the land rises from a lowly 60 meters to all the way up to above 8,848meter high. Hence the weather depends upon the altitude of the place in Nepal. However, in general Nepal has four climatic seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. Spring starts from March to May. The temperature of this season fluctuates between 20 °C to 30 °C (68 °F to 86°F). Summer starts from June to August. These are also the pre-monsoon months with occasional eveningthunderstorms and hot temperature. Autumn starts from September and ends by November.

During this period, the climate is dry and mild with temperature fluctuating between 20 °C to 30 °C (68 °F to 86 °F). Winter starts from December to February. The morning and evening are very cold while the afternoon is pretty sunny. The temperature during these months rises from 15 °C to 20 °C (59 °F to 68 °F). Peoples and Cultural Attitudes: Staring at things and people in Nepal is a national pastime, and is something you will have to adjust to. One of most problematic things that you will encounter is the fact that the concept of personal privacy does not exist in Nepal. Also that all your property will be treated as public property by your Nepali friends. Activities: Many volunteers like to try something in addition to volunteering during their time in Nepal. Previous activities have included trekking, rafting, visiting the jungle, bungee jumping, visiting Lumbini and much more. Most activities can be arranged by yourself or you may want to team up with other volunteers. However, if you do want to do an arranged activity, such as Trekking, Jungle Safari, bungee jumping or rafting, there are a couple of companies we would recommend. Organizations will usually offer discounts to volunteers, so make sure you take your volunteering card along to see them. Getting to KathmanduBy Air: Nepal has only one international airport which is in kathmandu. So all international flights and the majority of domestic flight start or terminate here. Although a number of major airlines sell flights to Nepal, most of these do not operate direct flight themselves so most people will arrive via flight from Dubai, Baharain, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Qatar or the India. Among the airlines that fly direct to Nepal are Thai Airways, Qatar Airways, Gulf Air, Austrian Airways, Korean airlines, Korean airlines and Indian Airlines as well as a number of smaller Indian airways. Nepal Airways operate flights to a number or locations although they do not have the best reputation for reliability. Tribhuvan airport is located about 20 minutes from the center of Kathmandu and all volunteers will be met by a VLN representative at the airport. NOTE: Most international flights require confirmation 72 hours before departure. Try and obtain the confirmation telephone number before you go to your placement, so that wherever you are 3 days before you are due to leave you can easily confirm that you still have a seat. Overland: Volunteers occasionally arrive in Nepal overland after traveling in either India or Tibet. It's possible to arrive in Kathmandu by bus, or sometimes a combination of bus and train from Delhi, Varanasi, Kolkata and Darjeeling among other places in India and also from Tibet. The majority of buses arrive at the city bus station in Kathmandu although arrival times can obviously vary dramatically so we will arrange arrival information with you once you have booked. Meeting Volunteers: You will be met outside the airport terminal by a VLN representative holding a placard with your name on it who will then take you to your guest house. Please provide us your flight information as soon as possible so that a punctual pick-up can be arranged. If you are planning to arrive by bus let us know when and what time you are arriving in Kathmandu. Just incase give us a call. Volunteer's Work: The number of hours worked by volunteers will depend upon the area of volunteer work. The Nepali work week falls from Sunday - Friday with Saturday being the only day off. Volunteers work from 3-5 hours per day with the opportunity to work more if you choose. Times for each placement vary, when working in children's homes or at the monastery you will teach and help them in the morning before school and for a few hours after school. Hours are approximately 6:30-9am and 5:30-7:30pm. However these are just approximations, as we try and tailor your hours to the needs of the children. Accommodation: Volunteers either stay at a home with local families or if working in an

orphanage they often stay in the orphanage and volunteers working at monastery stay at the monastery. Nepali people are extremely hospitable and volunteers will be well looked after however the accommodation will be typically Nepali and therefore basic by Western standards. Toilets and showers are usually Nepali style and the electricity supply in many places can be unreliable. Most of our home stay families have lots of previous experience in looking after volunteers. Volunteers staying in orphanages or at the monastery are given their own room within the orphanage. Program Fee: The program fee should be paid to us upon your arrival in Kathmandu. If you would like to transfer money in to our bank account we will email you bank details. Application Process: Our application process typically takes two or three days, but can be speeded up if there is a need for that. When we get the "application" from you, we will send confirmation email to you. Letter of appreciation: Once you finish your placement, you will get a VLN's letter of appreciation stating the time and place you have worked. Internet: Kathmandu has plenty of internet cafes, all of which charge the same kinds of rates. When you first arrive in Kathmandu, you'll probably be shocked at the slowness of the internet here. Get used to it. Once you leave Kathmandu things get slower and slower and taking an hour to open your inbox will become a regular occurrence. That's before you think about things such as electricity cuts and telephone line failures. By the time you return to Kathmandu, you'll be amazed at the speed of the internet there and when you return home you won't quite believe how fast you can send emails! Whilst in Kathmandu take advantage of the better internet to tell people that you may not be able to read emails or reply to emails for weeks at a time and that they shouldn't worry. Maybe also threaten them with dire consequences should they decide to send you attachments - attachments make it almost impossible to do anything with your email. Haggling: Everywhere you go in Nepal you will find yourself haggling, especially once you speak a little Nepali. Practice haggling from day one and always offer less than what the shopkeeper asks. Sightseeing: You'll usually get to see some of the sights in Kathmandu with VLN, but you may want to see some places yourself as well. Try to get your VLN identity card first, as it will help to get you into places such as Swayambu, Durbar Square etc for free when foreigners usually have to pay. Some temples may insist that you remove all leather before entering, so if you have a non leather belt and bag that may be useful. Many places in Kathmandu are so used to tourists that they may not say anything, but out in the regions this may happen more often. Clothes: When you first get here it's tempting to go out and buy yourself a whole new wardrobe simply because it's so cheap. DON'T. It's amazing how many volunteers lose or gain weight during their stay, so wait until you're ready to leave before buying clothes. Shopping: As per clothes, when you first get here it's tempting to buy lots of things due to their low prices. Again, DONT. Once you've spent some time in Nepal and seen the prices outside of Kathmandu, you have a better idea of the kind of prices that you should be paying for thing. In addition, once you speak Nepali it's amazing how much easier it is to get a discount. Wait until the end of your trip when you have a clear idea of what money you have left, and you know what kinds of things you really want to buy. Try and take someone from the office if you want to buy things such as Pashminas or Thangkas as they can help you find better quality items. yak wool

scarves/shawls, incense, jewellery and material. Pashmina, cashmere and Thangkas are more expensive but are still far cheaper than at home. And tailor made clothes are a fantastic bargain in Nepal - perfectly fitting trousers in your favourite material for a few dollars. Books: If you want to read anything whilst in Nepal, you can buy books from several second hand stores in the Thamel area. All of these stores will then buy the book back at 50% of what you paid, and they will also buy books that you brought with you and no longer need. Laundry: There are plenty of places to get your clothes washed in Kathmandu. Most places charge by the piece. Posted by Volunteer and Learn Nepal at 10:02 AM

Frequently Asked Questions Why do I have to pay a registration fee? The registration fees goes towards the running of the organization (office space, staff, computers, email/internet, stationery, etc.). VLN has a central office in Kathmandu and a branch office in Chitwan. What kind of volunteers is VLN looking for? VLN has worked with other volunteer organizations, community schools, women groups, farmers co-operatives, clubs, youth groups and individuals. You do not need any specialized training to work with us. We will provide you with appropriate orientation and training for your prospective program, although experience in teaching, organic agriculture, health work, social mobilization or environmental project can be advantage. When should I arrive in Nepal? We are very flexible and as such you can arrive at a date which is best suited to your needs. You are welcome to arrive a few days earlier than the start of your program. Our representative will meet you at the airport holding a sign with your name. He will take you to the hotel. We can arrange your accommodation if you arrive a couple of days earlier, but you will need to pay the costs for the extra time yourself, and for any non-VLN activities. In some cases, the dates of your program can be adapted if you contact us. Do I meet any VLN staff at the airport? Yes, one of our representatives will meet you at the airport to pick you up holding a sign with your name and take you to the hotel.

Where will I be staying during my training period? During your training period, you will stay at Guest House and Homestay (that will be walking distance from the office) in Kathmandu. How much money do I need? If you prefer to come before starting the progrram, you can get a room for $5- $8 a night, regular food for about $4 to $8 a day, internet access for about $1 per hour, laundry for about $3 for a medium-sized of load (they charge by the item). Transportation is relatively inexpensive too. We recommend that you purchase the Lonely Planet guide to Nepal. The travel guide for Nepal will help you estimate how much money you may need.(Remember that you need money for your visa and your flight tickets as well.) What kinds of thing do I need to bring with me? Sleeping bag Warm clothes (during winter months) Sun cream Mosquito net/repellent Water purification tablets and water filter Flashlight First aid kit Any other personal items which you might need What other useful items can I bring with me? Children's books and other goods Stationary and sport materials National flag, local currency, stamps Your photo albums Any other things which you might consider useful for VLN and its programs Is there age limit in program? Yes, the prospective volunteers should be at least 18 years old. What types of immunization/ vaccines do I need before coming to Nepal? Tetanus Diphtheria Polio Hepatitis A & B

Typhoid Rabies Tuberculosis Malaria(But first consult with doctor) Do I need any travel medical and accident insurance? Yes, we highly recommend that you have travel medical and accident insurance. Does VLN pay for my trekking and other activities? No, these are non-VLN activities so you need to pay for them yourself. However, we can organize and recommend some trekking, rafting, travel agencies who will help you to arrange these activities. Is Nepal safe? Nepal is the land of Buddha. A couple of years ago it was one of the most peaceful places on the earth but these days because of political unbalance crime is increasing and there is some violence but, unlike many developing countries, Nepal is quite safe. Every year hundreds of thousands of tourist visit Nepal. These days the situation is getting better. What's the weather like in the placement areas? Nepal's climate is seasonally changeable and different in different regions. Geographically Nepal is divided into three parts. The mountain region of Nepal is very cold in winter while the mid-hill region (Kathmandu and Pokhara) and midterai region (Chitwan) have different climate in different seasons. The weather is cold from December to March, humid and quite hot in the summer. The spring and fall are cool and pleasant. Please bring your winter clothes if you are coming in November, December, January, February and summer clothes for the rest of the months. We advise female volunteers not to wear short skirts in villages, and male volunteers not to wear shorts. It is traditional for Nepali people dress modestly and for girls to cover most of their body. Emergency contact In case you miss our representative at the airport or if your flight schedule changes suddenly, please give us a call on 9849056230, 9841787136 or 9841538578. If you dial from outside of Nepal, please dial the country code 977 before making the call.