Volunteer Opportunities in Nepal!

Nepal is a spectacular destination where thousands of travelers from across the globe come to enjoy natural serenity and beauty. Nonetheless, Nepal is quite infamous for its poverty-stricken villages and communities where people face many difficulties.

What’s more, many children in Nepal have been orphaned and live miserable lives. Deprived of education, these orphans’ chances for a bright future are scarce. Luckily, there are a few orphanages in Nepal trying to rescue these children, which is why the need for volunteers in Nepalese orphanages is very high right now.

When you join orphanage volunteer program in Nepal, you will get a once in a lifetime opportunity to help children who have lost their parents or who are living a distressful life without any supervision. Your main responsibility in these orphanages will be to make sure that the children are treated well and that they are taken care of.

There are no qualifications required to join this meaningful and life-changing orphanage volunteer program. Love and passion for orphaned children is all you need.

Do you want to make a difference in the lives of orphans? Go to the project page to find pricing and complete information.

There’s no doubt that Nepal is a popular travel destination for vacationers and trek enthusiasts around the world, and this has helped Nepal to develop its tourism sector rapidly. In fact, a large portion of Nepal’s economy now depends on tourism, and most Nepalese are involved in this industry in different ways.

As a result, English has become an essential tool to get a job and improve people's living conditions in rural communities. But many of the public schools in Nepal are not well-equipped with proper teaching materials. Therefore, there are many volunteering opportunities in Nepal for teaching English.

This program is eye-opening and life-changing, as it positively influences the lives of many deserving Nepalese people in remote and rural places. The program also allows you the opportunity to experience a new culture and language. You don’t need to have any previous experience to participate. However, you must have great English communication skills and a deep love and passion for children.

Do you want to help disadvantaged children reach their potential? See the project page to find pricing and complete information.

Nepal is a developing country and its healthcare system is in poor condition due to a lack proper resources and manpower. Many poor communities of this country have no access to hospitals or clinics and thus suffer from treatable or preventable ailments.

By participating in IFRE’s medical volunteer program in Nepal, you will work in local clinics and hospitals in Kathmandu and Chitwan. Based on your skills and qualification, you will shadow local doctors and other medical staff members to treat and look after sick patients.

Do you want to gain valuable medical experience? Visit the project page for the complete information.

IFRE Volunteers offers high-quality dental volunteer program in the breathtaking country of Nepal. Nepal is one of the poorest countries of the world and struggles to provide adequate dental care to its residents. To address this issue, IFRE runs dental care volunteer program in Nepali hospitals, where volunteers spend a substantial amount of time closely observing experienced dentists and specialists. This hands-on experience includes watching dental procedures and surgeries, learning techniques, and gaining insights into patient interactions.

Do you want to gain valuable Detnal experience? Visit the project page for the complete information.

Buddhism is widespread in Nepal, as this is the birthplace of Lord Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. You can find many important Buddhist monasteries and stupas in Nepal, which are considered important heritage sites by Buddhists. While the majority of Nepal’s population follows Hinduism, there is a significant Buddhist influence thanks to the presence of several reputed Buddhist organizations and institutions.

This volunteer program in Nepal is perfect for those who are interested in learning about Buddhism and teaching English to monks. When joining IFRE’s volunteer program to teach young Buddhist monks in Nepal you will get the chance to teach while being immersed in Buddhist culture and tradition. You will mainly work as an English instructor in a local Buddhist monastery in Kathmandu or in the local school of Tibetan Children’s Village.

Do you want to learn about Buddhism and make a difference teaching? Visit the program page for more details.

This project is perfect for those who want to work with a professional photojournalist and sharpen their photography skills while learning about the Nepalese culture and language. There are countless subjects to photograph and film just in the Kathmandu Valley alone. From historic royal palaces to monumental heritage sites, you will have an abundance of natural landscapes and sceneries to capture in photographs while traveling in Nepal.

IFRE’s photojournalism volunteer program in Nepal is a once in a lifetime opportunity for those looking to build a career as photojournalists. You will enhance your skills, travel to stunning places and gain a broad knowledge that will propel your development as an expert photojournalist. You can take part in celebrations and experience the cultural beauty of Nepal during its festivals.

This volunteer project will allow you to document Nepal’s iconic and fascinating customs. You must be able to work in a fast-paced atmosphere and, at the very least, know the basic concepts of modern photojournalism in order to join this project.

Want to see amazing places and improve your photography? Visit the detailed program page for the full information.

Home to the Himalayas, Nepal is one of the most diverse and stunning travel destinations in the world. Nepal has everything from incredible cultural heritage sites to rare flora, vibrant festivals, lush green forests, valleys, lovely remote mountain villages and fauna unique to its geography.

Spending a few weeks in this country as part of IFRE’s summer and adventure volunteer program in Nepal is the perfect way to use your summer vacation time: you will get to see breathtaking mountain peaks and give back to the community that will host you.

You can immerse yourself in this country's enigmatic culture and customs while working in an orphanage located in Kathmandu city. This volunteer program gives you the opportunity to teach orphaned children the basics of English with the hope of leading them towards a brighter future.

You will also get to explore Nepal and engage in a short trekking experience in the western region. You can visit touristic bazaars in Thamel, hike the beautiful surroundings of the Kathmandu Valley, and learn about Nepalese people and their lifestyle.

Do you want to spend a summer making a difference in Nepal? Visit the program page for more details.

Are you hoping to learn more about the unique culture of Nepal? Perhaps you would like to learn a bit of the local language to allow you to connect on a deeper level with the people you are volunteering to help.

Our weeklong intensive language and cultural immersion program includes language training, lessons on history, culture, ways of life, visits to local villages/towns/markets, guided Kathmandu exploration and local tourist attractions. This IFRE program aims to submerge you in Nepali culture, history and way of life to vastly improve your time as a volunteer in Nepal.

Do you want to thoroughly prepare yourself for your volunteering in Nepal? Follow the link for more details.

To which airport do I need to fly?

As a small landlocked country, Nepal's flying options are quite simple. There is only one international airport in Nepal, Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu.

Do you organize airport pick-up?

Yes, we do arrange for your airport pick-up upon arrival for the volunteering in Nepal programs. With prior trip information, our airport representative will meet you at the arrival gate and safely transport you to your respective destination.

What happens if I miss a flight or arrive late?

No need to worry about that. If you miss the scheduled flight or your arrival is delayed, the necessary adjustments will be made. You will be provided with the contact information in your placement packet. Please contact us as soon as possible so that we can arrange for a new pick-up time. At all times, we make sure that your volunteer experience goes smoothly without too much hassle.

Who will come to pick me up? How do I recognize the person at the airport?

You will have provided your flight information to us prior to your departure, and we will arrange for our representative to be waiting for you at the arrival gate holding a sign with your name on it, so you will easily be able to recognize them. We will also give you his or her contact information in case you are unable to locate the representative when you come out of the gate, so you needn’t worry about connecting with them.

If my assignment begins on Monday, when should I arrive? If I want to arrive earlier than the day that my assignment begins, where do I stay and who will organize the accommodations? Does it cost me extra?

It is always advisable to arrive early if possible. Therefore, we suggest you arrive one day prior to the beginning of the program. All our programs start on Monday. You can arrive on Sunday and rest for the day and then begin the project the next day in a better physical and mental state. You can stay at our hostel, which costs $30 for each additional day for food and accommodation.

Who will bring me to the airport for my departure?

Your departure, as well as your arrival, will be taken care of by us. On these affordable volunteering programs in Nepal, we arrange for transportation to the airport following the completion of your project. You will be safely escorted to the airport and through to your departure gate by our assigned representative.

What do I need prior to departure from my home country?

You should pack all your necessary documents: passport, copy of passport, and at least one other form of picture ID. Prepare yourself financially to cover unforeseen expenses. It is wise to budget around $30-75 USD per week for extra expenses and travel to your project each day. Prepare your mind and spirit. Get informed about your host county/city, study the culture and language(s), and learn about food and customs.

Where are the projects located?

The volunteer opportunities in Nepal are primarily located in the cities of Kathmandu, Chitwan and Pokhara. Kathmandu, the capital city, is an amazing place to travel and volunteer. While volunteering in Kathmandu, Nepal, you will get an opportunity to serve underprivileged communities and simultaneously marvel at medieval temples, fascinating cultures, historical landmarks and much more.

By contrast, Chitwan is perfect for experiencing the diverse jungle life. You can visit the Chitwan National Park and get a closer look at the wild inhabitants of the park.

Pokhara is a natural paradise of Nepal, home to tranquil lakes, Sarangkot, Devi Falls and many more places of significance.

Is there any minimum or maximum stay? Can I extend my stay if I choose to?

You can stay for a minimum of one week to a maximum of 12 weeks in Nepal. To stay on longer in the country of Nepal, you have to acquire an additional tourist visa. You will be granted 150 days extra within a calendar year. If you purchase a special visa, you can stay up to 180 days, but it costs 160 USD (this provision is applicable for US citizens only)

Will I have enough time to travel after work and during the weekend?

Yes! You will get sufficient time to travel after work at your Nepal volunteer program and during the weekend. During your spare time, visiting historical landmarks, monuments, and museums in Kathmandu is ideal. Alternatively, you can opt for river rafting, trekking in the majestic Himalayan Mountains, observing elephants in the wild, or you can find spiritual peace at Lumbini, the birth place of Lord Buddha!.

Who will guide or support me in the project?

IFRE’s in-country Coordinator and other staff members will be responsible for giving you guidance and support during your volunteer experience abroad.

Can I change projects if I do not like the one that I chose?

99% of our volunteers are happy with most of our projects. However, if you are not satisfied with your choice, you might be able to change the project while volunteering in Nepal. It will largely depend upon the availability, type, and needs of the project. Reach out to your in-country coordinator to discuss this possibility.

Can I work in more than one volunteer project?

Depending on the proximity of another project, you may be able to choose to work in more than one volunteer project at a time. However, you will need to be aware that this will be incredibly challenging. Each project will require a minimum of four to five hours of work daily, so to take on two projects at once can be exhausting. A better choice might be to split your travel time between two projects so you can devote yourself fully to each while you are there.

What is the minimum age to take part in these projects?

To volunteer in Nepal on your own you need to be at least 18 years of age. However, if you are under 18 you can join the project with your parents’ consent. In some cases, we can accept minors whose parent/guardian is willing to submit their written consent.

Who manages the volunteer projects in Nepal?

IFRE’s in-country Coordinator is responsible for managing all of the projects there. He is solely authorized to allocate the project as per the qualification, skills, and interests of the applicants.

Will I receive training before the start of the project?

Yes. An orientation program will be organized upon arrival and before starting your Nepal volunteer work. This orientation program will be guided by our in-country coordinator and field staff. You will get familiar with our representative and get accustomed to the Nepalese customs, cultures and etiquettes at a fair pace.

Is there a dress code in the project?

Volunteers are expected to dress in a conservative manner during their assignments. Miniskirts and tank tops are considered inappropriate in Nepal. Remember to consider and respect the religious beliefs of the country. Due to Nepal’s conservative nature, revealing outfits are most often unacceptable. Kissing and hugging in public places are also regarded as improper activities. Following these conventions will help you to respect the culture of the country you are visiting.

Why pay to volunteer abroad in Nepal?

Generally, volunteer organizations do not get any funding from the government and are entirely dependent on the program fees that you pay to support their programs. Your money is vital to cover the expenses of office maintenance, rent, salary, and other expenses.

Why are IFRE’s fees so much more affordable than other volunteer organizations?

IFRE does not operate for profit and has low overhead; it is here to provide meaningful programs to volunteers at an affordable price. Therefore, the prices offered are always affordable (50% to 75% more affordable than other organizations). IFRE remains devoted to maintaining both the high quality of our programs as well as the safety of all volunteers at the lowest of prices.

Can I get help to raise funds?

Yes, we help volunteers to raise funds for their volunteer trips to Nepal by sending supporting documents. You can raise volunteering funds through various campaigns such as GoFundMe, GivingFund or so on. You can also ask for donations from different organizations and volunteering-related campaigns, among others.

For further readings:

Cost /money matter

Why to pay for volunteer abroad

How to reduce the cost of volunteer abroad

Pay fee directly to host family

Is it safe to travel to Nepal?

Yes, by all means, Nepal is a safe country to travel in. We provide support to our volunteers from the time of their arrival through to the end of the project to ensure that they are safe. Your safety is our paramount concern.

What safety measures should I take?

During orientation, prior to the start of your volunteer experience in Nepal, we inform you about the safety measures, project sites, local etiquette and culture, and various do's and don’ts to make your volunteering stay comfortable and productive. You should also exercise general precautions as you would when traveling anywhere, such as not carrying large quantities of cash on your person, not walking alone at night, etc.

What happens if I get sick?

You don’t need to worry at all. Your health will be closely assessed and monitored. If you get sick, our in-house coordinator and support staff will do what is necessary to take care of you and bring you to a clinic or hospital if needed.

Why must I get travel insurance before beginning my volunteer trip?

IFRE requires all volunteers obtain reliable travel insurance prior to leaving for your volunteer work abroad in Nepal or IFRE can purchase a comprehensive travel insurance in a affordable cost.

This gives you a safety cushion should something happen to you. You will feel more protected in case your trip is cancelled, if you need medical attention, if you need to return home, if you become seriously ill, if your belongings are stolen or if you have any kind of accident. IFRE can help you obtain your policy.

Do I need to get vaccinated?

Yes, you will need to be up to date on certain vaccines. We advise you to use the Center for Disease Control traveler's health recommendations The main recommended vaccinations for Nepal are Hepatitis A and B, and Typhoid. For your personal health precautions and extra safety, you can also consider vaccinations for Japanese Encephalitis depending on your travel plans. Make sure you are also up to date on your routine vaccinations. Talk to your doctor about your vaccination needs.

What are the principle health risks for volunteering in Nepal?

The principle health risks for volunteers in Nepal are traveler’s diarrhea, illness or parasites derived from unsafe drinking water, and hepatitis A & B. Avoid street dogs and other animals. Never drink tap water, and exercise caution when eating food from street vendors or other questionable sources. Traffic can be quite hectic, and accidents are common, particularly in the frenetic streets of Kathmandu. Exercise caution when navigating roadways, and only use reliable and safe forms of public transportation

For further readings:

Vaccination

Volunteer Health and Safety

Do I need a visa to volunteer and travel in Nepal?

Yes, you need to obtain a tourist visa to travel in Nepal. You can contact your local Nepal embassy to learn more about the procedures to obtain a visa, the visa fees, visa extensions, and more.

How do I apply for the visa?

Applying for a visa to volunteer in Nepal is an easy procedure. Depending on your nationality, you may be able to apply for a visa upon arrival at the airport, you can request 15,30,60 and 90 days visa In this case, you just need to fill out a form that is provided to you upon arrival at the airport in Nepal. Upon completion of the form, you can give it to the immigration officer. After scrutinizing it, the officer will grant you a tourist visa.

You can also apply for the visa well in advance depending on your interest and time; you can apply for it through the Nepalese Embassy or Consulate located in your home country. Do your research online to see what the requirements are for travelers coming from your home country.

Can I extend my visa while I am in the country? Can you help me with this?

Yes, you can always extend your visa while in Nepal and stay 150 days in one calendar year. We can help you to extend your visa. You can get a 90-day visa at the airport upon arrival, and you can prolong it for two months as per your desire. However, to extend your visa, you will have to go to the Immigration office located in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

How do I contact IFRE’s local coordinator?

You can reach the country coordinator by phone or email while participating in volunteer programs in Nepal.

How can I communicate with my family from Nepal?

You can always be in touch with your friends and family back home via WhatsApp, viber, MSN messenger, local phones that are readily available.

Can I use my phone?

Yes, it is always handy and wise to carry your own phone. If you have your own phone, you can buy a local SIM card and use it. This will save your time and money during your travels in Nepal. Make sure you will unlock you phone to use international SIM card

Can I buy a SIM card in Nepal?

Yes, you can always purchase a SIM card during your Nepal volunteer program journey. However, to purchase the SIM card you need to submit the copies of your passport and visa as an identity proof. NTC and NCELL are two of the most popular companies that provide quality SIM cards for communicating worldwide.

How can I get/purchase internet?

Internet may be available at your project site, or you can purchase a SIM card and data pack to access the internet using your mobile phone.

Is there internet available everywhere?

You will find internet facilities available for communicating in all our project locations in the cities. However, if you are placed in a homestay facility, your internet access will depend upon the availability of the internet service acquired by the host. Alternatively, you can make use of the local SIM card or mobile data to access the internet while volunteering in Nepal.

What do I need to bring?

What you will choose to bring on your trip will vary depending on the season, the type of project you are volunteering at, etc. Bedding will be provided, but if you feel a sleeping bag is needed you are welcome to bring it along. Make sure you have packed your passport, visa, and proof of your health insurance policy, along with communication devices and any toiletries or amenities you will need for own comfort. Pack comfortable, modest clothing.

For further readings:

Packing Tips

We hope this has addressed your questions and concerns regarding a volunteer abroad experience in Nepal with IFRE. Deciding to travel internationally and dedicate yourself to an important humanitarian cause is a big undertaking, and we are here to help guide and support you every step of the way to ensure you have the safest and most affordable experience possible. Contact us today to get started on your meaningful adventure!