FAQ’s–
Frequently Asked Questions for Volunteer Programme
PEPNepal wants to help you make the best choices for your volunteer experience abroad. So here we provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. If you have any other questions please email us. We aim to answer all emails within 48 hours.
Who should apply?
What age ranges take part in these projects?
Volunteers are welcome between the ages of 18 to 60. The majority of our volunteers are between 18 and 35 years old, but we have many volunteers of different ages.
Which nationalities take part in the projects?
Our volunteers come from all over the world. We have volunteers from all over the world with the majority coming from the USA, UK, Australia and New Zealand. We also have volunteers from France, Denmark, Finland, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Ireland and other countries.
What qualifications do I need?
No specific qualification is necessary. Volunteers are expected to be flexible and patient as well as possess a passion and love to all.
Do I need the local language?
Most volunteers do not speak the local language. It is an advantage to learn a few basic phrases but it is certainly not necessary.
What makes a good Volunteer?
PEP Nepal does not ask for any formal qualifications from our volunteers. All we ask is that you have a genuine desire to help people and are committed to seeing the program through. A positive and flexible attitude will also help you to get the most out of your stay in Nepal.
If you are applying to teach English, a strong command of the English language is a necessity. Similarly, if you are interested in volunteering at a Health Post, some prior medical experience and first aid skills would be useful. If you are applying to teach computers at the Resource Center, to the environmental awareness program, or income generation program, you should possess the skills and knowledge necessary to work within these programs.
The following attributes will help you get the most from your experience, regardless of the program!
•Discipline
•Patience
•Positivity
•Independence
•Understanding
•Good problem-solving skills.
•Sense of humor/ ability to laugh at yourself
•Tolerance
•Willingness to share
•Flexibility
•Self-motivation
•Open mindedness
•Enthusiasm to learn about new cultures
Costs
What are the costs for volunteers?
PEP Nepal charges a one off registration fee of $50 for arranging the placement. This is a flat fee regardless of length of placement. Volunteers will pay the host family directly for meals and accommodation. This will be charged at local prices.
If one would like to make additional donation please do this directly to the hospitals, Communities development and for any prospective PEPNepal project.
Are there any hidden charges?
No. PEP Nepal does not believe in charging our volunteers extortionate placement fees. Our interest is in helping communities and those interested in Nepal by matching enthusiastic volunteers to suitable projects.
What will I have to pay for during my stay?
- Meals and accommodation during placement (charged at local price)
- Transportation costs in Nepal
- Flights to/from Nepal
- Incidentals (i.e. snacks and drinks) during training programme
- Leisure time activities (trekking, whitewater rafting, bungee jumping etc)
- Visa
How much money should I bring with me?
It's difficult to give an exact amount of money that you should bring. Costs will vary according to how you spend your leisure time. Living in the village is very cheap as your meals and accommodation will be charged at local cost. Transport on local buses is also very cheap. We recommend purchasing one of that travel guides, such as the Lonely Planet for Nepal to help you estimate how much money you may need.
What happens if I have to cancel?
If you have to cancel we will retain your $50 fee to cover expenses incurred. This will help us to support future PEP Nepal work. If you want to cancel then please inform PEPNepal as early as you can, so that we can make all necessary arrangements with the community.
Placements
How are placements selected?
Placements are decided based upon program vacancy and volunteer's skills. We try to take into account any special preferences / needs of the volunteers. If you have any preferences, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can endeavor to accommodate them. You placement village will be finalized during the orientation class.
Can I be placed with a friend?
Yes, we can organize your program and accommodation together with your friend.
When can I start?
With some programs you can start on any date of your choice throughout the year, with some programs you can start weekly, checkout the Volunteer program page details.
When should I apply?
Try to apply as far ahead as possible. This will help us to locate a placement which matches your skills and preferences.
Where will my placement be?
Currently, we are sending volunteers to villages within the rural areas around Pokhara, Kathmandu & Chitwan nearest village & some rural areas.
How is the placement length calculated?
The length of placement varies according to the programme. Please see the programme outline page for minimum timings for each programme.
Is there a training program?
Yes, depending on your length of stay, you will receive up to 1 week of cultural and language training from PEP Nepal staff.
Where will I stay during the training period?
With the Nepali families & home stay on walking distant from the project area; . [at guest houses in Kathmandu during training and with families during placements.
Does a PEP Nepal staff person stay in the village with me during my placement?
No, but each village has a local "point person" to assist the volunteer with any issues that may arise in the village. If there is a problem that he or she cannot resolve, then will contact an PEP Nepal staff person to provide assistance.
During the placement PEPNepal staff provide site visits (the number determined by your length of stay), and regular 'check-ins' by phone.
What happens if I decide to return home before the placement is completed?
We are flexible about this. Just keep us informed of any changes to your schedule.
How can family contact me during my placement?
It is easy to purchase a Nepali sim card for your mobile. There is good coverage in most parts of Nepal. During placements your host family may or may not have a telephone within their home. Most villages will have one phone that can accept incoming and outgoing international calls. In addition, most placements are within an hour’s travel to a major city that provides email/internet and/or international phone service.
In case of an emergency, your family/ friends may contract, PEP Nepal. We will do ourbest to get a message to the individual as quickly as possible.
Coming to Nepal - Practicalities
When should I arrive?
Volunteers must arrive in Kathmandu at least 3 days before the training program starts.
Will I be picked up at the airport?
If you request we will meet you at the airport and take you to your guesthouse. You will however have to bear the cost. If you would like to be picked up please provide us your flight information as soon as possible so that a punctual pick-up can be assured.
Will I need a visa?
Yes. You can get visa from 1 week to 3 month on arrival in Nepal. The costs are xxx. For visa information see www…..
Do I need travel insurance?
PEP Nepal do not provide insurance, but strongly suggest you are covered during your travels.
What is weather like in Nepal?
The weather depends upon the altitude of the place in Nepal - it ranges from 70m to 8848m! However, in general Nepal has four seasons:
- Spring (March to May). Temperature fluctuates between 20 C to 30 C (68 0F to 86 0F).
- Summer (June to August). The-monsoon months - with occasional evening thunderstorms and hot temperature.
- Autumn (September to November). the climate is dry and mild with temperature fluctuating between 20 C to 30 C (68 0F to 86 0F).
- Winter (December to February). Mornings and evenings are very cold while the afternoon is sunny. Temperaturesrange from 15 C to 20 C (59 0F to 68 0F).
Is there anything I can bring with me that would be useful to your organization?
We would be very grateful for educational books (Grammar, Anything that is not available in Nepal, Some equipment for our youth empowerment project etc.,) illustrated books, English novels and children's books. Also very much appreciated are donations of clothes and stationery.
What should I bring for my host family?
The Nepali people are very friendly, and giving gifts to the volunteer on the day of their departure is very common. If you would like to bring gifts for your family, below are some suggestions.
• A framed picture of yourself and your Nepali family (you can have this made while in Nepal)
• A small photo album with pictures of you and your family / friends from home.
• A 'coffee table' books of your home town or country.
• Posters, stickers or magazine picture from you country.
• Children's books
• T-shirts (new) from your country.
• Flags
What should I Bring for myself?
This will vary depending on what activities you want to participate in (trekking, white water rafting, etc) and how much you need to be comfortable during your placement. With the exception of medicine, first-aid-kit and high-tech trekking gear, you can buy everything that you would need for your placement in Kathmandu or in Pokhara (likely cheaper than in your home country). Here are a few suggestions:
• Sleeping Bag
• Hiking boots & comfortable sport shoes
• Flip flops (thongs)
• Fleece jacket & Trouser for winter.
• Light - weight cotton clothing
• Waterproof jacket
• Mosquito repellent
• Sun cream sunglasses
What vaccinations should I consider having prior to arrival?
You should consider the following vaccinations, however, please consult your doctor/ local travel clinic for the latest recommendation regarding vaccines and Nepal.
• Diphtheria
• Tetanus
• Polio
• Hepatitis A & B
• Typhoid
• Yellow fever
• Rabies
• Tuberculosis
• Malaria tablets