Description

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Nepal and help protect its environment with our Environmental Awareness Project. Home to eight of the highest mountains in the world (they're still growing!), lush forests and abundant wildlife, Nepal is a nature enthusiasts dream.

But Nepal's natural habitats are under threat. Deforestation and soil erosion has destroyed thousands of hectares in the last few years. Friends for Asia has teamed up with a village-based conservation project in Chitwan to help reverse this worrying trend. The objectives of this project are to:

- Promote environmental awareness and conservation among local children and villages.
- To provide foreign volunteers an opportunity to study and gain new insights into sustainable agriculture, environmental protection and resource management in Nepal.
- To promote community development activities.

Volunteering in Nepal - A Day In The Life

This is the most physically demanding of our Nepal volunteer projects and is a perfect fit for anyone who loves the great outdoors. We have to say that there are few things that compare to a good day's work amid stunning scenery in the fresh mountain air, and this project certainly delivers in that regard. A typical day starts early and most of volunteers' time is spent outdoors working with plants and with the land. Some time may also be spent educating local children about environmental issues and conservation.

Volunteer Tasks and Skills

Our Environmental Awareness Project provides plenty of variety with tasks ranging from physical labor to research and education. Typical tasks include collecting seeds, weeding, trimming and seed collection. However, the work isn't all outdoors. Our volunteers also carry out research and engage in the study of Nepal's endangered plants. There are also plenty opportunities to get involved in the local community. Volunteers make frequent visits to local schools and villagers' homes to promote environmental awareness and conservation.

Volunteer Nepal - Making a Difference
We were particularly excited to form a partnership with this conservation project as we feel it really makes a difference, and our volunteers feel the same. By helping to preserve the natural environment and creating a culture of sustainability among the local villagers, our volunteers make a positive impact in the promotion of environmental conservation. Nepal is without a doubt one of the most beautiful countries in the world. When it comes to protecting its natural environment, every little helps.

Highlights

Volunteering in Nepal offers an experience like no other. Our volunteers live with Nepali families and make a real and lasting difference to the lives of the country's most disadvantaged people.

Nestled among the peaks of the Himalayas, Nepal's stunning beauty and unique culture has made it a must-see destination for travelers and trekkers for years. For those looking to get off the tourist trail and see a different view of life in Nepal, Friends for Asia offers a choice of Nepal volunteer opportunities that enrich the lives of volunteers and locals alike.

Friends for Asia's Nepal volunteers find themselves in all kinds of unique situations and settings. Working with disadvantaged women on the streets of Kathmandu, taking care of kids a Buddhist temple or helping to build schools in the Nepal countryside are just some of the options available. All volunteers stay with Nepali host families and experience the culture, traditions and food of Nepal first-hand.

Volunteering in Nepal is a meaningful, cross-cultural experience where volunteers really make a difference. Nepal is just emerging from decades of political strife and there is a palpable sense that there is now a real opportunity to build a better future for the country. Our volunteers help make this a reality by enriching the lives of thousands of adults and children each year.

Friends for Asia's representatives look after our volunteers for the duration of the project. Volunteers are picked up on arrival at the airport, taken to their project location, and provided with a proper orientation and training for their assignment.

Of course, Friends for Asia realizes that our volunteers will want to get out and explore this amazing country. Volunteers have plenty of time off to do their own thing and see the sights.

Volunteering in Nepal is an experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life with many of our volunteers coming back again and again.

Qualifications

The minimum age requirement for volunteers in the Environmental Awareness Project is 18. No experience or qualifications are required for this project, though it can be physically demanding at times. Nothing too strenuous, but a reasonable level of fitness and strength is required. Besides that, the only things you need to succeed in this project are enthusiasm, motivation and an open mind.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

starts at USD 750 for two weeks

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Registration fees
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Participation in the Environmental Awareness Volunteer Project starts at USD 750 for two weeks. Each additional week is USD 75.

FEE INCLUDES: Airport pick up and drop off, accommodation during orientation and entire project time, 2 day orientation, 10 hours of basic Nepalese language lessons, all meals during project placement, 24/7 assistance support.
FEE DOES NOT INCLUDE: Plane tickets, travel insurance, cost of transportation to and from work location and accommodation.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

An individual who loves to travel, wants to learn more about Nepal and assist Asia in it's development.

Age Range

18 and up

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Independent living

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

2 days

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Friends For Asia's Mission Statement

The mission of Friends For Asia is twofold. We offer an opportunity for people to contribute, in a meaningful way, to the improvement of standards of living by building capacity in our host agencies and we provide committed volunteers to work on projects developed with host agencies that benefit the people of Thailand.

Year Founded

2008