Description

Nepal is a small yet culturally rich country with a long history; it is an amazing Himalayan country with spectacular wildlife and scenery. Nepal is famous for being home to some of the highest mountains in the world including Mt. Everest. With its melting pot of Hindu, Buddhist and traditional culture and customs, Nepal has long been a destination of choice for those seeking adventure and excitement! Despite its appearance as a Himalayan Shangri-La, and the friendly and peaceful attitude of its people, social and economic issues continue to plague Nepal. Approximately 40% of the population lives in poverty and the majority of Nepalis are subsistence farmers. Our volunteers in Nepal are welcomed in local communities to assist with social challenges and to engage in cross-cultural learning and dialogue.

United Planet's Volunteer Abroad Quest program offers signature pre-departure and in-country training, personal volunteer support, meaningful volunteer opportunities, diverse cultural and learning activities, local excursions, a strong host family network, and much more.

Highlights

United Planet Short-term Quest (1-12 weeks) offers 16 destinations in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and Middle East. Volunteers can choose a project from a wide range of projects, such as: orphanage care, teaching English, environmental work, healthcare and more. You will be 100% immersed in the local culture though cultural activities, excursions, and host family stays. You will also be supporting essential community development work.

Long-term Volunteer Quests are available for 6 months and 1 year. Volunteers receive personal and customized support and take part in intensive pre-departure training and in-country orientations as well as mid-year and final year camps with other volunteers from all over the world. You do not need any specific skills or language abilities to take part. You will attain new skills, competencies, and broadened global perspectives through your involvement in the long-term Quest program!

As a long-term volunteer, you will have the exciting opportunity to gain an even deeper understanding and appreciation of a foreign land and culture through service, language and inter-cultural training, cultural learning activities, and exploration.

United Planet is the proud US and Canadian partner within the International Cultural Youth Exchange (ICYE) Federation, the oldest long-term volunteering federation in the world. With over 60 years of experience, the ICYE Federation has a proven track record and upholds the highest standards for excellence in serving both the volunteers and the communities involved.

There are many interesting destinations both in developed and developing countries. You can support children in communities throughout France and Italy; assist in agricultural, environmental, and community projects in New Zealand, Nepal, and India; help with AIDS/HIV programs in Uganda, Russia, Nigeria, or assist in human rights issues in Brazil, Bolivia, Mozambique, and Lithuania. These are just a few of the many opportunities that we offer!

United Planet is committed to the accessibility of programs for all. For less than the cost of living independently in many of our program countries, you can participate in a fully supported and well-structured international voluntary exchange program with over 60 years of experience. We hope that you will recognize and take advantage of this special opportunity.

Nepal:

Nepal is famous for its natural beauty and culture, United Planet offers different volunteering opportunities within the capital city Kathmandu. This is a unique opportunity to do meaningful volunteer work while you immerse yourself in the culture of this fascinating country.

* Orphanage Quests: The orphanages offer a worthwhile volunteer experience. The orphanages are always in need of help. There are 47 children at the orphanage, ranging in age from four months to 13 years old. Currently, over 30 of the children are infants which the staff need help looking after and tending to their basic needs. Volunteers can also help the older children with educational activities such as arts and crafts, helping with home work and basic English teaching

* Teaching Quests: Volunteers are needed to teach at local schools in various areas of Nepal. Volunteers teach their own class or assist a local teacher in a range of subjects such as English, Math and Science and also less traditional subjects such as public speaking and money management.

* Village School Quest: Volunteers are placed in schools in rural villages around the Himalayas to teach English, math, science and other subjects schools need. No language skills needed. However, volunteers with previous international travel and volunteering experience preferred due to the remoteness of these locations. Volunteers are placed with local host families.

* Counseling Center Support Quest: Female volunteers are needed to help at a counseling center in Kathmandu. The center is run by women, and counsels young children who have been victims of abuse. The children can live at the counseling center for up to a year while they receive counseling. Volunteers can live and work at the center and help take care of the girls, giving them love and attention and helping them with homework. For experienced volunteers, there is also the option of working on community workshops educating local communities on many topics from parenting to the effects of abuse. No experience or language skills are necessary but volunteers with a background in social work, health education, or teaching are appreciated.

Qualifications

None

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Food
• Housing

Program Fees Include:

* Host Family or Guest House accommodations
* Devoted support from the United Planet team
* Travel insurance
* Pre-departure training
* Transfers to and from airport in Kathmandu
* Orientation, mid-Quest check-in, final evaluation
* Diverse cultural and learning opportunities
* Historical, cultural and recreational excursions
* Global Caring Award upon successful Quest completion
* United Planet t-shirt or hoodie sweatshirt

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

People of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to join us. We are extremely proud of our international volunteers. Each and every volunteer strives to be a good ambassador through their flexibility, courage, open-mindedness, positive spirit, and genuine desire to make a difference. To help prepare you for the predictable and unpredictable aspects of your time abroad, you will be offered comprehensive pre-departure training and in-country orientations, as well as personal support from our Program Coordinators. We will work with you to help you gain the tools you need for a fun, safe and successful volunteer abroad experience.

Age Range

18+

This Program is open to

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

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Phone/Video Interview
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

24hours

United Planet's Mission Statement

As an international non-profit organization, United Planet (UP) strives to create a world in which all people understand, respect, and support one another. United Planet's global network of leaders and volunteers fosters cross-cultural understanding and addresses shared challenges to unite the world in a community beyond borders. In 2008, United Planet was one of only ten organizations selected by CNN to be part of its "Be the Change" initiative.

Year Founded

2001