Description

In our village-based projects, volunteers work with local people, stay with host families, exchange ideas with local people, enjoy the natural beauty and culture of Nepal and return home with memories that will last a lifetime. Famous for its majestic Himalayans, beautiful landscape and rich culture, Nepal still is a rural society with the majority of people living below the poverty line. Nepal needs urgent help in many development frontiers. Realizing the importance of community development work at a grass roots level, VIP has been organizing volunteer service projects in different parts of Nepal.

Most programs include: 1 week of orientation and language training, one week home and village stay, 1-4 months of volunteer service and one week of trekking at Annpuruna Trekking Trail (optional).

Highlights

Are you exploring international volunteer service, considering a gap year abroad or looking for a break from your job? Do you want to volunteer abroad and put your experience to work where it will be deeply appreciated? Do you want to put your energy and skills into a very special community service project away from home?

Qualifications

While specialized training is not usually required for VIP, we look for many qualities that make a successful volunteer: maturity, flexibility, common sense, enthusiasm, reliability, and sensitivity. At your host project, your success will depend on teamwork, creative problem solving, patience and openness to other points of view. Your co-workers will expect you to be a dependable, resourceful, motivated contributor who works well with others.

Some specific qualifications usually apply:
* You must be healthy and fit enough to adapt to living and working where host project conditions may be strenuous
* If you are applying to work with minors or others with special needs, background record checks may also be required
* Volunteers interested in joining a health program must have proof of their qualifications and/or experience in the health sector

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Program Fees Include:

Airport pick-up and transfer on arrival, language programme and cultural visits, costs of village home-stay week, transportation to project, home-stay accommodation and food for duration of the programme, in-country support while on project.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Conservation
• English Teaching
• Health
• Social Services, Social Work

Typical Volunteer

Our volunteers are open, flexible, enthusiastic, interested in people and cultures, committed to community service and good team members.

Age Range

18 and older, exept US citizens who must be 19

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Phone/Video Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Resume
• Written Application

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

Volunteers for International Partnership's Mission Statement

Volunteers for International Partnership offers each international volunteer an opportunity to learn a culture from the inside while doing valuable community service, peer to peer, in a stimulating new environment. VIP is committed to: *Careful selection and preparation of the volunteer, host family and Host Organization. *Emphasis on the education and self-awareness gained through international community service and volunteering. *Planning the volunteer's intercultural experience to highlight enrichment from cultural differences. *Full immersion in the host culture through orientation, language training, worksite and housing selection. *Individualization of volunteer placement design to take full advantage of volunteer differences in skill, age, experience and diversity. *Effective evaluation of the experience and the Host Organization. *Strong efforts to enhance the volunteer's social adjustment to regional habits and customs. *Choosing volunteer service projects that are worthwhile, safe, meet the needs of the local community and are conducted responsibly with regard to environmental, social and local issues.