Volunteer and Teach English in Nepal

Scotia and Emma kept me well informed prior to going to my placement and the orienteering day was very well run. I am so grateful that they were able to organise this for me and my experience with these incredible ladies (and 1 man) will stick with me forever (and has certainly sparked a desire to do more volunteering overseas in future).

Prior to flying to Nepal, the event team provides all the necessary information to ensure the experience goes smoothly. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend IVHQ if you are considering volunteering abroad. This was my first time as a solo traveller and I was there for 3 weeks. I was an amazing experience staying with a local family. Very accommodating and although facilities are very basic it was comfortable and homely. Wonderful home cooked food and a lovely welcome to eat with the family.

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Volunteering in Nepal was transformative. I taught English to older women which was a very rewarding experience. Accomodation at local host families gave us a chance to better immerse in their rich culture. Coordinators ensured safety and support throughout my stay there.

IVHQ provided a lot of general information through the website and group video call with the Program Manager. Plus the Program Manager answered any queries I had. The local team was friendly and available to answer any queries. They seemed really knowledgeable and if one member did not have an answer to a question they were able to communicate with someone who did. This experience has opened my eyes to a beautiful country with culture different to what I have grown up with. Also making me aware of the everyday and larger struggles faced by Nepali people and children as well as the joy they contain despite that. It has made me feel empowered and confident in the belief that my actions can have a positive effect on others in whatever capacity. Also solidifying my plans in the future to work in the education sector. All while contributing to the building of my resilience in the face of challenges. For anyone hesitant about joining the program, know you can ask your program manager any questions you have. Also do your own personal research on the placement. This will help you be more aware of what volunteering abroad is like and help to manage your expectations of the experience. Also be open-minded in your approach to becoming closely integrated into a new culture.

The local team have been absolutely amazing - you can contact them any time with anything. They will make all arrangements no matter what your needs are. I was truly blessed, loved my home stay family. You are treated like family from the minute you arrive. I will miss the family. The women at the centre taught me a lot. They are so grateful to you for spending time to help them. I had so much fun together! Lots of learning but with fun and laughter. I went over thinking I was too old at 57 doing this. How wrong could I be. I have met so many wonderful friends from all over the world. Came away as part of a whole new family. I would say to anyone to go with no expectations and go with the flow. Not to worry as if you have any problems or just need help with little things the support you get from the host family and local team is amazing.

The local team was always helpful, kind, and supportive! The children and teachers at the school were terrific! They welcomed us with open arms and gave us a once and a lifetime opportunity to significantly impact their education. It was a true Homestay - I felt a part of the family. We celebrated birthdays, weekend getaways, and many meals together. They were always kind and helpful. The family was so generous with their food. "Kitchen was open 24 hours!" Filtered water was provided, which reduced the carbon footprint of bottled water. The "dal bhat" was delicious, and I miss it already.

IVHQ was very helpful, I could not have asked for a better guidance. It was my first big volunteering experience and by far the one where I felt that I was making a real difference. The accommodation was perfect, one of the most welcoming families that I have ever known. I cannot guarantee a good experience, it depends on the person. But from my experience I would totally recommend it!

The guidance and preparation from IVHQ was absolutely amazing and I'm glad I read through it all and followed the process. The local team were absolutely amazing. 2 weeks really isn't enough time to make a huge impact with teaching English but I hope I left them with something useful they remember :) The host family were a very nice family, I really enjoyed my stay there.

I wanted my first travel by my own to be very special one.. and because i love the concept of volunteering and helping unprivileged ppl, I decided to save money to make a change in their lives and mine. During my stay in Nepal, i have learned so many things. Most importantly I learned that Happiness will never come to those who don’t appreciate what they have. People there have the minimal things in life and yet their smiles don’t wipe off their faces. It made me realize how we should appreciate what we have, and learn how to smile as we are lucky to have what we have. I don’t know what am I going to miss the most; walking on the streets wth everyone waving and sending us kisses, brain damages during bumpy rides, the amazing deadly trek.. Is it the popularity feeling when I walk into the school, or how students fight for me to sit next to them, or how they make me lose my voice every time I try to teach them. The teachers are lovely, and the naughty boys remind me of myself in school.. The Nepalese kids/my weakness point, I’ll be staring at the hundreds pictures I’ve taken of them forever. Also, this trip has taught me how family is life’s greatest gift. I was never alone, always overwhelmed with beautiful souls. I am extremely grateful for the big family I’ve made there, from the homestay and caring coordinators to the lovely inspiring volunteers. Nepal was really incredible! Thank you IVHQ for making this experience an unforgettable one. It’s my first time volunteering abroad but surely not my last!

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