Furthermore, our volunteer program has been running school construction
and renovation project in Chitwan to offer more schooling
opportunities for children of Nepal. We are also developing some
conservation projects. The remaining money of the program directly
goes to support these programs and our offices. Volunteer; please find
time to visit these projects.
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Payments Mode
All payments have to be done at the beginning
of the volunteer program. HOPE and HOME:
Volunteer Program doesn't accept monthly installments. If
you want to stay longer than your committed period, you have
to inform us and pay
accordingly.
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Plus 5%
surcharge on PayPal payments. PayPal transfers incur a
transaction fee.
Please make appropriate amount!!!
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HOPE and HOME volunteers
qualify as volunteer tourists and therefore the only visa you will
require is a
tourist visa.
When passing through immigration and applying for your visa, this means
the purpose of your visit to Nepal is tourism.
Visa
Entry/Exit Requirements: A valid passport and
visa are required to travel Nepal. Travelers may obtain
visas prior to travel or purchase fifteen-day multiple-entry
visas ($25), one-month multiple-entry visas ($40), or
three-month multiple-entry visas ($100) upon arrival at
Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and at the
following land border points of entry: Kakarvitta, Jhapa
District (Eastern Nepal); Birgunj, Parsa District (Central
Nepal); Kodari, Sindhupalchowk District (Northern Border);
Belahia, Bhairahawa (Rupandehi District, Western Nepal);
Jamunaha, Nepalgunj (Banke District, Mid-Western Nepal); Mohana,
Dhangadhi (Kailali District, Far Western Nepal); and Gadda
Chauki, Mahendranagar (Kanchanpur District, Far Western Nepal).
Upon departure from Tribhuvan
International Airport, all foreigners must pay an
airport exit tax (currently approximately $27),
regardless of the length of their stay. Tourists
may stay in Nepal no longer than 150 days in any given
calendar year. A non-tourist visa is difficult to obtain
and are twice as expensive as the tourist visa. It is
the responsibility of volunteers to manage their own
tickets and visa.
Volunteers occasionally report
immigration difficulties with Chinese authorities when
crossing the Nepal-China border over land in either
direction. Chinese authorities often require American
and other foreign tourists to organize "group" tours
through established travel agencies as a pre-requisite
for obtaining visas and entry permits into Tibet. U.S.
citizens planning to travel to Tibet from Nepal may
contact the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu for current
information on the status of the border-crossing
points. Travelers may also wish to check with the
Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Nepal for
current regulations on entry into Tibet.
Will there be any volunteers present during orientation time?
We receive 4-8 volunteers a month
(depending on season) most long-term volunteers join the language and
culture program. We offer a language and culture program in fixed dates to
make a small group. For short-term volunteers, we offer a short orientation program
about project, host family, villages, working conditions, etc. individually
at our Kathmandu office. We encourage volunteers to ask many questions
during orientation and make adjustment in program to ensure that our program
meets your need.
Do you select my placement area?
Yes, placements are decided based upon
program vacancy and volunteer's skills, but 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 accommodate them. Your placement village will
be finalized during the second week of training.
Do I have to speak
a foreign language?
Volunteers on our short-term
(2-3 week programs) do not need foreign language skills. Those
volunteers interested in participating on one of our long-term
programs need to have intermediate language abilities in the
spoken language of the program country.
As part of your program, you will learn the basics of the Nepali
language and you'll learn Nepali language quickly. Although you may not achieve fluency, the Nepali people are
generally very warm and friendly and willing to help.
What are the living conditions
of my placement?
The living conditions of the placement depend on the
area. One should not expect luxurious accommodations here in Nepal. You will
be placed within a family setting with your own room. Most placements have
electricity. (If electricity is an asset it can be arranged). Our host
families are mostly educated, well respected in society, and experienced
with international students. Some members of host families may speak
English.
Is there anything I can
bring with me that would be useful to your organization?
We would be very grateful for educational books (Grammar,
TEFL, science, health, etc.,) illustrated books, English novels,
children's books, Organizer, Camera. Also very much appreciated are
donations of clothes and stationery.
Are their any special items that
I should bring that I may not have thought of?
This will vary depending on what non -
HOPE and HOME activities you want to participate
in (trekking, whitewater 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 (likely cheaper than in your home country). Here are
a few suggestions:
- Sleeping Bag
- Hiking boots
- Tevas/ flip flops
- Fleece jacket (during winter months)
- Light-weight cotton clothing (see Program Guide and Volunteer
Room for details)
- Waterproof jacket (a fold-away windcheater is fine)
- (Women) Sarong (or you can buy a lungi cheaply in Nepal)
- Mosquito repellent
- Sun cream
- Water purification tablets and/or water filter
- First aid kit
- Flashlight
- Penknife
- Books about your country
- Photos of your family / friends / home (essential!)
- Small presents for your family from your country
- A few examples of your local currency
- Ipod/Laptop/Music/Portable music player
- Basic Learner's English/Nepali/English dictionary – for
simple definitions (buy a Nepali dictionary on arrival in
KTM)
- Magazines
- Colored pencils and pens,
drawing books, stickers
- Inflatable globe
- Books on teaching English/English Grammar for your reference
Can I change my volunteer
placement if I get dissatisfied?
We
will consider request of volunteer seriously for the change
of place and in many cases it is possible to change the working
areas to meet the expectation of volunteers. We cannot change
position frequently with out genuine reasons.
Can I schedule my
own volunteer service for the dates that interest me?
Note: if you
couldn't schedule your flight date in above-mentioned date,
please write us for other alternative date. We are very
flexible on volunteer's arrival regards and our program is
very flexible and it would be possible to start any time.
How will I get to
headquarters from the Airport?
There is nothing to worry
about, our office is 5 km distance from airport and cost 350
(approx. $5) by taxi. One of our representative will be waiting for you at the
airport terminal. He will be holding a sign with your name on
it. Please do not forget to send your detailed flight itinerary.
Please call this number in case of emergency or stand-by flight
situation.
Our Office : 9841356924
Guest House Number: 4380369 or 4384272
Will I have time to
explore Kathmandu during my language and culture program?
There will be plenty of time for you to explore
the Kathmandu Valley during orientation. We offers full day guided tour of Kathmandu
valley as a part of the language program.
How much extra money
should I bring?
We
manage food and room for volunteers after training. You may need
some extra money if you plan on taking part in adventure activities outside
the organization or if you just want to buy some souvenirs.
You must also remember the VISA fee, which can range from 30-60
US dollars depending on the length of stay. There is also an
airport tax, which you pay upon your departure of Nepal. This
can range from $25 -30US dollars.
Will I have access
to communications such as, e-mail, telephone, and post office?
This all depends on your placement. Almost
all placements will have access to a Post Office. If you are in
a city placement there are many places in which you can use
phone or access e-mail.
Can I come with a
friend or can I be placed near other volunteers?
We allow people to come with a friend or even
in a large group. You sometimes may be placed in different homes
located within 1-2 miles. We can place any volunteer near to
another volunteer already working in the field. Please be reminded
that two different genders of volunteers are not allowed to
stay in same house unless they are a married couple.
What happens if I
decide to return home before the placement is over?
Once the volunteer makes a decision and pays
for the program fee, upon receipt of invoice, HOPE and HOME: Volunteer Program does not refund any
registration fee and program fee
under any circumstances. S/he should be for that particular
program. But if the volunteer have unavoidable circumstances
(such as illness, death of in the family etc) may request to
leave the program, HOPE and HOME: Volunteer Program
will consider to return 25% of the host family cost, if volunteer
are registered for more than 30 days program. No refund will
be made if program is less than 30 days and if volunteer leave
program in their own decision. volunteer position are
non transferable.
What Vaccinations
will I need for Nepal?
This all depends on what vaccinations you
already have and what country you are coming from. We suggest
that you consult a travel doctor from your country before you
arrive. (NOTE:
Some vaccinations are needed as much as 2 months
before arrival to Nepal). Please take malaria pill as a precautionary
measure. This volunteer program does not
cover liability and insurance of volunteers. Therefore, volunteers
must have an appropriate insurance before joining the program.
Food and accommodation
We
manage food and accommodation from the first day of the program
to the last day in collaboration with local host families. Nepali
staple foods include Rice, Dal ( Lentil soup), vegetables,
meat (occasionally), and pickle.
Traveling
If you are planning to
travel in Nepal after or before work camps or volunteer
programs, you will need some extra money. Nepal is a cheap place
for shopping and traveling. If you want to buy gifts for family
and friends, you can buy it in Kathmandu. You can change your
major currencies and travelers checks in Kathmandu and at the
airport.
How can I familiarize
myself with the country I will be traveling to?
Once you have registered for
HOPE and HOME: Volunteer Program, you will receive a volunteer
booklet that includes a short-introduction to the country and
region you will be traveling to. Other sources of information
can be found at your local library, bookstore, or on-line. Please
visit our links page for great websites that will help you get
ready for your volunteer experience
Where do I fly to
and how long will it take to get to my host site?
Kathmandu has the only international airport
in Nepal, so all international flights arrive and depart from
there. Our representative will meet you at the airport. After
completion of your orientation phase in Kathmandu you will be
escorted to your assigned placement.
What is the best time
to travel in Nepal?
Any time of year is a great time to be in
Nepal. If you wish to trek the best times are from September
through November and March through May. The summer is the rainy
season and as a result trekking is difficult. The winters are
mild in Katmandu with no snow. Even though Nepal is home of
the worlds highest mountain range, the country is at a warm
latitude, the altitude offsets the sub continental heat leaving
a very pleasant climate.
Clothes and Climate
in Placement Areas
Nepal is not always as cold as people think.
The country is geographically divided into three parts. The
Himalayan region of Nepal is very cold in winter while the mid
hill region (Kathmandu and Pokhara) and mid-terai region (Chitwan)
of Nepal have a different climate in different seasons. The
weather is cold from December to March but warm and moderately
hot in the summer. The spring and fall are cool and very pleasant.
Please bring your winter cloths (think layers!) if you are coming
in Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb and summer clothes for the rest of the
months. General suggestions
for clothes
|
Regions |
Jan
-March |
April
- August |
Sept
- Dec |
|
Chitwan |
Winter and warm clothes |
Summer and light
backpacker
clothes |
Warm and winter clothes |
|
Kathmandu |
Winter clothes |
Summer and light backpacker clothes |
Warm and winter clothes |
|
Pokhara |
Winter clothes |
Summer and light backpacker clothes |
Warm and winter clothes |
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* We suggests incoming volunteer to find placement
areas in map of Nepal and prepare for climate and clothes
accordingly. volunteers changing placement, please aware
of changing climatic condition. warm and winter clothes
are necessary during trekking |
It is important to be dress
properly for work at schools, and other office work and to avoid
backpacker dressing! Appearance is very important in Nepali
societies. For health projects, bring white apron and latex
gloves!
Is
Nepal safe?
Our answer to that is yes Nepal is safe to
travel in, not only is it safe but its fun, amazing and incredibly
beautiful as well.
Over the last ten years Nepal has experienced problems with
infighting between the government and the Maoists due to conflicting
ideas and political disagreement. Though it’s a fact that cannot be
hidden that people got killed during this conflict, there is no
record of any tourists or travelers being injured, killed or
involved in anyway. All people in Nepal have a strong belief that
guests are equal to god, every Nepal abides by this and offers the
warmest of welcomes to all visitors into Nepal.
As of September 2007, there has been a cease fire and peace
agreement made between the parties involved. This peace has been
upheld, or though there have been a few minor hiccups along the way.
People should be aware that Nepal is a developing country and
sometimes things do get out of hand. A lot of the bad press Nepal
receives is unjustified media hype.
Overall, travelling to Nepal contains no more risk than travelling
in other places of the world, in fact as a traveler you are much
safer in Nepal than in some European countries and South American
places as the threat of, kidnap, pick pocket, robbery, rape etc is
almost no existent.
If you compare Nepal to many other tourist destinations where
tourists have been DIRECTLY targeted like Egypt (Luxor), Spain
(Madrid train bombings), Bali
(nightclub bombing), India (5 star hotels shooting in Mumbai), Kenya (Mombasa
bombing) etc, these places have all bounced back and people continue
to visit, but for some reason, Nepal, where no tourists have ever
been targeted by maoists or nepalis, suffers from an awful image
problem that seems to exaggerate the situation beyond the reality of
it. There is of course the chance that tourists might be in the
wrong place at the wrong time and be injured or worse, but this is
no different than in many places in the world (Madrid perhaps) but
in nepal, maoists have gone out of their way to not injure or target
tourists and nepalis remains welcoming and hospitable. The few
incidents that have occurred with tourists, where accidental or
incited by the tourist themselves, but these remain isolated
incidents. So if you can stand the occasional strikes (okay
frequent) and other third world problems that plague nepal as with
many other developing countries, then Nepal is still an amazing
place to visit, despite all this.
All the major tourist areas of Nepal are policed and patrolled and
we have are own branch of the tourist police to assist travelers
and keep them safe should a situation arise.
As with any safety, precaution is the first rule. Though we are
confident that while in Nepal you will not have any problems, there
as some basic things you can do to stay safe. Avoid being near
demonstrations, return to your hotel early in the evening if you
can, do not carry expensive gadgets when traveling, avoid wearing
jewelries and other extravagant wears, use a guide from a trusted
travel agent or tour operator, do not talk openly about politics,
about the king, about the Maoists while you in public places - After
all, all you should be talking about is beautiful Nepal and the
amazing adventure you are having here. The above advice is good
common sense you should undertake while travelling in any country.
Emergency Contact
If you failed to meet our
representative at airport or if your flight changed suddenly.
Please call us 9841356924/ 4380272
/4380369
If you have any questions, please contact
us, we would love to hear from you.
