Furthermore, our volunteer program has been running school construction and renovation project in Bhaktapur 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.

Will there be any volunteers present during orientation time?

We receive 3-7 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 need to speak Nepali to participate?

As part of your program, you will learn the basics of the Nepali language. 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
• 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
   

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. 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. 977 9841252306 or 977 01 4415393

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.

Visa

Any traveler in Nepal can stay on a tourist visa for 5 months each year at $1 per day. You can get the tourist visa at the Nepalese embassy in your country or at the Tribhuvan International Airport up on arrival. 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. We suggests volunteers not to stay more than 5 months. Please call the nearest consular or embassy of Nepal to confirm that you can get a visa at the airport.

Visa extension: Obtainable from the Department of Immigration in Katmandu or Pokhara. Extensions are valid for 30 days (whether you need for a day, a week or a whatever) and cost in Nepalese rupees the equivalent of US$50 at the government exchange rate. You must pay for visa extensions.

You are allowed to stay up to 150 days on a tourist visa then for any extension up to 150 days total you are required to show an airline ticket with a suitable date on it, with OK status (i.e. not wait-listed). If you overstay your visa the fine is US$1 a day and US$50 (i.e. for a months extension), paid in rupees. For overstay periods of less than a week this can be processed at the airport on departure.

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