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Women's Education Volunteer Project in Nepal - Kathmandu

Women's Education Volunteer Project in Nepal - Kathmandu

Inspired to be a Women’s Education volunteer in Nepal? International Volunteer HQ’s Women’s Education project empowers volunteers to assist at education centres with the aim of upskilling women who missed out on formal education in their youth. These centres support women to gain school qualifications. Volunteers will gain teaching experience largely by helping students learn English - a skill which can greatly enhance their job prospects and enrich their futures.

Highlights:
  • Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
  • Affordable fees from AU$441 for 1 week
  • Includes accommodation, breakfast and dinner, airport pick up, orientation and 24/7 support
  • Enhance women’s job prospects and cultural understanding

  • Enjoy Nepal’s diverse and stunning natural beauty

  • Stay with a local family for a unique experience of Nepali daily life

Key information

Support women to gain financial independence
Based in education centres
Homestay accommodation
Volunteers aged 16+ and families
Fully hosted experience from AU$441 for 1 week
Durations from 1 - 12 weeks
Yoga and meditation retreat available
Up to 5 hours volunteering a day

This program is ideal for:

Volunteers who are fluent speakers of English, care about equal opportunities and want to make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged women in Nepal. You’ll be supported by local staff so no experience is required, but a TEFL certificate or similar training would be helpful.
Who is this program suited to?

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

For Nepalese women who missed out on education when they were younger, local centres provide a great opportunity for another chance at achieving school certifications. These education centres are well set up to cater for women between 16-55 for the equivalent to a Grade 10 or Year 11 education, however they do require volunteer assistance to maximize their impact.

The women who attend the program are very committed to giving their education a second chance, and are often particularly interested in learning English. The practicality of speaking English gives their job prospects a huge boost, as does the qualification they are striving to achieve.

As a Women’s Education volunteer you will have a great opportunity to get an insight into the lives of the people you will be helping and to learn more about their culture. Your volunteer tasks will include:

  • Teaching English to women
  • Teaching basic lessons from a curriculum
  • Helping women learn new skills
  • Running workshops on women’s rights and reproductive health
  • Assist in research, developing proposals, designing

To note: if you are looking to join this project for a 1 week duration, it is important to be aware that there is a 2 day orientation and as such, your volunteer placement would run from Wednesday - Friday.

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #5: Gender Equality

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #5: Gender Equality

Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful and sustainable world. Nearly 60% of women work in the informal economy, which puts them at greater risk of falling into poverty. Education and long-term employment opportunities are key to combating this.

Why do Women's Education volunteering in Kathmandu with IVHQ?

When you volunteer to help teach women in Nepal you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:

  • Helping disadvantaged women gain qualifications
  • Assisting women to learn modern life skills in a safe place
  • Developing your communication skills
  • Gaining teaching experience
  • Immersing yourself in Nepali culture
  • Exploring Nepal’s wild mountain landscapes

Volunteer requirements

  • Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program
  • Volunteers aged 16-18 are required to provide IVHQ with parental consent in order to participate on the program, and may be asked to provide additional documentation to the local team
  • All volunteers aged 13+ are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure. Those aged 13-17, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead
  • All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
  • All volunteers must speak fluent English.
Are you eligible to volunteer?

Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.

Apply For Free

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What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

RN
Rashida Nabijee
21 Feb 2024

A fantastic experience, I learnt about the Nepalese culture and embraced the people, language and customs. I loved working with the women and teaching. I have to say my favorite experience was at the monastery, mediating, practicing yoga and connecting with others, feeling grounded. I felt rested, at peace and very happy!

...
MS
Millie Shaw
14 Feb 2024

If you are passionate about education and gender equality, you will definitely enjoy this program! I would recommend doing it for at least 3 weeks as that is how long it took to properly form connections with the women and notice improvement.

...
BL
Belinda Lindel
20 Dec 2023

I have gained alot of perspective volunteering with IVHQ. The interactions with the people I work with, to the shop keepers on the way to work, the gym I attend and the Yoga classes I participate in - I have made many friends here which will be lifelong.

From the activities aimed at the tourists that are easily available, to the local team assisting and arranging a hike with a guide within a National Park - the opportunities are endless. Both with work and play.

IVHQ has ethical practices and I will have pride saying I volunteered with the organisation. I would definitely recommend it to others and have already done so. What I would say to others is to come with an open mind, and have no expectations! You will get out of it what you put into it.

...
CH
Charlotte Harper
23 Jun 2023

I think IVHQ were very helpful and beneficial to ease any stressors that were present during the anticipation of researching a volunteer trip abroad. We had the nicest host family and they had the cutest daughter I was able to spend time with. I felt truly immersed in Nepalese culture. I also really enjoyed the orientation day when we traveled around Kathmandu all together!

I felt more open minded as a person and more interested in Nepalese culture than I had before. I was able to talk about my experience and the people I had met when I got back home which truly felt like a reward for everything I had learned in Nepal. It can be scary at first and a bit of a culture shock to jump into a new place but it’s totally worth it because you will get to experience the lives of people who are completely different from you!

...
AS
Alison Sollory
24 Jan 2023

I found the process very informative, easy to follow and was prompted and followed up when needed to keep me on track - it told me everything I needed to know and phone calls were responded to quickly - it was great to chat over the phone with IVHQ also. I loved the volunteering and it has left a lasting impact on my desire to teach English as a foreign language.

There were many many enjoyable moments including the students getting so involved participating in the role-playing conversations I created that we acted them out and laughed so much in the process. Hosting a birthday cake celebration for the principal and the whole school joined in to sing, having lots of cups of tea delivered to the classroom and a picnic farewell where the students in the class had cooked hot food at home, brought it in, and we all shared it together as our farewell. And my driver Nati Babu teaching me Nepalese in the taxi to school each day. And on top of that the amazing treks to Everest Base Camp and Annapurna regions organised by the local team.

My volunteering trek has opened up a world of opportunity. As an older, solo female I have been inspired to do much more travel with a volunteering component and to give back - so that I can truly immerse myself in and learn what it is like to live in a different country as opposed to visiting it superficially as a tourist.

For those still hesitant about volunteering abroad: Just do it. It was so easy and safe for me and inexpensive. I felt at home straight away. Keep your mind open, travel with no expectations and be prepared to immerse yourself. Remain open and you will meet many like-minded people who will become your friends from around the world - I can't see how you would regret it.

...

To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

Academic course credit through International Volunteer HQ and Intern Abroad HQ.

Academic course credit

Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!

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Volunteer Abroad in Nepal with IVHQ

Location

Land-locked in the middle of South Asia, Nepal is known for its astonishing alpine scenery and breathtaking mountainscapes. But this diverse country offers much more than its remarkable natural environment. Among Nepal’s 28 million people, there are more than 100 different ethnic groups speaking as many languages and following a large number of religious and cultural traditions. It also faces the challenges associated with a history of civil war, natural disasters, political corruption and a lack of resources and infrastructure to support its population.

Volunteers can have a meaningful impact on Nepalese communities by providing assistance with a wide range of activities that help make life, and the future, better for local people. IVHQ has a number of volunteer projects in Nepal. Some are located on the outskirts of the capital city of Kathmandu in rural and urban areas, while others are in Chitwan 150 kilometres away, in the middle of Terrai - a flat fertile plain that borders India and stretches right across Southern Nepal. Pokhara is located in mid-western Nepal and is a popular tourist destination, renowned for its amazing mountain views.

Arrival and orientation

The program orientation begins on the first and third Monday of each month, and volunteers need to arrive in Kathmandu on the Sunday before orientation.

After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu. Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee.

When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation in Kathmandu. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation.

If you are travelling in Nepal prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up at a prearranged destination in Kathmandu on the day before your program orientation.

Orientation is hosted by our Nepal team in Kathmandu and runs over the course of two days. Orientation begins on the morning of your chosen start date and covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Nepal – an introduction to Nepal, Nepalese customs, language training details, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities in Nepal, and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to visit local temples, sample authentic Nepali food, meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socialising.

If you are placed in Pokhara or Chitwan, you will travel to your placement location on Tuesday afternoon and you will begin work on Wednesday. If you are located in Kathmandu, you will begin work on Wednesday.

Volunteer schedule example

First Day:

On your first day of volunteering, you will be escorted to your placement by a local coordinator and introduced to the placement staff you will be working with.

Weekdays:

While a volunteer daily schedule will vary depending on the specific placement, a typical day is as follows:

7:30 AM Breakfast at the homestay.
8:00 AM Volunteers leave home and travel to their placements. There is usually a tea break and a lunch break.
2:00 - 5:00 PM Work at the placement usually ends. Volunteers are free to travel back to the volunteer house, go sightseeing, or do some shopping.
7:00 - 9:00 PM Dinner at the homestay.

Weekends:

During the weekends, volunteers have spare time and usually relax or take the opportunity to explore other parts of their local town and Nepal. Known for being home to the world’s tallest mountain, Mt Everest, Nepal is an adventurer’s paradise. It has a vast selection of exceptional hikes in the Himalayas with arresting views in every direction, white-water rafting, canyon swings, paragliding and scenic flights. It also has a rich multicultural heritage and a huge collection of temples, pagodas, shrines, carvings and ancient architecture, not to mention an astonishing array of wildlife and an interesting cuisine influenced by its many ethnic groups and cultures.

Accommodation and WiFi

On arrival in Nepal, volunteers stay in a local hotel in Kathmandu for their two-day orientation.

Volunteers are then accommodated together in homestays and hosted by local families who have been approved by our program staff. We give your host family a fee for your support, food and board. It is exciting to stay with a host family, providing you with a unique opportunity to learn about the Nepalese way of life, meet local people, try traditional food and speak the local language - especially when host families in Nepal tend to have limited English.

Living is basic but comfortable and most homestays have electricity and running water, with the exception of some rural homestays which are without these conveniences during the dry season. Western toilets can be found at your home stays but please keep in mind that Squat toilets are still the norm in parts of Nepal; so you might find these at your placement and during activities, treks, etc. Volunteers can also expect low-pressure showers that are generally not heated, however, this is refreshing after a day in the heat.

You can expect to share a room with one to three other volunteers and bedrooms have single beds and bunk beds with bedding provided. It is recommended volunteers bring their own sleeping bag and mosquito nets for any trips away.

WiFi is available in most of the volunteer homestays, however those based in Chitwan should expect to walk to a nearby cafe for internet access. If you would like to keep connected during your stay, we recommend bringing an unlocked mobile phone and purchasing a local SIM card when you arrive in Nepal.

Meals

The staple meal for most Nepali families is dal bhat, which consists of lentil soup (dal), rice (bhat) and vegetables in curry (tarkari) and/or meat (masu) with a side of pickle/sauce (achar).

Food in Nepal is heavily influenced by the country’s Indian and Tibetan neighbours and includes plenty of curries, breads and potato-based dishes. Volunteers are served two meals per day at their homestay and can purchase additional food to supplement this if they wish.

Bottled water is readily available in Nepal and volunteers should budget approximately AU$8 per week for two litres a day. If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know when you apply for the program so we can make arrangements for you. However, we need to stress the point that you should not expect to eat as you normally do at home. We will do our best to see that you are well taken care of, but there is a need to be flexible.

Pricing

  • USD
Duration
Program Fee
Due 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
  • USD
1 week AU$440 Equivalent to AU$63/day
2 weeks AU$648 Equivalent to AU$46/day
3 weeks AU$857 Equivalent to AU$41/day
4 weeks AU$1065 Equivalent to AU$38/day
5 weeks AU$1273 Equivalent to AU$36/day
6 weeks AU$1482 Equivalent to AU$35/day
8 weeks AU$1866 Equivalent to AU$33/day
10 weeks AU$2251 Equivalent to AU$32/day
12 weeks AU$2635 Equivalent to AU$31/day
  • Accommodation
  • Breakfast and dinner
  • 24/7 in-country support
  • In-country program orientation
  • Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
  • Airport pick-up
  • Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
  • Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
  • Discounts on travel and tour add-ons
  • Certificate of International Volunteer Service

Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.

  • All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately AU$528) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services. IVHQ fees are priced in USD but you may elect to pay in AUD.
  • A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
  • Additional things to budget for include: Visa, flights, travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check, lunches, public transportation to and from your placement each day and return to the airport when your program finishes.
  • Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Nepal generally find US$30 per week to be sufficient for expenses, such as lunches, and local tours and activities.

Free-time experiences & tours in Nepal

Take your volunteer experience to the next level with IVHQ's affordable activity and tour add-ons in Nepal! Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Nepal program.

Chitwan Jungle Safari (2 nights/3 days)
Chitwan Jungle Safari (2 nights/3 days)

Embark on an unforgettable jungle safari to witness Nepal’s captivating wildlife in its natural habitat.

AU$288
Everest Base Camp Trek (14 days)
Everest Base Camp Trek (14 days)

This iconic expedition is the most popular trekking route in the Himalayas and is unlike any other in the world.

AU$2367
Hatha Yoga and Meditation Retreat (1 week)
Hatha Yoga and Meditation Retreat (1 week)

Reconnect with tranquility and mindfulness during a rejuvenating one-week yoga and meditation retreat, leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the Western world.

AU$842
Everest Base Camp Trek (14 days)
Everest Base Camp Trek (14 days)

This iconic expedition is the most popular trekking route in the Himalayas and is unlike any other in the world.

AU$2367
Hatha Yoga and Meditation Retreat (1 week)
Hatha Yoga and Meditation Retreat (1 week)

Reconnect with tranquility and mindfulness during a rejuvenating one-week yoga and meditation retreat, leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the Western world.

AU$842
Chitwan Jungle Safari (2 nights/3 days)
Chitwan Jungle Safari (2 nights/3 days)

Embark on an unforgettable jungle safari to witness Nepal’s captivating wildlife in its natural habitat.

AU$288

Check what's required to visit Nepal

Safety and support with IVHQ

Safety and support

IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.

  • All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
  • All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
  • All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
  • All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Learn more about IVHQ's safety

Essential country information

Capital Kathmandu
Population 28 million
Languages Nepali
Currency Rupee (NRs.)
Time zone UTC+05:45

Weather and climate: The climate in Nepal varies largely due to the variations in geography across the country. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons with dry weather and moderate temperatures. The Kathmandu Valley and other areas of high altitude experience summer temperatures of up to 28°C (82.4°F) and in winter, temperatures range between 2°C (35.6°F) and 20°C (68°F). The summer temperatures in Chitwan can reach up to 35°C (95°F) and in winter they range between 7°C (44.6°F) and a mild 23°C (73.4°F). The climate in Pokhara is similar to that of the Kathmandu Valley, with slightly warmer temperatures.

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How to get started

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