Volunteer in Nepal

There was a lot of useful information provided by the website, and support from my IVHQ Program Manager to help prepare for the trip. It was very helpful and comforting to have that support there. The local team in Nepal were more than welcoming and helpful. I felt like I could go to them with any concerns, questions or just general advice on what to do/visit while in Nepal.

Because of IVHQ and this programme, Nepal is now my most favourite country I've ever visited! There were several highlights during my time volunteering but the top would be meeting the most amazing, like-minded and interesting people. From the fellow volunteers who I was with, to my host family and the ladies I had the privilege of teaching, each and everyone of them brought a positive light and heightened my experience.

The women I taught during my 4 weeks of volunteering were the most funny, passionate and sweet ladies. Seeing them so eager to learn and always smiling when coming to class, made me feel like I truly was doing something important.

Going solo, which most of the volunteers in my group did, was terrifying at first but with the support of the local team and having such a lovely volunteer group, I didn't even have time to think about how I was here 'alone' because truthfully I never was! Mieke, who I volunteered with and shared a room with at our homestay, and I grew very close. We would volunteer together during the day, then go out and explore Kathmandu during the evening. We even ended up going to Pokhara together! Our volunteer group also got together during the weekend to bus down to Chitwan and do the safari tour together - it was great fun and I'm so happy to know I have friends from all over the world now!

I would suggest to anyone thinking about joining this programme to just do it - and the longer you can volunteer, the better! You will truly create special bonds with people you meet here, Nepal is so magical!

I had a great experience with the program, everything went smoothly as planned. The IVHQ coordinator was very informative and responsive to my inquiries before the trip. The local team was experienced with running the program. The homestay family was super nice and made me feel at home. The volunteering work was fulfilling. One extra bonus was meeting volunteers from many different countries.

My choosing to look at volunteering overseas was a very last minute decision which is not unusual for me. Finding IVHQ through good old Google, looking through the website, programs, countries, costs and inclusions, made it an easy to choose IVHQ. I am not a traveller especially overseas however I am at a stage in my life where I would like to explore more. I had been anxious in travelling alone so finding IVHQ, I felt secure in the fact that this would be a safe way to travel, experience a different
country, culture and give back to the community. I am grateful I took this leap into the unknown.

From this experience I met new people, not only locals but also other volunteers. I cannot say enough about the local team. Anyone and everyone I met went over and above to ensure my needs were met. I got to explore and sightsee during my downtime. Be open-minded and willing to reach out to others if needed. You go out to your homestay usually with another volunteer of the same sex. I didn't know what to expect and was very pleasantly surprised. If you have questions, you can never ask too many to IVHQ. A Facebook page is set up for each country. There was one for where I was going to. Even if the question seems silly, ask it anyway.

Getting together with other volunteers on downtime is a great way to socialise and sightsee. The program I chose was in a field that I had worked in and have a personal interest in. If you are going into something that is out of your scope, be open-minded and remember you are coming into their space. Be observant and willing to perhaps be out of your comfort zone. Gotta keep it real.

I did do very little research into the country/area I was going as this was all a last minute decision. Learn some of the language, that cannot be emphasised enough. As much as I tried, I just couldn't get the hang of it, everyone is very patient but it can make it alot easier if even a few basic words. Not everyone knows english.

Messaging a few different people while I was there who were going to be at the same program at a later date, helped them get a better idea. Daily life, expenses, customs just general questions. It helped.

Am I glad I did this? Absolutely. Will I do another program in another country with IVHQ? For sure. Do I recommend it? Go for it. Now that I've done this once, I have a better understanding of what to expect in general.

Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community. I had been to Nepal before and this time I was keen on making a difference, hence I decided to volunteer. Initial research showed IVHQ's reputation and experience in the travel and volunteering industry. I gained as much information as I could about the program and activities, their connections with the UN's community impact goals for Nepal, fees, and other details. My Program Manager was extremely responsive, answered all questions satisfactorily and provided all necessary information. The local team were also extremely helpful and approachable. Overall the experience was extraordinary and I would love to do it again.

Knowledge and understanding of Nepali culture. Just go for it. It’s an experience like no other. There are many other volunteers who are in the same position you are and you can look for them and the local team for support if needed.

The whole program I felt so safe from the second I landed in Nepal. This was the biggest point I was worried about as I was visiting Asia for the first time. I was so proud of myself that I could get in front of a class of adults and teach confidently. I have never taught before so this was amazing. Our host family couldn't have been better. They were so kind and welcoming and made us feel part of the family and always available. The homestay was safe and clean.

I gained so much confidence from this program. It was the best experience plus we really got to see the country including visiting Chitwan national park and going on a safari (organised by IVHQ) and visiting Pokhara (which although wasn't organised by IVHQ, they were very helpful with recommendations). The whole program exceeded my expectations and I would recommend it to anyone. I met so many wonderful people and got really immersed in the culture.