FAQ

When should I apply for the volunteer/internship programs in Nepal?

We offer placements on the first and third Mondays of each month. Because of the increasing volume of applications, participants are requested to apply at least one-two months in advance, but if you want to expedite your application within less than three months of time, please contact our office for more information on this regard.

What happens once I submit my documents and application to Global Crossroad?

Once Global Crossroad receives and reviews your completed application, it is then forwarded to our In-Country Coordinator in Nepal who will then finalize a specific placement as per your qualification. Upon receipt of your finalized placement details, this information is then immediately sent to you.

How long does it take to process my application?

The application process can usually take anywhere from 1-2 weeks - occasionally longer (given the time of year). However, in the event that interested participants require their application expedited due to time constraints, they are requested to contact Global Crossroad's offices prior to submitting their application.

What documents do I need to submit with my application?

Usually, the only documentation required is the completed application form which can be found online (http://www.globalcrossroad.com/apply). Applicants have the option to either submit their application online or download the application from the website and submit the completed form to Global Crossroad's USA-based offices either by post or fax.

Are there any necessary requirements to participate in the Nepal-based volunteer programs?

The only qualifications are:

• An open mind and a willingness to teach others as well a passion for helping those in need.
• Enthusiasm for living abroad and meeting new people.
• Be in good health.

Visa Information

Receiving a tourist visa is the volunteer's responsibility. Global Crossroad strongly recommends all volunteers to apply and get a tourist visa before departing for Nepal. Please call our office or contact the local Nepal embassy to learn more about visa, visa fees, and visa extension.

Placement Information

Who manages the volunteer projects in Nepal?

Global Crossroad's In-Country Coordinator in Nepal is responsible for researching appropriate volunteer projects as per the qualifications and skills of the applicants.

What are the daily schedules of the projects?

Project schedules vary for each project in Nepal. Most projects are from Monday to Friday for 5-6 hours a day. Most volunteers have the weekends off to sight-see or explore Nepal on their own.

Where are the projects located?

The Himalayan project is located the village of Ghat (teaching English project) and near the village of Thula Ghumela (monks project). Ghat is about 2 hours walk from Lukla and Thula Gumela about 3 hours. Lukla is where you will fly into.

What is the language spoken in Nepal?

Nepali is the official language of Nepali. In the Everest region, the local Sherpa population speak their own Sherpa language. They all also understand and speak Nepali. Many also speak English.

When are the Nepal-based projects available?

In the Everest regions, teaching in monastery program in not available from January to March due to extreme cold weather. The teaching in school program is not available January to the middle of February and in October.

How long can I volunteer in Nepal?

We normally suggest participants volunteer from 2-12 weeks.

Arrival and Departure Information

Who will arrange my flight to Nepal?

Airfare is the responsibility of the volunteer. The flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (Everest region) and back will be arranged by our country coordinator after you have paid the invoice we forward you.

The flights to Lukla from Kathmandu are all early morning start from 6 am. There won't be any afternoon flights. You will have to get up early to travel to the airport to get on the flight.

Which airport should I book my flight into?

The only international airport in Nepal is in Kathmandu, so all international flights arrive and depart from here. You are responsible for your ticket, but once you are in the country our representative will meet you at the airport.

When should I arrive in Nepal?

Volunteers should arrive in Nepal the day before their projects start, which is usually on a Sunday. If you come in earlier to Nepal, you will need to arrange a place to stay and a return to the airport on Sunday to be picked up.

Will someone pick me from the airport? If so, how do I know about the person?

You will be picked up at the airport, but you must send your travel itinerary to our Nepal in-country Coordinator and to us at Global Crossroad before your arrival in Nepal (we'll pass it on to the Coordinator). You will be picked up by a staff member or our in-country coordinator who will be holding a sign with your name written on it, awaiting your arrival outside of the airport. In case no one is there, you can call our in-country coordinator, who can help with the picking-up or arrange the accommodations immediately. You will be supplied with all contact information in-case of the rare instance that you are not picked up. Make sure you look carefully for your pick-up, as it will be extremely busy outside of the airport.

In Lukla, our Himalayan coordinator will come to pick you up at the airport and transfer you to the project site. Since there are no roads in the Everest region, you will have to walk to your project site.

What should I do if my flight is delayed?

Try to call our Nepal in-country Coordinator from the airport and inform him of the possibly-delayed arrival time.

Check your placement instructions pertaining to details of hotels that have been recommended for late arrival if your flight is to arrive after midnight;

Call/email our Nepal in-country Coordinator once you arrive so that he can help with a pick-up accordingly.

Sometimes flights to Lukla from Kathmandu can get canceled due to poor weather. If that happens you will have to spend one more night in Kathmandu and get on to next flight to Lukla.

How can I get to the hotel from the airport if I did not see Global Crossroad's local representative in the airport?

In the event that your arrival time is changed/delayed, requiring you to stay overnight in a hotel (or if you failed to meet Global Crossroad's representative at the airport), you should hire a taxi at the airport who will take you to a hotel designated in your placement details/pre-departure information (and do remember to request a receipt from the driver).

ALSO: make sure that you call Global Crossroad's In-Country Coordinator BEFORE boarding the taxi. Participants are advised to contact Global Crossroad's Nepal In-Country Coordinator the next day and let him/her know their whereabouts.

In Lukla, please call our Himalayan coordinator or our country coordinator in Nepal. You will have both their numbers.

What do I need prior to departure from my home country?

Please make sure that you pack all your necessary documents (Passport, clothes, and documents)

You will also need trekking shoes in the Everest region. Bring also sun block scream, painkillers (just in case you sprain your ankle while walking), water purifying tablets and vitamin supplements.

Prepare financially, in advance, to cover various expenses up to $50 USD/week for extra expenses and travel to your project each day.

Get your mind and spirit ready for the duration you have committed to, as the cultural shock might be so strong that you may even want to quit the next week after arrival.

If I want to arrive earlier than when the program begins, where do I stay and who will organize the accommodations?

You can arrive several days earlier or even up to a week early for your project, however, you will be responsible for these arrangements (including accommodations and food), and must still meet the Coordinator at the airport on the designated date.

In Lukla, the private hotels are very expensive.

When should I depart from Nepal?

We ask participants to depart from Nepal on the Sunday after their project is completed.

Which airport will I fly out of?

All volunteers will depart from Kathmandu International Airport.

Who will drop me off at the airport?

GC does not offer airport drop service. You will need to arrange a taxi or bus ride to the airport after your project is finished. This is an easy process and our in-country coordinator in Nepal or your home stay family will be more than happy to assist you with this.

Can I store my luggage if I arrive earlier than my program starts?

Yes, you may, but please note that this service is usually charged and/or calculated on an hourly basis. So, do not leave your luggage at the airport for an extended amount of time.

Living Accommodations Information

Who will arrange my accommodations and what are they?

The living conditions of the placement will all depend on the area to which you are assigned. Although a beautiful, friendly place, you should not expect luxurious accommodations in Nepal. While in Kathmandu, you will stay in our home base until you leave for Lukla. In the home base, you will participate in an orientation program, and if you are participating in a week long language and cultural program, you will also stay in a hostel.

In Lukla, in the monastery you will at an on-sight location. You will have a room for yourself, provided there aren't many volunteers in the project. In the school program, you will stay with a warm and welcoming Sherpa host family.

Are single rooms available?

In most cases you will have your own room unless you request to stay with another volunteer. In some cases you will share a room with another volunteer.

If I arrive with my friend, or girlfriend/boyfriend, can we stay together?

In the monastery, you will not be allowed to sleep in the same room. You can share a room in the host family.

Will there be other foreign volunteers/interns at my placement?

This depends on the exact placement and your preference. We send 5-10 volunteers each month in Nepal so most likely other volunteers will be working with you (it is not guaranteed). If you want to work with other volunteers, please let us know

What are the bathroom facilities?

There won't be attached toilet. The toilet won't have hot water and you will need to pay to get hot water. This is because the entire Everest region lacks road and trees are not allowed to be cut down due to conservation program. The cooking gas is usually carried by humans or yaks from 7 days away and it is very expensive. Hence, volunteers will need to pay to get hot water.

What are the laundry arrangements?

Laundry may be done by hand.

Can I use appliances if I bring them from my home country?

Yes. Electricity in Nepal is 230 Volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second. You will require a voltage converter if you are carrying a device that does not accept 230 Volts at 50 Hertz.

What are the local cuisines? Who manages food?

Global Crossroad manages food and accommodation from the very first day to the last day of the program in collaboration with the local host families involved. Nepali foods include rice, dal (lentil soup), vegetables, meat (occasionally), and pickles. Due to monetary constraints, for the volunteers who arrive earlier or who want to stay longer, it is impossible to offer extra accommodation or food. In this case, Global Crossroad will help volunteers to find a good and cheaper place for food and accommodation.

Can you accommodate special diets?

Meals in Everest region are all vegetarian. Due to local beliefs, the Sherpas do not kill any animals in the region and many are also vegetarians. You can, however, get non-vegetarian meals. You can either request your host family and pay extra for it and you can eat our at restaurants.

Is the running tap water safe for drink?

Nepalese tap water is generally not safe to drink. We recommend that you purchase bottled water for your consumption, but make sure that the cap's seal is not broken! You can request that your host family boil water for you each day to consume.

Will bottled water be provided?

No, if participants require bottled water, they are responsible for obtaining it themselves.

Health and Safety

How safe is Nepal?

Nepal is getting safer since 2006 especially after the peace negotiation between rebels and governments. However, still you will see political unrests in Nepal. Global Crossroad volunteers planning to go to Nepal should know that transportation strikes are a popular means of attracting political attention in Nepal. These strikes severely hamper transportation and can occur without notice. Global Crossroad has no control over these events.

The entire Everest region is very safe. There hasn't been any incident of even petty crime.

More about Travel Safety to Nepal

International travel does present risks, especially with the threat of international terrorism. The U.S. State Department has issued travel warnings and advisories in many countries for U.S. travelers. These travel advisories and warnings change frequently as situations in each country change. We suggest that all volunteers consult their own governments before participating in a Global Crossroad program. These links provide travel information:

• British Foreign Office Advice ( http://www.fco.gov.uk/)
• American State Department Advice ( http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html)
• Australian Government Advice ( http://www.dfat.gov.au/)
• Canadian Government Advice ( http://canada.gc.ca/main_e.html)

What are the principle health risks in Nepal?

We use the Center for Disease Control traveler's health recommendations (www.cdc.gov). Your travel doctor will be knowledgeable about current epidemics and should be consulted.

Recommended Vaccinations and Preventive Medications

The following vaccines may be recommended for your travel to Nepal or South Asia. Discuss your travel plans and personal health with a health-care provider to determine which vaccines you will need.

• Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG). Transmission of hepatitis A virus can occur through direct person-to-person contact; through exposure to contaminated water, ice, or shellfish harvested in contaminated water; or from fruits, vegetables, or other foods that are eaten uncooked and that were contaminated during harvesting or subsequent handling.
• Hepatitis B, especially if you might be exposed to blood or body fluids (for example, health-care workers), have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment. Hepatitis B vaccine is now recommended for all infants and for children ages 11-12 years who did not receive the series as infants.
• Japanese encephalitis, if you plan to visit rural farming areas and under special circumstances, such as a known outbreak of Japanese encephalitis.
• Malaria, your risk of malaria may be high in these countries, including cities. See your health care provider for a prescription ant malarial drug. For details concerning risk and preventive medications, see Malaria Information for Travelers to South Asia.
• Rabies, if you might have extensive unprotected outdoor exposure in rural areas, such as might occur during camping, hiking, or bicycling, or engaging in certain occupational activities.
• Typhoid, Typhoid fever can be contracted through contaminated drinking water or food, or by eating food or drinking beverages that have been handled by a person who is infected. Large outbreaks are most often related to fecal contamination of water supplies or foods sold by street vendors. Vaccination is particularly important because of the presence of S.typhi strains resistant to multiple antibiotics in this region. There have been recent reports of typhoid drug resistance in India and Nepal.
• As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria and measles, and a one-time dose of polio for adults.
• Required Vaccinations

What health precautions should I be aware of and tend to?

There are several issues you should be aware of when visiting Nepal. The first is a lack of sanitation -always make sure to wash your hands before you eat, and never drink water that isn't bottled or boiled. Also be very aware of the food you consume, in terms of how it was prepared, if it was covered and/or refrigerated while sitting, and so on.

Secondly, Nepal can be quite cold at times - be sure to protect yourself against hypothermia and always take a guide if you plan on trekking. Also regarding the climate, Nepal is at such a high altitude that you may fall victim to high altitude sickness. This can pass if it's mild, but you need to seek medical attention if it becomes more severe. Generally, you should make sure to rest after your flight and drink a lot of Fwater.

Lastly, when trekking further uphill in the Everest region, there is a very good possibility of you getting altitude sickness. To prevent this from happening, walk slowly and take plenty of rest. Drink plenty of water also and don't leave your stomach empty or hungry. The more tired and weak you are, the better the chance of getting altitude sickness. You will also need to acclimatize.

Do I need health insurance?

Global Crossroad takes out comprehensive medical insurance for its volunteers. It is suggested that you pay up-front costs and then file an insurance claim to get reimbursed back home after medical expenses such as doctor's visits, medicines, etc.

Who do I contact in case of a health-related emergency?

East or west, home is the best. There is no place better than home when you are ill. But if you do get ill, don't panic. Participants can obtain information pertaining to medical assistance through a number of channels:

• Global Crossroad's In-Country Coordinator
• Your Himalayan Coordinator
• Assigned host-family
• Your country's embassy in Nepal - participants are greatly encouraged to obtain and maintain contact information for their respective embassy; keeping it on their person for easy access.

Is the food safe if I buy it from a street vendor?

No! While you are in Nepal, food safety should be the major factor in your decision to abstain. Our suggestion is to avoid eating on the streets until you get familiar with the general situation. The food will likely taste quite different than anything you have had before. Food safety problems can range from chemicals and contaminants, to bacteria as well as some other diseases. In Nepal, poor food cooking, preparation, and storage, as well as improper cleaning and disinfecting of cooking supplies is very common among street vendors. So, we do not suggest buying food from street vendors.

What are the sanitary conditions in Nepal?

• Be prepared and never expect a clean toilet 100% of the time. Carry some tissue in-case you need to use the public toilet. Never assume that you'll have access to a western-style toilet.
• Nepalese toilets, if they have plumbing, generally do not do well when flushing large amounts of items or feminine hygiene products so do not flush them and throw them away in the trash.
• If you can, Use hotel lobby toilets; these are everywhere and are always clean. Still, they may not always have toilet paper. It depends on the class of hotel that you are using.

Money

Are ATMs easily available? If yes, which debit and credit cards are accepted?

Credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, JCB, Master and Visa are accepted at the local large hotels or tourist stores. You also can withdraw cash from most international banks' ATM machines, but $2-4 USD surcharges apply for each transaction. Remember that ATMS will only be available in the cities and beyond those areas; you should use traveler's checks.

Before flying to Lukla, make sure you carry cash with you. The region does not have any ATM machines. You can spend a day more in Kathmandu, do all the shopping and get cash before you fly to Everest region.

What is the local currency and how do I know the exchange rate?

The official currency of Nepal is the Rupee.

Current exchange rates can be found using a currency converter like www.xe.com, or checking in a newspaper like the Wall Street Journal.

Where do I exchange my money and how much?

Money exchanges by cash or traveler's checks can be made at various banks and hotels. Traveler's checks may also be difficult to exchange in small towns and villages, and travelers are advised to have cash on hand. However, remember that it's dangerous to carry too much cash on you while traveling.

How much money should I bring with me?

It is suggested that you bring $250 to exchange at the airport, for things like transportation or extra expenses you might have. Beyond that, it's really up to you, according to how much you'd like to spend on things like shopping and tourism.

Please remember, eating out in Everest region is very expensive, but the food is generally good in the restaurants. Even the bakeries in the region make very good quality bread. But you will need to pay roughly what you pay at home for the bread, which for a Nepali standard is very expensive.

Is it safe to carry cash with me?

Carrying cash is not safe; therefore, don't carry a large surplus of cash with you.

In the Everest region, you will need to carry cash. So please lock your room or your luggage at all times.

Important Reminder: Retain your receipts whenever you exchange any currency or traveler's checks to Rupees. You may be asked to show proof of the exchange. Without receipts, you will not be able to exchange Nepalese currency back to any other currency upon your departure.

How do I make contact with Global Crossroad's local coordinator?

The detailed contact information for the in-country coordinator will be sent to you with your placement details.

How do I contact my family once I arrive in Nepal?

International Direct Dialing from Nepal is available in most cities. Phone cards are widely available and calls can be made from post offices, hotels and booths on the streets. The Nepal mobile phone networks will usually allow many major cell phone providers to access their network but you might want to check with your provider to see if you will be able to use your phone in Nepal. Internet cafes are available in most cities.

Are internet services easily available?

Internet cafes are available in Kathmandu and in Everest region, although the cafes can be very noisy as they are a popular venue for the youth to play online games and for students to do work. In the Everest, if you bring your laptop you can buy a sim card in Kathmandu and use it in Everest region to go online and call home.

How can my family members contact me?

Once you settle down at the host family, you will want to use your calling card to contact your family if you have not already done so when you arrived in Nepal at the airport. You can also bring a mobile phone with you and get a local sim card. With that, you can call home or receive calls from anywhere in the world.

Can I bring my telephone from my home country?

Possibly - you can contact your provider about service charges, roaming, and whether you can substitute a Nepalese SIM card (purchased in Nepal) with your US one.

Can I purchase phone service once I arrive in Nepal and how much will it cost?

You can and it will be quite cheap.

Is there a special dress code that I should follow while staying in Nepal?

Volunteers should dress conservatively when at their projects. Jeans and a T-shirt are acceptable. No high shorts and tank tops please. Women usually cover much of their body.

What should I know about Nepalese religious conduct?

Nepal respects different cultural backgrounds, religious beliefs, and moral concepts. You may practice on your own accord. Try to be as respectful as possible of temples and religious events - remember that non-Hindu visitors may not be allowed inside some Hindu temples.

How do I respect the Nepalese people?

Be more inclusive and show respect of other cultures. Nepalese culture is rich in customs and traditions. The Nepali people enjoy sharing their customs and traditions with foreigners so feel free to take part with them. You can go with your host family on outings if they ask you to or invite them along with you to go on an outing. Simply helping your family do household chores will be another bonding experience that you can enjoy. Remember to be respectful of Nepali customs and traditions while traveling: it's customary to use your right hand when eating and motioning/touching others while eating is regarded as ill-mannered.

Additional Information

Climate

What is weather like in Nepal?

Any time of the year is a great time to visit Nepal, except the Everest region, which is very good from December to February. 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 then. Also, the winters are mild in Katmandu with no snow. Even though Nepal is home to the world's highest mountain range, the country is in a warm location, and the altitude here offsets the sub-continental heat, thus leaving a very pleasant climate.

Is it very cold in Nepal? Will I need to pack very warm clothes to accommodate for this?

Nepal is not always as cold as people think. The country is geographically divided into three parts. The "Nepal "region is very cold in winter, while the "mid hill" region (Kathmandu and Pokhara) and "mid-terai" region (Chitwan) of Nepal have different climates in different seasons. The weather is cold from December to March, but it is warm and moderately hot in the summertime. The spring and fall are cool and very pleasant seasons as well. 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. We advise female volunteers not to wear short skirts in villages. Nepalese people dress modestly and girls cover most of their bodies, for it is the Nepalese tradition.

Required Clothing

Lightweight clothing and rainwear is recommended as well as warmer clothing for the evenings (light jacket and/or light sweaters) for the summer months. See the above information about winter clothing. A solid pair of walking shoes is highly recommended for trekking.

Official Nepalese Holidays

Like other countries in the world Nepal schools also observe three sets of holidays: school, official, and traditional holidays.

• Jan: Vasant Panchami.
• 30 Jan: Martyrs' Day.
• 19 Feb: Rashtriya Prajatantra Divas (National Democracy Day).
• Mar: Ghode Jatra (Festival of Horses).
• Mar: Holi.
• Mar: Ram Nawami (Birthday of Lord Ram).
• Mar: Shivaratri (in honour of Lord Shiva).
• 8 Mar: Nepalese Women's Day.
• Mar/Apr: Chaite Dashain.
• 14 Apr: Navabarsha (New Year's Day).
• May: Buddha Jayanti (Birthday of Lord Buddha).
• Aug: Rakshya Bandhan (Janai Purnima).
• 20 Aug: Children's Day.
• Aug/Sep: Krishna Janmashtami.
• Sep: Fulpati Saptami.
• Sep: Maha Asthami.
• Sep: Maha Nawami.
• Sep: Vijaya Dashami.
• Oct: Laxhmi Puja.
• Oct: Ghatasthapana.
• Oct: Gobardhan Puja.
• 9 Nov: Constitution Day

What about tipping in Nepal?

Tipping is not obligatory, but it is expected in most places and you should tip at least 10% in restaurants.

Materials to Bring

• Camera
• Sleeping bag
• Mosquito repellents
• Insect repellents
• Sunscreen
• Some books of Nepal
• Map of Nepal
• Toiletries
• First-aid kits
• Flash light
• Electricity adapter/converter
• Sunglasses
• Walking shoes (for work and travel)
• Towel

NOTE: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) is generic information and should not be used as a definitive travel guide. Travel information and situations abroad change constantly. Participants should consult Global Crossroad or travel advisors to verify this information.