Quick Links
- Volunteer Nepal - Home
- Work in Orphanage
(Kathmandu or Chitwan or Pokhara) - Teaching English
(Kathmandu or Chitwan or Pokhara) - Teaching Buddhist Monks
(Kathmandu) - Medical/Healthcare
(Kathmandu or Chitwan) - Dental Project
(Kathmandu) - Photojournalist Volunteer Project
(Kathmandu) - Hands on Medical Volunteer Abroad
- Internship Nepal
- Culture and Language
- Travel Program Nepal
Volunteer in Nepal!
Would you like to use your compassion and skills to make a real difference in the world? Would you like to volunteer abroad while visiting and exploring the captivating country of Nepal?
Increase your world view and be personally enriched when you volunteer in Nepal.
Nepal is a great country to volunteer and travel. In Nepal, you will discover endless culture and the origins of Buddhism.You will also experience the magnificent Himalayas, diverse wildlife, and beautiful lakes
Alongside its beauty, Nepal remains gripped by poverty resulting from decades of civil war and political instability. Mountainous geography, the gap between rich and poor, and lack of access to education, all contribute to make Nepal one of the poorest countries in Asia.
Today, many organizations working to help children and poor communities In Nepal need volunteers more than ever.
This is where you come in when you join a volunteer abroad program in Nepal. You will work in an orphanage or in health care, teach English in rural schools or to Buddhist monks, or support conservation efforts. Depending on your experience, you can also participate in a photojournalism project, an opportunity unique to Nepal.
Use your kindness and abilities by volunteering to improve the lives of the Nepali people and be rewarded with a lifetime of unique experiences.
Volunteer in Nepal: Projects
Does going to Nepal as a volunteer interest you, but you need to find the right program for you? Global Crossroad offers many different opportunities for you to explore. You can have the positive impact on the world that you wish in a way that fits best with you. You decide.
English fluency has, in recent years, become an important component of the Nepali education system, due to its ability to open doors of opportunity. Yet the majority of Nepal’s population is deprived of effective English education skills, based on a number of factors. Due to extreme poverty, children of rural families are unable to attend good schools, and fail to compete with their counterparts. For them it is either too expensive or geographically out of reach. The schools in which they can study are under-resourced and lack experienced teachers to guide them. Global Crossroad teaching English project aims to alleviate this problem by helping to make English education accessible to all.
As a volunteer for teaching English in Nepal, you will spend your time teaching English in a local school. You will be responsible for teaching Basic English to the students, encouraging them to participate in recreational and artistic activities based on English learning. You will work alongside the full-time teacher, and assist on curriculum development. At times you will help in carrying out various administrative tasks. There are no specific qualifications needed to join the English teaching project in Nepal, apart from fluency in English.
As it is commonly understood, Buddhist monks generally remain aloof to the outside world. They spend most of their times living in monasteries, unaware of the global changes happening around them. With recent developments taking place, however, monks now feel more bound to learn English for communicating with the outside world. As learning English is a means of survival in later life. Global Crossroad teaching project aims to help Buddhist monks learn the English language for their better understanding of the world around them.
While participating in Nepal teaching Buddhist monks English project you will undertake the role of helping student monks to improve their English conversational skills. You may engage them in recreational and artistic activities, and organize activities that aid their learning process. There are no specific qualifications needed to join volunteer in Nepal monastery program. However basic fluency in English language is preferred.
Nepal continues to struggle under the burden of extreme poverty. Many families are unable to provide the basic needs of their children. These children are often neglected and abandoned, forcing them to live a life orphans. The orphanages in which they take shelter are often not equipped to provide adequate food, education and care on regular basis. With little help or no help from the government, it’s more than difficult for them to sustain the growing number of orphaned kids. Global Crossroad orphanage volunteer program aims to lend support to orphanages in order to fill the gap.
While taking part in Nepal orphanage volunteer program you will work with children from impoverished backgrounds at an orphanage. Your role here is to teach basic English, and help them to develop their conversational skills. You will provide care, love, and attention to children. At times you may help them with their homework, generating creative new ideas to interest the children, and assist the local staff with administrative duties if required. No specific qualifications or skills are required to be a part of orphanage in Nepal project.
Health care in Nepal has progressed substantially in recent years, yet a majority of its population still struggle to get adequate services. This is especially true of its rural population, where epidemics are too common. As a result of poverty, many are unable to afford healthcare even when it is accessible, and many fall prey to preventable diseases. Global Crossroad Volunteer health care project aims to alleviate the rural healthcare gap, by offering support and assistance.
When you work in Health care volunteer opportunities Nepal program you will be placed in local health clinics, or hospitals. On a daily basis you will treat people from local under-serviced communities. You will provide assistance in general check-ups and examinations of the patients. At other times, you will be observing and supporting healthcare professionals, and organizing and conducting public outreach and education program. To join this program you should have healthcare certification and physician’s credentials.
To bridge this gap, Global Crossroad organizes dental care volunteer program in Nepali hospitals. Here, volunteers have the valuable opportunity to closely observe experienced dentists and specialists, gaining hands-on experience by watching dental procedures, learning techniques, and understanding patient interactions.
Do you want to gain valuable dental experience? Visit the project page for the complete information.
Nepal is an exciting destination for photojournalism. Despite its geographical adversities, it is a bountiful abode of cultural beliefs and extremely diverse environments. Sadly, however, it continues to be one of the most overlooked nations in the world. The only way to reveal its hidden mysteries, and ancient splendour to the world are through the expert eyes of the lens. Global Crossroads Nepal photojournalism volunteer program focuses on creating ongoing and meaningful opportunities for photojournalism amongst the volunteers.
While taking part in this program, you get an opportunity to work alongside professional photojournalists. You will work under the guidance of an expert from a leading local newspaper or a magazine. Learning directly from a professional will help you gain a wide variety of knowledge and experience. You will be capturing timeless pagoda shaped Hindu temples, taking pictures of various UNESCO listed monuments, and of Buddhist stupas. Most important, during your photojournalism journey you will photograph panoramic views of the entire Kathmandu Valley. There are no specific skills or qualification required for this project.
Nepal is a land of some of the most awe-inspiring scenery, cultural treasures, and trekking trails on Earth. Global Crossroad's summer volunteering program in Nepal does not simply offer glimpses of this breathtaking country, but you will also able to experience the beauty of Nepal - filled with the sights, sounds, and spirits of a very culturally-rich past.ealth care volunteer opportunities Nepal program you will be placed in local health clinics, or hospitals.
On a daily basis you will treat people from local under-serviced communities. You will provide assistance in general check-ups and examinations of the patients. At other times, you will be observing and supporting healthcare professionals, and organizing and conducting public outreach and education program. To join this program you should have healthcare certification and physician’s credentials.
Are you interested in embarking on a trek though the Himalayan region of Nepal while also lending a helping hand to those in need? Global Crossroad’s short term volunteer program in Nepal offers participants the opportunity to explore the mystical and awe-inspiring beauty of this mountainous dreamscape while simultaneously making a much-needed, positive impact on the lives of the underprivileged children and people of Nepal.
Do you want to travel abroad, while having the opportunity to make a positive impact on the place you venture to? Global Crossroad offers an affordable, reputable, and exciting short term volunteer opportunity in Nepal for those interesting in exploring Nepal (the Chitwan National Park) and dedicating some time to the needs of others.
In addition to the above projects, we also offer family Volunteering, alternative spring break, high school volunteering, college/university volunteering and many other programs. Contact Global Crossroad for further information.
Volunteer in Nepal: Dates and Prices
Start Dates:
Global Crossroad’s programs always begin on Monday of every week of the year. If you have some travel constraints, we can of course let you start on any day that fits.
Fees:
Global Crossroad has been a trusted and reputable leader for volunteering abroad since 2003. Our goal is to provide the highest quality volunteer experiences with the lowest fees, making these opportunities available to everyone, including students. Anyone can be part of our programs, and have a positive impact without paying high fees.
We are always fully transparent with our costs, which we divide into two parts:
Registration fee of $299. This money goes directly to paying our daily running costs, or our overhead costs for running an organization.
Nepal volunteering projects’ weekly fee- this part is paid directly to your host family (via the country coordinator) in order to cover food and accommodations. These payments are direct, and involve no ‘middlemen’, or third parties.
| Weeks |
(Orphanage/ School (Kathmandu/Chitwan) |
Medical (Kathmandu/Chitwan) |
Monastery (Kathmandu) |
Photo Journalism (Kathmandu) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Week | $150 | $255 | - | $275 |
| 2 Weeks | $270 | $500 | $350 | $460 |
| 3 Weeks | $390 | $675 | $500 | $645 |
| 4 Weeks | $510 | $850 | $650 | $830 |
| 5 Weeks | $630 | $1,025 | $800 | $1,015 |
| 6 Weeks | $750 | $1,200 | $950 | $1,200 |
| 7 Weeks | $870 | $1,375 | $1,100 | $1,385 |
| 8 Weeks | $990 | $1,550 | $1,250 | $1,570 |
| 9 Weeks | $1,110 | $1,725 | $1,400 | $1,755 |
| 10 Weeks | $1,230 | $1,900 | $1,550 | $1,940 |
| 11 Weeks | $1,350 | $2,075 | $1,700 | $2,125 |
| 12 Weeks | $1,470 | $2,250 | $1,850 | $2,310 |
Comprehensive Travel Insurance $3.49/day ( below 28 years) and $4.49/day ( above 28 years)»
Language and Culture Program fee $250
Program Fees Cover:
- Accommodation (volunteers house or host family)
- Food (local food 3 times a day)
- In-country support
- Program Orientation
- Personalized project
- Pre-departure information
- Certificate of completion
- Fundraising ideas and letters
- Discount for returning volunteers
Program Fees Exclude:
- Visas
- Airfare
- Personal expenses on soft drinks and foods
- Daily transportation
- Airport return transfer
The volunteer trip to Nepal program fees will cover expenses that will begin on the first day of the program (usually the first or third Monday of the month) to the last day of the program. If you arrive before the first day of the program or you decide you stay beyond your programs last day, you will be responsible for the additional expenses.
Travel and Weekend
Nepal is a beautiful country to see, and yes, we make sure you have the free time to do it. Global Crossroad programs are organized to allow volunteers time after their workday and on weekends to explore the local region. We will even be happy to tell you about our favourite spots, and what not to miss on your journey.
Accommodations and Meals
Curious about where you might stay in Nepal as a volunteer, and what food is available? Volunteering with Global Crossroad means that we will look after your comfort, and your safety. We make sure you have safe, comfortable housing, and good food with options to suit you as best we can for your whole journey with us.
During your volunteer trip to Nepal program, Global Crossroad's weekly fees include management of volunteers' meal plans and accommodations throughout projects and travel options. Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) will be provided and will consist of local ingredients and feature traditional cuisine choices.
Our volunteer programs can accommodate vegetarian meal needs; however, we are not able to provide for other dietary restrictions. Food and drinks outside of mealtimes are the volunteer's responsibility. In most cases, there are restaurants and markets nearby the homes in which our volunteers stay.
In Nepal, accommodation varies with projects. Volunteers work in the Buddhist monk teaching project in Nepal, mostly live in the monastery’s hostel. In the hostel, you will get a single or shared room and comfortable living with western style of toilet.However, depending up on the location of the projects, volunteers working in orphanage, health/medical, photo journalism live in volunteer house or host family.
There are several bedrooms at our volunteer house and volunteers will normally share a room with a same gender volunteer. The environment is very relaxed and social and a great place to unwind after a busy day. The kitchen and bathrooms are shared, and there is running water and "western-style" toilets. The neighborhood is very safe. There are free Wi-Fi at the home base in Kathmandu only and there are many amenities nearby like, grocery stores, restaurants, and mass transit stops.
If there are a large number of volunteers during your volunteering work in Nepal timeframe, you may stay with a host family. Volunteers staying with a host family usually have a single bedroom but may occasionally share a room with another volunteer of the same gender. Our host families are chosen carefully and are esteemed community members, who have experience in the realm of hosting international travelers.
Host family residences are in comfortable, clean and safe neighborhoods and rooms are simply furnished and tidy. Staying with a host family can offer the support system to those having a volunteering opportunity in Nepal will crave during their program and it is a great way to learn about a host country's culture and customs.
Sometime, volunteers working in the orphanage project, may live in the orphanage hostel. When you join a volunteer program in Nepal, it is highly advised that you do not eat food from street vendors and do not drink the tap water.
Language And Cultural Immersion
As part of your volunteering program in Nepal, Global Crossroad offers a one-week language and cultural orientation in Kathmandu. Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal and where language program takes place are. There are two sides to the city.
Our weeklong intensive language and cultural immersion program, which is available when you join a volunteer in Nepal program, includes language training, lessons on history, culture, ways of life, visits to local villages, towns, and markets, guided Kathmandu exploration, and local tourist attractions. This Global Crossroad program aims to submerge you in Nepali culture, history, and ways of life to vastly improve your volunteer trip to Nepal.
When you understand the life and culture around you, your experience volunteering in Nepal will be richer and more rewarding. This experience should not be missed! As an international traveler and volunteer, it is highly recommended that you take advantage of this affordable and beneficial opportunity.
Volunteer in Nepal: FAQs
Do you have more questions? That’s a good sign! Please read on below for answers to some of our frequently asked questions about volunteering abroad with Global Crossroad.
Where are the projects located?
Global Crossroad’s volunteering in Nepal programs are located in three different cities: Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan.
Kathmandu: Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal and is one of the most intoxicating places to travel and volunteer. Kathmandu is visited by thousands of visitors each year. From shopping in Thamel to visiting the largest Buddhist stupa of Asia- Boudhanath there is no shortage of things to do in Kathmandu.
Pokhara: Popular for its spectacular mountain scenery, and outdoor adventure activities, Pokhara ticks all the right boxes for those wishing to spend a laidback holiday, while participating in various life changing and meaningful volunteer opportunities.
Chitwan: Chitwan is another great place for volunteering in Nepal. Chitwan is famous for its stunning national parks full of amazing wildlife and vegetation. Volunteers can escape the city and fully grasp the solitude of staying in a forested land, filled with incredible abundance of exotic wild animals and birds. Volunteers also get the chance to learn about Tharu culture and traditions.
Is there any minimum and maximum stay?
You can stay for a minimum of 1 week to a maximum of 12 weeks volunteeering in Nepal. To extend your stay you have to acquire an additional tourist visa. We advise you to choose a volunteer project of your liking, based on the amount of days you plan on staying in Nepal.
Can I extend my stay if I choose to?
Yes, you can extend your stay if you wish to continue volunteering. In such a situation, you should get in touch with our in-country coordinator. We can assist you to extend the duration of your visa.
What types of volunteer opportunities are available?
Global Crossroad offers a handful of volunteering opportunities in Nepal such as Work in orphanage volunteer program, Teaching English volunteer program in Nepal, Health Project in Nepal, Teaching Buddhist Monks Volunteer Program, Conservation volunteer program in Nepal, and Photojournalism Project Nepal Volunteer Project. You can select from any of these volunteer projects.
Will I have enough time to travel after work and in weekend?
Yes, international volunteers will have time to travel while volunteering with us, both after work and on weekends.
Who will guide or support me in the project?
Our in-country coordinator will guide and support you throughout the entire duration of your volunteer trip in Nepal. If you require any assistance, just make sure to let our in-country coordinator know and he/she will do their best to help you in every way possible.
Can I change project if I do not like?
Yes, you are allowed to change your volunteer project. You simply need to get in contact with our in-country coordinator, and inform them of your desire and reason for wanting to change. Keep in mind that there must be an open volunteer project for you to join in order to switch.
Can I work in more than one volunteer project?
Yes, our volunteers can work in more than one Nepal volunteer opportunity. However, please understand that it won’t be easy to work in two different volunteer projects at once. You have to work for at least 4 to 5 hours a day in one single project alone and when you add another project in that daily routine, it really becomes tough.
Who manages the volunteer projects in Nepal?
Our volunteer projects are all managed by an experienced country coordinator who has an expert knowledge of handling volunteer projects and volunteers. The country coordinator is there to provide you with support on a day to day basis. He/she will even come to visit you frequently during your volunteer trip to check on your well-being.
Will I receive training before the start of the project?
Yes, our volunteers receive training before the start of their volunteer projects in Nepal. After your arrival, our in-country coordinator will engage you in an orientation class during which you will learn about safety measures and your daily schedules.
Is there dress code in the project?
No, there is no dress code set in place for our volunteers in Nepal. You do have to understand that in keeping with local culture, you must wear decent and modest clothes while volunteering in Nepal. If you are participating in our medical volunteer program then you will have to wear a white apron.
Why pay to volunteer abroad?
Payments made by volunteers for the participation in our volunteer projects in Nepal help support the operating and managerial cost of our organization. We are a non-profit volunteer organization. The fees paid by our volunteers are essential for us to pay the salary of our staff, advertisement, utility, and rent bills. Not only that but the field supervision, food and accommodation is all covered by the fees of our volunteer programs.
Why are Global Crossroad’s fees so much more affordable than other volunteer organizations?
Global Crossroad serves as a non-profit volunteer organization whose only aim is to provide affordable and meaningful volunteer opportunities. The fees of our volunteer programs are just enough to sustain the projects without any additional profit. Global Crossroad is committed to offer the lowest possible cost for its high-quality volunteer programs.
Can I get help to raise fund?
Yes, Global Crossroad can provide help to raise funds for your volunteer program. You can get in touch with our office staff and ask for help regarding this. We will certainly help you on your endeavour to raise funds.
For more readings
Cost/Money Matter
Why do I need to pay to volunteer?
Program fee
Is it safe to travel to Nepal?
Yes, Nepal is a country totally safe for travel. There are no immediate travel risks and warnings for those visiting Nepal. Global Crossroad provides full 24/7 support to its volunteers working in Nepal project from their arrival through the end of the project to ensure they are safe. We do advise our volunteers carry out their own research on the safety of their travel before leaving home.
What are safety measures you take for the volunteers?We make sure that all of our volunteers are safely transported to their hostel or hotel from the airport upon arriving in the Tribhuvan International Airport of Nepal. We then have an informative orientation session between the volunteers and country coordinator responsible for the projects. We are available throughout the course of all volunteer programs. The orientation session allows us to discuss safety situations, field conditions, local do’s & don’ts, and local culture, prior to beginning your project.
What will happen if I get sick?
We take care of you if ever get sick during your volunteer work in Nepal. Our in-country field staff will help you in whatever way is required. We make sure that, if needed, you get proper treatment in a hospital or a clinic.
Why must I get travel insurance before beginning my volunteer trip?
It is compulsory for you to purchase travel insurance before joining our volunteer projects. We believe that safety and peace of mind are vital when volunteering so you need to have one with you before actually coming to Nepal for the project.
What Vaccination Do I need to take?
For Nepal, the CDC suggests the standard vaccines for MMR, chickenpox and the yearly flu shot, and many volunteers in Nepal are also encouraged to get Hepatitis A and Typhoid. A few might also need vaccines for Malaria, Rabies, Polio, Yellow Fever, Hepatitis B and Japanese Encephalitis vaccination, but these risks depend on where you’ll be and what you’ll be doing during your volunteer project.
What are the principle health risks in Nepal?
Volunteers mostly need to worry about the water they are drinking, as tap water in Nepal is not good for consumption. You need to be vigilant and eat at places that appear sanitary to you. Also, please be mindful of stray dogs, as they can have rabies.
Do I need visa to volunteer and travel in Nepal?
Yes, you do need a visa to travel and volunteer in Nepal with us.
How do I apply for the visa?
To obtain a Nepal travel visa, please visit the website of Nepal’s Immigration Department, and follow the instructions there. Keep in mind, it must be done in within 15 days of your planned arrival date in Nepal for volunteering. See website for details.
Can I extend my visa while I am in the country? Can you help me on this?
A Nepal travel visa is only valid for entry for three to six months from the date of issue.You can renew your travel visa for Nepal by paying a visit to the Department of Immigration. We can help you extend your visa if necessary.
How do I contact with Global Crossroad’s local coordinator?
The easiest way to contact your Global Crossroad’s local coordinator is through phone during your stay in Nepal. You can buy a Nepalese SIM Card and then use it on your mobile phone. You can also email them if you have Internet facilities in your accommodations.
How can I communicate with my family from Nepal?
Our volunteers working in Nepal program can use local phones to call your family and friends. However, if you buy a local SIM Card and install it in your mobile phone, you can directly call your family members any time you want.
Can I use my phone?
Yes, you can use your phone during your stay in Nepal.
Can I buy SIM card in Nepal?
Yes, you can buy a SIM Card in Nepal.
How can I get/purchase internet services?
To buy a local SIM Card, volunteers in Nepal will need to have your passport plus one passport-sized photo. There are many stores and shops in Nepal where you can purchase a SIM Card. If you have purchased a NTC SIM Card then you will have to type “DATA10MB” and send it to 1415. Or if you have got an Ncell SIM Card then you have to dial *123# and then choose the appropriate internet data packages.
Is there internet available everywhere?
Yes, there are internet facilities available everywhere in Nepal.
What I need to bring?
You need to bring travel insurance, passport, flight tickets, mobile phone, chargers, adapter, first aid kit, pollution mask, toiletries, insect repellent, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, lightweight backpack, slippers, shoes, filtered water bottle, ear plugs, and sleep mask for your volunteer trip in Nepal.
Page updated: 25th July, 2019