A Cultural Immersion Experience in Nepal

  Nepal

• Kathmandu: 
Kathmandu

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: Sep - Dec & Mar - May (12 weeks) / July - August (6 weeks)

Description: Live with local families! Serve communities in need! Study the language and put it to use! Learn about the culture experientially through seminars and local exploration! A comprehensive orientation sets the stage for a deep intimate cross-cultural experience. Make friends and make a contribution through this extraordinary immersion program in Nepal.

This unique cultural, educational and volunteer service experience takes place primarily in Kathmandu and provides participants with numerous opportunities to learn about the various cultures of Nepal, acquire new perspectives on their lives and the world we live in and assist communities in need. Participants are immersed in the culture through a variety of engaging learning opportunities in a comprehensive Orientation & Education Phase that appropriately prepares each participant to effectively serve in a volunteer project of their choice.

Participants should expect to gain a solid foundation of understanding about the cultures of Nepal by living with a local family; studying the Nepali language; being exposed to life in rural and urban areas; trekking through villages; learning about the religions, geography and history of the region; and much more.

Many wonderful local people comprise the Nepal staff such as language instructors, cultural interpreters, guest speakers and our in-country director, Rajesh Shrestha. Educated in Law and Political Science, Rajesh has gained valuable experience training volunteers from various international organizations including the US Peace Corps, Canadian Crossroads International and more. He truly exhibits the hospitality and grace of the Nepalese people and we are proud to have him as our Program Director.

Highlights: In and of itself, the Orientation & Education Phase exposes participants to more than even the casual tourist would hope to experience in and around Kathmandu and the Kathmandu Valley. This exciting part of the program consists of activities that bring to life the cultural fabric of Nepal, woven by a complex history of ethnic groups and customs. During this phase participants learn about various aspects of the culture through engaging activities that include a home stay with a local family; Nepali language classes; seminars on various aspects of Nepali culture and customs; visits to significant cultural & historical sites including Boudhanath, Pashupatinath and more; an educational trek through rural villages of the Kathmandu Valley; exploration of various civic establishments such as markets, the post office, banks, etc.; a visit to a local school to meet students and teachers; a one-day white water rafting adventure on one of Nepal's wild rivers; a jungle safari by elephant through Royal Chitwan National Park; and much more.

Qualifications: Some volunteer opportunities, particularly in healthcare, require experience or expertise,; otherwise we offer many positions that do not require special qualifications.

Cost in US$: $3900 (6 weeks) / $5225 (12 weeks)

Accommodations: One night at a Guest House in Kathmandu upon arrival; With a local family in Kathmandu during the Orientation & Urban Education component; Guest House accommodations on the educational trekking component; Resort Camp accommodations during visit to Royal Chitwan National Park; With a local family or on the grounds of the service site during the Community Service component,

Transportation: Airport transfers to/from Kathmandu (2); To/from all sites around Kathmandu and the Kathmandu Valley during the Orientation, Urban and Rural Education components,

Educational Staff: Nepali language instructor during the Orientation & Urban Education component; Educators for all cultural seminars; English-speaking cultural interpreters for all local exploration,

Meals: Special welcome dinner upon arrival; Two meals per day at home stays throughout program,

Entrance Fees: All entrance fees for scheduled visits to cultural/historic sites, including UNESCO World Heritage sites,

Miscelleneous: Complimentary duffel bag; Comprehensive Pre-Departure Packet

Salary / Pay: All positions are unpaid, however, some opportunities may provide room & board in exchange for service.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Typical candidates, primarily American gap-year students, are interested in gaining an intimate understanding and appreciation of the various cultures of Nepal by actively engaging with local people through home stays, language training, cultural seminars, community service and more. Participants are open-minded, respectful of local customs and willing to get involved in a variety of cultural-sharing activities with the people of a local community. In addition, many candidates are interested in particular types of volunteer work.

Age Range: 17 and up

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Nepal Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

International Cultural Adventures's Mission Statement: Since 1996, International Cultural Adventures has been creating extraordinary cultural, educational and volunteer service experiences in Asia and South America. Our Custom Design Programs allow you to create a truly unique intercultural experience. Gain deeper insights into local cultures, enjoy rugged outdoor adventures, explore your own special interests, or combine them all in one enriching journey it's up to you! The Cultural Immersion Experience (CIE) is our comprehensive program offering participants a uniquely intimate and profound intercultural experience through home stays, cultural seminars, language training, educational excursions, village visits, adventure trekking, community service, and more. The CIE is for you if you feel motivated to gain a deeper understanding of a very different culture and of yourself! by living as a member of a local family, participating in experiential learning activities, and actively engaging with the local culture through community service. Our extended or short-term adventures take you into some of the most breathtaking areas on Earth including Peru, India, and Nepal. Explore our programs and explore the world!

Year Founded: 1996