AmeriSpan - Volunteer in Nepal

  Nepal

• Kathmandu: 
Kathmandu
• Pokhara: 
Pokhara

Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks

Description: Bordered by India and China, Nepal is known as the Hindu Kingdom of the world. Despite its small size, the country features an extremely diverse landscape and population, from plains 60 meters above sea level to the world's largest mountain Mount Everest. A developing country that has experienced much political instability, an increase in tourism has played a major role in Nepal's recent economic growth. Given Nepal's varied geography, its attractive natural landscape has made adventure tourism a prominent economic activity. Surely trekking, rafting and mountaineering are included in the itineraries of travelers to Nepal, along with an astonishing diverse range of sightseeing attractions, found nowhere else on earth. At the lowest elevations one can experience tropical, humid, forests that harbor tigers, leopards, deer, monkeys, antelope and even a few Indian rhinoceroses.

While Nepali is the official language and English is spoken in government and office settings, Nepal is made up of more than 103 ethnic groups and 93 spoken languages and dialects. Folklore plays a major role in Nepali culture amongst all ethnic groups. Tales and stories are typically based upon reality and religious belief with an emphasis on love, war, gods, demons, ghosts, animals and more. A world-renowned figure in Nepal's folklore is the legendary Abominable Snowman also known as the Yeti, Bigfoot or Sasquatch, which is said to live in the Himalayas. One can join in the numerous annual festivals that are celebrated throughout the year in traditional style highlighting these continuing Nepali customs and beliefs.

With the incomparable natural beauty, the warmth and hospitality of the Nepalese people and opportunities to serve the local communities, volunteering in Nepal promises a rewarding experience.

In Nepal, you can volunteer in three bustling cities: Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan. Our volunteer program presently supports local orphanages, health centers, local schools and NGOs working on different social issues. For people interested in the Buddhist life and culture, you can teach at a Buddhist monastery in Kathmandu.

Deforestation is a big problem in Nepal and you can help battle it when joining in the community nursery program that not only helps replanting trees but also tries to create awareness for these issues in the community.

Highlights:
Nepal Language Classes:
1 week Nepali Language & Culture

AmeriSpan Tip:
It's well worth your while to do some hiking among the world's highest mountain peaks.

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Nepal Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

AmeriSpan Study Abroad's Mission Statement: Our mantra is "Every Language, Every Culture, Everywhere." AmeriSpan Study Abroad has over 15 years experience and over 30,000 past participants. Our staff has three passions: language, culture, and travel. Individually and as a group, we have accumulated experiences and knowledge related to these passions. AmeriSpan's staff has traveled to more than 65 countries, every continent except Antarctica, speak 10 languages, and we are happy to share this enormous amount of relevant knowledge with you. Every staff member has studied and/or lived abroad for extended periods of time. We are neither a language school nor a travel agent, we're a hybrid of the two: a language travel organization. AmeriSpan has evaluated hundreds of schools, host families and destinations to determine which programs to offer, and our independence allows us to give you unbiased evaluations of these programs. Our pledge to our participants is to make going abroad 'worry-free'. There is no risk in choosing an AmeriSpan program because you'll get the best program, best price and can cancel for any reason and get a full refund on every dollar we have received for your program.

Year Founded: 1993