Volunteering Abroad for Professionals in Nepal
Elevate Your Impact, Enrich Your Experience
Are you a professional seeking to apply your skills for a greater purpose while experiencing Nepal’s rich culture and breathtaking landscapes? Volunteering abroad for Professionals with Volunteers Initiative Nepal (ViN) offers a unique chance to combine meaningful contributions with personal and professional growth. Whether you’re an educator, healthcare provider, engineer, environmental scientist, or business expert, your expertise can impact Nepal’s rural communities while providing you with unforgettable experiences.
1. Leverage Your Expertise
Your professional skills are invaluable in fostering sustainable development. From advising women’s cooperatives and mentoring youth to improving healthcare systems or infrastructure, your contributions will directly empower communities in rural Nepal to thrive.
2. Deepen Cultural Understanding
Nepal’s unique culture and traditions offer opportunities for personal and professional enrichment. Working closely with local professionals and communities will provide a fresh perspective on global issues and foster mutual respect and cross-cultural collaboration.
3. Tailored Opportunities
ViN matches your expertise with the needs of local communities to maximize your impact. Projects are designed to ensure that you fully utilize your professional knowledge while creating opportunities for you to grow in a new environment.
4. Enhance Your Career
Volunteering abroad can boost your resume, enhance your leadership skills, and provide real-world problem-solving experience. Many professionals return with renewed motivation and new career ideas.
5. Explore Nepal’s Beauty
Immerse yourself in the serene landscapes of the Himalayas, vibrant local festivals, and delicious cuisine while making a difference. Nepal offers a rich blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage to explore during your stay.
1. Organizational Development Advisor
Role: Guide local organizations in strategic planning, process improvement, and capacity building.
Impact: Help small NGOs enhance efficiency, broaden reach, and achieve sustainability.
2. Human Resources Mentor
Role: Train local leaders in modern HR practices, from recruitment to employee well-being strategies.
Impact: Build resilient teams and empower local institutions to retain and develop talent.
3. Marketing and Communications Specialist
Role: Develop branding strategies, manage campaigns, and train staff in digital marketing.
Impact: Boost visibility for causes, helping them reach a global audience and attract more resources.
4. Youth Entrepreneurship Mentor
Role: Coach young individuals in starting businesses, writing business plans, and financial literacy.
Impact: Cultivate job creators and uplift communities through economic development.
5. Disaster Risk Reduction Coach
Role: Design and implement community resilience programs focusing on disaster preparedness and mitigation.
Impact: Protect vulnerable areas and save lives by building awareness and readiness.
6. Sustainable Food Production Manager
Role: Introduce eco-friendly farming techniques and train farmers in organic and sustainable practices.
Impact: Secure food systems while conserving natural resources for future generations.
7. Grant Writer and Fundraiser
Role: Write grant proposals, identify funding opportunities, and organize community fundraising campaigns.
Impact: Ensure resources flow to impactful projects, enabling their growth and sustainability.
8. Public Relations and Network Developer
Role: Build partnerships with donors, institutions, and volunteers to support local organizations.
Impact: Create a global network of support that drives change in underserved communities.
- Corporate Professionals: Use your expertise in leadership, technology, or management.
- Retirees: Leverage decades of experience to mentor and inspire.
- Entrepreneurs: Share lessons from your entrepreneurial journey.
Creatives: Bring art, music, and innovative ideas to enrich communities.
1. Choose Your Cause:
Identify a project aligned with your skills and passions, such as education, healthcare, or conservation.
2. Partner with Reputable Organizations:
Seek organizations that provide structured support and align with your values.
3. Commit to a Timeline:
Whether short-term or long-term, your dedication can make a lasting impact.
4. Embrace Cultural Exchange:
Be open to learning from and contributing to the community in meaningful ways.
- Personal Growth: Build resilience, adaptability, and global awareness.
- Legacy Building: Leave a lasting impact by sharing your expertise.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience diverse traditions, cuisines, and stories.
- Career Enhancement: Gain unique experiences that enrich your professional journey.
Becoming volunteer :
- Fill out the online application form on VIN’s website.
- Attend a virtual orientation to understand the program and your role.
Confirm your participation by paying the program fee, which covers accommodation, meals, and project costs.
Requirements
- Gender: Female / Male
- Minimum Age: 18+ years (16-17 years old person can volunteer but need to present parents’/ guardian’s consent letter)
- Language:English (Intermediate)
- Educational:High School Graduate
Your Experience/ Setting
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), you will receive a warm welcome and be transported to your hotel or hostel. If you are already in Nepal before the start of your placement, we can make alternative arrangements for you. You will undergo a comprehensive two- to three-day induction program after arrival. This induction will provide valuable information about your project and general information about the Nepalese language, culture, health, safety, and security. It is also an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow volunteers and interns who can become your companions for sightseeing and a source of support throughout your volunteer placement.
During the induction period, you will be accommodated in a budget hotel or hostel arranged by VIN. However, most of the VIN experience involves living with a Nepalese host family. While this immersion is essential for a complete experience, we understand that it can be challenging as you adapt to a new culture and adjust to facilities that may be more basic than you are accustomed to. Don’t worry; all our host families have experience accommodating volunteers, although their English-speaking abilities may vary. Also, you will have 24-hour access to our staff members for support and assistance throughout your placement.
Volunteers will be assigned to one of VIN’s working areas, which include Tarakeshor Municipality in Kathmandu, Taluwa, Thulachhap, and Bhadaure in Okhaldhunga, and Okharpouwa and Kaule in the Nuwakot district. While at the working site, volunteers are requested to bring their lunch box, water bottle, safety gear, face mask, and any other essential belongings. We advise volunteers to dress comfortably and modestly, preferably with long sleeves. Please get in touch with us for guidance and support if you want to raise project funds or collect project-specific resources. This will help the community a lot.
Schedule and Commitment
You will work five to six days a week, up to six hours per day. You may propose your preferred time and hours; however, the working time period will be dependent on the institution you have been placed. A minimum of 2 weeks’ time commitment is expected of a volunteer. The longer you commit; the better impact you can make. You should be willing to commit a certain amount of your free time and energy, show a lot of commitment and be a good listener. You are expected to work constructively and co-operatively maintaining good reputation and standards at all times. Volunteer should abide by relevant security concerns and access procedures. Moreover, you should be receptive and positive to performance appraisal, advice and feedback. Throughout your placement, you will have the full support of VIN. Your safety is our highest priority.
Your typical day might look like this:
07:00-08:00 | Tea/Leisure Time |
08:00-09:00 | Breakfast/Brunch (Nepali meal – Daal-Bhaat) |
09:00-10:00 | Preparation for sessions |
10:00-13:00 | Deliver training sessions/Workshops |
13:00-14:00 | Lunch (Packed lunch) |
15:00-17:00 | Deliver interactive sessions for youth clubs |
17:00-20:00 | Preparation for next day/Leisure time |
20:00-21:00 | Dinner (Nepali meal – Daal-Bhaat |
You will receive a clear and concise on-the-job instructions, course of action, context of work and policies/strategies before your placement begins. You will be provided with ample of guidance and support throughout the placement with trainings / onboarding sessions incase necessary. You will be in a constant communication and regular check-in with the VIN volunteer coordinator. VIN aims to maintain a culture of continuous feedback between the volunteer supervisor at the placement to monitor the performance of the volunteer and ensure the project delivers desired outcomes.
In case of an emergency, you may contact one of our Volunteer Coordinators who will be available anytime for your assistance and support.
Click here to Learn more on how volunteering works
Mid and Long Term Volunteers:
2 weeks minimum stay- € 350
3 weeks – 450€
4 weeks – 550€ (after 4th week, for each additional week €85)
University Internships:
4 weeks minimum stay- € 650 (for each additional week – €95
Click here to Learn what’s included and excluded in our Fees Section
Click here to Learn recruitment process on how volunteering works
Our projects are open year-round, and our inductions begin on the first and third Mondays of each month. We would like to ask that volunteers arrive one day before the start of the induction. You can choose the duration of your participation based on your available time. However, so that you know, our volunteering placements are limited. We highly recommend booking your placement in advance to secure your placement. Click here to apply.