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Choosing the right volunteer program or internship can be a life-changing decision, and at Volunteers Initiative Nepal (ViN), we value the experiences of those who join our mission. Our volunteer reviews and internship reviews provide a deep dive into what it’s like to work with us in Nepal, offering prospective participants a clear view of the impacts they can make and the communities they can help. From honest reviews of volunteer programs in Asia to first-hand volunteer reviews for environment conservation and sincere feedback on community development, discover why ViN will remain one of the top-rated programs in 2025! learn more..

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Volunteers Initiative Nepal (VIN)
4.8
Based on 175 reviews
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Fanny Riaboff
03:21 18 Jul 25
An amazing and unique experience with VIN to feel the Nepalese culture from inside and help marginalized communities. I recommend, it is a very serious and caring organisation.
Ella McCarthy
09:58 10 Jul 25
Had the most amazing 5 weeks teaching English at a Tibetan Bhuddist monastery- an experience I will encourage everyone to do at least once in their lives! Truly amazing and VIN was so helpful, accommodating and organised in creating this experience. Very transparent with spending, wide variety of programs to choose from each benefitting Nepal in different ways. Well run and deserves all the credit. Highly recommend 10/10
kanako
11:34 27 Jun 25
Whole volunteer experiences here were wonderful. I could experience real culture in Nepal though communication and volunteer activities in the local community. Through my volunteer activities, I could enjoy myself and gained new skills for the personal development.
VIN was so supportive and all of them were organized well.
Samiksha Sharma
11:52 04 Jun 25
Volunteers Iniative Nepal provided an amazing opportunity for me to give back to the communities. I’m very grateful for this experience. Thank you so much VIN.
John Bolton
06:07 25 Apr 25
Volunteering with VIN has been a truly enriching and unforgettable experience. It offers a rare opportunity to deeply immerse oneself in the warmth, richness, and beauty of Nepali culture while giving back in a meaningful way. From the very beginning, the VIN staff were welcoming and supportive, generously sharing cultural insights and guidance that helped me feel at home and prepared to contribute right away. Their dedication and care made it easy to connect with the community and begin making a difference. I am deeply grateful for every moment spent here—the people I met, the lessons I learned, and the sense of purpose I felt throughout. Thank you, VIN, for creating such a powerful and life-changing experience.
Shovan Devkota
09:46 02 Apr 25
Volunteering with Volunteer’s Initiative Nepal was an incredible experience. The team was supportive, and I felt truly valued while making a real impact. I gained new skills, met amazing people, and saw the difference we made firsthand. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give back, I highly recommend joining!
Arnav k Nepal
09:45 02 Apr 25
VIN was an incredible experience. VIN provided a well-structured program with meaningful community engagement. The organization’s focus on sustainability ensured that our contributions had a lasting impact. We also appreciated the chance to coach sports and organize a winter camp, which made learning fun and interactive for the students. Also I was able to work on some meaningful activities such as women empowerment and human trafficking awareness. For anyone looking to make a real difference while growing personally and professionally, VIN is an excellent choice. Highly recommended!
Martin
08:42 28 Mar 25
That was great experience for me.
There were a lot of lovely dogs.
By participating in this volunteer program, you will have the opportunity to meet many dogs.
Cholindra Karki
16:12 16 Sep 24
Volunteers Initiative Nepal(VIN) is a non- religious, non-political, non-for-profit and non-governmental organization (NGO). It focuses on community based projects involving local volunteers backed-up by international volunteers in Nepal.It has been deploying its volunteers in teaching, teachers training,environment, health and sanitation, children development,women empowerment support, youth empowerment and disaster risk reduction. I am proud to be a staff of this known organization. Let the targeted community be empowered together…
Rosie W
09:01 08 Sep 24
Volunteering with VIN was an incredibly experience! I spent an amazing 2 weeks working in 4 schools teaching about disasters and preparedness while enhancing the childrens english. Everyone I met was so lovely and helpful enciting me into their culture. While in Okhaldhunga I got to see multiple festivals including Gai Jatra and Teej, which was unforgettable and really made my time in Nepal. I'm so glad VIN allowed me to see the beautiful sights and culture if Nepal and I wish to come back soon!
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Your Experience/Setting

On arrival you will be greeted at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and transported to your hotel / hostel (alternative arrangements can be made for those already in Nepal prior to the start of their placement). You will then receive a comprehensive a two to three-day induction, during that time you will be provided with information about your particular project as well as general information, including basic Nepalese language and culture, health and safety. This is also a good time to mix with other volunteers or interns who may be great sight-seeing companions and a source of support during your volunteer placement.

During the induction you will be accommodated in a budget hotel or hostel at VIN. However, a large part of the VIN experience comes from the immersion of a

home stay with a Nepalese host family. While this is an essential part of the experience we also recognize that it can be a challenging one, becoming part of a new culture and becoming accustomed to facilities that will be more basic than those you are used to. However, all our host families are experienced in accommodating volunteers – although their ability to speak English will vary – and you will have 24 hours’ access to contact and support from our staff members during your placement.

Volunteers will be placed in one of VIN’s working areas namely Tarakeshor Municipality of Kathmandu, Taluwa, Thulachhap and Bhadaure of Okhaldhunga, and Okharpouwa, Kaule of Nuwakot district. While at the working site the volunteers are requested to bring their own lunch, water bottle, safety gears, face mask and other essential belongings. As a volunteer you are advised to be in a comfortable and modest attire with preferably long sleeves. If you wish to raise project funds or collect project specific resources, you may contact us.

Requirements

  • Gender: Female / Male
  • Minimum Age: 18+ years (16-17 years old person can volunteer but need to present parents’ consent letter)
  • Language: English (Intermediate)
  • Educational: High School Graduate

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.

Mentoring and Support System

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.

Time and Fees

Mid and Long Term Volunteers:
  • 2 weeks minimum stay- € 385
  • 3 weeks – 470€
  • 4 weeks – 555€ (after 4 weeks for each additional week we charge €75)
University Internships:
  • 4 weeks minimum stay- € 615 (for each additional week we charge €85)

What VIN offers you in return?

  • On Arrival orientation (two to three days)
  • Food and Accommodation during on arrival orientation at VIN’s hostel / budget hotel on sharing basis
  • Food and Accommodation during Placement: Nepali Standard local host family – 3 meals a day
  • Transportation: Airport pick up; one time transport to and from the project site
  • Local volunteers’ support cost (optional)
  • VIN T-shirt
  • Certificate of participation
  • 24 hours emergency support
  • VIN admin cost.

What is excluded? Airfare, VISA (http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/page/tourist-visa), vaccinations, travel & medical insurance, return airport transfer, personal travel and weekend activities expenses etc.

Desirable/ Common Skills 

  • Excellent communicator with good interpersonal skills
  • A team player with good work ethics
  • Time management and leadership qualities
  • Adaptable, flexible and able to work under pressure
  • Accepting of different ideas and culture
  • Problem solving: always be part of solutions than part of a problem
  • Creative