On arrival at the airport you will be met by a representative of RCDP-Nepal and taken to Hotel Panda P. Ltd., your accommodation in Kathmandu. Your volunteer program in Nepal starts with 2 weeks of intensive language study and cultural orientation. The first week focuses on language training (4-5 hours per day), a one-day guided cultural tour of Kathmandu, and orientation to issues of health, safety, climate, history, local issues, religion, culture and cultural shock.   There is also enough free time to explore Kathmandu -- including the dazzling tourist Bazaar.

For the second week you will transfer to a small ethnic village where you'll live with a family and work with villagers on traditional farms. You'll continue practicing language and experience the unique culture, nature, and life of Nepali people. This week also includes white water rafting, village hiking, and learning the ethnic dances of the region.   The language and cultural immersion program concludes with 3 full days of jungle safari, elephant riding, canoeing, Tharu dance, and ethnic village visit.

Trekking

After completing 2 weeks of language and cultural immersion program, volunteers will go for 7 days of Himalayan trekking in Annapurna Trekking Trail. Volunteers will pass by the beautiful landscapes, ethnic villages, and stunning scenery of the Himalayas.

Homestay 

After completing 3 weeks of cultural orientation, language training and Himalayan trekking, your RCDP representative will introduce you to your homestay family and host project.   As a volunteer with RCDP-Nepal, you will be placed within a welcoming host family setting. You will have a separate room (clean and well ventilated) and be provided 3 Nepali meals per day. Nepali meals consist of tea or milk (breakfast), rice, vegetable curry, soup (legume soup), and pickle (for breakfast and dinner).   Most host families have electricity and radio (it may not be possible sometimes in village). Some of the host families have telephone facility.

Our host families are mostly educated, well-respected people, who have experience with international students. In addition, some members of host families may speak English.  The family will welcome you upon your arrival, and treat you as a family member. RCDP-Nepal representative visits volunteers every 15 days to make sure that things are going well. In certain cases, a volunteer may be placed in a hostel instead of with a host family.

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Volunteer Service

Presently RCDP-Nepal offers volunteer program in 5 different areas. Volunteers can stay 2-12 weeks. Our program starts on the 1st and 16th of each month.  

2008 PROGRAM FEES**

Programs are also available without trekking and white water rafting for $225 less

*Total volunteering of 5 weeks is required to complete 2 weeks intensive language and cultural immersion program, one week trekking, and 2 weeks of minimum volunteering commitment. Shorter programs can be developed by special request.

**The published prices remain subject to change in case of major currency fluctuations. Contact your sending office.

What's Included?

• Application processing, interview and pre-departure information

• Airport pick up and first night stay in Kathmandu

• 2 week of intensive language and cultural program

• 1 day cultural tour of Kathmandu

• White water rafting, cultural dance

• 3 days program in Royal Chitwan National Park including Jungle Safari

• 7 days of Himalayan tea house (food, room, porter, guide, permit)

• Local food 3 times a day for entire project period

• Accommodations with a host family

• 24/7 hotline in Kathmandu

• One way transportation to project

• Donation to local project ($15 per project week)

• Regular visit and other services of RCDP-Nepal

 What's not included?

• Travel to and from Nepal, passport and visa fees if any

• Any kind of personal drink like mineral water, or soft drink during the entire project period including trekking

• Health and accident insurance

• Any kind of personal visit/expenses including international phone calls

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Payment Schedule

A deposit of 20% of the total program fee is required with your application.   It is non-refundable upon notification of acceptance and is applied to the total program fee.  

The balance of the program fee is required 30 days prior to departure. 

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation after acceptance and prior to placement confirmation - the deposit is forfeited

Cancellation after confirmation of placement - 50% of the program fee is forfeited

No Show or Early Departure from Program - 100% of the program fee is forfeited

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