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City/State: Nepal, Tibet, Thailand , China, Vietnam,Sri Lanka |
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Country: CAMBODIA, CHINA, INDIA, NEPAL, SRI LANKA, THAILAND, TIBET, VIETNAM
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| Discover Asia Tours Inc |
8204 Elembrook Rd.
Suite # 305 E
Texas
UNITED STATES
75247
Phone: 214 295 6490
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Program description: |
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You will take this precious opportunity to volunteer in one of the most beautiful yet poorest nations in the world. It is here that you can see the most beautiful of nature’s wonders and by being a volunteer in Nepal you can also help and support some of the world’s most underprivileged people. Nepal needs the help of the international community. By showing love, warmth and affection your contribution and the difference that you will make will be a special one. Discover Asia Tours provides many volunteer opportunities in Nepal. In this program, Volunteers will be able to participate in various educational and community aid projects. It is an opportunity basically to make a contribution to the Nepalese society and at the same time discover the country and its culture in detail.
Teaching English:
This is a program where volunteer work will basically be in local schools. Here you will have to teach English to Nepali children. The English you teach will have to mostly be conversational. You will also have to handle reading classes along with that. This has been devised for the purpose of letting Nepali children learn the language in a practical way and may also be able to improve their verbal skills. A lot of schools in Nepal lack in funds and therefore education becomes difficult. In Nepal there could be 10 to 80 students in a class and students are between 4 and 16 years of age. No classes are held on Saturdays. There could be festivals, examinations or public holidays which could disrupt the teaching schedule at different times of the year.
Volunteers are requested to take a second choice of program during such times. You can also think about teaching in an informal location in the orphanage program where many children need extra assistance with school work. In order to teach in the schools where these programs are held, you do not need to have any formal teaching qualifications. However, you are required to have a good command over the language and your written and spoken English must be good.
Teach Buddhist Monks in Monasteries:
There are a lot of monasteries in Nepal. Most of them are Tibetans as 20% of all Tibetans in exile live in Nepal. These Tibetans most of who are monks practice their religion amid all hardships and difficulties and are doing all they can to preserve and rebuild their culture. Those who are keen of getting to know more about Buddhism and Tibetan culture can take this opportunity of teaching Buddhist monks in a monastery. The students vary in age from 10-25 years old. It is therefore important to bring variety to your teaching. While teaching English will be your main focus you will also have to lead them in games and activities. While male volunteers of all ages can come, we accept female volunteers who are at least 25 years old.
Orphanage Program :
Volunteers, in this program will be placed in an orphanage inside the Kathmandu Valley. Some of the placements require you to stay in the orphanage itself, while other placements require you to stay with a host family. A lot of volunteers believe that this is one of the most emotionally demanding programs. These can be physically strenuous as well. But they also believe that it is also one of the most satisfying programs.
In an orphanage you are required to stay as an elder brother/sister to these children. You may have to help in many different ways rather than just helping these children out. Sometimes you may have to help during medical visits, cleaning, paper recycling, and gardening. There are times when you are expected to help in repair work, mending, planning activities or cooking. After the children return from school, you will have to help them with their homework. You will also have to play with them. English will be a subject on focus but you will also have to tackle subjects like Mathematics and Science. This becomes challenging due to the language barrier that exists. You might also be asked to organize and play sports with them.
Health Project:
As one of the poorest countries in the world, Nepal lacks the basic infrastructure for the provision of basic health facilities to a lot of people. Most of the Nepalese people cannot afford medical check up from doctors. Most of the doctors stay and practice in Kathmandu city and therefore the rural areas are mostly deprived of proper medical facilities. We have created this program for the sake of a lot of people who need proper medical care. We require qualified volunteers to reach for these underprivileged people and assist them and their ailments. Volunteers in these health care projects will assist local doctors and the medical team there for treating patients. Volunteers must also be involved in all the activities of the hospital like keeping records, sanitation, nutrition and educating patients. In order to participate in a health care program such as this, you must either be a doctor, a nurse, medical student or an employee at a hospital and must provide us with a demonstration to show an appropriate level of training and experience in the field of medicine.
Environmental Conservation Project:
Among other problems, loss of bio diversity, deforestation and an overall environmental dilapidation is a matter of big concern in Nepal. We have volunteer programs that will address this issue through a process that we deem necessary; community education and conservation work at a practical level. In this program there are volunteers who participate in developing medicinal plants and support local farmers in the process of crop development and the distribution of seeds. The volunteers also help in soil erosion control planting and maintaining local nurseries. These village nurseries provide seeds that will help avoid deforestation by establishing a community of people who work towards creating private forests. Volunteers can work with local people and nurseries in the process of conserving forests.
School and Community Maintenance Project:
This is just one among the most practical village based programs that we have on our list. This program requires you to do a wide range of things. While it could be painting or plastering, it could also be a much more advanced work that require special skills. The projects are done only after consulting with local communities but at times you can take initiative and suggest the communities to do according to your idea. You must understand though that you must abide by the wishes of the local community. The projects are partly funded by the local communities or by our associate organization. You will have to work with other volunteers in small groups and with small or no supervision at all. Most of the times you will have to work alongside villagers who will also help you learn the traditional method of working. The programs could be as varied as school repair to making the toilet building or making drinking water projects.
Home Stay/Cultural Exchange:
If you are thinking about making the most out of your trip to Nepal and if you have very short time, this is program that you should choose. Here you will be placed with a Nepali family in a rather small village a little farther from the city. During you stay you can learn a lot about the Nepali culture. You must also try to give a piece of your culture to the family that you are staying with as well. During your stay there will be at least 2 hours of language lessons in the morning and the afternoon. You can also make a visit to some nearby places which could include a local school or a village and can volunteer to help them out. Home stay programs are usually for just two weeks to a maximum of one month. The best time of his program is from August to December. This is a time for local festivals and a time where you can see perfectly what the aspects of Nepali culture really are.
Location of the Programs
Whether it is for a great outdoor adventure or spiritual experience or cultural diversity, Nepal is perhaps the greatest destinations in the Himalayas. The orientation normally begins in the exotic city of Kathmandu and moves to the ancient historic city of Bhaktapur. You will have an opportunity to discover closely the valley of Kathmandu and visit the temples and walk around ancient narrow alleyways built upon old red bricks. You can also enjoy trekking and white water rafting. You will then be placed at one of the many project spots around the country which will help you gain a personal insight into the Nepali people and culture during your stay. The program locations are mostly available in places like Kathmandu Valley, Chitwan and Pokhara. These locations vary due to many issues. But they are mostly determined (on arrival) due to safety matters and availability.
It is up to the project staff and the volunteer to decide together on the most suitable placement, depending on your preceding proficiency and experiences, as well as your interests.
Program Requirements
Volunteers for a particular program must:
be of at least18 years or older
have no major health problems
Skills
It is important for volunteers to be independent, fervent and adjustable. Some of the programs require additional qualifications but most of the programs only require a sense of optimism and a drive to contribute something for a greater cause.
Duration
2-20 Weeks
Field Conditions
An integral part of Volunteer tours is Home Stay. This is in fact a perfect way of getting to know the culture of a particular place. Staying at home with a local family usually means getting into a simple way of living where the bed might not be too soft and the room may have to be shared with someone of the same gender. The water might not always be hot and there may not be electricity for a full 24 hours. However these things are a part of the people of Nepal and you will get to learn a lot of things from these simple people. Cooking in a way will help you learn how to cook amazing Nepali food. There are programs where guesthouse accommodation is used. It is to be understood that there may not be a lot of privacy in Nepal but you will be given your own space.
Group Size
The size of a particular group will vary all round the year. It is normally between 2-12 people at a time. There will usually be just one or two volunteers during each phase of placement.
Your Role
The Volunteer programs organized by Discover Asia Tours in Nepal bring about a chance to see its culture and tradition at close quarters. There is also a chance of getting involved in activities like trekking, rafting and wildlife safaris. Normally the time period to perform all these activities is four weeks which is actually considered a very short duration. For extending you time it has to be done in multiples of two week periods, i.e. 6, 8, 10, to 20 weeks.
The core of any first four week period will be the 12 days that you will spend in Nepal as a volunteer for Discover Asia Tours. Practical or specific skills like knowledge of IT or cooking or carpentry always helps but most of the times just a drive to help someone is enough. Placements include working in an orphanage or schools. There are also a lot of vocational training centers for former, street kids and women’s empowerment programs.
Placements and Locations
First there is Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. It is like any other city, full of all the modern facilities with a touch of the urban and the ancient. Everything that a big city is supposed to have is present in Kathmandu. But Kathmandu also retains the old values and tradition and culture is revered. There are numerous temples and ancient palaces and every old structure speak volumes about the culture of this place. A lot of glorious looking festivals take place in the city of Kathmandu. There are a lot of urban and rural places in and around Kathmandu and placements can be arranged according to the wish of the volunteer.
Next, there is the city of Bhaktapur which lies 14 km to the east of Kathmandu. This is another ancient city and can be seen as a place of great historical importance. The place is also known as “Bhadgaon” and is known to retain basically, the Newari culture though festivals, traditional dances and songs. But the culture of the Newars is kept alive in the hearts of the people there and their lifestyle.
There is Pokhara, a city which is situated on the banks of the Fewa Lake. It lies about 200 km west of Kathmandu and takes about 7 hours by bus. The place is famous for it provides an amazing view of the Annapurna Range and forms and awesome sight when reflected on the surface of the lake. The lake provides numerous routes for small treks and hikes.
Finally you have Chitwan which is about 5 hours drive away from Kathmandu. Chitwan is a popular tourist destination, mostly due to the Chitwan National Park. There is the famous and enjoyable Elephant Back Safari. You can see the Royal Bengal Tiger, the one horned Rhino and the place is also excellent for bird watching.
Life in the Field
An Outline of a Typical (First) Four Weeks
The first four weeks or the 28 days is divided in three phases. Orientation, Recreation and Placement are the three phases.
Orientation
This will comprise of four days spent in and around the Kathmandu Valley. We use family home stay. Each morning there will be a basic lesson on Nepali language. Given below is the schedule.
The training:
Basic Nepali language classes - 2hrs, morning.
Nepali cultural orientation/general cultural exchange - 1hr, afternoon.
Language and Skills Activities - 1hr, afternoon.
Sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley - 1 1/2 hrs, afternoon.
Recreational Phase (one)
Nagarkot :1Night/2Days
Nagarkot is situated east of the Kathmandu Valley at an elevation of about 1800 meters (5,904ft). This spot is popular for mountain views particularly at sunrise and sunset. Among the 25 mountains above 6000 meters (19,680ft), Annapurna (8091m/ 26,545ft), Manasalu (8165m/ 26,781ft), Ganesh Himal (7446m/ 24,422ft) and Lantang lirung (7245m/ 23,763ft) can be seen. This is also a one day trip from Kathmandu
Placement Phase
As you get used to the place and are ready for the volunteer work we will start your placement phase. The locations and roles will vary depending on the most appropriate placement available, as well as your attributes and preferences. Volunteers will have to live with local families, eat traditional Nepalese food and enjoying the village life.
Recreational Phase (two)
We will use four days for trekking. We gather at Pokhara and embark on a unique five nights / six day trek high into the Annapurna Mountains up to 3050m.
End of Stay (if your period is for 28days)
Return to Kathmandu, halt overnight and depart.
After the First 28 Days/4 Weeks
After Recreational Phase (two), volunteers will return to their placement location. You will be working for the following few weeks. A total of about 5 or 6 days will be the time for relaxing.
An Outline for 8, 10 or 20 Weeks
If the duration of your stay is for 8, 10 or 20 weeks there will be a slight variation in your routine. There will be short breaks. You will also have a chance to visit the Chitwan National Park for a jungle safari.
Program Schedule
On the Monday of each month, the volunteer program begins. From 2 weeks to 5 months you can volunteer anywhere. Normally schools are closed during June and July (summer holidays). Therefore teaching programs are hindered. September to November is the time when local festivals are held and this may be a great time for you to have an insight into the culture of the people of Nepal. Teaching is also unavailable during the month of October due to the biggest festivals of the Hindus; the Dasain and Tihar. During such time, alternative arrangements can be made.
Program Cost
The cost of each program placement includes all your food and accommodation, transfers to and from the airport, plus support and 24 hour back-up from both our local and US.
Volunteer - Application Fee: US $200.00. The application fee covers administration, marketing, program information, communication and direct support of our partner in Nepal.
Nepal Program Fee:
Nepal
2 Weeks
4 Weeks
6 Weeks
Extra Weeks
Teaching English
$ 699
$899
$1099
$99
Teach Buddhist Monk in Monasteries
$699
$899
$1099
$99
Health Project
$699
$899
$1099
$99
Environmental/Conservation Project
$699
$899
$1099
$99
Orphanage Project
$699
$899
$1099
$99
Home Stay/Cultural Exchange
$699
$899
$1099
$99
1 Week Language & Culture Class
$99 Extra
The program fee covers administrative charge, training, accommodation and meals during recreation and placement, transportation for volunteers and supervision. This fee will be paid through us.
Other cost inclusions
Flights, Visa ($30US is levied for a 60 day tourist visa and the extensions are $30US per 30 days with three renewals), shots, travel insurance, all meals on treks, Wild life Safari, All Entrance fees, Trek permit and corresponding airport departure taxes. You will also require a weekly budget of up to US$20 for all your other expenses like mineral water, personal items, beverages and entertainment. Life in a village is not expensive at all.
Note: Only Breakfast and Dinner will be served during your stay in Kathmandu in the orientation phase. It is important for volunteers to arrange for their own lunch during this period. Food can be found at cheaper rates in restaurants in and around Thamel
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General program information: |
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Program open to: Everyone
Age range: 18 and above
Travel to site: Varies
Is opportunity more independant or group orientated: Varies
No. in group: 2 - 12
Living arrangements on the program: Varies, Home stays (living with local families)
How long does the program last?: Various Durations
What are the dates of this program: Volunteering Program : Every Monday
Adventure Program : Every Day
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Benefits and advantages of the program: |
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Your Role
The Volunteer programs organized by Discover Asia Tours in Nepal bring about a chance to see its culture and tradition at close quarters. There is also a chance of getting involved in activities like trekking, rafting and wildlife safaris. Normally the time period to perform all these activities is four weeks which is actually considered a very short duration. For extending you time it has to be done in multiples of two week periods, i.e. 6, 8, 10, to 20 weeks.
The core of any first four week period will be the 12 days that you will spend in Nepal as a volunteer for Discover Asia Tours. Practical or specific skills like knowledge of IT or cooking or carpentry always helps but most of the times just a drive to help someone is enough. Placements include working in an orphanage or schools. There are also a lot of vocational training centers for former, street kids and women’s empowerment programs.
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Cost or price of this program: |
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US$ 699
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Typical person for this program: |
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Any body could join.
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Application process Involves: |
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Here are a few steps that we follow to complete your application process:
Call, Email or Fill up online reservation request form (below) to check the availability of seats on the trip. Check the numbers listed on the contact page. Alternatively, you can e-mail to sales@discoverasiatours.com .If we receive any queries we will promptly reply them.
You will have to fill up the application form and submit it to us along with a $200 program nonrefundable application fee for your booking either by cheque/money order/credit card. The amount is payable only in US$.
Once we have received your application along with fee for your booking, we will first send you a confirmation of receipt. The application will then be sent to the country coordinator for processing. The process will take about 2 weeks time. All the arrangements including your projects details and food and room will be made during this time.
As soon as you receive our confirmation, you can start preparing for the trip. You can start gathering all the necessary documents like passport, visas and to get immunized.
After you buy your tickets you can fax us a photocopy of your passport and itinerary. All participants will have to make a full payment of the program fee at least 60 days prior to departure.
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Other Gap Year Programs listings from Discover Asia Tours Inc |
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No other listings have been found |
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