FAQs

FAQs.

Do I have to be from certain country to be a volunteer with CWCS Nepal?

No, CWCS Nepal gives equal opportunities to all national across the globe those who wish to help CWCS Nepal, taking part in our Volunteer program.

What age do I have to be a volunteer?

You must be at least 18 years old to volunteer; there is no upper limit. You should be in sound health, however.

Do you provide any financial support for my trip?

Unfortunately we are unable to provide any financial support. If you are strongly interested to take a part with us then please take your time to raise fund, whenever you are able to come we are ready to help you.

Why do I need to pay for volunteering?

Being a charity based children welfare organization CWCS Nepal does not have sufficient fund to support financially to volunteers who wish to come in Nepal.  We fully rely on program fee to cover our expenses like food, travel, communication, marketing, staff salary etc. So we charge very nominal fee to maintain these expenses and we are committed to provide quality service to our participants.

Do I need travel insurance?

As with any overseas traveling, health insurance is recommended. Please obtain necessary health and travel insurance before coming to Nepal. Talk to your travel agent about this or check online to see what offers is available. Make sure you look into the details of the policy. You should make sure it covers airfare, in the case of medical emergencies. We also suggest that volunteers consult a physician or an international travel clinic for recommendations on immunizations. You should certainly bring a small first aid kit. Nepal offers basic medical services and there are places for emergency medical services too. If you are taking any medicine or medications, we suggest that you bring your prescriptions and other medications from home.

Are there more expenses once I arrive?

Yes, you will need some extra spending money. However, Nepal is a very inexpensive place for shopping and for travel. The training and program costs cover accommodation and most meals. If you arrive early, or intend on staying on in Nepal for longer than you are volunteering, then you will need to have spare money for this time. Also, some money may be required for your days off. Other costs include buying bottled water, paying for your visa to enter Nepal, paying a departure tax and shopping for personal items.

Kathmandu provides many opportunities for purchasing gifts for your friends and family. You can change your major currencies and travelers checks in Kathmandu and at the airport. There are now 24 hour ATMs in Kathmandu, but traveler’s cheques are still the best choice. It is possible to get $5-$10 hotel room per night in Kathmandu. Not included in the program cost is airfare, insurance, spending money and visas.

How safe is it to volunteer in Nepal?

We work very hard to ensure you are placed in safe environments while volunteering. In Nepal, you may have heard about the Maoists rebels. The post public insurgencies were run on their initiatives to pressurize the then government and oust monarchy. Now they have signed over on peace negotiation with Nepal government and currently they are leading the cabinet.

How would my family members be accommodated while volunteering?

You will need to pay additional costs for accommodating your family members in Nepal. As some volunteer placements may not have available housing, you may be limited to the areas you can volunteer

Who organizes my flights?

You do. You will need to organize your trip to and from Nepal.

How can I communicate with my friends and family back home?

There are many ways to communicate with friends and family. You will easily find internet cafes in Kathmandu, Pokhara and other cities, who offer pretty cheap internet excess and internet phone. In rural placement you have to go about an hour walking distance to nearest city to find internet cafes. In rural placement there are land line phone, web phone and CDMA line where you can make a call for reasonable cost. If your call is there then they will inform you to collect it. Now a days Nepal telecom and Spice Nepal mobile service getting better even in our rural placement. You can easily buy a Sim card for 8 Dollars in Nepal.  There is a postal service in all over Nepal we advice to use our postal address if you like to receive any parcel during your volunteer.

Who organizes the visa for my volunteer placement?

Any traveler to Nepal is allowed to stay on a tourist visa for up to 5 months per each 12-month period. You can get a tourist visa at the Nepalese Embassy or Diplomatic Mission in your country or at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu upon arrival (US $30 for the first two months). You can renew your visa when you are here if you wish to stay for more than two months- for an additional charge of US $30 per month. Non-tourist visas are difficult to obtain and are twice as expensive as the tourist visa. It is the responsibility of volunteers to manage their own tickets and visa. We suggest that volunteers not stay more than 5 months.

What is the climate like and what clothes should I bring?

Nepal is not always as cold as people think. The country is geographically divided into three parts. The Himalayan region of Nepal is very cold in winter while the mid hill region and Terai region of Nepal have different climates in different seasons. The weather is cold from December to February but warm and moderately hot in the summer. The spring and fall are cool and very pleasant. Please bring your winter clothes (think layers!) if you are coming in November, December, January, or February. Please bring summer clothes for the rest of the months. If you are volunteering in the rainy season (July and August), please bring a light rain jacket and umbrella. We advise female volunteers not to wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, or short skirts in villages. Nepalese people dress modestly and girls cover most of their body; it is the Nepalese tradition. We can send you a detailed packing list upon request.

Terms & Conditions.

1. 1. Respect the Nepalese beliefs and cultures. Be honest and responsible.
2. 2. Never physically or verbally discipline the children. If you witness or become involved in a conflict, advise the head of the orphanage Center immediately.

1. 3. Illegal drugs, alcohol and tobacco are prohibited at all times.

1. 4. Volunteers must use appropriate language – swearing on or off the premises will not be tolerated.

1. 5. Sexually explicit or inappropriate behavior or discussion is not permitted.

1. 6. Do not invite any visitors into the orphanage center without prior permission from the head of the center.

1. 7. Dress code around the children should be modest and clean. Men and women are advised not to wear any revealing clothing. Please show respect to our culture by covering legs and shoulders at all times.

1. 8. I agree to pay CWCS Nepal, all the mentioned cost of program as per the rules and policies of CWCS Nepal accordingly.

1. 9. I understand that no portion of the program fees is refundable after the program start date.

1. 10. I understand that as of the” end date “ of my volunteer program noted on this form all of CWCS Nepal’s assistance to me, including, but not limited to, supervision, placement and training terminates and CWCS Nepal will no longer be responsible for me in any way, even if I chose to remain in the country.

1. 11. I consent and agree that CWCS Nepal may share any and all information about me that it deems appropriate anyone that CWCS Nepal deems appropriate.

1. 12. I allow my name, likeness, and excerpts from my written feedback to be used by CWCS Nepal.

1. 13. Since CWCS Nepal does not offer any salary for his/her work, the service given by the volunteers will be considered as social and free help to the organization.

1. 14. CWCS Nepal provides the same food as children and staffs eat (mainly dal and bhaat) to the volunteers as well. If the volunteers want to eat something else or outside, they need to bear the cost of extra food by them.

1. 15. And most importantly, make sure the time you spend with our family is fun.

Failure to adhere to the terms & conditions may or will result in immediate deportation; in extreme cases the tourist police will be asked for assistance.

If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out and submit the Application form. You may also contact us via phone or email in our given contact details.

We hope to see you soon in Nepal Good Luck! Thank you!