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Q. Why should I pay
to volunteer?
This is a commonly asked question and
It's often comes as a surprise to those volunteers wishing to
contribute their expertise, knowledge and labor to our development
projects that we should also ask for a financial contribution. Is it
not enough that the volunteers are generously giving us their time,
and often skills they have worked so hard at acquiring? While this
point is a good one, we would like to explain to those who have
raised it, how and why this money is used. It is our wish to do so,
because we believe in transparency and accountability, especially to
those who help keep us afloat.
Q. Do you select my
placement area?
Yes, placements are decided based upon
program vacancy and volunteer's skills, but we try to take into
account any special preferences / needs of the volunteers. If you
have any preferences, please let us know as soon as possible so that
we can accommodate them. Your placement village will be finalized
during the second phase of training.
Q. What are the
living conditions of my placement?
The living conditions
of the placement depend on the area. Volunteers should not expect
luxurious accommodations here in Nepal. Volunteer will be placed
within a family setting with your own room. Most placements have
electricity. Our host families are mostly educated, well respected
in society, and experienced with international students. Some
members of host families may speak English.
Q. Can I
change my volunteer placement if I get dissatisfied?
Volunteer Program will consider request of volunteer
seriously for the change of place and in many cases it is possible
to change the working areas to meet the expectation of volunteers.
We cannot change position frequently with out genuine reasons.
Q. Can I schedule my own volunteer service for the
dates that interest me?
Volunteers must arrive in
Kathmandu at least one day before the training program starts.
Depending on your departure location, you may experience jetlag or
"culture shock" for a few days after your arrival; therefore, we
recommend arriving in Kathmandu at least 2 days before training
begins.
Q. How will I get to SDVS Nepal Office/Guest
House from the Airport?
There is nothing to worry
about. One of our contact guesthouse representatives will be waiting
for you at the airport terminal. He will be holding SDVS-Nepal sign
with your name on it. As soon as you reach the guest house one of
our office staff will meet you there. Please do not forget to send
your detailed flight itinerary.
Q. How much extra
money should I bring?
Volunteer Program manages food and
room for volunteers from the first to last day of program so there
won't be need of more money. You may need some extra money if you
want to take a break in your placement and do extra activities
outside the organization activities, such as rafting trekking,
jungle safari, or if you want to create extra project aside from
your program. You must also remember the VISA fee, which can range
from $30-60 US dollars depending on the length of stay. There is
also an airport tax, which you pay upon your departure of Nepal. The
airport tax will be NPR 1695 nett.
Q. Will I have
access to communications such as, e-mail, telephone, and post
office?
This all depends on your placement. Almost all
placements will have access to a Post Office. If you are in a city
placement there are many places in which you can use phone or access
e-mail. But this information will all be given to you before your
departure to Nepal.
Q. Can I come with a friend or
can I be placed near other volunteers?
We allow people
to come with a friend or even in a large group. You sometimes may be
placed in different homes located within 1-2 miles. We can place any
volunteer near to another volunteer already working in the field.
Please be reminded that two different genders of volunteers are not
allowed to stay in same house unless they are a married couple and
this is strictly followed by the house members.
Q.
What happens if I decide to return home before the placement is
over?
Once the volunteer makes a decision and pays for
the program fee, upon receipt of invoice, SDVS-Nepal, does not
refund any program fee under any circumstances. But if the volunteer
have unavoidable circumstances (such as illness, death of in the
family etc.) may request to leave the program, SDVS-Nepal will
consider to return the host family cost, if volunteer are registered
for more than 30 days program. No refund will be made if program is
less than 30 days and if volunteer leave program in their own
decision.
Q. What Vaccinations will I need for
Nepal?
This all depends on what vaccinations you
already have and the country you are coming from. We suggest that
you consult a travel doctor from your country before you arrive.
(NOTE: Some vaccinations are needed as much as 2 months before
arrival to Nepal). Please take malaria pill as a precautionary
measure. SDVS-Nepal Volunteer Program does not cover liability and
insurance of volunteers. Therefore, volunteers must have appropriate
insurance before joining the program.
Q. Visa
procedure
Any traveler in Nepal can stay on a tourist
visa for 5 months each year. You can get the tourist visa at the
Nepalese embassy in your country or at the Tribhuvan International
Airport up on arrival. A non-tourist visa or student visa is
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. Please call the nearest consular or embassy of Nepal to
confirm that you can get a visa at the airport. Visa extension:
Obtainable from the Department of Immigration in Katmandu.
Extensions are valid for 30 days (whether you need for a day, a week
or a whatever) and cost in Nepalese rupees the equivalent of US$30
at the government exchange rate. You must pay for visa extensions
Q. Traveling details
If you are
planning to travel Nepal after or before volunteer programs, you
will need some extra money. Nepal is a cheap place for shopping and
travel. If you want to buy gifts for family and friends, you can buy
it in Kathmandu. You can change your major currencies and travelers
checks in Kathmandu and at the airport. It is good idea to change
your travel check at the airport. It is possible to get $8-$10 hotel
room per night in Kathmandu. |
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