Construction and Renovation
Construction and Renovation
The communities of Nepal suffered a huge set-back in early 2015 when they were struck by a series of devastating earthquakes. Nepal has been in a good space to receive volunteers and tourists for some time now, however rebuilding has been slow and there is still a need for assistance in this area - especially within the education and healthcare sectors. Work is hands-on and changes depending on the specific project at the time. Volunteers on this project can expect to work 5 - 6 hours per day. Tasks can include, but are not limited to, building, renovating, painting, restoration, carpentry and landscaping. Volunteers will be working within schools, community learning centres, childcare centres and other educational facilities in the areas in and around Chitlang, Pokhara and Chitwan. This project is suitable for all volunteers who are interested in physical work and who are not afraid to get stuck in and get their hands dirty. Volunteers do not need prior construction or renovation experience to participate on this project, as they work alongside qualified local staff to complete the work. We recommend that volunteers on this project bring work boots and gloves; however, these can be purchased in Nepal if necessary. There is an extra cost of US$50 per week for supervision, materials and the logistics involved in this project. This amount will be included in the Program Fee quoted to you by FSN when you apply.
Orientation
Volunteer schedule
First Day: On your first day of volunteering, you will be escorted to your placement by a local coordinator and introduced to the placement staff you will be working with.
Weekdays: While a volunteer daily schedule will vary depending on the specific placement, a typical day is as follows:
7.30 AM Breakfast at the home stay.
8.00 AM Volunteers leave home and travel to their placements. Work and hours are dependent on the project and placement that each volunteer is working at. There is usually a tea break and a lunch break.
2.00 PM - 5.00 PM Work at the placement usually ends. Volunteers are free to travel back to the volunteer house, go sightseeing, or do some shopping.
7.00 PM - 9.00 PM Dinner at the home stay.
Accommodation
On arrival in Nepal, volunteers are accommodated in a guest house or Home Stay with Nepali Family’s in Kathmandu for the 2 to 3-day duration of orientation. Volunteers are then accommodated together in home stays run by local host families, who have been approved by our program staff. We give your host family a fee for your support, food and board. It is exciting to stay with a host family, providing you with a unique opportunity to learn about the Nepalese way of life, meet local people, try local food and speak the local language.
Please note, host families in Nepal speak limited English. Living is basic but comfortable and most home stays have electricity and running water, however some rural home stays do not have electricity or running water during the dry season. Squat toilets are the norm in Nepal and you will not come across many western toilets. Volunteers can also expect low-pressure showers that are generally not heated. Volunteers can expect to share a room with one to three other volunteers and bedrooms are comprised of single beds and bunk beds with bedding provided. It is recommended volunteers bring their own sleeping bag and mosquito nets for any trips away.
Meals
The staple meal for most Nepali families is dal bhat, which consists of lentil soup (dal), rice (bhat) and vegetables in curry (tarkari) and/or meat (masu) with side of pickle/sauce (achar). Indian and Tibetan influenced dishes also very common in Nepal, including plenty of curries, breads and potato-based dishes. Volunteers are served two meals per day at their home stay and can purchase additional food to supplement this if they wish. Bottled water is readily available in Nepal and volunteers should budget approximately US$5 per week for this (2 liters per day).
If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know when you apply for the program so we can make arrangements for you. However, we need to stress the point that you should not expect to eat as you normally do at home. We will do our best to see that you are well taken care of, but also as a volunteer, there is a need to be flexible.
Program fees
NEPAL
Length of program Program Fee $USD
1 week $280
2 weeks $360
3 weeks $470
4 weeks $580
5 weeks $690
6 weeks $800
8 weeks $1,000
10 weeks $1,200
12 weeks $1,400
To convert these prices to your local currency click here. All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 on top of the Program Fee (partially refundable until 60 days before your program start date*). A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
The Medical Elective project and Construction and Renovation project both have an extra cost of US$50 per week to cover training, resources and materials used in these projects.
Terms and Conditions do apply
What extra costs will I have?
Visa, flights, travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check, souvenirs, in-country trips or tours.
Transfer back to the airport at conclusion of the program
Spending money - Volunteers in Nepal generally find US$20 to be sufficient for weekly expenses
Weekends and travel
During the weekends, volunteers have spare time and usually just relax or take the opportunity to explore other parts of their local town and Nepal. Long weekends can be taken to travel further afield and engage in tourist activities, such as trekking, jungle safaris and visits to temples.
See our Nepal Travel and Tours page for more volunteer travel options in Nepal!
