Location:

Kathmandu, Nepal

Program Type:

Volunteer Abroad

Degree Level:

Gap Year

Work Types:

Children, Construction, Disaster Relief, Economic Development, Education, Environment, Health

Duration:

3-4 weeks, 1-3 months

Program Overview

Program Description:

Raleigh International is a youth-driven development charity. We believe young people everywhere are able to change the world. So we create youth-driven change that lasts. We empower young people (aged 17-24) with the skills, experience and connections to be leaders of change.

For more than 35 years we have been delivering Raleigh Expedition, one of the first UK programmes to be accredited by the Gap Year Association.

Raleigh Expedition is an international volunteering program, open to all and engaging young people from all around the world. Students volunteer in one of our three locations abroad: Nepal, Costa Rica or Tanzania for 4, 5, 7 or 10 weeks.

The program engages students in long lasting change on community, environmental and adventure leadership projects. These programmes help tackle environmental issues, access to education for all, and alleviate poverty.

How does Expedition work?

• Over 600 young people join Raleigh Expeditions each year from all around the world.
• You’ll be part of an international team.
• For each Expedition we’ll put you into project teams of 10-12 volunteers and you’ll be supported by 2-3 Volunteer Managers.
• Teams will change between each project, so you’ll get a chance to work with many different people.

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Why volunteer in Nepal?

Volunteer in one of the world’s highest countries and home to Mount Everest. Experience the famous Nepali hospitality and if you are lucky, a festival or two.

We run Expeditions in Nepal for 4, 5, 7 and 10 weeks throughout the year, so you can choose the programme length that best suits you. Dependent on the length of time you go for, you will take part in up to three projects with different teams.

• Work with local people still suffering from the 2015 earthquake to improve their access to water and sanitation facilities on the Community project.
• Work with Nepali youth to help create a more inclusive society.
• Trek through the spectacular Ruby Valley climbing up to 2500m and pass through rural mountain villages on the Adventure Leadership Trek.
• Stay with local families in the foothills of the Himalayas.

Joining a community

Home for 20 days will be a homestay in a local village in the Gorkha region. Arriving here will give you your first insight into the famous Nepali hospitality. You will be living and working alongside the local community. Your arrival will be met with a sense of curiosity and excitement, particularly by the local children. Days will be spent working on a community led project, contributing to the Global Goals. Gorkha was badly hit by the 2015 earthquake and many villages are still recovering.

Community Project 

85% of homes in the Gorkha area were affected by the 2015 earthquake. You and your team will play a vital role in helping to rebuild the country and create lasting change for the communities you work alongside.

You'll be working on a water and sanitation project to help improve access to drinking water, handwashing and toilet facilities, as well as raising awareness of these issues in the community. Your team will be working alongside local project partners and community members to create lasting change. You could be helping construct toilets one day and be building handwashing stations the next. It might be hard work at times but your effort and energy will make a real difference.

Adventure Leadership Trek

You and your team will embark on an exciting 19 day adventure in the Ruby Valley in Dhading. You'll trek up hills, through local villages, beautiful farm terraces and see stunning views of the central Himalayas.

Led by our local guides and Raleigh leaders, your trek will allow you to explore the incredible scenery that Nepal is famed for. After a day's trekking through the foothills of the Himalayas, you and your team will set up camp out under the stars and cook outside together. It’s a pretty magical time.

Everyone starts and finishes trek together, come rain or sun and no matter what trekking experience you have beforehand. It requires courage to do something beyond your comfort zone, and there are highs and lows. Supporting one another through these moments, not giving up and sharing your achievements together will be some of the most memorable and defining moments of your Expedition. The friendships formed on trek, whether through laughter, sweat or tears, are often some of the strongest on Expedition because of all that you have shared and learnt together.

Unique memories to last a lifetime…

Once you’ve completed your Expedition, you’ll join our amazing global community of more than 50,000 inspiring and motivated global citizens.

 

Setting Description:

A stunning country, Nepal is home to eight of the world's ten tallest mountains; snowy peaks and fluttering prayer flags will dominate your view. On your Nepal Expedition, you’ll be enchanted by the country's landscape and friendly people. Our friendly team will meet you at Kathmandu airport and your adventure will begin.

Additional Program Information

Requirements:

You can join a Raleigh Expedition as a volunteer if you are aged 17 – 24. If you are 25 – 75, you can apply to join our volunteer manager team. Our Expeditions are open to all nationalities. You will need a basic level of English so you can follow health and safety instructions. We welcome people from all over the world, regardless of background, education, skills and experience. We ask volunteers to share our belief in young people’s ability to create change. You’ll also need a positive attitude and an open mind. If you want to challenge yourself and learn about different cultures, then a Raleigh Expedition could be for you.

Scholarships:

No

Scholarships Description:

If your household income is £23,000 or under then you could be eligible for the Raleigh Bursary Fund, which provides financial support for fundraising.