Volunteer Programme

Global Action Nepal (GAN): Career Enhancement Volunteer Programme in Nepal.

About the Programme

Starting a career in development can be challenging. Getting that first paid job often requires experience, but how do you get that initial experience?
The Career Enhancement Volunteer Programme has been set up to allow recent graduates (in development studies, or related area) to obtain focused experience within the development sector. The programme will also help graduates clarify the areas in which they want to work in their future career.
As well as an opportunity to enhance your career prospects, volunteering is one of the most rewarding and enjoyable things that you can do, especially in a developing country like Nepal where the people are so friendly, respectful and interested in what you are doing. The giving of your time and energy makes you feel good about yourself and raises your self-esteem.
By volunteering you can meet people you might not ordinarily meet. People who volunteer often say that they get more out of the experience than they give.

When can I apply and how long can I volunteer for?

This is a continuous programme and therefore applications are welcome at any time of the year. However, July and August are monsoon months and may not be the best time to come.
There is no minimum or maximum limit on the time you can volunteer for. It depends on the amount of time you are able to volunteer for as well as the opportunities available at GAN which meet your interests.

What will I be doing?

This really depends on: your interests; any previous experience you may have had; how long you will be volunteering for; and GAN’s projects at the time. You could be involved in various different aspects of the project cycle (assessment & planning, implementation, monitoring, review, evaluation) or other activities. Specific components you may be involved in could include:

Situation analysis
Stakeholder analysis & resource assessment
Problem analysis
Devising project strategy
Project proposal writing
Helping to write project reports
Monitoring & Evaluation
Exploring opportunities for donor funding from International Non Governmental Organisations (INGOs) and Bi-lateral institutions
Networking
Updating the website
Organisation of capacity building activities
Developing village profiles
Contributing to the newsletter
Sustainable development training

GAN will aim to match what you do with your interests and as such the programme is very much an individually tailored programme.
Once you have sent your application outlining your interests there will be a period of dialogue between you and GAN where specific details will be arranged.

Where will I be working?

This depends on what you will be doing. GAN’s main office is located in Kathmandu and currently project sites are located in four districts, Lalitpur, Solukhumbu, Makwanpur, and Kaski.

Where will I be living?

GAN will place you with a local host family. Being part of the local community will allow you to experience/learn about typical Nepali life. You will quickly feel part of the community and certainly be the local celebrity!

Will I have to pay?

GAN is a non-profit making charity and therefore we have to charge our volunteers a nominal amount. The fee will only be used to cover expenses. It is perhaps worth noting that this is not always the case on other volunteer programmes.
As this programme is individually tailored exact details of costs will be discussed when organising your specific programme.
As some kind of reference GAN is proposing that on the general volunteer programme the basic cost for a 3 month placement will be $950 and 6 months $1600 (or equivalent in GBP or Euro) .

What do the fees cover?

A Career Enhancement Volunteer Programme tailored to your needs/interests.
Pre-departure information: general orientation about Nepal; a language and cultural tips pack; airport procedure; and what to bring.
Fund raising ideas with possible activities in Nepal
All the pre-service training/orientation. This includes: project, assignment and cultural orientation and 5 days Nepali language course
All administration costs.
A safe storage facility for valuables.
Transportation: airport pickup, travel (with local GAN employee) to placement site.
A half day city tour
Up to 6 nights’ accommodation at a medium priced hotel in Kathmandu at the beginning of your programme.
Accommodation and meals during the placement period.
A 24 hour contact at your placement in case of emergency.
A local GAN employee to assist with activities whilst at your placement.
Help with visa processing.

What other personal costs are there?

Apart from the fees, the other costs volunteers are expected to pay themselves include the following:

Flights to and from Nepal
Visa ( US$25 for 15 days, US$40 for 30 days, US$100 for 90 days with three renewals possible)
Vaccinations (Please check with your General Practitioner or local travel clinic to ensure you have the appropriate vaccinations).
Travel/Medical insurance.
Sundries whilst in Nepal (A weekly budget of up to US$50 should be sufficient to cater for all your other expenses like bottled water, personal items, drinks and entertainment.)
Airport tax: this is payable upon leaving Kathmandu airport and is approximately US$ 25.

What kind of support does GAN offer?

GAN is an active member of the Volunteer Sending Agency (VSA) and aims to provide comprehensive support to volunteers throughout their stay. GAN offers continuous professional support with opportunities to attend workshops (if requested). GAN regards the personal safety of volunteers as a top priority and therefore provides information on the current political situation when/if required.
As well as the above GAN will: assist with mail collection and dispatch; help in organising trips/treks in Nepal; help with travel arrangements for visitors (if asked).

How Do I Apply?

Please send a CV, two references, and a covering letter (outlining your motivation to work with GAN and your interests) to:

The Director
gannepal@mos.com.np

GAN Short Term Volunteer Programme

GAN welcomes applications from professionals such as doctors, nurses, and teacher trainers who wish to volunteer for a short period.
Once GAN receives an application there will be a period of dialogue where specific details of the programme, including costs can be arranged.
If you are interested in volunteering please send a CV, two references and a covering letter (outlining what you would like to be involved in and how long you want to volunteer for) to:

The Director
gannepal@mos.com.np

GAN General Volunteer Programme

About the programme
The general volunteer programme is suitable for a range of different people of different ages including those: taking a gap year; on a career break; and who are retired.
Volunteering is one of the most rewarding and enjoyable things that you can do, especially in a developing country like Nepal where the people are so friendly, respectful and interested in what you are doing. The giving of your time and energy makes you feel good about yourself and raises your self-esteem. It will also allow you to make a positive change in the world.
By volunteering you can meet people you might not ordinarily meet. People who volunteer often say that they get more out of the experience than they give.

Do I need any qualifications and experience?

To be a general volunteer no qualifications or experience are needed, only plenty of enthusiasm and lots of patience! GAN does not think of a ‘good general volunteer’ in terms of qualifications, rather in terms of attitude and commitment. Of course in order to teach English it would certainly be an advantage to have a TEFL qualification and some experience under your belt. However, GAN will provide TEFL training if you have not had any.

How long can I volunteer for?

The minimum time you can volunteer for is 3 months and the maximum time is 6 months.

What will I be doing?

You will be involved in the education programme. Exactly what you will be doing will depend on what projects are currently active, what your interests and experiences are, and how long you will be staying. You may be:

Teaching English in a local school
Teacher training
Developing materials
Helping with extracurricular activities in a school (e.g. games/competitions)
Involved in community education activities
Hands on activities (e.g. painting a classroom, helping to make a garden, helping with first aid courses for the community or school children, helping to build a latrine etc.)

Once we have received your application there will be a period of dialogue between you and GAN where specific details will be arranged.
If you are volunteering for more than 3 months then there will be the opportunity to work in different development areas such as, health and community development. If you are interested in development work and/or the development sector, there will be the opportunity to attend a 3 day development workshop.

Where will I be living?

Will I have to pay?

The costs are as follows:

With a TEFL qualification/experience
3 months - $950 (or equivalent in GBP or Euros)
6 months - $1600 (or equivalent in GBP or Euros)

There will be an additional charge of $150 for TEFL training if you do not have a TEFL qualification/experience.

If you are interested in attending a 3 day development workshop there will be an additional charge of $200.

What do the fees include?

Pre-departure information: general orientation about Nepal; a language and cultural tips pack; airport procedure; and what to bring.
All the pre-service training/orientation. This includes: project, assignment and cultural orientation and 5 days Nepali language course.
All administration costs.
A safe storage facility for valuables.
Transportation: airport pickup, travel (with local GAN employee) to placement site.
A half day city tour.
Up to 6 nights’ accommodation at a medium priced hotel in Kathmandu at the beginning of your programme.
Basic accommodation and meals during the placement period.
A 24 hour contact at your placement in case of emergency.
A local GAN employee to assist with activities whilst at your placement.
Help with visa processing.

What other personal costs are there?

Apart from the fees, the other costs volunteers are expected to pay themselves include the following:

Flights to and from Nepal
Visa ( US$25 for 15 days, US$40 for 30 days, US$100 for 90 days with three renewals possible)
Vaccinations (Please check with your General Practitioner or local travel clinic to ensure you have the appropriate vaccinations).
Travel/Medical insurance.
Sundries whilst in Nepal (A weekly budget of up to US$50 should be sufficient to cater for all your other expenses like bottled water, personal items, drinks and entertainment.)
Airport tax: this is payable upon leaving Kathmandu airport and is approximately US$ 25.

What kind of support does GAN offer?

GAN is an active member of the Volunteer Sending Agency (VSA) and aims to provide comprehensive support to volunteers throughout their stay. GAN regards the personal safety of volunteers as a top priority and therefore provides information on the current political situation when/if required.
As well as the above GAN will: assist with mail collection and dispatch; help in organising trips/treks in Nepal; help with travel arrangements for visitors (if asked).

How do I apply?

Please send a CV, two references, and a covering letter (outlining your motivation to work with GAN and your interests) to:

The Director
gannepal@mos.com.np