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RCDP International Volunteer Program

Why choose RCDP International Volunteer Program?

Established in 1998, RCDP-Nepal is a recognized leader in the field of volunteering. RCDP-Nepal pioneered volunteer in Nepal and India programs. Our volunteer program offers an alternative way to enjoy the exhilarating and exotic beauty of the nature, and the people of Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, and Tibet. Volunteering in Nepal programs and programs in other countries comprises of language, cultural and observation tours, home stays, expeditions, trekking, and many more.... Each year, 1000 volunteers join our program in South Asia

Reviews

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Emma
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Khawalung Monastery

It has been a truly wonderful experience. The staff at RCDP have made every step seamlessly easy. The children at the monastery and other volunteers have made coming to Nepal so enjoyable and I would love to come back. I arrived as a solo traveller, a little nervous but met with Anjana and was made food by didi. I felt welcome as soon as I arrived. Sujan drove me to the monastery and I was met by other volunteers. My conversations with them and my interactions with the children were instantly positive. Although some of the children were shy at first, after a few classes they became more comfortable. If I had more time and money I would extend staying here another week. Everyone is cared for so well at the monastery by each other and I’ve been on many other excursions outside the monastery such a visiting temples or visiting kopang monastery/ the art school.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
I would 100% recommend the programme I did however, please be aware that a lot of your help comes from the donation you give in money. If you are looking to offer your help in other ways consider one of RCDP’s many other wonderful programmes.
Pros
  • Great experience
  • Great volunteers
  • Many out of programme activities
Cons
  • Basic living conditions but not awful
  • At first the classes are a little chaotic
  • Same food for lunch and dinner but I didn’t mind this or ever get bored
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Imari
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

amazing experience!

I went to Kenya for 2 weeks to do Internship program of community development and teaching English. Coordinator was amazing, he arranged my airport pickup service even it was mid night and they welcomed me and treated me well! program was also nice and teacher and host family was so nice and always cared my safety. teaching experience was also nice. You will also gain the experience of teaching how to deal with kids and you will gain lots of soft skills! community development was still at the development stage due to budget shortages but still they thought me their issues and how to deal with so it was good overall.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
ugali
Pros
  • nairobi national museum
  • safari
  • hill climbing
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Ellie
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Student nurse volunteering

I volunteered in Kathmandu Nepal, I had a great time overall. It was a large hospital with a lot to see, the home stay hosts are so lovely. The home stay is a way out of town but public transport is good. I would really recommend the service and it’s a great price compared to other organisations. The staff are all really helpful and friendly. The city has so much to do and explore in your free time, there were some other volunteers there at the same time as me and we were able to see some sights together.

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Cristina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Enriching experience

I joined the medical project in SriLanka for 2 weeks and I really enjoyed it. From Monday to Friday I got to go to The Teaching Hospital Karapitiya (THK), where I saw different cases from the ones I'm used to see back in my country. I stayed with a host family and they couldn't be nicer. The food they cooked was so tasty and they all were very attentive. On the weekends I got to explore Sri Lanka. Michael was kind enough to organize everything and make sure I had the best time. Very enriching experience in every aspect!!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
After going to the hospital, I liked to go to Dewata beach, rent a surf board for 1-2h and just enjoy surfing. Although it rained very often, there were always people surfing.
Pros
  • Different medical cases to see
  • Very welcoming people
  • Beautiful country
Cons
  • Not very hands on
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Erika
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Medical Volunteer in Nepal

The medical program is really an experience, and you really get to see a lot that you wouldn’t normally see in the western countries.

I myself am a medical student from Denmark (22 years of age) and I was placed at the T. U. Teaching hospital in Kathmandu. It is the biggest government hospital here in Nepal, so they always have a lot of cases. I was living at the hostel/host family in Kalanki, which is about 20-25 minutes from the hospital (if there isn’t traffic, which in the morning there usually isn’t). I took the bus almost everyday since it was very cheap and actually quite easy once you got a hang of it. On the first day here, my country coordinator showed me everything I needed to know and how to get there.

My day at the hospital started at 8:30, and depending on the schedule I was done at around 3 pm. But in my experience this was often earlier, so on many of my workdays, I was still able to explore the city. And Saturdays were completely off-days.

I was the only one staying at the hostel/host family, but I did not feel unlucky being the only one there at the time —> then I got my own room and bathroom😀.

Didi, as I called the host mother, is the nicest and sweetest lady. She makes great and safe food, and you really feel welcome and safe. You could always have a good laugh with her.

My country coordinator (Anjana) got me in contact with another volunteer that was in Nepal, and staying at another family. So we also met, and hung out for a day.
I was traveling alone, but you shouldn’t be scared of feeling alone here. Anjana and Didi have been taking very good care of me, and are always ready with good advice and help if you need it.

I have really enjoyed it! RCDP Nepal is very reliable and has always been quick in responding and ready to help. Even when I was leaving, they still went out of their way to make sure I got safely to my next destination.

What was your funniest moment?
When me a Didi slept through a strong earthquake
Pros
  • Staying at a safe environment
  • Seeing rare medical cases
  • Eating delicious food
Cons
  • It is not very hands on - mostly just observin. But still very interesting
  • House is a little far from hospital, but this area was actually nice and calm compared to the center of Kathmandu

Programs

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Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Cashel Blake Canada

A California-born musician humanitarian, Cashel lives in Portland, OR. He works as a direct support professional with a local nonprofit. In his free time he likes to take his dog on walks, record music, write, or skateboard.
Cashel Blake Canada

Interview

Why did you choose this program?

I thought it would be amazing to learn from the monks and the ways they choose to navigate their day to day lives. I saw an advertisement form RCDP while I was registering for my upcoming college courses. After submitting my application that day, it was only three weeks before I was actually in Nepal.

What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

I corresponded off and on with my country coordinator regarding the specifics of my arrival & departure, and of course updated her with any changes, and she handled the rest whilst updating me promptly with any changes. Anytime I had a particular question or concern, I could easily send a message via WhatsApp and she would respond as soon as she was able to read it, which was never more than a few hours later. Very clear and proactive communication between the company and I.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Pack light & say yes to things. You'll learn more than you teach, so stay present. If you're anything like me or grew up in a similar place as I did, being stared at or spoken to out in public can feel totally unorthodox at first. Insecurities, even anger starts formulating and you realize you've been conditioned to interpret these normal human behaviors as negative or aggressive. I had to learn how to sit in that uncomfortable feeling or vulnerability & humility, and attempt to realize that the stares and comments were coming from a place of genuine curiosity & kindness. Just remember, the locals see you as their guest and it's Nepalese tradition to host properly.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

You can wake up at your own discretion, but if you'd like local breakfast, be up and at the table by 8am. Your host family should be ready to make you something insanely delicious. Afterwards, I liked to meditate quietly in my room while planning out that day's particular lesson plan. Then I'd do my little morning routine to get ready and have about an hour to spare in which case I'd read or some times I'd go pick up some juice or a snack for my class from the giant grocery store next to the volunteer headquarters. At 12pm, sister Didi would have a beautiful lunch prepared. I'd crush that meal, grab my study materials and walk up the street to catch the bus to Swayambhu, which is where the monastery I taught at was located. I'd teach for two hours, then usually play a little soccer with the boys before catching a bus home with free time for the rest of the night and dinner at 7pm.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

I was scared of being alone, with my own thoughts far outside my comfort zone, with no one to comfort or console in case something bad happened. I feared not having any reprieve from stimulation. I was nervous I wouldn't get through to my students and they would not learn anything. I was scared to be stared at because of what memories it may trigger from my past. I was nervous about a lot of different things to be honest. The truth is, it's not like you just go and the fears dissipate. You get there and what ends up happening is a lot of your concerns come true and were accurate assumptions. The only difference is once they happen for real you see that it is not nearly as bed as you had imagined it to be in your mind. You start acquiring a quiet confidence, knowing you are overcoming fear after fear. Pretty soon the momentum pushes you into an entirely different version of yourself. It's a beautiful process.

Anything else you wish to add?

There is lots of opportunity to explore freely and travel around. It's extremely beneficial though to be part of your local host family's circle because they are the people you want to talk to about where to go, what to avoid, what to eat, etc. No one is breathing down your neck about what you're up to or what your itinerary looks like. You'll have plenty of time to be alone or amongst your fellow travelers. Take advantage of living with locals and ask them anything about any subject. They will be more than happy to guide you. I have so many stories I'll be telling them once each for life.