Program Reviews

Hi!! I am Chandrika. I did my volunteering at Volunteer Initiative Nepal as a national volunteer for 2 months. I am really glad i got this opportunity from VIN. The staff were very friendly and welcoming. During my volunteering, I met many national and international volunteers. And I made some really good friends. The best part of my volunteering was community people, they were very loving, I loved their hospitality. In these 2 months, I participated in many projects. Some of were awareness programs on early marriage and human trafficking. Another was before, during and after the earthquake. I did a survey on breast cancer and menopause and climate change as well. I get to learn many new things like social skills, computer skills, teaching skills, communication skills, etc. Overall, I enjoyed and liked my volunteering journey. Thank you VIN!!

I walked with the dogs , brushed them and contributed to their welfare. I also rescued injured dogs and took them to the clinic. It was important for me to take my time to interact with the dogs, as they have variety of circuses. And the people at the center have a very deep love for the dogs. It was a great experience for me to be a part of the community while feeling that. This was a great experience and the support from VIN was very good, which made me feel at ease with the activity.You will experience a better life experience here.

I had a precious experience in VIN for 3 weeks.

I had a lot of chances to visit local communities, and local schools, and I learned a lot about Nepal. I didn’t know Nepal still has various issues such as trafficking, and child marriage. I also stayed with a host family, visited sightseeing spots, and got absorbed in festivals. They were really fun for me. Overall I really appreciate other volunteers, staff, host family, villagers, all of them. I highly recommend you to join us too, if you want to experience “authentic Nepal”.

7 semaines après mon arrivée, il est temps pour moi de retourner en France. Je suis resté 6 semaines dans un monastère à Kathmandu avec l’aide de VIN. Ma mission était d’enseigner l’anglais aux enfants moines du monastère, j’ai pu créer un lien avec eux et créer des souvenirs inoubliables. J’ai eu la chance d’aller à Lumbini avec eux et visiter cet endroit toujours avec les enfants et leur bonne humeur! Lors de ma dernière semaine je suis allé à Pokhara afin de visiter les montagnes et les paysages que peut nous offrir le Népal.

Merci à VIN pour cette experience, je le recommande à toutes personnes souhaitant visiter le Nepal!

English Version:
7 weeks after my arrival, it is time for me to return to France. I stayed 6 weeks in a monastery in Kathmandu with the help of VIN. My mission was to teach English to the child monks of the monastery, I was able to create a bond with them and create unforgettable memories. I had the chance to go to Lumbini with them and visit this place always with the children and their good humor! During my last week, I went to Pokhara to visit the mountains and landscapes that Nepal can offer us.

Thanks to VIN for this experience, I recommend it to anyone wishing to visit Nepal!

Local volunteers are nice and the program is not hard as I thought. The program is meaningful to enhance the recent trash and pollution condition in Kathmandu. I think the working time is flexible and free as they allow you to choose when to takes day off. As I only took a short term volunteer program, I didn't get the chance to explore Nepal that much, but with long term program, VIN have provided tourism outside Kathmandu that worth a try. Love the host family as they gave me a chance to take part in their wedding and treated me pretty well.

I spent 6 weeks at a Buddhist monastery teaching English. I lived at the monastery and also ate there, which enabled an authentic immersion into the monks’ way of life. Furthermore, I was able to prepare lessons and encourage students to improve their English abilities. Through speaking, reading, and writing, I saw their linguistic confidence grow over time - which made me very proud of the students!

VIN facilitated and supported this experience, which made it a memorable time. The bonds created and the fun I had will ensure that Nepal has a special place in my heart.

I had a 4 week internship at VIN in Kathmandu at a hospital. Everyone at VIN was very sweet and welcoming and made it impossible not to love the nepalese culture. They helped whenever they were able to and had great accommodation and provided us with breakfast, lunch and dinner. They helped make contact to a local hospital and were there to speak to them if we had any difficulties. They also picked us up and dropped us at the airport and took us on sightseeing trips around Kathmandu. Great experience, I learned a lot. 10/10

I spent four weeks volunteering teaching English at a Buddhist monastery through VIN. And it was absolutely amazing. The experience was life changing and the support that VIN gave in the induction and throughout my placement was unparalleled. Don't be afraid to email before you come as well because the team are very helpful. The induction was three days long and introduced and by the end I felt thoroughly prepared for my placement. Staying at VIN's hostel was also great, basic but I found I didn't need anything more. VIN are always in need of more support and I would recommend staying as long as you can as you make more of an impact this way. If you haven't done anything like this before like I had, I couldn't stress enough that it is absolutely worth it and incredibly enjoyable. Thank you VIN!

I was a volunteer with VIN for 2 months, and it was the most incredible experience for me. The staff at VIN was always there for me when needed, and they listened to my suggestions, which made me feel truly involved in the project. Additionally, the accommodations they recommended in the Okhaldhunga area were very comfortable and safe.

I went there for the DRR program (Disaster Risk Reduction). I used to go from school to school to raise awareness about natural disasters such as earthquakes, landslides, wildfires, ...
I highly recommend it!

I was a volunteer for an internship in Journalism in VIN, I have been in Kathmandu and Nishankhe, a small village in the Everest Area. More than that I was also helping other volunteers ans teaching dance class for the children in the village.
This experience is the best experience I have ever had. I recommend everybody to go there as volunteer, or intern. Nepalese are so amazing, and welcoming, and obviously Nepal is such a beautiful country especially in the mountains area.

Lucie, French.