I volunteered in Nepal for five months, and spent the entire time with Volunteer Society Nepal (VSN). I found them to be a helpful and reliable organization that was quick to accommodate me if I had concerns or any special needs. I was picked up and dropped off at the airport successfully by Volunteer Society Nepal (VSN) staff members, they helped me to acquire bus tickets to Pokhara, drove me to the office for Thai airlines when I had trouble with my ticket and were willing to make a few other special trips for volunteer projects and such.

For housing, I stayed with a family from Volunteer Society Nepal (VSN) and was given a large bedroom, then shared the rest of the family room space. I really liked my situation because it was set up so that I was given time alone, but also really got to know and love the family that I stayed with. Just as a side-note: the food was EXCELLENT (dhal bhaat might become a new favorite for any volunteers).

Volunteer Society Nepal (VSN) is organized in such a way that they are very flexible in how they accommodate their volunteers. Once you choose a volunteer focus, they will be willing to help you if you have any special ideas or projects in mind, which I and other volunteers I worked with found very helpful.

The orientation I was given lasted approximately two weeks, although a Volunteer Society Nepal (VSN) staff member was willing to give me a weekly language lesson when I wanted to improve upon my Nepali later in my stay. The orientation can basically be broken down into a morning of language classes (which does come in handy, although many Nepali people speak English) and then an afternoon of sightseeing and learning about Kathmandu valley. I found the whole of the orientation to be helpful and also very fun! I liked the sightseeing.

The area where Volunteer Society Nepal (VSN) headquarters is located is a very safe district, that is a little outside of the main hustle and bustle of Kathmandu (which is nice because Kathmandu can be a little overwhelming). It’s called “Pepsi Cola,” (so named because of the Pepsi Cola factory), and even though the name is a little funny, the people around there are very gracious and helpful, and the buses run right through the area pretty frequently, so it’s also a good place in terms of getting around the city easily.

I loved Nepal and my stay there, and I wish I could go back sooner!