FAQ's

We have 46 different projects and our major focus is community development projects. We also work with the partner associations such as Monasteries/Nunneries, Children Homes, Fort nightly magazines, Deaf schools etc.
Community Based Placements:
The main community based projects are Women’s Empowerment (including Women’s Education; Income Generation; Savings and Credits; and Health, Sanitation and the Environment); Children’s Development (including Early Childhood Development; Flexible Schooling for conflict victims and support for Orphanages); Youth Development (including a youth club and language development class); Teacher Development (including workshops, seminars and exchange visits and teaching English) and the Health Program.
There are also opportunities for Construction and Manual work in the Community, and for Agro forestry projects.
Monastery and Nunnery Placements:
VIN works with many monasteries and nunneries in the Kathmandu valley, to place volunteers to teach English, life skills and creative activities.
Office Based Placements:
VIN also welcomes volunteers with the following expertise to help assist in the VIN office: Grant Writing; Fundraising; Website Design and Administration skills.
There are also opportunities for Home Stay Programs; Cultural Exchanges, and Volunteer and Trekking programs.
Your placement will be tailored according to your individual needs and interests.

The minimum volunteering duration is 2 weeks to a maximum of 5 months per calendar year. We also have work camp projects targeted towards short term volunteers (10-14 days). (The maximum placement in any one calendar year is restricted by visa requirements (please refer to the Visa Requirement question)). However, please note that international volunteers who arrive in August can work up to 10 consecutive months, split across two calendar years i.e. August to May).
The longer you are able to volunteer for, the greater the impact you can make

It is not essential for volunteers to have formal qualifications, but we do ask that all volunteers have a genuine desire to help people, and a commitment to seeing work through to completion. A positive and flexible attitude will also help you to get the most out of your volunteer work.

If you are applying to teach English or train teachers, a strong command of the English language is a necessity. Similarly, if you are interested in volunteering at the Health Post, prior medical experience is needed. For some specific programs such as teaching computer skills, environmental awareness program etc you should possess the skills and knowledge necessary to work within these programs.

The following attributes are essential for volunteer work, regardless of the program:

• Independence
• Patience
• Good problem-solving skills
• Sense of humour / ability to laugh at yourself
• Tolerance
• Willingness to share
• Flexibility
• Self-motivation
• Open-mindedness
• Enthusiasm to learn about new cultures

With regards to volunteer work in general, it is useful to come with an open mind, and be realistic in your expectations of volunteering, as it is impossible for the projects and work here to be as structured as what people are used to in the west. It helps to be flexible and adaptable in how you work, and understand some of the constraints in terms of language, resources etc.

How much volunteers contribute and the exact work they undertake can largely depend on where they feel their skills can best be utilized, and on how proactive they themselves are.

We do not have specific requirements for volunteering. However, we do try and match the skill and expertise of the volunteer with the project. We do have an age requirement though; individuals need to be at least 18 years old to volunteer.

The volunteering program fee is 555 EUR for 4 weeks and 75 EUR for each additional week. If you chose multiple projects it will cost you 70 EUR additional.
The internship fee is 615 EUR for 4 weeks and 85 EUR for each additional week. Click here, for more info.

Since SPASF is a non-profit organization we do not receive any financial support from the government. The application and volunteering fees are required for us to operate and provide you with the opportunity to volunteer. Any profits and donation received is always invested to empower the communities we serve. We have a full time staff to organize the various projects and to support volunteers like you during your time here in Nepal.

We rely on donations and volunteers to support the important work that we do in giving women and children a chance for equality. When you pay us for this opportunity, some of the money will go directly into our programs in the villages, the money will also ensure that you have accommodation (including hotel accommodation during the induction period).

You will receive warm meals while you are in your placement, three days’ worth of induction in our office, including health tips, cultural tips, basic language introduction, transport from the airport, transport for when you move into your program, local sightseeing, 24 hour support from our staff, and the opportunity to know that you are making a difference in this world.
The program fee excludes the following:

• Airfare, Visa and Visa extension fee – (check with your embassy or Nepal Immigration for the latest fee structure)- Visa (tourist) fee in US$: 15 days:- US$25 30 days:-US$40 90 days: US$100 Per additional day:- US$2

• Stationeries during volunteering period if you wish to use much;

• Breakfast and dinner during program induction (€5 per day will be enough)
  

• Return transfer to airport -VIN staff can help you to drop you off the airport if you need help;
  
• Transportation during weekends travel;
  
• Entrance fees to the cultural Heritage – $22 max for main cultural sites;
  
• Personal travel and sightseeing (trekking, jungle safari etc. If you are interested VIN can organize for you with affordable prices);
• Laundry, internet access, telephone, drinks or other costs accrued during training and placement;
  
• Gifts to project staffs and host family, if you wish to buy any;
  
• Should you wish to spend more time in Kathmandu pre and post placement period, please remember to budget accordingly!
  
• Travel and medical insurances, immunization, health expenses;
  
• You will also need a weekly budget of up to US $20 to cater for all your other expenses like bottled water.

All other expenses except your food and accommodation in the host family/Monastery during your volunteer placement at VIN are your responsibility. These may include buying bottled water and extra food items; socializing with other volunteers and friends in your spare time; shopping for personal items and gifts.

Since the departure tax is now included in the price of the flight tickets for both international and domestic connections, there is no need to pay it at the airport.

If you arrive early, intend to stay in Nepal after your volunteer placement, or wish to visit places during your days off, then you will need to have sufficient money to cover this. You can change all major currencies. However, travelers’ cheques can’t be accepted by Nepali banks, and there are numerous ATM machines in Kathmandu where you can withdraw cash in NPR.

Unfortunately we are not in a position to offer any financial support. Our programs operate through the kind support and cooperation of our volunteers and donors. You should find the funds on your own to support your volunteer program.

The induction is held on 1st and 15th of every month. The volunteers with diverse project take part in the orientation in a group. It is compulsory to arrive one day prior to the induction.
You may wish to arrive earlier to allow yourself adequate tome to settle in before commencing training. If however your itinerary does not fit in with starting the SPASF induction on 1st or 15th of a month, the please contact SPASF, we will try to address your request.